2024 Week 5 - Influencer

        It’s hard to think of an ancestor that might be considered an influencer.  From research all of them have been hard working people.  Were other people behind that?  I don’t know.

       Actually, there were some behind my Grandfather, E B Keesee.  It was during the depression, and he was trying to find work.  When standing in the employment line, he noticed that the people getting jobs were those wearing striped overalls.  So, according to family stories, he obtained a pair and wore them the next day.  And was able to get a job!

       Were there any influencers in my life?  Probably.  My mom gave me the love of reading.  I was reading adult level books by the time I was in Junior High (7^th Grade).  To this day, I still read a lot of books.  Both my husband and I passed that love on to our son.  We had read to him as an infant until he could read on his own.  He was just like me – advanced for his age/grade in school.  He was doing high school level when he was in the 6^th Grade.

 I had a grade school principal that broke the brick wall on understanding fractions.  When I was in 6^th Grade, they took all four classrooms and reshuffled us according to our math levels.  There were a few of us that were considered advanced, and they created a fifth class that Mr. Jerry Robinson, our principal, taught.  So, he asked us what gives us issues and gave us tips and tricks.  It was because of that, I majored in Accounting and worked for the State of Washington in the statistical and financial arena for almost 40  years.  Come to think about it, it was Mr. Bill Leth, a business education teacher in my senior year of high school, that influenced me to go into accounting as a career by allowing us to work ahead in the classroom.  I was able to do two years in just one  year.  Although, I never pursued that until college, when my advisor found out that accounting came so easy to me.  Her and the  head of the department encouraged me to switch from Secretary skills to Business Administration – Accounting.  I think mainly because I struggled with shorthand and typing (I even struggled with that in high school!).  Although, when I was in high school, my career goal was to become a registered dietitian.  I took all the home ec classes and all the advanced math and science classes for college admission.  I struggled in the science class (mainly chemistry).  Mom had me take the typing and shorthand classes to have as back-up skills.  Well, I was working after school at the local hospital in the kitchen to get some background experience.  My boss knew what my goals were, and she talked to me one day about the job opportunities – that it was a limited.  She herself was working at two different locations part-time as there just wasn’t the openings in the field.  That was when I switched over to the secretarial skills – not realizing at the time the advantages of the other business skills.  Those secretarial skills I learned did come handy – it was how I got a job with the State.  My first position was Clerk Stenographer (basically a secretary) with the Industrial Insurance Division at Labor & Industries.  From there, I moved on and held positions as a Statistical Reports Compiler then the Accountant/Financial Analyst series.

2021 Vacation Retirement Road Trip Diary

  I promised my husband that as soon as I retire we would do Route 66 together.   My official retirement date became May 1, 2021.  We obtained some maps and books about Route 66 and planned our trip.  We decided we would take the Pacific Coast Highway down to Santa Monica, CA to connect up to Route 66.  We would take our time driving the route and when we finished in the Chicago area, we would do some genealogy research on my maternal grandmother's family.   Then we would continue north into Wisconsin to do some genealogy research on my paternal grandparents' families.  Then take Highway 2 west back home with a deadline of being home by June 28th.  Our plans were to visit as many National Parks along the way that we can.  The following is the diary that we kept of our trip.  I'm including only a few of the many photos we took.

Friday, May 14, 2021

We pulled out of Littlerock, WA at 10 am. Had breakfast at the
Farm Boy Drive-In. Then got on I-5 S to Portland, OR. We stopped to visit our cousins, Roxie & Tom Ross. Left their place at 2:40p taking Hwy 217 to Hwy 26W then to Hwy 6 to Tillamook, OR. We stopped for dinner at 4:30 p at Rodeo Steak House in Tillamook. After eating, we continued South on Hwy 101. We ended up in Lincoln City, OR staying at the Holiday Inn Express at 7:30p. Total miles for the day was 248. Didn’t take any scenic photos – just Flat Mike getting ready to go on the trip.

 

Saturday, May 15, 2021

After eating breakfast at the hotel, we loaded up the car and headed out at 9:50a. Took some pictures of the Oregon coast at Ocean Beach picnic area in the Suislaw National Forest. Stopped for a picnic lunch about 1p at Sand Dunes National Recreation Area just outside of Florence, OR. Back on the highway at 2 pm. Drove thru Coos Bay at 3p. Took a short break in Bandon then headed further south. Stopped for the night in Gold Beach, OR. Dinner was at Tortuga Mexican Bar & Grill just south of Gold Beach. Great Food! We’re staying at Motel 101. Drove 221 miles.

