Wednesday, April 30, 2008

I brake for ...




I was aware of the sweeping winds in OK--but also AZ, NM, and TX all had signs about gusty winds, dangerous crosswinds, etc. but in OK it was consistently strong! Unfortunately the morning started out with ABS light coming on, Stopped at Terry's in NM to have it checked out--just a sensor ok to go. Dust storms all around with these high winds.
Lunch for bbq at Dyer's in Amarillo after an antiques fix, Back on I 40 to Oklahoma City.
Passed another large cross on I-40 that said it was the tallest cross in the western hemisphere, now how much bigger is it than the one we saw on the 19th?
Stopped near Sayre for gas and the brakes check light came on as we pulled over to check the map. Sent back west for a place to repair brakes--nope no openings, go down to Elk City to L&R, back on highway at only 60mph found place in Elk City--they
could give us an appt on Saturday, then relented to 11 on Thurs. We drove downtown and found a dealership that will take us in thurs at 7AM.

The pictures show what we could see--not much as it was mostly flat as far as the eyes could see. We did stop to see the cadillacs nose down in a field outside Amarillo.

Gas prices are up and down today from $3.67 to $3.45. Gas station pumps have been an experience. In Kansas and CA the nozzles have tube collar to stop fumes etc. and have to be put on just right.
One station in CA didn't have a pay at the pump but at an ATM type of machine between the pump islands. Prepay with cash--just slide bills in or use credit.

Gas has had ratings of 85 or 86 in the higher elevations and then up to 87 at the lower elevations.
We've gotten best mileage ever at the higher elevations with 85 rating.

Dinner in Elk City at Ed's Katy Diner, an old train station for the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad. Katy, there's even a book on the Katy line. A few windows with the opaque stained glass, gingerbread fretwork and the drawers and cabinets for the ticket seller.

Drove around to find the old carnegie Library with the youth library in the basement.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

I-40 and Route 66




On the road heading east on I-40 Passed several hitchhikers but none came close to a Brad Pitt, maybe his father would be more compatible.
We got bogged down toady with a stop at Ortega's souvenir, gas stop, and CASINO visit. We got our kicks on Route 66
or at least a free t-shirt at the Route 66 Casino. Carol finally broke even-- for one visit. T&L went off in search of antique malls and found 3 stores where we could leave some
money to help the local economy along. Though Albuquerque looks more prosperous that some other places. One shop is owned by a woman originally from Detroit
and she spotted the Woodward cruise shirt right away.
Had dinner at the Silver Moon Restaurant to feast on Mexican American in Santa Rosa NM and imbide a Roswell Alien Amber! Salsa and sauces were very spicy and they
were out of sour cream!

If we had room Thelma saw an old coke machine we could have tied to the
roof if we could have lifted it up there.




Monday, April 28, 2008

On the road again!



Monday was a day for driving, driving, driving! Backtracked along highway 58 past Boron and the 20 mule team road and borox road. Caught up with I-40 at Barstow and headed to Needles. Lots of motorcyclists on their way back from a river run at Laughlin. Finally a restroom where the men were standing in line.
Drove through Needles which needs a whole urban renewal of "downtown". The old train station looks like it might have been the glamour spot along the Santa Fe lines. It is a skeleton now but fenced in so perhaps plans are underway for renovation.
Traffic has been light and we shared the countryside with the rail lines pulled by BNSF, Santa Fe and Union Pacific engines. Most were pulling flatbeds full of containers.
Drove through downtown Williams Az which is in much better shape than Needles--at least it had stores that were open.
Now at the hotel where some amigos are kicking back with "blue kool-aid"
Back on I-40 tomorrow to as far as we can get with a stop at another casino and some tourist traps and hopefully an antique store.

Do you know the way to San Jose?



