Around Friday Harbor

Good Evening ZigZags, Around noon we got the hotel to send the shuttle to take us downtown. While waiting I decided to take some pix of the lobby. The " aquarium " is filled with mouth-blown crystal fish and shells and bottom organisms as well as kelp etc. Reminds me of the super-expensive fish in the pediatrics ward of Dartmouth-Hitchcock. Wandered down the street, window shopping after being dropped off at the top of the hill. Headed into an arcade to the jerky store that Barb had visited on our last trip. Price for jerky ridiculous but did buy some meat sticks for the car to go with our crackers, cheese and fruit that we munch on as we drive. I did take pix of the various quilted wall hangings that decorated the arcade walls for my sister-in-law, Sally, to enjoy. Continued on to the Whale Museum which was very interesting--how I wish I'd had a huge whale skeleton in my classroom when doing the skeletal systems of mammals. Just look at the fin of the whale--the fan shaped scapular connected to the ball topped humerous. That topping the ulna and radius forming a safety pin. A few metacarpals and carpal block topping the phalanges of three fingers. All hidden inside a huge flipper and yet so similar to the structure of our arms and hands. Amazing. We also watched a movie--1 hour long! We didn't think we'd watch the whole thing but it was amazing.--called the Sonic Sea. All about the noise in the ocean caused by undersea drilling with air guns, the use of sonar and the sounds of the engines etc of ships. The noise has increased so much it has interfered with the ability of whales and other creatures to locate food, mates and each other. It is thought that some of the beaching and stranding of whales etc is the result of their attempts to escape the confusing and deafening sounds. There has been evidence of bleeding in their brains and ears. Just a fascinating and sad movie. After the museum we wandered to the Lookout Park that overlooks the ferry landing and marina of the harbor. Then down First Street to Spring Street once more. In one window was a huge painting of a Seagoing Crow and since crows always find me whenever I travel, I was compelled to enter RooksCroft. OMG--Look at the website www.RooksCroft.com What a delightful place and what a lovely British lady artist. We chatted so much I had to ask how much I owed her, since she'd packaged my purchases and handed them to me without stating the cost. I think I could have walked out and neither of us would have realized until later that I hadn't paid! But I left with a small oil of Mordecai the crow and a lovely little book about some of her animal characters. It was hard to choose what to buy but he brought me in so he had to escort me out. We reached the corner of Spring and First and while Barb called for a cab, a crow called down to me from the roof above my head. How appropriate that he was above the Crow's Nest Café. While we sat on a bench waiting for the cab, people watching, it also became clear that my crow had a girlfriend up there with him and they were playing whoopee as they say. Got back, cold and damp, around 4 30 --went down to the restaurant only to find it closed on Sundays so back to the room for last night's leftovers. Also arranged for a 6 am wake-up call tomorrow since we hope to catch the 8:30 ferry to Orcas tomorrow. Pray for sunshine, Please. Will fill you in tomorrow night on our day on the largest of th San Juans. Now to Sunday on PBS--goodnight BarbZig and Katzag

Day 1 on the San Juan Islands

Good Afternoon from Friday Harbor Suites on Spring St in Friday Harbor. Well, after a lovely sunset, again, in Mt Vernon we woke to the promise of a beautiful day. So after making sure the desk would call me at 6 so I wouldn't oversleep, I rolled back over for another 40 minutes of sleep. Dressed and had breakfast and headed over to Anacortes and the ferry terminal to catch the 9:05 to Friday Harbor. The ground fog made the ride a bit eerie but the sky looked promising with patches of blue here and there. Huge flocks of little black birds were lined up along the power lines all the way. It was as though they weren't ready to get moving yet. I often wonder why they flock out in the open that way when there are all sorts of trees available to keep them from the wind and rain--but then again, if the predator can't fly, he can't climb up to the wires so I guess it is safer. We are always amazed at the number of cars that fit on these ferries. Not sure how many car decks there are but we were on the upper side deck which is nice since you can see out but also there is only one flight of stairs to climb to the main deck and the outside deck and seats along big picture, not very clean windows. We rode the stern this time--last time we walked forward and will on the way back. In place of bench seats with a table we sat in individual seats much like in an airport waiting area. Very comfy and despite the huge number of people--bikers, walkers, motorcyclists and drivers like us, it was neither crowded nor noisy. I couldn't help but notice the girls' soccer team in the seats across from us--it is universal and timeless--giggles, braiding each others hair etc. When I walked over to pick up a San Juan Island Map I stopped and asked where the line formed, since I wanted my hair braided, too. I was rewarded by loud laughter when I declared I was next. It was also fun to see the sea birds catching rides on any flotsam and jetsam in the water. Within an hour, it seemed so much longer the first time, we arrived at busy Friday Harbor with its huge boats--both sail and motor powered. Tour boats of all sorts and private yachts in organized profusion. We drove up through the traffic and pedestrians on Spring St and located the Friday Harbor Suites and booked a room for two nights. A ROOM?? It is a two bedroom apartment with full kitchen and bath, a private patio. We wasted no time --didn't even bring in our baggage--just took off to explore. Having been here before the map was easier to follow and we ran the roads like natives. Headed out to the English Camp to refresh ourselves about the feud over a murdered pig. Wondered if they negotiated over roast pork dinner and just how long it took to study the problem. Today it would be months. Went to our favorite LLama farm and chatted with the owner, who gave us important navigation info for our Olympia Peninsula travels when we leave the Islands. Drove out to Roche Harbor and walked around the sculpture gardens. Some sculptures more appealing than others, most outrageously priced. Someone told me once that if you don't put a high price on your work the buyer doesn't consider it real art. Well, that may be, but I don't think I'm the buyer these artists are trying to reach. I kissed the toad several times--really liked him. Among the four rejects I sort of liked the totem and , once they gave me a title, I could envision the bathing cat. The other two I would have rejected as well--I have such an eye for art--lol I liked the fact that each of the areas had a portal through which you entered and some of them were stunning. Winged Victory if you look closely is what is left after target practice. I'm sure there is a message there but it went over my head. Of course, in Montana I saw an add for renting machine guns and automatic rifles! As we came around the bend on the Bay Path and a rise before us, a mammal's head lifted and for some reason I thought it was a llama. I was stopped and signaled Barb to stop. The head came up farther and I saw the ears and knew it was a deer. It stopped and sniffed and then, ears back, beat tracks over the bridge and out into the field of tall grass. By the time we crested the hill, it was clear across the field from us. We sat for a few minutes on the curvy bench and I took a selfie--I usually can't aim the camera well but it was pretty good this time. I hate the fact that I'm getting chicken neck now that I'm losing weight but what the heck--maybe I need me some Barbara Bush pearls. While sitting there a couple approached from the right and lo and behold it was Liz and her husband. She was one of the ladies Barb met at Arby's the night before -- they, too, stayed at the motel in Mt Vernon and came over on the same ferry as we. They were going back on the 10 pm and then three hours home to someplace on the Oregon border. He used to come to the Islands as a boy to a farm on which they rabbit hunted. When the man died, his wife wouldn't let them hunt there anymore. We continued walking around the pond with them. They headed to their truck and we went across the field to other sculptures. But no before we discussed the title of the sculpture called Lion and costing $65,000. I guess I can see a bit of a feline nose and mouth and little beard but for the price, I want a bit more realism. On the other hand I liked the horse for $10,000 and Spoonsful, which is counterbalanced perfectly so it rocks gently, is appealing. The pinwheel which both revolves and rotates and has additional moving parts is mesmerizing and colorful and whimsical. I love the alligator and would love to have a place of solitude, as does my fellow author ,in which to write. After a nice bit of exercise it was off down the other side of the Island. I tried to get a shot of a field filled with Canada geese but bushes got in the way and upon analysis on the computer I found three and a half deer I hadn't noticed at all--lol We stopped at the San Juan winery but when they have bottles of Red, we decided to wait for California for wine. Next stop,Pelindaba Lavendar. Pelindaba is a Zulu word for large gathering place and they sure have many varieties of lavender to gather. I order their massage oil and other products online but I wanted a gallon of Hydrosol, which is water from the distillation process that still has a bit of oil left in it. I use it in both bathrooms and the kitchen to wipe the counters etc and wash fruit and even when my face feels oily wipe it over with a cotton square. I just love it and they charge shipping for a gallon. Of course, I also bought some hand cream, lip gloss, lavender and red tea, and something else that I can't remember. Had that sent home--free shipping. Ate a big lavender ice cream sandwich made with two huge chocolate cookies. Today was not a WW day but I did a lot of walking so hopefully, it balanced out somewhat. By now, it was 4 PM so we went back to our apartment, unloaded our luggage, balanced our checkbooks and decided to spend another day, because rain was predicted for today and it is raining. Then we had dinner at the Mexican restaurant right in the hotel--actually four doors down from our room. I had pork carnitas without tortilla and ate just a bit of the rice and beans but all the pico de gallo and most of the guac. Barb had steak frijitas with corn tortillas. I had a light beer and she a margarita. Brought a to go box back to the room for tonight's dinner. Ashley was our waiter--a slight, handsome young man who grew up on the Island but is moving to Boise to take care of his grandmother. He went there all through his childhood and likes it there, too, so not heartbroken to leave the Island which he loves. He was such a delight. . Today, as I've said it is raining so we will take the shuttle downtown and walk around the Harbor. Perhaps have a early dinner there and hit the Whale museum. The plan is to ferry over to Orcas Island tomorrow and spend the night here before heading back to Anacortes and head south. So, now, you are all caught up--it is noon here. I'm going to change and we'll be off. Will be in touch soon. Take care, BarbZig and KatZag