  

Sunday, May 16, 2021

Loaded up the car then headed down the street to eat breakfast at Double D’s café. Good food! Next stop is gas, ice and bottled water. On the road again at 10:30a. Took some pictures of the coast with David & Flat Mike near Cape Sebastian. Also took some photos at Chrissy Field State Park. We had lunch at the Redwoods Forest State Park then was back on the road at 2p. Spent some time at Ft Humboldt in Eureka, CA – walked the interpretive trail and read about the fort history. Traveled the Avenue of the Giants, Humboldt Redwood State Park. Ended up in Garberville, CA at 6pm. Spending the night at the Best Western and had dinner at
Humboldt Bar & Grill. Forgot to write down the mileage for the day.

 

Monday, May 17, 2021

Hotel did have breakfast but you had to take it back to your room to eat due to the COVID-19 restrictions. We loaded up the car and checked out at 9a. Turned onto Hwy 1 at about 9:38. Finally reached the coast again at 10:25a. Took some pictures at MacKerricher State Park. Had lunch at Van Damme State Park at about 12:30p. Took some photos near Elk Creek. Seen lots of scenery of coast but no way to take pictures. Did a quick stop to check out Point Arena Lighthouse ($5 ea for admittance). Then we headed inland to Petaluma to stay the night at a Motel 6 (it was cheaper than what was available along the coast – they wanted around $300/night!). We got the stay at under $90. Had dinner at Applebee’s. Total mileage for the two days was 429.2

  

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Loaded up the car and headed to IHOP for breakfast. Good service – didn’t have our English Muffins so we ended up with whole wheat toast. After breakfast, fueled up the car and got onto Hwy 101S. Crossed over the Golden Gate Bridge (was prepared to pay the toll but it said “no stopping” so we went on thru). Got back onto Hwy 1 to go to the Golden Gate Park – after a few misturns, we found the park but didn’t find a place to park the car to get out to look. After a few more miscalculations finally got back on to Hwy 1. Able to take some coastal photos at Pomponio State Beach (stretch break).
Had lunch break at Bean Hollow State Beach with Flat Mike. It was a windy spot. Took pictures of Point Sur buildings and lighthouse as seen from the highway. Stopped for the night at San Simeon, CA at about 6:30p and checked into Quality Inn. Ate dinner at Manta Rey Restaurant (attached to the hotel). Total miles 254.3

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

We had breakfast at the hotel then headed down the road at 9:45a. Bought a case of bottled water in Morro Bay. Spent most of the day driving either on Hwy 1 or Hwy 101. We had lunch at Subway in Lompoc, CA then got back on the highway. We arrived in Santa Monica at 5:30p (traffic was horrible!). Checked into Holiday Inn Express (another expensive night). We walked around the block to have dinner at Luigi’s. Excellent Pizza! Didn’t write down the mileage – will get that in the morning before heading out on Route 66. Mileage was 248.

Thursday, May 20, 2021

What a long day! Was up at 7:30a for showers, breakfast, and
loading up the car. Filled up with gas (EXPENSIVE!!!!) then headed down to the Santa Monica Pier. We spent an hour there – disappointed – the boardwalk is no longer wood but a cement walkway. Then we got turned around and started on Santa Monica Blvd for Route 66. Eventually, this changed to Sunset Blvd then Figueroa Blvd. This is where we got “lost” due to construction. We finally decided to get on Hwy 110 and head to Pasadena. This ended in Pasadena and we found our way to Colorado Blvd so we can continue on Route 66 East. Stopped for a late lunch at Coco’s just before entering Arcadia. Wasn’t able to get a lot of photos of iconic items (traffic was horrible and thick). We did get a photo of the 12th Madonna of the Trail monument in Upland. We also got a picture of Bono’s Historic Orange in Fontana. Spending the night at America’s Best Value hotel in Fontana (6:30p). Had dinner at Golden China Restaurant. Oh my . . . lots of food that we ended up
with leftovers to take on the road with us (yes, we have an ice chest to keep it cold). Total miles for the day was 90.3.