We certainly do as well as a ton of other locations and restaurants in California.
Brunched in a nice cafe with a young couple from Mountain View and their son. Great company and food. Herbed potato omelets and scrambles.
We headed across the San Joaquin valley through Gilroy the garlic Capitol and past Selma the raisin capitol.
Stopped at 3 antique places and in Gilroy got a free head of garlic with purchase. Now we are safe from vampires.
Gas prices from $3.79 to $4.05
Arrived in Bakersfield and after a search for a motel room and a coin laundry we ate a Marie Callendar's restaurant.
Food was good and great margaritas!
We are on the way home--sigh. Will backtrack part of the way and Carol's on the lookout for a Native American casino along the way.
Today was the best weather--clear, sunny and HOT! We saw actual water at the San Luis reservoir. One crossing of the
San Joaquin river was all sand. When we recrosses down the road it actually was wet. The California aqueduct was full!
We really needed to have a copy of "Gunk" for our new insect collection.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

From the redwood forests


Saturday morning after breakfasting with the homeless kids outside Jack in the Box we visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It seems to have doubled in size since last seen in 1995. We saw South African penguins, tuna, star fish, anemones, jelly fish, turtles, sea lions, and more.
The area around it has been rebuilt and will be a tourist area with restaurants, souvenir shops, clothes stores etc--probably to give Carmel a run for the money. Several chocolate shops and we just had to buy something. The chocolate covered strawberry was great.
Twisted around the roads a bit until back to 1 south to Carmel by the Sea. Nope we didn't see Clint or Doris. Drove down to the beach and then up to Eighth and Mission to a prepay parking lot. Walked along the main shopping street and ate in a bakery that's been in business since 1906!
Visited Lush store and came out with a quarter pound of soap for $8.95 passed the COACH store.
Headed back to 1 to continue up to Santa Cruz. along the way we saw the working prt of the penninsula with fields or artichokes--just weeks from the castroville artichoke festival; and fields and fields of strawberries.
Got a room and then went to see the boardwalk but parking was impossible.
Headed on to Henry Cowell State Park to see the redwoods and took about a mile hike. Yes, that's right we hiked a trail around the redwoods. beside the redwoods all we saw was a Stellar Jaw and a squirrel, though there was a sign warning about mountain lion.
Back to the boardwalk amusement park to ride the Looff carousel. This carousel has the original Wurlitzer "band". Louise was standing on the boardwalk to take photos, but once her bottom was pinched she decided to visit us at the carousel. The attendant was passing out "brass" rings to those of us on the outside horse. Thelma was able to toss hers through the clown's mouth. On the way out Carol bought a container of fresh California strawberries that we enjoyed for desert with chessecake once we returned from dinner at the santa cruz diner. Gas at $3.91 and lottery tickets were again a loss.

Friday, April 25, 2008

I survived the Pacific Coast Highway



We left Mojave after a breakfast at Denny's. Continued on 15 to Bakersfield to 99 N to 46 west. Drove through the valley with citrus groves especially oranges, almond groves and pistachios. Passed almond hullers. In Wasco saw row upon row of roses. Wasco was very pretty until we came to the state correctional facility.
Wind turbines seem to be following us and multiplying!
Stopped in Cambria for gas at $3.98 and an antique mall! Then we hit the Pacific Coast Highway going north. Stopped to dip our toes in the ocean then up the road to see the sea lions. The road took us through awesome views of the pacific and eventually some redwoods. The peanut gallery were backseat drivers wishing there was a 2nd steering wheel. Some of the turns were very tight and speeds varied from 20mph to 55. Best place on earth. Got to Monterrey about 4:30. Checked in then went down to Fisherman's Wharf for dinner and "souvenirs". The water was filled with colonies of jellyfish. The sea lions were sunning on a small raft. Drove to the aquarium area and inti pacific Grove. Topped the evening with Coldstone.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas




Hit the strip early and the Bellagio was barely awake. Reception area featured a stunning ceiling piece by Dale Chihully. The conservatory had poppies in glass and an iron work and glass ceiling. A small butterfly house was enclosed in the center. Through out this open area a mosaic pattern floor continued the feeling of a luxury Italian palazzo. The fountains were being cleaned and not scheduled until at least 4PM if the winds die down.
The dynamic trio signed up for players cards and action began on the slots. There are a ton of machines from 1 cent to $25 or more. Roulette tables with minimum bids of $10. Poker tables with a variety of games.
We headed to Fremont St to see the historic casinos and tried our luck at the Fremont.
Features in that area were the old neon signs. No where near as glitzy as the other end of Las Vegas Blvd. Building going up and out. The Frontier Hotel where 2 of us had meetings back in the 70's is gone. Only the sign remains. The Wynn is completing another building called Encore.
All I can say is our money stayed in Vegas!