Crossing The Cascades to the Coast

Hello, ZZ's, Today was a repetition of a portion of our trip four years ago. Unfortunately, both batteries for my camera were depleted at the same time and I had to use Barb's until one of my batteries was recharged. What that means is that the pictures from the crossing of the Cascades are a bit out of sequence. Her picture numbers are lower than mine so they are at the beginning of the album instead of in the middle. I'll try to guide you through them East to West for those who care--lol You should begin with the picture before that of the morning moon which was visible as we left Moses Lake. Headed toward Wenatchee we passed through agricultural fields that were either being harvested or were finished. It was interesting to see the fields labeled by crop along the way to Quincy--where Quincy Market exists, though nothing like the one in Boston. Alfalfa, field corn, sweet corn, canola seed, timothy, grain corn, were just some of the crops I remember. Since we were last here the road by-passes Wenatchee which is fine. We have found the Washington drivers rude and impatient. Horns blow constantly--especially, if you don't zoom out the very second the light turns green. Interestingly, EVERY driver who has blown a horn at us has been a woman! Soon, after Wenachee we were in Cashmere, home of Aplets and Cotlets, a delicious jellied candy of apples or apricots mixed with nuts and powdered with confectionary sugar, lightly. Bought a box for Betsy and a box of smoothies for Bill, no nuts, and a box of fruit delights which are the same as applets and cotlets but with blueberry, pineapple and others I cannot remember. We also bought a box of water crackers for our sardine dinner when we have it, some fruit and nut sticks for the car or before bed snack. Then it was on to Leavenworth, a make-believe Bavarian town. It is cutsie and boutiquey--we stayed there twice as a hq for trips to the coast last time but today we just stopped to pick up some Priority boxes and gas. We had also stopped at Prey's fruitstand just outside town and got some apples--left my notebook in the car so don't remember the name of the two I got--one was a Gala/Braeburn cross that I think was called Sweetie. It was sweet but more MacIntosh texture which isn't my favorite. It is a New Zealand apple. I also got an apple with a German name that dates back to the 17th c or earlier and whose roots are unknown and which is not a good pollinator of other apple trees. How could I possibly ignore this poor little baby who doesn't know its ancestry and which other apple trees reject? It was delicious--not the type --but the flavor. Wish I'd gotten more. They had lots of pears but wasn't in the mood; did, however, pick up a few Italian plums and some little golden jobs. A bag of salt water taffy completed the order. Now, after Leavenworth pix if you go back to the beginning of the pix you will see the Wenatchee River along which we passed before entering Steven's Pass over the Cascades. I found it more difficult to deal with on both trips than the crossing of the Rockies. But I was ready for it this time so knew just to look up and over rather than ahead and down. The foliage coming down the mountain slopes looked as though a giant had passed through with paint buckets on both hands that slopped over as he walked. Just incredible. When you get to the pix of Moses Lake and the moon, go to the pictures of the tunnel through the mountain and you are back on the road after the Pass. We then passed through several little towns--called cities out here!--looks as though 1000 folks allow that designation. Anyway, once more the names give a clue to the history--Gold Bar, StartUp, and the larger, whose name I now forget where there was everything one needs, except an eye doctor. While stopped at a red light we were startled to see a big sign in some language, unrecognizable and with absolutely no English translation. Very disconcerting. Anyway, we continued to Arlington rather than West to Everett and its real city traffic and then West to pick up I 5 to Mt Vernon. We'd seen the wine country and apple country of Washington and now were truly on the West Coast having crossed the volcanic Cascades. Looking northeast we could see a high mountain covered with snow but at our motel we were greeted with the sight and aroma of wonderful roses in bloom. Tired, I uploaded the pix and when I couldn't rearrange them decided to call it a night. Had carrots and hummus for dinner. Packed up all the candy and postcards and model red bus from Glacier to send home. Books wouldn't fit in--another box, another time. The weather report for the weekend did not look promising and so we were a bit bummed and didn't know what we were going to do--hated to go to the islands and the crossing in rough weather --but the islands were right up there with Glacier as a "want to see" location. Barb went next door to Arby's to get a sandwich and fries. She met two women there, one of whom lives in Friday Harbor. They both told her that the Islands don't get the rain etc that the mainland does --that Vancouver Island sort of protects them. So we decided we'd not fret until morning. Watched TV and to bed. To be continued in next email. BarbZig and KatZag

Made it to Washington but Not Quite the Coast, yet!

Hey, ZigZags!! We made it--we are to Washington State--in 16 days--better than our first trip. It took us five weeks in 2000! Last night the sunset was just glorious in Post Falls, Idaho. We slept like logs for 8 1/2 hours and then had breakfast and hit the road. Once more, we must choose a route where there is a motel within an easy day's drive and one we can count on. As a result we are going the same way as four years ago, through Lake Moses where we are spending tonight and then up through Wenatchee, Cashmere and Mt Vernon to Anacortes and the ferry to San Juan Island. Wenatchee and Cashmere--nope for motels and Mt Vernon too far for one day. We could have headed into Seattle but you know how we like to avoid cities, if possible. So, today was a leisurely 145 mile drive on a gorgeous sunny, warm day. Temp got to 80 degrees by early afternoon. We crossed into Washington State within 5 miles or so after leaving Post Falls and passed through Spokane shortly after that. Not much of a skyline in Spokane, nor any skyscrapers. A bit farther west we were in thick piney woods which opened into beautiful range and crop country. The colors and patterns and textures were just beautiful. Even the on and off ramps of I 90 made a pretty pattern with the main artery of road. At Sprague a lovely lake called, what else, Sprague Lake, ran long and thin hugging the highway. Not much later outcroppings of lava flows appeared among the fields. And then we were in Moses Lake--only noon time and check in is usually at 3. So, what else to do but find a nice restaurant. Well, if we wanted Mexican food or fast food joints the selection was ginormous. We had noticed a Porterhouse Steakhouse Restaurant at the exit prior to ours so on to OnStar and directions. We called from the corner of Meijers Road and Yonezawa Boulevard and were only 2 miles away and easy navigation. Had a lovely salad and wine --Barb had a Caesar with steak and Woodbridge white zin. I had Raspberry Chicken with Willamette Valley riesling. Coffee to finish and then off to the motel. Check in was at 2 and we arrived at 1:58-- planned, of course! Got our luggage settled and set off to explore and find the Lake. Spent about an hour and a half just taking it easy in the sun, listening to the birds, watching the water and the boats--speed boats, party barge, jet skis. Not many and never more than one at a time. Just a lazy day along the shore. Came back to research the Islands for our few days we hope to spend and to call home--me to Bill and Barb to Charlie. Now it is Jeopardy and two day's worth of USA Today!!! A lovely day all in all. And the roses are in bloom! Yellow, pink and red. And on that sweet smelling note, I'll say goodnight from BarbZig and KatZag

Crossing the Rockies into Idaho

Good morning Zigs and Zags, Well, we are staying in Post Falls, Idaho. Got here at around 3pm yesterday after doing over 250 miles. We are now in Pacific Time, entered it at the Montana-Idaho border. That means we are three hours earlier than those of you in the East. We started from Butte in 34 degree weather with frost on the front window of the car but it was a beautiful sunny day and by the time we reached Post Falls the temp had soared into the 70's! Today is glorious as well, but I'm doing paperwork so will be indoors for awhile. Looking at the weather on TV at breakfast it looks as though we will have the same through to the week-end. Just a few words about yesterday's pix, which are primarily scenery through the various mountains through which we passed. They have lovely names, The Bitterroots, the Coeur d'Alenes, the Sapphires --I don't have the Montana map in our room so cannot list them all. It is interesting that the mountains to our right ( north more or less) are dry and almost treeless while those to our left ( south more or less ) are covered with heavy evergreen forestry. As the clouds come over the mountains they drop their moisture almost immediately leaving only a little for the opposite slopes. You can tell when we are at high elevations by the plant-life. Evergreens we are up in the clouds--well, at least 6000 ft -- when you begin to see deciduous trees in their gorgeous fall colors you know we have descended some. By and large the roads follow rivers and so there are easy passes without terrifying heights and drop-offs. Lookout Pass on the Montana- Idaho border is an exception to that rule though it is only at 4000+ feet. As elevation in these mountains go, that isn't very high. For a great part of our drive we followed along the Clark Fork over which we crossed at least 8 times. The scenes along its curves are so serene and lovely. There were lots of high mountain meadows as well, wide and cultivated. You might also notice the names of some of the towns, Gold Creek, Phosphate, Opportunity, Anaconda--all giving clues to the industry in this part of Montana--mining of precious metals. The Anaconda is a very old and large silver mine--it is mentioned in books, movies etc. Though I didn't photograph it, the smoke stack of the original smelter is still standing and is a National Historic Landmark. I did photograph Our Lady of the Rockies in Butte. Unfortunately, she is so high above the city that I couldn't get a clear shot of her. She was built by the city of Butte--though originally a gentleman planned on building a 5 foot statue of her in his yard, if Mary would intercede on his wife's behalf and cure her cancer. When word got out the people of the city decided to erect this huge statue over one of the defunct mining pits and the city in honor of all Mothers, world-wide. I guess if Rio de Janeiro can have it's statue of Christ, Butte can have its statue of His Mother. It is beautiful. Before leaving Montana we made a stop at an Albertson's in Missoula--Griz country. Our daughter went to school in Bozeman to Montana State--they are the Cats. Bobcats. Montana State in Missoula are the Griz. Grizzly Bears. They are vicious foes! lol Within 6 miles of entering Idaho we pulled off the Interstate to revisit Wallace. OMG, what a difference 18 years makes--those ugly loops of Interstate looming over the town. But we stopped at the visitor center and spoke to a gregarious transplant from Philadelphia. He said the town sued the State to prevent the Interstate from going right down the main street. When we came through US 10 was the Main Street and the town was a wonderful old west town. It has the same buildings from the early 1900's but the place is overflowing with tourists and seems open somehow--not close and homey as it once was. It is a mining town and has been for many years. The mine is still active--silver and galena, a lead ore. The town takes no money from the State or the Feds so they have no interference from big government. There are no chains of any sort allowed in the town--hotels, motels, McDonald's or Burger King or any of that ilk. All the businesses are locally owned--mom and pop as he said. AND, the town pays the college tuition of any graduating senior for four years as long as they maintain a C average and have no felonies--misdemeanors are okay. If the student does not go to a State college then the town pays their tuition at the other College up to the cost of In-State tuition at a local school. Well, the population is under 1000 but still that is pretty special, I think. We were going to tour one of the bordellos of the past but it was downtown and when we were there we were told that the old Victorians on the Hill were the red light district. Not to say that there weren't a few smaller joints closer to the saloons the miners frequented. After all, when we stopped at the Elks in 2000, they gave us a Wallace Idaho souvenir pin. Guess what it was-- a Lady of the Evening, leaning against a lovely old street lamp. Guess Wallace was known for more than its mines in its heyday. It was here in this vicinity, NOT Wallace, that Bill fought forest fires in his younger years. We took a spin around town, admiring the old place and seeing it as it was back in 2000 and then continued on the remaining 44 miles to Coeur d'Alene--by way of a 14 miles, wide, curving steep pass to the shores of its beautiful Lake. We did not stop--we had been there four years ago and could not stand how it has grown and become a real tourist town with gift shops and restaurants and yuppie aura that replaced the sleepy little town whose streets we'd explored 18 years ago. Also, now that its focus has changed its motel room rates are outrageous. So we went six more miles, almost within site of town, since it has extended out along the Interstate, too, to Post Falls and the Quality Inn where the rates were 3/4 that in town. Though we got in early, unfortunately, I had a intestinal problem and sought assistance at the hospital emergency room where they took care of the problem. Sadly, we spent 2 1/2 hours there and I was exhausted. So back to the hotel and TV. We decided right then that we needed a down time day so we extended our stay until tomorrow when we returned from the hospital. I feel fine though tired today. Am going to take the time to pay October's bills and really be able to call Bill when he is home and not in bed and have a good chat. I really miss him and Betsy. So, folks, that's what's up. Will let you know what's next probably tomorrow night--we are headed to Washington State and will be there tomorrow but not sure exactly where. We are aiming to the San Juan Islands for sure. Until then, take care BarbZig and KatZag