Friday, May 21, 2021

We were up at 8a to load up the car. Stopped at 7-11 for ice and sunscreen (yes, that was forgotten!) then we went across the street to Jack in the Box for breakfast before continuing on our route. Got a little lost in San Bernardino so ended up on I-215N to go to Victorville. Stopped at the H-D shop to get David a t-shirt (and we got directions to get back on Route 66). Headed towards Barstow. Stopped in Barstow at Taco Bell (yes, it does seem like a fast food day). Continued on to Ludlow (DQ ahead! Darn – still under construction.) We’ve been seeing the Route 66 (and it’s shield) painted on the pavement for some time. Able to get a photo at Amboy along with a roadside attraction and a motel sign. Next stop
was Najah’s Oasis then on the road to Needles. Decided to call it a day and are staying at a Best Western here in Needles (5:15p). Had dinner at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant (good American food). Picked up some souvenirs and a couple of post cards for David to mail out. Total miles 247.2.

  

  

  

Saturday, May 22, 2021

We were up earlier than scheduled. Grabbed our “to go” breakfasts from the lobby. Packed up the car and headed out at 8:55a. Stopped for gas just over the Colorado River. We were going to get gas in Needles but it was $5.09! We didn’t realize we had crossed over into Arizona and gas was a lot more reasonable ($3.39) – both were Chevron stations. We stopped for ice cream and wandered around the town of Oatman (10:30a). Took lots of pictures and Marcy got a t-shirt. Have to watch out for burros – they are all over the road before, during, and after Oatman. We pulled into Kingman, AZ about noonish. Had lunch at the Rickety Cricket Brewing. Took some photos then was back on the road at 1:50p. Photos of Hackberry General Store, Traxton Frontier Motel & Restaurant and several road signs. Stopped early for the night (4p) in Seligman – staying at the Route 66 Motel. Dinner was next door at the Roadkill Café. Total miles 149.8

 

Sunday, May 23, 2021

Another morning up before scheduled. Had breakfast next door. Finished loading up the car and on the road at 9:30a. Saw lots of Burma-Shave signs along the road both yesterday and today. Bought some more souvenirs in Seligman and took a few photos before leaving town. Also, took lot of pictures in Williams before heading on down the road to Winslow. Marcy has been having troubles with one of her contacts all day so we didn’t trade off on driving. Took in the meteor crater before stopping for the night in Winslow (4:30p). Staying at a Best Western and doing a load of laundry. Also, ate leftovers for dinner. We mailed a couple of post cards. Total miles 154.4

  Monday, May 24, 2021

Early wake-up for showers. Grab & Go breakfast from the lobby. Loaded up car to head back into town to take pictures (Winslow, AZ). Then continued on I-40E with intermittent Route 66. Photos in Holbrook. At lunch at the State Line about 1:30 then headed on Hwy 118 into Gallup, NM (filled up with gas @ 2.89/gal). Lots of photos and time change to Mountain (noticed this when we crossed the Continental Divide). Took some more pictures along Route 66. Stopped for the night in Grants, NM 5:30 MDT. Staying at a Quality Inn. Ordered pizza from Domino’s for dinner. Drove 192.7 miles.

  

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Up a little early but not much. Breakfast from the hotel not
greatest – just an egg sausage biscuit sandwich. On the road at 9:34. Stopped at Walgreen’s to get ice & water. Followed Route 66 for most of the morning, taking pictures when we could. Had lunch at Sonic’s in Albuquerque (focused on other things so didn’t get any pictures). Most of the afternoon was spent on I-40 as Route 66 (looking ahead, it appears that will be the case for most of tomorrow as well). It was so warm, we stopped at the Flying C Ranch for ice cream. Spent night in Santa Rosa, NM at a Best Western @ 5pm. Had dinner at Joseph’s Bar & Grill. Drove 242.5 miles.  

  

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Breakfast in our hotel room (grab & go). Loaded up the car,
stopped at Pilot for gas & ice then headed into town at 9:50a. Went through Cuervo & Newkirk. Got back on I-40E at Montoya. Been running AC past couple of days. Took lots of pictures in Tucumcari, NM. Pavement for Rte 66 ended just past San Jon. Decided to go back and get on I-40. Crossed in Texas and changed to Central Time. We took some pictures in Glenrio, TX then back on I40. Had lunch in Adrian (midway point on Route 66) at 3pm CT. Overcast day. Took some photos in Vega. Staying the night at another Best Western in Amarillo (5:40p). Had dinner at the Longhorn Steakhouse. VERY GOOD!!!! Wind is picking up. News indicated a Tornado Watch for the area (it passed by us). Total miles for the day was 207.2.