Headed out of town on I-15 south with 6 lanes of bumper to bumper stop and go traffic. Casinos followed 15 to the last foot of the state line. Gusty wind signs were blinking along the way.
The Mojave desert is definitely bare, no wonder the air force has a base there.
Carol was mooned by a curly tailed pink pig!
We stopped at Peggy Sue's Nifty 50's diner/cafe near Yermo CA. Definitely a tourist place with appropriate decor. We had pie and ice cream, sundae and a phosphate!


Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Weds. April 23 Grand Canyon









Light traffic to the canyon. Took some detours to continue on Route 66. We have all driven part of Route 66!
Took 64 up to the canyon, some construction and traffic was light on a very good road. Didn't see any elk though the crossing signs were posted.
Wind very strong and temps only in the 60's
Parking lot was full and we parked on the side of the roadway. Got out and walked over a mile of the south rim. Severeal people lost hats due to the wind. More green seen this time than when Thelma and Carol had been there before. Could see parts of the Colorado River.
Along the roadways we saw many washes with names like Peacock, Rattlesnake, Sandy basin. The little colorado river was half water and half sand bars.
Hit the gift shops and found lots of goodies.
Back on I-40 we continued on to Nevada. Finally saw cacti in bloom on 93 heading to Hoover Dam. We didn't get pulled over at the police check point--must have been our age! Over the Hoover Dam was amazing and the new high bridge will be stunning.
Louise drove across the dam!
On to sin city bright and early Thursday.

Tuesday April 22 EARTH DAY


Breakfast at the hotel and on the road again. Left Las Vegas New Mexico headed for Santa Fe.
Took part of Route 66 into town. Parked and saw old town and the cathedral as well as gift shops.
Back onto I-25 heading towards Albuquerque left highway again to take Route 66 into town. Signs marked Pre-1937 Route 66.
Caught up to I-40 just west of the city and headed to Sky High Casino to drop Carol off for some slots action. Thelma and Louise
took off to Acoma pueblo for a tour of the pueblo on top of a mesa. Great mission church built back in the 1600's
had to purchase camera pass in order to take any photos. We couldn't take pictures of the stone fenced graveyard that is at least 4 layers deep and only open now for veterans
or tribe elders; or inside the mission. The site is the oldest inhabited native american community. The mission church in true fashion of the conquering Spaniards was built on top of a kiva.
The walls are 9 feet thick narrowing to 5 feet at the top. The interior is 40 feet high. They used ponderosa pine for the beams and had to carry the logs from quite a distance and then
up to the missson.Interior has some old lithographs of the stations of the cross and a few old paintings, one on a buffalo hide. After a revolt the church was somewhat restored by 2 priests in the
early 1800's, painting sides of the altar area with saints. A statue of St Stephen holds center position and was carved especially for the mission.
As usual the indians were treated as slaves and many were sent away to Mexico to act as servants.
Picked up Carol and got a coupon for $10 of free gas--gas was $3.49 a gallon so it didn't go far.
Crossed the Continental divide. Changed to pacific time in AZ.
Continued on to Holbrook AZ for the night.
Traffic has been very light including trucks--maybe it's the time of year and the price of gas.

Day Four Monday April 21, 2008





Early in the AM, Thelma and Louise dined at Jack-n-the-Box, visited Walmart, couldn't find a new card reader
(someone left the old one at the motel the night before), forgot to buy ice and finally found their way to the
Denver airport (which is out in the middle of no where!!). Carol arrived from Chicago at 12:15 p.m. without a
mishap after spending the weekend with her family. Thelma and Louise were there to greet her and we were off to
lunch. We met Carol's "third daughter", Carrie, at Mimi's Cafe outside Denver for a lesuirely lunch and to catch
up on Carrie's wedding plans for this summer. Loved seeing you Carrie and will see you at the shower in May.

Then it was back in the car. We continued across Colorado, passing the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and
enjoying the beautiful Rockey Mountains all around us. What a site.