From Havre Montana to East Glacier, Up the Road to the Sun, and off to Butte, Montana

Hi Zigs and Zags, Haven't spoken to you since the 21st--seems ages ago. That last night in Havre was an experience I'd rather not go into but we were up early on the 22nd but took a late check out and headed due West on the Hi-Line for East Glacier. While we were in Havre it was their festival week-end but we didn't go downtown for any of the little flea market or the interminable lines of horses, old cars and fire trucks that make up a small town parade. As we left town, however, we were behind a coupe that probably was part of the show. Pretty car. He turned off at Higham and we continued on to Chester outside of which we saw our first indication of the Rockies to come--the Sweetgrass Hills. It is amazing how far away things are and how long they remain in view. Chester had some interesting buildings etc that gave it a distinctive character so we tooled around the streets of town to check it out. Cute place. We then came upon road work which is being done everywhere around here before the snows come. Almost always there are traffic lights to stop the traffic one way and a pilot car that makes sure all the traffic going the other way gets through before the light changes.You never know what kind of things will happen while held up in line. Here one of the locals decided to put on a show of how well his dog behaves. I say a local because once we were on our way , he turned into a nearby driveway. The land on this long stretch of road is primarily prairie and Alberta, Canada's wheat belt, is just north of it. It is beautiful with the mountains in the distance letting us know that this flat land is not forever. In time we entered the Blackfeet Rez and Browning which is the tribe center. On we went into East Glacier and the 135 year old Glacier Park Lodge. What a lovely old place--our room was terrific with a terrace shared with just one other room. No TV but wifi. It is huge and each corner is a pure delight. I was very enamored of the Sun Room--a long room connecting the main lobby to the hotel.Windows on both sides and couches, reclining chairs, desks, tables and chairs all along its length. The dining room was huge and comfortable. I had salmon and Barb had prime rib. I drank huckleberry lemonade--delicious and so pretty. Barb had a margarita. The meal was delicious although I really don't like sticky, lumpy, skin in red potato mashed potatoes. Just as well, really would do a job on my diet. I've gained 5 pounds--have to pay more attention to what I'm eating. After dinner instead of sitting in front of the huge crackling fire, I chose a comfy chair facing the West and the mountains and just waited. After about an hour I was rewarded with a beautiful sunset. Then it was to the bedroom and in for the night. Up the next morning very early ( six thirty) since we had to check out, have our luggage held til we returned from our Red Bus tour and have breakfast before meeting our jammer and the rest of our group. This time we decided on the breakfast buffet--I can't think of a thing people eat for breakfast that wasn't on that table. I opted for a huge bowl of fresh fruit, a bisquit and bacon and a huge cup of some of the best coffee I've had in ages. Then we sat in the huge lobby people watching and waiting for Tom, our jammer. They call them jammers because the old buses which have been refurbished and modernized used to have manual transmissions and the drivers had to really jam them into gear on some of the inclines and upclines of this mountain. I'm not a car person so don't really remember everything we were told about the busses. I know they are from the 30's and there is a full set of 35 (?) of them in the park. They ran on gas and are now diesel and propane. The doors weigh 110 pounds--they are solid oak as is the bus, encased in steel. They are automatic transmission now. They were built by the White company which was a sewing machine company and were refurbished by Ford--hence the dual names on the hood. Inside each door is a bench which accommodates four people and there is one single seat next to the driver. Tom, our jammer, does this in summer and works at Disney in Florida in winter, giving private tours. His wife also works in both places. When their son went to college they sold their home, bought an RV and toured the country for 1 1/2 yrs and have been doing this for four years. I forget what he did before he retired. On our bench were Carter and Lynn from Doylestown, Pa. He teaches landscape architecture at Temple. They have friends in Quechee and have been to Norwich as well. They took the train from Doylestown to the Park and were going home today the same way. A number of people traveled out on train--sounds interesting. I'd like to do that to Washington State and then take the Ferry to Alaska. Now to the tour. We left at 9 am and returned to the Lodge at 5 pm. The bus took us along rte 2 to the West side of the Park where we had lunch. I had a delicious Greek salad and lemonade. Then it was into the Park and the Visitor Center then stops in several places to enjoy the scenery including the closed MacDonald Lodge alongside Lake MacDonald. We could see where much of the fire that caused its evacuation and closure happened. Tom told us that the fires are left to burn except where there would be loss of life or property. By the time the fire around this Lodge were under control it was so late in the season they decided not to reopen this year. Before long we reached to Road to the Sun--as you can see this time it was more the Road to Rain and Fog and Cold. Still, it was white knuckle driving with huge drop-offs. Carter had one window and Barb the other. Lynn and I were content to remain in the middle. Even then there were times I spotted some tricky spots. I know that we made the best choice to take the bus tour. Barb would not have been able to look at much and drive the road and I would have fainted--it was worse than anything I've ever been on before. Nevertheless, I am so glad we did it--it was simply spectacular. Even with less than perfect weather. The group was absolutely pleasant, especially Carter and Lynn--we exchanged emails to share photos etc. Then we made our descent and stopped to photograph Two Goat Island which is the most photographed spot in the Park! Why?? Probably because it is so small in such a huge lake. We were all a bit disappointed not to have seen any wildlife--we'd stopped at Goat Lick where the mountain goats come almost daily to lick the rocks for the minerals in them. Not today. Tom said they slept in, it being Sunday. I said they were in church and the guy in front of me said they were watching football--and we all agreed that was it. Saw a few mule deer and some cows but then, off to our left--way out in the field there was a grizzly Mom and her cub. OMG--she stood up, the cub stood up--but they don't stay erect for long so hard to get that. Still I got some terrific shots. Mom has the most beautiful silvery gray cape over her shoulders. We watched for about ten minutes but then about twenty cars were behind us so we moved off. Good thing because we passed three ranger cars headed out there to disperse the watchers--they don't want the bears disturbed. Came out and around on 49 which has its own drop offs and then the tour was over. Hugged Tom good-bye. Chatted some more with Carter and Lynn and then headed to the Lounge for dinner. Had a chicken wrap with cole slaw and another huckleberry lemonade and then headed over to Mountain Pine Motel for the night. It was a lovely cabin like room and we were so tired and cold from the on and off the bus and all the fresh air we basically watched a bit of TV and then hit the sack. Today dawned cold and raw--41 degrees and raining. There are several ways to leave East Glacier to head to Idaho. One is to go around the Park to Kalispell and down to Missoula and I 90. Considering the temp and conditions at a lower elevation we decided that we wanted to descend rather than ascend so we drove back through Browning and took 89 south to Great Falls. We had planned on staying there and going to the CW Russell Museum. It, however, is closed on Mondays and we didn't want to spend two nights there so we continued on to Butte. There was a cut off from south of Helena to Missoula but it added more miles than we wanted to drive today. It would have taken us farther West but still--the weather was rainy the whole way and it was cold so Butte seemed the best decision. The Rocky Mountains are not a straight chain but rather many small chains running in all kinds of directions. We came to the first--the Big Belts between Great Falls and Helena and then the Elkhorn between Helena and Butte. They are fairly low, as the Rockies go so the passes were wide and beautiful and not terribly steep. The volcanic rock formations in the Elkhorns are striking and way down in the valley is old highway 91 and a bridge across the Missouri River. That bridge served as the setting for a gunfight in The Untouchables which purportedly was taking place on the Canadian border, which is 150 miles north but not particularly photogenic. Ah, movies. The most beautiful town along today's route was Choteau--huge trees on both sides of the road as we entered--sooooo unusual and stunning. When we got into Butte, we checked into the Clarion. The girl gave us an upgrade to a poolside room with private patio. We ate in the hotel restaurant--the Rib and Chop House--what a delicious sirloin and garlic mushrooms and a Bozone beer, brewed in Bozeman. Picked up a couple of after dinner mints with a big M and Go Bobcats on the wrapper. Had to pick a couple up for my Cat back home. She graduated in Jan 2009! Where has the time gone? The wait staff here has to learn to write their first names backwards and upside down on the paper tablecloths. Fun to watch Courtney do hers as easy as pie. The motel provides free ice cream poolside from 6-8, so stepped out of the room and got a small cup of vanilla, chocolate swirl. So now we are up to date. Tomorrow Idaho or maybe Washington but definitely I 90 West. Will be back in touch when we settle in. Until then, hope you enjoyed the ride on the red bus--colored to match the berries of the Mountain Ash. Good night from BarbZig and KatZag