  

  

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Another grab & go breakfast (these sandwiches are getting boring). Car loaded. Visited the Harley Davidson shop for another T-shirt for David. They provided ice for our ice chest! So now we get back on I-40E at almost 10a. Most of our travel today will be on I-40. Last night we made reservations for Oklahoma City. We missed the Cadillac Ranch yesterday but today we saw the Bug Ranch outside of Conway. Picked up a couple of salads at Subway for our lunch later. Took a few pictures in McLean, TX. Stopped in Sayre to eat our lunch and fill up with gas (also used the restrooms). Elk City had a fantastic museum about its history. Took photos. Then on
to OKC. Pulled into our Best Western Hotel at 5:45p. We kept
skirting a dark cloud and it started getting windy again. By the
time we parked the car in front of our room, it started raining
HARD. Lightening & thunder. We got soaked trying to walk from our room to the lobby area of the hotel (it had a restaurant). When it was time to go back to our room, it had quit. Total miles for theday was 265.7

  

Friday, May 28, 2021

Up at 7:45. Had a hot breakfast (not those crummy sandwiches) and able to eat in the dining area. Loaded up the car and headed out about 9:40a. Found our way to Route 66 (not too hard). Spent most of the day on Route 66 – saw some interesting buildings – houses that look alike & churches made out of brick (and big!). Got some pictures of a few things. Some how we got a little off track (south of the actual route) but found our way back to the route somewhere between Arcadia & Luther. We checked out the Seaba Motorcycle Museum in Warwick (lots of photos). Ate lunch at Boom-a-rang in Chandler. Good eats!. In Stroud, took a detour to see the obelisk of the Old Ozark Trail Hwy. Took some photos.  Stopped for the night in Tulsa, OK at about 4:50p at another Best Western. Had dinner at a restaurant next door called Brewsters. Good food. Total miles 135.5

  

Saturday, May 29, 2021

We were up at 8 and had a hot breakfast at the hotel (love it when we get decent meals). Loaded up the car and pulled out at 9:50a. We drove back to the shopping center on Route 66 to get some ice & water. Then started our tour of Tulsa, taking photos when we can (the town really didn’t have it set up well for picture taking – no place to park). We forgot to clear the trip meter so will have to adjust tonight. We stayed on Route 66 (no interstates) the whole day! Took lots of pictures along the way in Catoosa (whale & ark) and in Claremore (Will Rogers Hotel). Filled up with gas (we were only at a half-tank but never know where we are going and what the supply will be like). In Foyil, OK, we took a short side trip to the Totem Pole Park (got some pictures there) before heading on down
the road to Chelsea (pictures of an old historic bridge we drove on and the sign for the Chelsea Hotel). We were going to eat lunch at the Hi-Way Café in Vinita but they closed at 2p (we were there at 2:30). We also took photos in Afton, OK. We took some more pictures in Miami, OK before crossing into Kansas (4:30p). We took photos in Baxter Springs (including the Visitors Center & the Heritage Museum). The bridge in Riverton was under repair so we weren’t able to drive over it but we did get some photos. We also got some photos in Galena, KS before crossing over into Missouri. Spending the night in Joplin at a Quality Inn – checking in at 6p. Tried out a new restaurant, Route 66 Bar & Grill located inside the
Holiday Inn just behind our hotel. Yay – no more driving tonight. Great salads (summer salad that had strawberries, blueberries, oranges, candied pecans, lettuce & mixed greens). Total miles for the day is 163.4.

  

Sunday, May 30, 2021

Up at 7:45a – hotel breakfast was the sandwich (again). At least we got to eat in the dining area instead of our room. Loaded up the car (with the 2 of us, it doesn’t take long – we have it down to a routine) and ready to continue our trip at 9:23a. Looks like we will be staying on Route 66 for all of Missouri (not!). We took a couple of photos in Joplin. Drove through Webb City and Carterville – lost the route designation signs in Carterville and ended back in Webb City. Got on the highway to take us to Carthage where we got back on track. Beautiful farm country. Wow – some of the Route is the
old road – very narrow, especially into Spencer, going over an old bridge. Took a wrong turn, so we backtracked so we can get back on track. In Paris Springs we took lots of photos and bought some t-shirts (and were given free post cards!). We stopped in Springfield for lunch at Steak-n-Shake at 1p. GOOD!! Took photos in Marshfield and a closed HD shop in Lebanon and Munger Moss Motel (we tried to get a room but nobody answered the bell!) So, we ended up at the Budget Inn Hotel (formerly Days Inn – we thought we were checking into the Days Inn). Do not recommend this place – it was dirty (carpet, outside the door, parking lot), no wifi service, no tv service, and lousy breakfast options. We went to Applebee’s
for dinner. Waitress got so busy she didn’t get our order in so our meal was free. Total miles was 182.1