Then we hit New Mexico......flat, dusty and brown! For a long, long haul across US-25 toward Santa Fe....finally
arrived at a Comfort Inn around 8:30 p.m. All were asleep by 9:30 p.m.




Watch for day five's adventures coming soon.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Kansas to Colorado finally!




We Are Behind a day... bare with us....we did not have Internet connection on Sunday night... we will catch up soon....


Side jog to scenic byway to see Wilson Lake.

Stopped in an antique store in Hays Kansas that was an old department store.
The woman shipped over conatainers loads of items she bought in Scotland, and from boot sales in Glasgow.
Louise got a straw summer cowboy hat and is all set to become a westerner.
Another side trip to monument rocks also called the chalk pyramids.
White knuckle drive down a dirt road with center ruts that were so deep the bottom of the car was hitting dirt.
I didn't think it would ever end, but finally
we had to turn right and the road became a harder compacted gravel.
We were 1 of 2 vehicles then another 2 arrived.
The sky had finally cleared with bright sun and a clear blue sky as far as the eye could see. I think Kansas has some of bluest sky around.

In Goodland we stopped to see the world's largest Van Gogh. A huge steel sculpture depicting sunflowers of course for kansas. It was presented bu the Rotary.
Tried to visit another antique store on Main and 17th but it was by appt on Sunday.
Found a tin man for Louise
Left Oz behind without seeing Toto or the yellow brick road. We got a sneak peek at a witch.

Made it into Limon Colorado on the last fumes in the tank. Gas stations few and far between.

I deserved a Coors Light after the driving today so pizza hut was the choice.
There are still small patches of snow along the road side in the crevices.
Louise took over to get us the rest of the way to Denver and a motel in Wheat Ridge
The mountains were cloud covered but we could see some snow up there
and almost a purplish haze.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Day 2




Thought we share some pictures with you from today...

As you can see from just a few of the pictures we had rain....and sun...and clouds...and we ran into some hills that where on fire....

Our first night stay we just thought there was a lot of people staying with their dogs....yes of course it just so happen there was a dog show going on for the weekend...so we saw some show dogs....LOL...

Also when we checked in there was a prom going on next door... so lots of things going on in the town of Terre Haute, Indiana.... so that was our night stay...

Today we spent most of the day on the road just driving...we stopped off at some antiques malls along the way....Just making our way to Denver for Monday @ noon that when we pick up Carol..... So we ate at a place called Bayard Family Cafe... not a bad place.. shhhhhhhhh we took back some PIE for a late night snack...MMMMMMMmmmmm...good...lol...

For your culture of the day and place visit YouTube link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQ7S2w6v2No
Bessie Smith Empress of the blues

and listen to Tex:


Stay tuned for coming attractions and eventually a feature film!

Friday, April 18, 2008

Each journey starts with the 1st step


Great day dawning: bright sunshine, 70's forecast! Worked 1/2 day and watching the clock for the countdown. The official photographer came before launch time and took photos of Thelma&Louise leaving the building and the parking lot.


Lunch in the car on the road--7/11 comes in handy for pepperoni rolls.

I-75 to I-70 2 states down and I haven't thrown the phone out the window yet--but time will tell.
Forsythia out, flowering crab, daffodils and tulips as well as some yellow ground cover. Nothing as scenic as this stock photo.

Stopped at Webb Antique Mall in Centerville IN lots of advertising in the trade press--but I was disappointed. It was dirty, dark, lots of empty booths and tons of glass and dishes. But we managed to find 2 items to buy.

Gas was $3.45 a gallon.

Overnight in Terre Haute and dinner at I-HOP. Now Louise doesn't have to listen to me complain each time we may pass one. She decided we'd get it over with and let me feast on chocolate chip pancakes!

No sight of any earthquake damage, though they said it was felt near Centerville and across into Ohio.


On to Kansas and eyes alert for twisters and Toto!


Reminders: April is National Volunteers Month, National Autism awareness month, National Library Week, Secretary's Day; Child Abuse Awareness Month, Donor awareness Month and a great time for a vacation.


Pix to follow as we take them! Adios!