Almost Home--Sorta. Ms, Al, Tn and Ky in the Rearview Mirror

Hello, ZigZags! At last, I feel as though we are almost home. Yesterday, we left Tupelo in rain, what's new? Cannot believe these bikers! The road signs say they can use the whole lane and that cars must change lanes to pass them. Ridiculous--driving 40-50 mph on a twisty road in the rain and mist, around a curve and there is a biker or, more often, a cluster of bikers. They are riding to the side but hear a car coming and immediately spread out across the lane. The day before yesterday we saw a line of vehicles practically at a standstill with a guy on a recumbent bike in the front, a large RV looming above him. Suicidal in my opinion. Notice the guy in black--we almost didn't see him until he sort of crested the hill and was backlit. Totally in black, no lights either in front or back. These guys should have to carry insurance and register the bikes so that they are licensed with a plate. They should be required by law to have lights in back and front and wear reflective clothing. The flickering LED's some of them use are confusing when a mob of them are headed toward a driver. Snowmobiles aren't allowed on the road, yet they can keep a good speed, are well lit and insured and licensed. Makes no sense to me at all. Rant over!! The foliage is just past peak in Alabama and Tennessee but with the rain it was hard to appreciate it. Crossed the Tombigbee Waterway and the Tennessee River while on the Trace and then traveled toward Nashville. To avoid the chaos of converging Interstates in the middle of the city and the traffic and the poor visibility , I took Barb around the City on the 850 loop. It takes a huge swing out and around but it is much easier driving--although the narrow, windy roads we had to take to access it were a bit hairy--lol--even though the falling down barns and fields and farms were quite scenic. Once on the Loop we went through Gallatin-Hendersonville area which is where Johnny Cash and June Carter lived, died and are buried. Crossed the Cumberland, next to last of the big Rivers we cross to get home, on a lovely new, modern bridge that almost doesn't seem like a bridge. I'm amazed that red Toyota hasn't been egged--a 'Bama plate??? In Tennessee??? LOL Finally we hooked up with I 65 and into Kentucky. Stayed in Bowling Green. After checking in to the motel we headed over to Smoky Pig for dinner. OUT OF RIBS!!!!! Well, got the last pork chop plate and sweet tea. Told them we'd be back at 1030am tomorrow for ribs for the road. The guy behind the counter said you don't know how many say they'll be back and never come. Told him, it's been about four years since I've traveled through on a day other than Sun or Mon, when they are closed--I'll be back!! Barb had a pulled pork sandwich. I had my usual mayo slaw and beans, she had slaw and macaroni and cheese. Then back to watch Big Bang and hours of Family Feud--since there is NOTHING worth watching on TV on Thursdays. Now, as we were off the road for the day, the sun decided to show its face and the clouds parted for it! After breakfast this morning, made the reservation for a room in Cincinnati. Then off we were again. First stop--Smoky Pig--for two rib plates with beans and slaw. Took our sweet tea to drink on the road. Then off to Frankfurt, in rain and mist and grayness. Got off I65 at Elizabethtown and onto the Blue Grass Parkway to Vincennes and through horse country to Buffalo Trace Distillery. I stayed in the car while Barb shopped and called Bill to let him know where we were, since there was no cell service in BG last night. Then I took Barb, once more, over narrow back roads to pick up I 75 toward Cincinnati. Got on at Georgetown, which is quite pretty. Went all the way to Florence and then cut once more onto a loop around the city 275. Traffic was brutal on the main road, less so on the Loop. The rain was torrential no matter how we went. I do like the Twin Bridges over the Ohio better than the old double decker at the base of the gorge in Covington, Ky over into Cincinnati. Neither bridge would have been very visible either way. Once we got over the River traffic lessened a bit--although the five lanes going into the City and toward Ky were pretty congested as the pictures show. 49B takes us right onto I 71 North and the very next exit is the one for our motel--on the Northeast side of the city --and right next to the Interstate which we'll take to Medina Ohio tomorrow night. Got everything into our room, broke out the ribs and warmed them up and sat down to finger lickin' between bites. Now, I'm going to change and get comfy. Looks like rain all the way home, but if all goes well, we'll be in Saratoga on Monday and in Vermont on Tuesday. In the meantime, it is drive, drive, drive on Interstates all the way. Good night now, will fill you in next time. Barbzig and Katzag.