Misc. notes on a Misc. Day

Howdy, Zigs and Zags, Our pix today start with a plate of deviled eggs surrounded by four rubber duckies. Cannot decide whether to explain or allow your imaginations to run wild. Yeah, I think imagination is a wonderful thing. Anyway, there is also a picture of the full meal we created last night here in Have 'er. That is how you pronounce Havre in these parts: I don't want her, you can have 'er. I woke up around 530 this morning and started to think about the exorbitant motel costs in Browning/ East Glacier. We were to head over there this morning but why? So, instead we extended our stay here. We did some grocery replenishing and the laundry accumulated over the last 10 days. Then we got all our stuff out of our pocketbooks, suitcases and various little bags of new books and post cards and reorganized. We did our finances so we are all square and up to date--we alternate motel rooms and pay each other the difference every two nights, we split the gas, groceries and laundry. Then we looked at the Montana and Idaho maps to plot our course when we leave East Glacier on Monday. We met a couple from Lewistown, Mt this morning at breakfast. They drove up to take the 11am Amtrak to Chicago. His sister has died and they are going to the funeral. His wife is the navigator so she and I pored over the Montana map and considered various routes into Idaho. One thing for sure, no matter which way we go, we have to cross those damned Rockies! I could have sworn I gave directions for their removal last time we were out here, but no, there they loom high and mighty laughing at little me and my knocking knees. Lastly, we booked a room for tomorrow night in East Glacier at the Lodge in the park and another for a less expensive place on Sunday night when we return from our tour. I had to run down to the business office to make copies of the Confirmation emails for both, although the local one has already contacted me in a personal email--so I'm sure of that one. I hate booking online because you never know who you are booking through--Bill and I had that problem in Monument Valley. Called home and nothing new there--Bill got half the wood in yesterday--bringing it to the house from different parts of the property on which he cut. He'll finish up tomorrow. He said today was a pretty raw day. Here was foggy and low 40's when I woke up but got into the 60's and sunny with those lovely patches of white cottony clouds. Not sure what Sunday will bring for the Park tour--keep your fingers crossed that it is sunny--cold we are prepared for but rain and clouds will make the scenery disappointing. Hasn't been any mention of snow yet--though it is always a possibility around here. So, now everything is ship-shape. We even packed separate small bags to take into the Lodge--leaving everything out in the car overnight so we don't have to lug a lot of stuff out to the car before the tour which starts at 9 am Sunday morning. It is now 3:30 MST and we have nothing left to do--BLTs for dinner tonight with bacon we grabbed from the breakfast this morning--Barb has a whole wheat thin and I have a bisquit from the breakfast room. I LOVE bisquits. Limeade to wash it down for me, Lemonade for Barb. Not sure which piece of fruit for dessert--too soon to tell. So, now, I don't know about Barb, but I am going to read until Jeopardy and evening TV. Don't know when I'll get on the computer again--maybe tomorrow night --don't know what the next two stops will provide. But soon, I hope, there will be Glacier pix to share. Until then, take care all of you. BarbZig and KatZag

North to the High Line from Billings Montana

Good Evening ZigZags, Well, we had a freshly prepared breakfast, made to order, at the motel in Billings. Real silverware, too! I checked out where to get Rt 87 north and the man how directed me asked first where we were headed. Told him Glacier by way of Havre. He said Glacier is here indicating the hypotenuse of the triangle, but you know us--never go the shortest route or the way a crow flies. I said yup, I know but we're going this way--indicating the legs and the angle between them. He neither shook his head nor changed expression, just said okay. Take exit such and such follow Main Street go up to the Heights past the Mentra and take a left. The heights--lol well, it is a plateau above the petroleum plants I suppose. And we did take a left toward Roundup but it was one left too soon so we toured a lovely Billings residential area whose main drag and a double yellow line but just seemed a bit TOO rural. So, another U-ee and the right left turn, if you know what I mean, and we were off. I think you can see from the pictures that both the weather and topography is very changeable. We left Billings at 48 degrees and arrived in Havre in a 52 degree heat wave. I think I'd better dig out the sneaks and bag the sandals for awhile and maybe a sweater would be a good idea too. As you can see once we got on the right road there was no getting lost--straight as far as the eye can see. We changed route numbers about four times along the way to Rt 2, the High Line, but other than making the right choice at the intersection there was no real navigation necessary. Barb remembered reading an entry in some guys journal at the Andy Devine Museum in Kingman. He was on a stage headed West and the roads, such as they were or not, were so long and boring he said an Indian attack would almost be a welcome diversion from the monotony. We don't feel quite that way, since we love the colors and textures of fields, mountains and skies and find them more amazing each time they change, but a curve in the road might have been nice. True to form, when we passed through Chinook I saw the road to the Nez Perce Bear Claws Battlefield I'd spied on the map. So we took and and since it runs parallel, sort of, to the road that came through the Rez, Rt 16, we zigged back in a southerly direction half the distance we'd come north on 16. Naturally, unless we wanted to continue back down to the Missouri and the ferry which would lead us to several gravel roads, none of which were going our way, we had to come back to 2 the same way. So after zigging we zagged. Got to the motel at one of the earliest arrivals of our trip so far and will soon devil some eggs we got at this mornings motel and eat them with half ham sandwiches on pita bread and spicy V-8 to wash them down. A couple of olives on the side and then a delicious cranberry scone for dessert--also gotten at the motel. We've only eaten out once so far --back in Deadwood. Barb thinks the picture of the white horses and the paint rolling before them should be the picture of the day--I opted for the long road--I think I'll add the horses, too. By the way, this is the same Rte 2 that we followed across Wisconsin and Minnesota before dropping way South to South Dakota. It is called the High Line here because it is the Northernmost East-West Highway in Montana. We were traveling south of Saskatchewan and are now just south of Alberta. Hope you've enjoyed today's geography and meteorology. Sally once lived for three years just East of here on the High Line but we came in west of the towns in which she lived and our nephew was born so did not get to see her exact old stomping grounds. lol So, for now, since we got an early stopping point, I'm going to devil some eggs and read my book. Amy, haven't picked it up in days!!! Take care, all BarbZig and KatZag

Heading North Through a Corner of Wyoming and Montana

Hi ZZ's ---Well, up at 630 and made reservations in Billings for tonight, Havre for tomorrow night. Also double checked our reservation for the red bus tour through Glacier on Sunday, pray for good weather please. Went down to breakfast and thought we might see our new friends but they weren't there. Assumed they were up earlier and on their way East. But Noooo--as we were finishing our coffee they arrived. So, our talking and picture sharing and plan sharing commenced once more. Jean tried to find Barb on FB last night among my friends and even messaged Barb Rich to ask if she was my sister. She told Barb that we weren't friends and then we had a good laugh when we remembered that in a snit I'd unfriended her awhile back. I'd forgotten and so had she. LOL Anyway, the gals were hanging out in Deadwood today--a rainy dreary day. And indeed, we've already gotten messages and pix of their escapades. We in the meantime, after bidding good bye headed to Spearfish, Belle Fouche and on into Wyoming. Let me apologize now for the fact that the pix are duplicated--have no idea why and just didn't want to take the time to cull. Also the two lady pix should have been at the beginning NOT the end of the album. Oh, well, the rest are in order. The roads around the old mining towns are nothing like they were 18 years ago--they are wider and don't pass through the wonderful old streets anymore--so all of the character of the loop through them is gone. Also 212 which was a deserted two lane highway through the Crow reservation etc, has been widened and serves as the main road from Rapid City to Billings particularly for big trucks. That was the case four years ago but now there has been commercial and residential development on a road that once only had a rest stop half way between the towns at Broadus--pronounced B-road-us not broad like wide us. Our first wild life were a herd of antelope which Barb pointed out by saying what are those strange birds. This was soon followed by her pointing out the boots on the fence posts which turned out to be nine buzzards all in a row! We missed the photo ops so we made a U-ee and went back to get them. The antelope were spooked but the buzzards hadn't moved a muscle. I started making up a conversation :; Hey, Clyde, I thought you said this was a good place for breakfast. Yeah, Clyde, its darned cold and wet here, where's the grub? Patience you guys--some dumb bunny or prong-horn has to go out in the road. And one of those two-legged idiots in the zoom machines has to hit it. Then what?/ Well, then, we've got a big, warm, juicy meal all laid out on the road. Oy,vay, Clyde, let's hope we are the diners and not the dinner for something else! Oh, don't get your feathers in a kerfluffle. Heck, no, Clyde, they're the only things keeping me dry--hey, what's that thing that person over there is pointing at us. Don't know but it didn't hurt--keep you eyes out for the next zoomer. Well, on the road went, windshield wipers swishing once in awhile to keep the misty drizzle off and fog and low clouds obscuring the sky. Cold enough to turn on the heat. Still, not a bad driving day. 212 terminates at Crow Agency and Little Big Horn. So, though we've been there more times than I can count we took the spin out into the Battlefield. So peaceful, so impossible to believe the slaughter that took place there and the misplaced confidence of an arrogant leader of the men he got killed. While driving through I took the opportunity to call Bill to check in and get news from home. Nothing much new--he and Bets will get the wood in on Sunday. She has started her second job at Books A Million. All is well with Bill and he knows that Havre is almost in Canada. I forget sometimes that he was out her fighting fires years ago. Got back on the Interstate and proceeded to Billings where we have a large comfortable, dry and warm room for the night. Looks like rain again tomorrow--hopefully not too hard. We are going to travel in a whole new part of Montana to us--hope it is easy to see and explore. Until we make camp for the night then, I'll say goodnight to all. BarbZig and KatZag