Monday, May 31, 2021

Up at 8a, loaded up the car and headed over to Waffle House for breakfast. Pulled out at 9:40a. Stopped at Casey’s General Store (seems to be popular in MO) to get some ice. After heading out, decided we should fill up with gas (we were at half-tank). Took a picture of a church in Hazelgreen. Also, took photos in Waynesville. Had lunch at Denny’s in Rolla (sounds like Role-lay). Photos in Dillon. Since we’ve been following alongside I-44, we noticed around 3p that the best route was 66 – the interstate was backed up, often at a standstill. Photo of Red Cedar Inn/Restaurant in Pacific. We ended up on I-44E in Eureka. Stayed on it until Kirkwood. Found a Best Western just off the freeway. Checked in about 5p. Had dinner at Chili’s (attached to the hotel). Doing a couple loads of laundry. Total miles 171.6.

  

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Up at 7:30a. Breakfast (another sandwich/grab-n-go) in dining
area. The finished packing and loading car. Checked out at 9:30a. Took pictures of arch and MLK Bridge. Had lunch at Lou’s (good food). Went over the McKinley Bridge. Crossed into Illinois but got on the wrong Route 66 and ended back in MO. So, got turned around. Took I-270E to get back on track. Took photos in Granite, IL – Luna Café & Greenway Motel. In Hamel – Weezy’s Eatery and St Paul church with blue neon cross. Covered bridge near Glenarm. Checked into BW in Springfield IL at 5:15p. Had dinner at the Chesapeake. 5-star meal at a reasonable price! Total miles 168.4

 

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Up at 8a. Hot breakfast (choice of biscuits & gravy or apple filled pancakes) in the lobby. Then finished packing & loading up the car. Bought ice & water then decided we needed to go ahead and fill up the gas tank. We decided not to go into downtown Springfield but take the newer alignment of Route 66. Took photos in Williamsville, Lincoln & Broadwell. Oops – Marcy’s ankle decided to give out and she fell down. Ankle is okay it just hurt for awhile. Atlanta is an interesting town – quiet. Took pictures of library, clock tower and several other things – all in the same intersection. Lunch at 1 at Dixie’s in McLean IL. Picture of Sprague’s Super Service in Normal (Bloomington) IL. In Lexington, photo of Uncle Vait’s Restaurant. Stopped for the night at about 5p. Staying at
Classic Inn (inexpensive – no breakfast). Went to dinner at Old 66 Family Restaurant in Dwight. Excellent meal – it included dessert! We’ll go back there for breakfast in the morning. Total miles 131.4

 

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Our last day on Route 66. We were up at 8. Loaded up the car and pulled out at 9 to go for breakfast at the same restaurant we had dinner. Omelettes! We haven’t had those in several weeks. Back on the road at 10a after buying ice. Pictures taken in Gardner with Flat Mike at the 2-cell historic jail. We also got a picture of the Gemini Giant in Wilmington. Took several photos in Joliet. Left Route 66 at 12:30 in Romeoville. Now heading to Wisconsin – took IL Hwy 53 North. Had lunch at Subway in West Chicago. Back on the road about 2p. Got on Hwy 38W then on 47N. Stopped at the Harley-Davidson in Woodstock, IL so David can get another t-shirt (he collects them if you haven’t figured that out by now). We entered Wisconsin at 3:42. Hwy 47 became Hwy 120. Eventually,
we turned on Hwy 50E. Lots of road construction – a really long stretch that was just a single-lane in each direction. Decided to stop for the night in Kenosha at a Best Western (David has rewards and we get a break in the rates) at 5p. Had dinner at Cracker Barrel – delicious!. Total miles = 169.3

 