My Birthday, Glorious Sunrise on the Mississippi and Serenity Riding the Trace

Hello All Z's! Yesterday was, as predicted, an easy day. We only went 166.3 miles but had a beautiful day. It began by following the directions provided by our Alexandria desk clerk, a retired Navy enlisted man. Don't know what he did in the Navy but, let me tell you, he gives detailed, accurate directions and we had not a bit of problem navigating through a fairly large, unfamiliar town to La 1 which led us through small towns directly to New Roads, La. As we were loading our heavy bags into the back a young man asked if we needed any help--we hesitated but a moment before saying yes, please. He was built like a football lineman and he hefted those bags as though they were feathers and was off. Who says chivalry is dead? What a dear man. This part of Louisiana is also French--many creoles along the Southern Mississippi would come to this part of the State during the hot summers. They either had family here or they were affluent enough to afford a second home in the " cooler " north. As a result the farmland here is planted at right angles to the road, in the French fashion and the area reminds me very much of the farmland north of Vermont on the way to Montreal. This is the land of big rivers that tend to flood and so the bridges rise like mountains up and over them--here the bridge crosses the Atchafalaya River. We take off from the levee on our side, rise up over the navigable river and land on the levee on the other side. I don't mind these bridges too much, as a rule, because though high they are usually short. Beyond the far levee stretched fields and fields of cane. How I'd love to be here for the harvest--I'd like to see the process. On the River side of the road, the levee rose and obscured the view of the water. But in time, we came to the Morganza Spillway--you may have heard of this flat, wide area of land. When the City of New Orleans is threatened by flood waters up river the gates are opened, this land is flooded and the area in the Delta is spared the flood. The pictures don't truly give the narrowness of the road across the gateway that we drove. On the driver's side, the huge individual gates that are raised, the oncoming traffic and on my side, so close I swear I could have touched it, a freight train going in the opposite direction. Talk about tight and scary!! Oh, yeah, the roadway is on a very OLD stone bridge--don't know if it is crumbling but would not be surprised. For now the fields are recovering from the last days of deluge but I would not want to live in Morganza with just a levee protecting me from the floods allowed just over them to fill those low lying fields. Soon we passed through New Roads and shortly before us rose the Bridge across the Mississippi to St Francisville. Went to Grandmother's Buttons where we were treated like royalty by not one salesgirl, but two and the store's sales manager. Debbie and Treva but I forget the other girl's name, though she has waited on me many times--will find it when I look at the receipt. I had a list of what I was interested in buying and also had a budget, as I always do. So, I bought nothing I wasn't prepared to buy--still, I was laughing when I left--ohhhhh, look what I've done! LOL Barb, who doesn't get here often went a bit more wild. Headed over to the Audubon Café but we'd spent so much time visiting with the GB girls that we missed lunch--they are only open for breakfast and lunch. So we drove north into Mississippi and Natchez and had dinner at Ruby Tuesday's. Then across the river once more to stay on the Riverfront at one of my favorite hotels. There was a Riverboat tied up at Natchez Under the Hill on the other side--but it was gone by this morning. The GB ladies said there was a Riverboat due tomorrow at St Francisville--bet it was the one. Some day I'm going to cruise this river. There was a light breeze and 65 degrees. We walked along the water for a bit, but I didn't have my camera so couldn't take a picture of the black cat and her adorable baby kittens. Barb wanted to bring one home. LOL It felt like spring --what a lovely evening. Returned to our room to watch the water and the changing evening light. Also to admire our purchases--mine basically pieces to complete sets of which I already have a part. Barb bought a necklace that I've been planning on getting for Christmas, the blue and brown double strand necklace. It is called Ziva and I already have a bracelet that goes with it. Still going to get it--doesn't bother me to have something that someone else has. Just figure their taste is as good as mine--lol Then we noticed the full moon and the haze around it, as well as a sort of second moon. There were moon dogs, too but I couldn't really get a good shot. Also took a couple of shots of barges and tugs going by but this time I didn't do as well as in the past catching them. I was disappointed that the bridges were not illuminated the way they have been in the past. Only the lamps above the road beds and some red lights on a few high points were lit. Usually the whole outline of both bridges are outlined in white lights which are put out after midnight. Perhaps they are saving energy. Woke up around 6 and glanced out the window from my bed as I was turning over. Could not believe the beauty of the sunrise. Just had to get out of bed and take pictures. The window is visible from all parts of the room, including from the bed, even when lying down! It is like a living painting--just so beautiful. #7996 was taken from my bed--gorgeous. I was about to go back to sleep when I became aware of a large dark mass drifting by--barges, 16 of them, two by two, pushed by a single tug. As it got by the window, another across the river, came into view moving in the same direction. I glanced over to the wall and saw that the bridge was reflected in the mirror!!! All had turned silvery opal and Natchez Under the Hill continued to sleep. The Riverboat gone sometime in the night. Then the cute little Bettye M. quietly glided by and I left for breakfast. By 945, we were packed and ready to go--I took a couple of shots of the lobby and poof, we were gone. There is a National Park called the Natchez Trace Parkway. It runs about 445 miles from Natchez to Nashville through the country. The speed limit is 50 and no commercial vehicles are allowed. It runs somewhat northeast through Mississippi, cuts over a corner of Alabama and then continues through Tennessee. We went halfway, to Tupelo, with a stop in French Camp for a delicious BLT and sweet tea. Met a veterinarian who moved here with his wife about 11 years ago from Canajoharie, New York. He was very thrilled to chat with someone from the old area. Nice man. Says he doesn't miss winter. Cold mornings turn into days in the 60's and there are no bugs here. He said the locals shut everything down the day before snow or ice is to arrive and even with big four wheel drive trucks refuse to drive until the snow is gone. LOL There were a couple of strange sights -- a black vehicle with all kinds of flashing lights but no insignia nor an official plate. A car pulled over with a driver slouched down in it but no evidence of any law enforcement official. The door ajar on the black car. Several miles later, again with door ajar, a rangers car with lights flashing--an old blue car pulled over in front of it. All four doors wide open. Not a soul around either car. Oh, well, two of life's mysteries, I guess. In the meantime, by the time we got to Tupelo, we began to see some fall foliage! Green all the way north until then and not much has turned even then. Now, we are headed to Bowling Green tomorrow. Someone says there is a Nor' Easter predicted for the week-end--not a good sign. Let us hope things hold off til we get safely home. What is this nutsy weather all about?? Did someone forget it is Fall?? Well, not going to worry about it--we can only go as fast as we can go. Would hate getting hung up but it has happened before--we'll manage. Until next time, stay safe, warm and happy. BarbZig and KatZag