Roaming South Dakota

Hello ZigZaggers Yesterday was a combo get farther West day / don't miss the sites. Eastern South Dakota is quite flat and there is no law against billboards so the scenery was marred from Oacoma all the way to Wall with ads for Firehouse Brewery and the worst of the worst tourist traps--Wall Drug. Ugh. Nevertheless we managcceded to enjoy the country spreading wide before us and to each side of I 90. Our destination, Deadwood for the night with stops at anything that caught our attention. The breeze was quite strong and everytime we left the car our coiffure was rearrange by Monsieur Louis DuVent--a very famous and highly sought after hair designer. In time we came to a sign that promised TWO National installations from one exit--oh, how my fingers itch to place the stamps in my newest and third National Parks Passport. The first stop was the Minuteman Missile Visitor Center. The greeter, Ron, was simply a delight. Great sense of humor and very interested in knowing from whence we came and to whence we were going. We watched the video about the development of the MM program, its implementation and the parallel missile program in the USSR. The narrators were many, including Khrushev's son and a Russian high ranking officer who, though the alarm indicating American missiles had been launched against Russia went with his gut, not believing we would do such a thing and face severe lose of life in the strike and the retaliation if not annihilation. He opted not to notify his superiors and was relieved when it was found that the alarm had been a false alarm. His military career was over at that point, of course. Apparently there had been at least 6 or more false alarms to both powers through the course of the program. Interestingly, one of the interviewees was the Park Ranger with whom we had also spoken. He and Ron urged us to go to the missile site just up the road near Wall. I told them I'd rather see it than the Drug Store which I had seen when we brought Betsy out to college. They feigned surprise that we would skip the chance to see the jackalopes. They told us that some traveler had placed a giant unicorn on top of the jackalope and took a picture. I said when you've seen one jackalope,,,,,,and same with unicorns. Plus there were no side-hill wampuses there so what a waste. Capt Benson, ret said perhaps they couldn't afford one. Anyway, Capt Benson had been a commander of one of the silo centers. After the movie I asked what that duty was like.How long they were on duty each time. He said it was 24 hours at a clip but that each person had time to sleep--it being a two person assignment. That they had it three times a week. He said it wasn't hard duty at all. I asked if it was stressful. He said in the beginning but like any assignment once you were used to the procedure it became routine. He said he worried more about the growth of crabgrass and how his kids were doing in school than about a nuclear attack. He was so self assured and matter of fact, I felt we were safe with him and others like him manning the controls. After looking over the exhibit and buying a post card with the warning signs that were posted about the silos--with Capt telling us that the bottom line about violators being threatened with bodily harm did not work with children and grandchildren--we headed over to the loop road in the Badlands National Park. We were quite amused, actually became very giddy with all kinds of comments about the name of the town at the entrance to the park--Cactus Flat. Where is the landscape NOT flat? But okay--tell the next wagon train to take a left when they come to the cactus on the flat--there is only one all the way across the territory--cactus, that is. Of course, we searched in every direction--not a cactus in sight--so where did the name originate? A story lost in time. The pictures tell the story--we were in the park for two hours--each turn brought a more jaw-dropping vista. We walked out to the edge of the eroded mesas and plateaux so many times. And each time we were speechless at the expanse and incredible beauty. My favorites were the ones toward the western edge of the park==the sherbet colors of the yellow hills. The mountain sheep were exciting and the prairie dogs adorable--though ranchers love them about as much as dairy farmers love groundhogs. We had planned on going to the missile site and tour the underground launch control center and view a missile minus its warhead etc in its silo but the site closes at 3. By the time we got through the Badlands we missed the closing by 15 minutes. SIGH! During the Cold War there were 150 nuclear Minutemen missiles in Western South Dakota. They were part of a 1000 missile force of Minutemen spread over the Great Plains. Apparently, there are still some there as well as others on ships and planes. So we went to the Grasslands visitor center, where the Ranger was impressed by our knowledge of the supposed extinction of the black-footed ferret and its rediscovery in Metetse Wyoming. Good heavens we were there 18 years ago and sat in the little part commemorating the happy occasion. He gave us each two laminated ferret bookmarks. Then we watched the video on the Grasslands, the history of their destruction and the resulting Dust Bowl and the efforts to restore at least sections of it. Beautiful photography in these videos as well as interesting history and other info. This particular video was very long and evolved into a recruitment tool-sort of--for the various government services involved in the work. We did go into Wall but only for Barb to stop at the Harley store to get a tee shirt for Charlie. Then we were on our way once more--on toward Rapid City the home of Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Having been to both several times we opted to by-pass them this trip. I did, however, take a picture of one of the signs warning of flashing lights indicating a road closure and immediately following the railroad crossing bar that is lowered to make sure you do as told and exit right now. Many of our friends back home do not believe us when we tell them the roads are literally closed with bars. Barb and I experienced this for ourselves when the bar to the road leaving Metetse came down right behind us as we pulled into town. We were stuck there for three days in Sept.2000 We came to love Joe's Bar and the locals who patronized it. No way out--all road barred and if found on them, a $1000 fine, period. Next we stopped in Sturgis for another shirt but we missed the shop closing by 10 minutes so we continued on to Deadwood and our motel. We climbed up into the Black Hills with the sun in our eyes. By-passed the historic Main Street. When we presented ourselves to the desk clerk he told us that I had immediately upon reserving our room been upgraded to a suite. Another mini-apartment. So nice to spread out--I always hate that we only spend one night. Barb found a rubber ducky in the bathroom. His name is Duey and the motel would like the guests to take him with them on their travels , photograph him wherever he goes and post the pix on their website. Barb wanted her picture taken and with the mirror right there a fun shot was formed. Having walked a lot and having been out in the fresh air we were too tired to figure out what to eat and did not want to sit in a restaurant. There is a small lounge in the motel and they provide a complimentary drink. So down we went to have a glass of wine, and a frozen pizza, which wasn't gourmet but was better than most frozen pies. Visited with the barmaid who is a native Deadwoodian--born and raised. She now lives in Lead--pronounced --let me lead you to the door and NOT there is lead in those sinkers. While we were having our third and last drink a lady came to the bar to pick up some nachos--I engaged her in conversation, though I'm not sure she was really interested since she and her friends were in the midst of playing a hot game of 7-up. Well, we had to pass by their table on the way to our room and we stopped to chat, since they were taking a break to eat. Well, before you know it we were all talking and laughing and comparing travels and who we travel with and God knows what else. But, the game was pretty much set aside. We wanted to get a picture of our new friend circle and some poor unsuspecting man who was just passing through and minding his own business was enlisted to do the honors. So, here we are--new friends on FB,too--Christyl, Sherry, Jean ( from Indiana ) Barb and Me. We headed upstairs and the ladies said they were going to resume their game. And so our day ended with beautiful pictures in our heads and new fun friends added to our collection of fellow travelers. As we were turning out the light I said to Barb, you know with such a magnificently beautiful country filled with such wonderful people, it really doesn't much matter who is president. We'll be okay. Good night on that note, BarbZig and KatZag

Dignity at Night

Went back across the Missouri to see Dignity lit up from behind and with little LCD lights along the beading of her dress. It is amazing how the color of the statue changes as the light changes. It is one of the best million dollar gift to the public I have ever seen--she is magnificent and despite her size so graceful. https://www.snapfish.com/photo-gift/share?via=link&token=ddRwv7dXoN0FrmJpusxH2Q/SFO/27948123872060/SNAPFISH

Chamberlain-Oacoma South Dakota

Hi again, ZigZags We stayed in Oacoma last night, intending to go see Dignity and then head toward Rapid City /Sturgis for tonight. I had wanted to go to Pierre and head north into North Dakota but that is a pretty desolate route and I worry about the availability of motels--as you well know from the pix, some of these places have a grain elevator and call it good enough. I can do that with Bill but don't feel as secure with Barb. So, we'll head to places I know will have lots of options but won't make a reservation so we can stop when we want. Then I'll take us north into North Dakota and pick up the Interstate into Montana. When we awoke this morning, it was thunder, lightening and rain. Not a wonderful situation to see Dignity but I said to Barb, there are other things here, why don't we just stop for a day and relax. If it clears up we'll see her later in the day. She agreed. We got pretty friendly with Rhonda, the daytime manager or desk clerk not sure which. Talked cars and travels and oceans and where we've lived, jewelry. Just a really nice lady. She put our ice packs back in the motel freezer and we took off to the South Dakota Hall of Fame. Kind of interesting--art pictures and a quiz for you Jane. Then we headed to St Joseph's Indian School and the Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center. The museum is set in a time line that takes a circular path. It gives a living lesson on the Native American way of life--particularly the Plains Indians. It reflects the four cardinal colors and directions of the Lakota. East ( Yellow ) depicts life prior to the arrival of Euro-Americans. South ( Red ) deals with the arrival of Euro-American explorers, missionaries, traders and settlers in the early 1800's. West ( Black ) Deals with the " deals " made with the US Government with the concomitant loss of traditional lands, treaties and maps out current reservation lands. North ( White ) illustrates Native American adaptation to their new way of life while preserving their traditions and heritage. I particularly love the two pictures of the young Native boys--the one during the Red period and the one in the current White period. Then on the same campus we visited the Church of Our Lady of the Sioux with its paired stained glass windows--one representing traditional rites and activities beside the Catholic presence today. By the time we finished these three museums, the sun had come out and off we went across the wide Missouri to, at least, sit at the foot of Dignity. This was the main reason we had taken such a large Zag from our Northern route. She is magnificent. And Huge. Visible from the Interstate going Eastward and Westward. When coming from the West one has to exit the Interstate at Chamberlain and get back on the road Eastward to the rest area. Leaving the rest area the Interstate is accessible in both directions. We are going back tonight to see her illuminated. It was nice to just take it easy today. I'll even get a chance to redo my nails which have gotten terribly chipped and eat at a normal time and even read a bit. I called Bill, too. All in all, a wise move. Thank you rainfall. Oh, yes, the Sinclair brontosaurus is for Glen!! As is the old car that they've recycled as an interesting museum piece in the Hall of Fame. So, signing off for the day. Tomorrow off we go into the Farther West--mountains soon. Oh, joy! Love looking at them--don't like driving through them. Later, BarbZig and KatZag sS dakp