Friday, June 4, 2021

Up at 7:30 for a hot breakfast (not the best scrambled eggs – they tasted like they came from powder). Then loaded up the car and went next door for gas and ice. On the road by 10a. Arrived in Milwaukee at 10:30 for a visit to the Harley-Davidson Museum (we were there 11 years ago!). Not much changed. Had lunch in their bar & grill. We headed out at 1:30p on I-94 then I-43N to Grafton. Got on Hwy 60W. Tried finding the visitor center in Grafton – no luck. Continued on down the highway and ended up in Cedarburg – found the visitor’s center there! Had a great conversation with the
staff person. He provided me with lots of contact information.
Unfortunately, couldn’t provide any info on the Kludt or Ahrendt
families. So, we continued down the highway until we finally
reached I-90W. Finally found a Best Western hotel in Wisconsin Dells. Checked in about 6 pm and ordered a small gluten-free pizza from Pizza Pub (arrived at 7:30 for eating). Marcy drove the whole day. Total miles 169.2

Saturday, June 5, 2021

Up at 8a – breakfast at the hotel (first time of self-serve hot food). Loaded up the car, purchased ice and on the road by 9:45a. Traveling I-90W all day. Seeing a lot of dead deer along the interstate in Wisconsin. Entered Minnesota about noon. Stopped at a visitor center to get pictures of the Mississippi River. We stopped for lunch at Del’s Cafe in St Charles about 1p. Back on the road at 2. It’s been a long hot day (up to 97). We tried finding the Jolly Green Giant in Blue Earth but he couldn’t be found. Did find Little Giant. We finally stopped for the day at about 6p at a Super 8 in Fairmont, MN. Had dinner at the Green Mill (it was good). Total miles 273.5

 

Sunday, June 6, 2021

Up at 8a. Pulled out at 9:25 after having cold cereal for breakfast. Decided to go to Perkins for a more complete breakfast. Went to see the Veterans Memorial before leaving town. Stopped in Jackson to visit Fort Belmont at 11:16a. Took photos. We stopped in Sioux Falls, SD for a required oil change (136.1 miles on the trip meter). We finished driving for the day at about 4p in Mitchell, SD. Checked into a Comfort Inn & Suites. Walked over to Ruby Tuesdays for dinner. Now we need to sort clothes & do a load of laundry. Drove another 73 miles since the oil change. (total miles was 209.1).

Monday, June 7, 2021

Up at 7:30. Breakfast at the hotel. It was another hot, self-serve buffet! Car loaded up and ready to leave by 9:25a. Morning is much cooler. Picked up some ice and water then headed for the Corn Palace. Spent about an hour. Took some photos. Marcy was disappointed – not at all like she remembered from 1980. Back on I90W at 11:30a. Chamberlain Rest Area/Visitor Center has a special sculpture known as “The Dignity” – we stopped at 1p and took pictures. We stopped in Murdo for lunch at the Murdo Drive-In (Good Eats). At 3:30, we crossed into Mountain Time - yay – gained an hour back (it’s now 2:30). Arrived in the Badlands National Park at 3:30. Stopped at several overlooks/view points as
well as the Visitor’s Center (got the NP stamp & stickers for our passport book as well as a t-shirt for Marcy). We almost didn’t make it in time as they close at 4p – we got there at 3:45! Saw lots of wildlife – prairie dogs, big horn sheep (although they were young), and bison. Left the Badlands at 5:30. Checked into Ann’s Motel in Wall, SD at about 6p. This was the 4th hotel we stopped at! The initial restaurant we went to for dinner was closed so we ended up at the Cactus Café & Lounge (okay food). Total miles 251.8

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

We were up at 7:30a. loaded up the car and headed over to the Red Rock Restaurant for breakfast. They were busy and slow. We then visited the Harley-Davidson shop to get a t-shirt for David. Then on to the Veteran’s Memorial for pictures. On the road (I-90W) at 10am. $10 fee for parking at Mt Rushmore – walked in to take some photos (Senior Pass is not accepted for the parking fee). Then drove to Crazy Horse Memorial ($30 to get in!) Took pics of the work done so far, watched film on the man who started the project. Drove to Rapid City for a DQ lunch at 2:30 then on to Sturgis for gas & ice. Visited the Harley shop and took pics in town. Wasn’t able to visit the M/C museum as it closed in 5 minutes (4p). Shortly afterwards we got on US Hwy 85N. Oh my, 102 degrees at 4:30. Entered North Dakota at 6:13. Winds have really kicked up again! We checked into North Winds Lodge in Bowman ND about 6:40. Called for Pizza then unloaded the car. When we sat down to
eat, the T-storms started. What a sight! The whole sky lit up.
Lightening bolts hitting the ground all around us. What a stormy night. Total miles 303.3 (the most we have driven).