Minnesota to South Dakota

Hi ZiggyZags! Yesterday's trip started at Pipestone National Memorial as you saw in yesterday's photos. The pictures, I think, told most of the story of the visit but we were able to speak to two of the artisans who are quarrying there and are making pipes to sell to the public. One of the men in particular is highly thought of and well known. His name is Travis Erickson--his mother is Native and taught him to make pipes when he was 10 or so. I recognized him from the video we were shown but did not realize just how much of a recognized artist he is. As we were checking out of the gift shop the lady told us that he had pipes in the Smithsonian and that he'd been on How It's Made on Discovery Channel. I had already spent a great deal of time talking to him about the stone and the disc pipe he was working on. He showed me how the pipestone at the center had a slight white tone to its top and that the surrounding stone as he used a file on it would be a darker red. He'd carved a dragonfly from the center and when finished and polished it would be a white dragon fly on a dark red disc. Fascinating. When I went back to ask him to sign the book I bought in which his grandfather and uncle were pictured working a quarry I mentioned how wonderful it was that he'd been on Discovery and in the Smithsonian. I congratulated him. He blushed with pleasure, which is always interesting in a big muscular man. He told me he'd been on PBS as well and showed me a magazine in which he was the subject of the main article. Then, shyly, he told me he'd soon be going to accept this year's award as the Best Artist of the Year for South Dakota this month, Well, I looked him up on the net--even sharing what he did--there is much more to his reknown. https://www.bing.com/search?q=travis+Erickson+pipemaker&src=IE-TopResult&FORM=IETR02&conversationid=&pc=EUPP_ This is a better link....http://www.historynet.com/travis-erickson.htm The lady on the register is his cousin and the young man also working on pipes and with whom we also spoke at length is her son. Barb bought earrings made by Travis' mother and I bought a pair made by another cousin. We left Minnesota soon afterwards and traveled I 93 until on the horizon we saw a very large bull head surmounting a hillside on the opposite side of the road. Curious, we got off and discovered another artist--Wayne Porter sculpture garden, It was incredibly hot but we chose to walk the 3/4 mile loop rather than use a golf cart. When we got back to Wayne's little shed he allowed Bambino free and we sat and chatted in the shade as I cooled down. ( We later found that the temps had gotten into the 90's again). Wayne was curious about the political situation in Vermont, the fact that most of the gov't officers from NH are women, the scenery of the Northeast. He told us he was a Poli/Sci/History major in College. Once more we found that this talented man, like Travis Erickson was modest and dispossessing. Not a bit of ego in either of them and a total delight and in retrospect an honor to have sat and chatted with them as though with old friends. I think this link can tell you more than I about this delightful young man, with a sense of humor and whimsy, http://portersculpturepark.com/about/ By this time, it was almost 4:30 and we still had about 60 miles to go to our motel. So, a quick drive into Mitchell, around the Corn Palace, where if you look closely you can see the various types of corn and grasses used to create the murals that will remain on the outside of the building until this time next year. It serves as a food source for the birds, who start pecking out the grains almost as soon as the ears are adhered to the walls. Then a U-turn and out of town again.https://cornpalace.com/149/Corn-Palace-History By the time we reached Chamberlain it was getting dark and we were tired. So we decided to do Dignity tomorrow, which is today. But I'll take a breather and let you have one, too. Later, BarbZig and KatZag

Going Cross Lots in Minnesota

Hello Again ZigZaggers, I hope you enjoyed yesterday's novella. As we watched TV last night a storm warning kept appearing across the screen. A terrible thunderstorm with heavy rain and hail was to hit NE Minnesota and various towns were named but who knows where they were. We didn't get concerned. Well, apparently it was violent--deluge of water, non-stop lightening and thunder and kept Barb awake for over an hour. Me? slept right through it. Never woke up for a drink or for a bathroom run, even. The day dawned gray and foggy--wondered whether we would have fair or foul to deal with but since there was no precipitation we decided to move on. Leaving the motel at 923 the first order of business was to get to I 35 southbound--yes, south--without having to deal with the triple cloverleaf roads twisting and turning under and over that we'd encountered when we entered Duluth last night. Discovered that we could move through some residential streets and outlying country to it, but the initial route took us toward the heart of the city. From Skyline Drive we looked down upon the bridges that connect Superior to Duluth. I gave a sigh of relief that we had to cross none of them. As soon as there was some distance between us and the Lake the fog lifted and the clouds broke apart revealing a bright blue sky. Today was pretty uneventful--other than scenery,which looks very much like home, the biggest event was passing through yet another small town.We started in the Northeast corner of the State and are almost to the Southwest corner where it joins South Dakota. We stayed on the Interstate til just south of Hinkley, which was in that weather bulletin last night. Then we picked up Rt 23 which we have followed the entire way--no zigs or zags but the fact that this day is one huge ZigZag! As the day progressed it kept getting warmer and warmer and more and more humid. Our A/C vents were sweating with condensation and dripping on our feet. We came across an outdoor art exhibit--at least I called it that--the property was for sale. I liked a couple of those sculptures--whimsical. St Cloud was smaller and easier to navigate than I anticipated. We crossed the Mississippi there and I was so happy and how narrow it is in Minnesota, which I knew, I forgot to take a picture of this bridge which is shorter than the bridge going over the Connecticut at Hanover. It is short--like a bridge in the middle of town anywhere. We came across roadwork which has been a constant all the way from home. There are thousands of acres of corn as far as one can see. Very dessicated in many cases. Was there a drought? Maybe. Or Maybe the corn isn't being used for silage but rather for grain. In that case, a harvester picks the ears and leaves the rest to dry out and will be plowed under. At least, these are the options my Ag expert, (Bill ) has given me. Finally, a train, with grain cars. One of the things I love travelling this country is seeing the trains. How I wish we'd use passenger trains more and I miss the freights. I just love trains. By the time we reached Wilmar, the temperature had reached 92 degrees! I don't have clothes for such hot weather. Thank God for A/C. But, such heat kind of limits the amount of walking etc I want to do. In Maynard it was 97. As we pulled into Marshall the temperature had settled at 95.Our motel is right next door to Southern Minnesota College--the very next building next to this sign. We got the last room in the motel. A big wedding in this hotel, in the Raddison and in the other motel. We have a one room apartment in the Quality Inn. I'll take pix in the morning. A living room, dining room, full kitchen, large bath and huge bedroom with a king bed. All for $121. Cheaper than any other motel in the US since we returned from Canada.Same price as we paid for a tiny room in Canada. Amazing. Well, have to plot tomorrow's path and choose our head rest. So, til then, I'll say Good Night, BarbZig and KatZag

UP, Wisconsin and into Minnesota

Good Evening Ziggy-Zags. Before I resume the travelogue there are a few facts and figures to alter and/or add. To start, my cousin Dolores called Thursday night around 9 PM. Bill is in bed by 6:30-7. Why he answered the phone I don't know. But, half asleep--God knows what he said to Dolores--I haven't been able to reach her--he thought she said our other cousin Audrey had died. What she said was that Audrey's husband, Fred has died. While that is just as sad and heart-breaking for us, Fred was a wonderful man and had a sense of humor like no other, his death was not unexpected. He's been ill for over a year, actually more like two and the last time we saw him he said he'd just like to die. Audrey's death would have been a shock--she is the healthiest of the four living female cousins I would say. Nevertheless, thank you for your notes of condolence, Barb and I appreciate them and while not for the right death, still appropriate for his. Returning now to the trip. Several of you mentioned that you remembered a song about the Edmund Fitzgerald, and my music loving friend, Jane, even wrote down a verse from the song. Indeed, it was quite a hit in the late 70's. written and performed by Gordon Lightfoot, a Canadian songwriter/singer. In the tumult of the storm the Fitz was thrown into Canadian waters and went down on the Canadian side. When the wreck was located it was, therefore, the Canadian Navy that dove down to get the bell and then returned with the new bell to the broken ship. There was a formal presentation by Canada to the US and the Fitz families of the bell. At the ceremony a member of each crewman's family came up and rang the bell once and then, at the end, the bell was tolled a 30th time for all the sailors lost on the Great Lakes. That bell is now the one encased at the Shipwreck Museum. https://www.bing.com/search?q=Ballad+of+the+edmund+Fitzgerald&src=IE-TopResult&FORM=IETR02&conversationid=&pc=EUPP_ Yesterday morning, Friday, we left Marquette Michigan around 1030. We plotted our route and made a reservation in Duluth, Minnesota so we knew where we were going and that we had an assured place of rest once we called it a day. I rose around 630 and took a picture of the sunrise on the Lake and then when all was ready we continued west on 28 across the UP. The trees are beginning to turn and the foliage is quite lovely. We also noticed a number of evergreens--there are several types and not being from these parts I hesitate to name them--dead and covered with a fuzzy white growth. I believed the infestation to be wooly aphids or possibly wooly agelids ( spelling?) which are aphid-like creatures. They are very small sucking insects that literally drain the sap from the tree and kill it. Foolish parasites--but once one host is done in, they just move to another. Bill verified my diagnosis. We continued on toward Wakefield and Bingo's about which I have a story but first there is a new story. Although many of our zigs and zags are planned there are a few which are thrust upon us. And our search for Bingo's came to naught because of such an event. 28 to Wakefield was closed just about 14 miles out of town and Bingo's was beyond the closed barrier. So we made a left and headed out on a 22 mile detour. About 2 miles down the road I said to Barb, you know, that road isn't closed to local traffic--let's go back. So we did--we went 8 miles down the road and came to another road closed sign and this one did not mention local traffic. Barb decided we shouldn't go any farther and I agreed. The road was closed because a bridge, of which I have no memory, but then I try to forget any many as possible, was out. Not knowing just what we'd find we just said, we'll go in from the other side and see how far we can get. So, back we went the the detour ( another 8 miles ) and then onward 22 miles to Wakefield. So let's see--to get to Wakefield, which was about 14 miles or so away on 28 --we went 42 miles. HMMMM--that's us! Then to add insult to injury--in Wakefield the bridge was only a mile out of town, so we probably could have waved across the bridge and then backtracked and traveled even more miles. Now, why, you may ask ,did I want to find Bingo's. You may recall that Bill and I took our first X-C trip in January, 2008 and followed this same route. On snow covered roads and going the whole UP in one day, we approached Wakefield as it grew dark. We were cold, tired and there had been absolutely no places to stay and we were really hopeful there would be something in Wakefield. Ahead of us in the grayness of nightfall with a slight haze of snow falling we saw before us a neon sign--a caricature cut-out of a Christmas like deer with a red bulb for a nose--leaping out toward the road. In big letters--BINGOS--TV--YES! In we pulled. An old stone building served as the office for several small cabins. Snowmobiles were all gathered around the door and others were moving around. In we went, an older Polish couple were behind a small bar behind which was a smallish color TV. We rented a cabin and got our bags and went in. First off I tripped on the top step going into a room I can't even tell you how small. We could barely move. There was a double bed against one wall--Bill had to climb in and move over to the wall--there was no walking around it. A shelf above his head held an alarm clock. At the foot of the bed was a tiny TV. To the left was a bath with a small shower--it was a chore to even turn around in there. The whole thing reeked of scouring powder. It was the semi-finals for the Super Bowl so Bill decided to return to the bar to watch the game. He asked me to go but I really didn't want to and be with a bunch of guys watching football so I said, no, I'll just get in bed and watch PBS here. (Oh, after checking in we'd gone into Wakefield to get something to eat. One bar--the girl was much more interested in talking to the local guy at the end of the bar than serving us. I had a burger --awful. She didn't know what Miller Hi-Life was but gave me another Miller product--MGP or some stupid thing . THEN we returned to our lodging.) I got into bed and he went to the bar. I tried to hold my hand with hand lotion over my nose to eliminate the smell of Comet--not Rudolph's buddy--and turned on the TV. ONE CHANNEL! SNOWY! BLACK & WHITE ! and everytime a snowmobile went by the reception got WORSE!! And there were ONLY snowmobiles. When Bill came back I was in tears and I want you to know I do NOT cry very easily--not my thing at all. He wanted me to move over to the wall--bag that, I wasn't giving up my warm spot and besides, I'm claustrophobic. The room was small enough without being pinned against a wall. His head hit the pillow and two seconds later he was asleep. I lay there awake for hours listening to snowmobiles and smelling Babbo. Eventually, I fell asleep only to have the damned alarm clock go off at 4 am--those damned snowmobiler idiots--and Bill trying to shut it off. OMG--you know, maybe it was a good thing not to see it again--I may have been tempted to burn the place down. It still exists though--it's listed in the Michigan travel guide as a place to stay in Wakefield. There are several others now, including a Best Western.Well, anyway--we moved on--didn't even look for the Toth Indian. This is iron ore country and Bessemer is the name of the furnace used to separate iron from its ore. I wonder if Bessemer came from here or if the town was named in his honor. Nope, named after Sir Henry Bessemer, the English inventor of steel manufacturing. Bessemer is also the home of the world's highest ski-flying structure--is that a thing, ski-flying??? Also in Bessemer, one of the original MacDonalds. Notice the Golden Arches incorporated into the building, Next we crossed into Wisconsin but can't remember the name of the first town we entered. But pretty soon we came, at Ashland to a possible ZIG. Continue on 2 to Superior or take 13 the scenic route out around a large peninsula jutting into the Lake we were coming to love. Well, please, there was no choice. 13 it was out to Red Cliff and an Indian reservation, the tribe involved escapes me now. What a lovely lakeside village is Red Cliff. Were it earlier we would have liked to explore it a bit. Off the coast is a large island that is accessible and twelve small islands, called the Apostle Islands. There is the Apostle Island Lakeshore but does not show on the map at all so we opted not to go to the Visitor Center though it is a National Park. If you look at the map, you see Rt 2 as a red line from Ashland to Superior and you see Rt 13 as a black line making a big loop around a big point into the lake. Not shown on the map is the ZAG that we took off the Zig for 7 miles out to one of the camping, swimming spots on the Lakeshore. We stopped and had lunch overlooking the Lake and then watched the men working on the Twilite restoration, before driving back out the 7 miles to Rt 13 and onward to several other small towns. We stopped in Port Wing for gas and to peruse the history of Education in Wisconsin. Look at that--Vt is finally catching up--a consolidated school district with free transportation on 1903! I've always said education is a series of old wine in new bottles. Could you imagine today's kids in that winter contraption--lol http://portwingwi.com/port-wing/pw_arts/local-authors/ I wonder if her books would be interesting to read. I may try one, having been in the area about which she wrote. On we drove and then it was over, the end of the Lake so we rested a few minutes gazing at its beauty and the wonderful striations of grays and blues of water, air and sky. For two States, Superior was always there, just off to the side and now we soon would leave her in our rearview mirror. A bit of sadness as though leaving a dear friend that you know you may not see again but that you will always remember and cherish. We returned to the main road to Superior, the sky changed once more, filling with buttermilk clouds, allowing crepuscular rays of the sun to peak through. Dairy farms dotted the fields and then Superior, Wisconsin was behind us, a long, high bridge was before us and on the other side, Duluth, Minnesota. Within 7 miles of landing on solid ground we were in our room for the night. Now, I'm going to take a break, have something to eat and resume today's travels. A shorter report I believe. Until next time, tata, ZigBarb and ZagKat

Feeling Tired and Down

Hi guys--Spoke to Bill when we were outside Wakefield Michigan and he told me that our cousin, Audrey, died last night. I don't have any details but it has been a bit of a downer for us on an otherwise beautiful day. We've had a great time and the weather and scenery was beautiful. Still, I just don't feel like writing tonight and will catch you all up tomorrow. We are headed south to Marshall, Mn then. Night to all, Kand B d