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Up at 8a. Loaded up the car to go find breakfast (9a). Found a
travel center near town that had a deli. We were able to get
breakfast & ice. Cooler day – crossed back into Central Time zone. Took some pictures at a scenic area near Belfield. Visited the Theodore Roosevelt National Park – North Unit. Took lots of pictures – saw buffalo and Texas Longhorns. After visiting the park, we started heading north again but got caught in construction 2x that it took over an hour to go just 12 miles! Had dinner in Watford City at 4p. Continued on to Williston ND where we stopped for the night (5:49p) on US Hwy 2. Drove 199.6 miles.

Thursday, June 10, 2021

Up at 7:30a. Hot breakfast buffet at hotel. Car loaded and pulled out at 9:35a. Filled the car with gas and purchased more water & ice. On Hwy 2W by 10a. Entered Montana at 10:17a. Somewhere between the border and a stop at Wolf Point, the time zone changed to Mountain. Stopped for lunch at the Hitchin’ Post Café in Malta just before they closed at 2pm. 2 French dip sandwiches later we were back on the road. Stopped for the night at 4pm in Havre, MT – staying at a Best Western. Doing 2 loads of laundry (simultaneous).
When we walked next door to Murphy’s Pub for dinner, it was real windy (again). While eating, the rains came – we got wet walking back to the hotel. No pictures today. Just a long day of driving with more construction. Total miles 304.5

Friday, June 11, 2021

Up at 8a. Another hot breakfast buffet at hotel. Car loaded and
went back into town to get some supplies. Back on the road at
10:15a. Bought gas in Chester. Stopped in Shelby for lunch about 12:20p. Crossed the Continental Divide about 3p. Stopped at Memorial Square at Marias Pass. Took pictures of memorials and of Glacier Park. We didn’t go into the park to do the “Going to the Sun Road” as it required advance reservations and we didn’t realize it until too late (Marcy checked online this evening and none are available for tomorrow). Hwy 2 skirted around the edge of the park
so we were able to take a few pictures of the peaks as well as the Middle Fork Flathead River and a closed bridge. It started to rain some on the western side of the divide as we headed into Kalispell. We are staying the night at Quality Inn in Kalispell. Checked in between 5 & 5:30 – using Marcy’s rewards points for a free night. We went across the highway for dinner at Fatt Boys University Bar & Grill (typical bar food). Total miles 262.1 Temperature has been in the cool 60’s. Also did a load of laundry.

  

Saturday, June 12, 2021

Up at 8a. Looks like it rained all night. No special stops planned for today. Probably will take I-90 instead of staying on Hwy 2 towards Spokane. After breakfast and loading up car, on the road at 9:40a. Lunch at the Silver Spur Restaurant in Troy, MT. At noon PDT we crossed into Idaho and Pacific time. At 1:50p entered Washington (we did stay on Hwy 2). At 3:30 we pulled into David’s friend’s home in Medical Lake for a visit. Spent a couple of hours so had to find a hotel for the night. No luck – so we ate dinner at Denny’s (near the airport) then drove down the Interstate – found a room at the Sprague Motel at about 7:30p. Total miles 304.8.

Sunday, June 13, 2021

Up at 8a. Packed up car and on the road at 9a. Still need to eat breakfast. Stopped at The Ritz Roadhouse in Ritzville. Back on the road at 10:17. David took some pictures of the Columbia River Gorge at the scenic overlook just before Vantage. At 12:20, we turned onto I-82/Hwy 97S towards Yakima. Turned onto Hwy 12W at 1p. Had lunch in White Pass at Trout Lodge – delicious, river view dining. Back on road at 2:20. Some pictures taken in White Pass. Then begins raining! Arrived home in the rain (a downpour) at 5:20p. Total miles 328.7.

 

Summary –

Total Days: 31
Total Miles: 6,817.3
Least Miles/Day: 90.3 (5/20/21)
Most miles/Day: 328.7 (6/13/21)
Total Expenses: $5,491.69
Food = $1803.19
Lodging = 2981.12
Miscellaneous = 707.38
Gas = 522.25