Back in the USA

Hi Ziggie-Zags! Well, today we lived up to the group name, but wait, getting ahead of myself. The day began with a chat with a man from Texas, who like me, was ready before his travel companion. He'd been quite hot under the collar when checking in last night, according to Barb. I said good morning, more or less to see if he was a curmudgeon or merely road tired. Actually, turns out it was a combination of fatigue and lack of familiarity with Canada==kilometers, gas by the litre, difference between American dollar and Canadian dollar. He and his wife had taken the loop up to Thunder Bay and back and it was desolate, they almost ran out of gas because there were no stations and he'd had a long day. They had been on the road from Texas for three weeks and he was ready to go home to his recliner and TV, to quote him. Turns out to have been really a nice man. Going to Macinack to golf--back in the USA--lol In the meantime, we had to figure out how far we were going in Michigan today and where there are our motels on the UP. I got talking to the woman manager in the business office. Chatted about the UP and Bill and my experience 10 years ago in January--the snow a foot deep or more and snow storms all the way. Told her about Bingo's in Wakefield but will save that story for tomorrow when I hope I'll have a current picture of Bingos. Anyway, she suggested that we stay in Marquette and zig and zag out to Whitefish Point, down to Newberry, back up to Grand Marais and over to Musining thence to Marquette. She said you are on vacation this time, in nice weather, why not see some of the sites--especially Lake Superior. Barb and I decided that since Marquette was only 3 hours away if we went straight to it, why not enjoy the weather. So I made reservations at the Econolodge on the shores of Lake Superior and off we went. The first order of business was to get over the junction of Huron and Superior and the Soo Locks--a double golden bridge that I'd totally erased from my memory banks--I know we crossed a bridge but really didn't remember how long or high it was. So, silently praying and trying not to stiffen completely into immobility, I stared straight ahead, only briefly slanting my eyes sideways, but not my head and took pictures. Made it across safely, spoke to the young lady Customs' Inspector who asked if we were sisters and said we looked alike. I can't see it. Only asked if we bought anything in Canada--a scarf, a bracelet, postcards. And then we were home. Took I75 south 8 miles and then picked up M28 that goes all the way across the UP to Wisconsin and beyond. Got gas at Brimley where the gas pump recorded .01 gallons and .03 cents and died. Barb asked the fellow using the other pump how to get it working. He came over and said it's dead. Barb asked if his pump was more modern to which he replied, straight-faced, this is the UP, this is as modern as it gets. Barb was ready to go back to Canada where you have to tell the pump how much you are buying before pumping with the only options being $20,$40 or $60. Kind of hard to decide when the gas is sold by the liter not the gallon and you can't figure out how much you get for $20! Bet that was another aggravation for my friend from Texas. But gas up we did and continued on the Strongs which is the Bear Capital of Michigan and the home of what was the only gas station 10 years ago on this pretty desolate stretch of road. Back then, we were the only car on the road and there were snowmobiles everywhere--you should see the trails throughout the area. We pulled in and I stayed in the car. Bill came out and said you've got to come in here and see this place. OMG--a sporting good and winter wear section, a grocery section, stuffed animal heads all along the ceiling, dimly lit and several guys sitting at a table having breakfast and a bar--liquor bar--off in a darkened corner. More than a general store. I made Barb stop so I could show it to her. First of all--no gas--all out. The animal heads and traps and guns ect are gone as are the woolen clothes. The groceries are in a small corner and the bar is all spiffed up and bigger with lovely long varnished tables around and nice tile floor, replacing the worn, squeaky wood of yesteryear. New fluorescent lighting. Across the street another bar and several motels. Kind of sad--the character is gone. Well, shortly after that we made our first zag north to the shores of Lake Superior and the Shipwreck Museum on Whitefish Point. A 15 minute movie about the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald the largest ore carrying freighter on the Lake in 1975. It sank after getting hit by a sudden snow storm in November. The ship following behind was in radio contact with her and she was in trouble--when the storm cleared she was no where to be seen. 29 men went down with her and it was heart-rending to hear some of the relatives speak. One man in particular almost brought me to tears. His brother, a crewman, called him the night before he was to report for duty in Nam. His brother told him that if anything happened to him while there, he the Fitz crewman would go to Nam and find him and bring him home. Well, the younger man survived Nam but the older one went down with the Fitz. The younger man, now in his late 60's said I tried for years to get him from the ship and bring him home, but it cannot be done and I'm as close as I can get. They went down and got the ship's bell; it is in the museum. In its place on the sunken ship was put a new bell with the ship's name and the name of every member of the lost crew. The grave of the men rests over 500 feet down and on it rests this new ship's bell--here it serves as the memorial for the disaster. As we left the theatre I noticed a box of tissues had been placed on the bench near the exit--several people took a couple and I heard one woman behind me tell her husband that she knew she hadn't brought enough tissues. While truly sad, the horror of the waves and chaos of the churning ship and the terror of the men had me too tense to even be able to cry. The museum is small but thorough in its story of the various sunken ships--many of which were lost off Whitefish Point. Most of them the result of human error--poor navigation in fog, excessive speed in foggy conditions. One Canadian passenger ship had four collisions with cargo vessels. It survived every one and the ships it hit all sank, some with loss of life. The Canadian captain was cited for excessive speed for conditions but he said, Her Majesty's mail comes first. Really? There are several roads that connect Whitefish Point to Grand Marais but at the advice of Fred, the museum cashier we avoided them. He said they are not paved, are wet and we could get stuck.Also no cell service. So we back tracked to Paradise, zig and zagged back to M28, travelling sort of south and west. Then we headed back north to the Lake and took the H58 through the National Park to Musining. By now we'd covered 200 miles,lol, and were about 55 miles farther west. Also it was now about 330. So we continued the next 50 or so miles to Marquette and our hotel. We'd had a balcony room reserved but since there is no elevator here we opted for a ground floor room. We could still see the Lake though no balcony on which to sit and enjoy the view. It was okay, we'd seen the Lake several times today and even stopped to enjoy the view of a lovely curved beach. All in all we covered 265.6 miles and entered the Central Time Zone so we are now 1 hour earlier than you all--well, not Cindy. It was a lovely relaxing day, no rush and interesting. Ate in once more--I finished the quiche and Barb had smoked gouda and a Granny Smith. I also had some mandarin oranges. Now, it is time for me to do the books--have to see what I spent--not much but I like to keep track of my cash. We were going to plot tomorrow's path but will wait til morning. We know where we are going and the route but still in the bush, as Bill calls it, so must determine how far and where we want to stop and where we are likely to find a place to rest our heads. Not as involved as it sounds but after two days of no communication it is pretty vital. Called Bill today and as I was talking to him headed to the Point, the cell service just disappeared and dropped the call. Ah, wilderness. Until tomorrow, good night from BarbZig and KatZag. s sa

On to day 2

Good Evening ZigsandZags Some things I forgot to mention last night--well maybe just one, my notes are in the car--we were amazed that all the signs were in English and then right after the same sign was posted in French. I thought that we were awfully far from Quebec to do that but then I looked at the map and my geography lessons of grade school returned--The Ottawa River is the boundray between the two provinces and though I think of Quebec as due North and East of Vermont it actually extends West north of Ontario. So until Sudbury we traveled with the Ottawa on our right side and looking across we gazed upon Quebec. I should have remembered, too, being in Ottawa and going to Hull which is in Quebec.Oh, well, it all makes sense now. Today's pictures begin with a shot of our cozy room in Pembroke last night and its landscaping this morning as we departed. A bit of a gray day but primarily because the proximity of the water kept the fog from lifting very early. When at last it did, the day was simply beautiful---sunny skies with beautiful puffy clouds. As you can see, the TransCanada is mostly two lanes with little traffic and long, long ribbons of roadway. The trees are deciduous but somewhat scrubby but the evergreens are lovely. They hug the road on both sides providing a natural hedge between the road and the villages and the River. Lots of rock, too, BIG ROCKS. There is no doubt of the glacial activity that took place here--these boulders having been dropped as the ice melted and receded. Off to the South of us the large gouges in the earth made by these rocks as they were carried beneath the receding ice. Of course, the big holes are filled with water and are the Great Lakes. But we could not see Erie or Michigan--so far south of us. At Sudbury we made a detour to see the World's Largest Nickel. When Bill was a young boy he traveled this road with his parents and 17 went right by the nickel so he had seen it. When he and I traveled this way ten years ago, I wanted to see this fabulous coin but, alas, 17 had been rerouted and we didn't take the time to try to figure out where the thing was. I put it on my part of the things to see list and so, there it is. It is lovely and I'm glad we made the effort to find it. We had to go through the town to get to it. The lady in the info center said yes, Sudbury is hard to get around, it isn't laid out in a grid, it is twisted around all the rocks and we love it. Well, we did, too. Especially since OLD 17 still runs by it and leads to NEW 17 without having to go back through town. After taking too many pix we decided to eat our picnic lunch right in their park so out came the pita bread and ham and cheese and we had refreshing sandwiches with water and iced tea before tackling the next 200 miles. Once we left Sudbury we were surrounded by Ontario and before long we were literally running along the northern edge of Lake Huron. Again, we only got an occasional glimpse of it through the trees but when we did, it was incredible--soooooo large and endless. Almost ocean like without the waves! About 20 miles outside of Sault Saint Marie I caught sight of huge flocks of birds in several fields. I realized they are cranes landed for the night but on their way South. No way to pull over so I had to try to take them through my side window moving along. Only caught three and they are sort of blurry. I will try to crop that picture tomorrow night and see if I can get a better view of them. By the time we reached the Soo it was around 730. The sun was very low in the Western sky blinding us. I suggested that we find a place on this side of the bridge for two reasons--it is a smaller place here and finding a motel would be easier. Considering our fatigue after driving 420 miles or so and having gotten up at 6, it seemed less stressful. Furthermore, we got to the bridge and realized we would be driving right into the sun--forget that. Especially the way I love bridges. Ugh. I must say, we weren't sure how we'd be treated by the locals being from the US but everyone has been incredibly friendly and nice. The drivers in Ontario are unbelieveably polite. We have not heard one horn --not one-over two days and almost 800 miles. No tailgating, no mad racing by when passing, no cutting in sharply when past, stopping and letting us in when we make a mistake and waving and smiling as they do it. The only time we had someone pushing us etc, about two or three times? Quebecois! They are as bad in Canada as they are at home and of course on their own turf in Quebec. Just awful and rude. But, not surprised and not worth counting at all. So, here we are comfortably ensconced in another Comfort Inn and full of quiche once more. Who wanted to look for a restaurant. So, Quiche again. Good thing we both like Dr Atkins recipe for crustless quiche. And am I glad I took the time to bake it. Last night Barb fell asleep at 8 and I followed soon behind at 930. But I did start The House at the Edge of Night--too early to tell how I like it. LOL Not sure when lights out will be tonight but I'm ready to at least get comfy with my book. Sooo, until tomorrow and the return to USA, good night all BarbZig and KatZag

Au Canada

Good Evening All You Ziggy-Zags! We got on the road at about 815 this morning in a deluge. Decided not to take the dirt Williamstown Rd and so got onto the Interstate at Berlin Corners. By the time we reached the Essex/Williston exit the sky had cleared and for most of the ride through Swanton, waved to Amy as we drove by Lake? Drive across the causeway into Alburgh and on into Rouses Point, NY. Drove southward toward Malone and then made a sharp right toward the Mohawk Indian Reservation, across the St Lawrence and the Seaway and into Canada at Cornwall. Used my passport card for the first time since getting it five years ago. Lovely young male Customs' officer. He asked what we were planning in Canada--just in-transit to the Sault. What do we have? Clothes and picnic food. Any alcohol or tobacco? One bottle of port no tobacco. Any weapons--guns, mace, pepper spray, knives? Two cutlery knives for meals. Any pets? Where I wanted to ask--a pet would suffocate. But, instead we smiled and said nope. And then off we went toward Ottawa. Got on the Trans Canada--skies overcast, occasional drizzle. Worst traffic around Ottawa but doable. Then into the bush more or less on Rt 17--two lanes, no towns. Had a bit of a time finding how to get into Pembroke--then read my MapQuest directions which take you right into the center of the town. Passed a couple of motels and then, before us, on our side of the road--The Comfort Inn. Checked in at 415 under overcast skies. To tired to look for a restaurant so out came the quiche I made and on went the microwave. A good day--covered 360+ miles. Took pix of several interesting Churches ect in the small towns of Northern New York and Canada. By and large though our travels have been rural. No cell phones and no OnStar. Running blind except for hard copies of maps--my favorite way of traveling anyway. Tomorrow, on to Sudbury and, I think, back into the States at the Sault. Oh, yes, the phone in this room has been cut so I couldn't call the office when I couldn't log onto the Internet--she took 10 dollars off the cost of our room for the inconvenience. Could not believe that. Nice lady. Now, I'm going to upload pix and send you the link. Then change and watch TV or read. Until tomorrow--Barbzig and Katzag