Two Large Strides and GoodBye Texas

Hello to Zig Zags from Alexandria,Louisiana!! Well, the sunset in Big Spring was glorious but for some reason both Barb and I had a terrible time sleeping. I finally bit the bullet and got up at 5:30, found my clothes, glasses, phone and USA Today puzzle in the dark and went down to the breakfast room. Got a cup of coffee. Called Bill and had a nice quiet chat. Then around 6, breakfast was set up but I did my puzzles first. Various workmen came in one by one to have breakfast before heading out to work. Each said good morning to me and each other. Very polite and friendly. Then as I was getting a Danish one of them said, oh, you don't work here--I'm so sorry. I looked at him questioningly--apparently he'd asked me where the syrup was, I was so zombie-like that I hadn't heard him. He explained that to me and apologized again--I assured him, it was fine and we were both lucky that I didn't work there--lol After I finished eating, I went back to the room and grabbed a bunch more puzzles I'd saved and went back and completed three pages of them. Checked my email on the motel computer and the time and then went and woke Barb up. Changed into fresh clothes and washed up and then kept her company as she ate--I didn't want any more coffee--I'd had three cups!! We were both exhausted but having made the reservation we had to move on to Waco. Got on the road by 9:08 at 50 degrees and sunny. Started out with buttermilk skies. Thank goodness we had excellent weather for the 298.5 mile drive. I told Barb I had to take a nap along the way, since I simply could not stay awake. As a result there aren't many pictures of the trip. I had written down the route numbers for Barb, in case I wasn't awake when we had to change roads. We drove southeast to Sterling City and then east toward Brownwood-Early. This is a route Bill and I have taken quite often. As a matter of fact, we stay in Brownwood and eat at Prima Pasta right next to the hotel. I slept for about an hour after leaving Sterling City and, though awake by the time we went through Early, I wasn't in the mood to take pictures--my nose was running, my eyes were running and I couldn't stop yawning but eventually the body pulled itself together and I felt more or less normal. The skies now had mare's tails clouds, replacing the buttermilk. After passing through Gatesfield we saw the flooded fields from the torrential rains that have been drowning the area for days. At last we arrived in Waco. The room had a different arrangement than any Choice hotel I've ever stayed in but it actually was quite comfortable and we each had a window and space to move. As you can see, though she slept a bit more than I had, Barb was quite ready to collapse and watch TV. The last 50 miles were painful, it was obvious she was tired and having a difficult time driving the last bit of the day. I kept praying she'd manage to stay awake til we got to the motel and that it would be easy to find. My prayers were answered. We arrived safely at 3 and, since our room wasn't quite ready, relaxed with coffee in the breakfast room. Ate in and watched PBS since it was Sunday night. I've read The Woman in White so am anxious to see how well they adapt it. The movies made from the novel have been horrible and in no way attached to the book other than the name. Not sure I'm liking the turn Poldark is taking--they should have finished it as they did the original, in stead of extending the original books with modern additions that are now turning a family drama into a soap opera. Barb started to doze before WW ended and I put out my light at 10pm. Slept right through until 630 am, fell back to sleep and got up at 8. We had wanted to wait and see the weather report before making tonight's reservation in Alexandria, La since it was a 319 mile drive. Both ends seemed clear of any rain and looked as though it would be cloudy rather than full sun. It was a go. Met a nice Texas couple at breakfast who chatted about their children--four of whom live in NYC in various places and one of whom lives in Lafayette, La. They move to the warmest part of Texas as the weather changes during the winter--lol I guess that's one way of handling a colder SOUTHERN winter--lol We got on the way around 10 am, both of us in much better condition than yesterday, we slept so well. We even took a couple of Farm Roads making the trip 10miles shorter. Flo was the funniest town--next door to the fire station was the water department and it was open. Before both buildings an empty road and across the road a herd of Brahmin bulls--some very curious, others totally indifferent to our presence. There was certainly no evidence of the population being protected. We sure aren't in the desert anymore, nor even on the prairie--the hill country is pretty much behind us, too and we passed through the piney woods of East Texas--the Big Thicket. Not only are we in the Central Time Zone we are also in the South, not the West or Southwest. It seems so strange how quickly the topography changes. Bet it wasn't like that for the Pioneers!! Rt 7 goes across Texas almost to the Louisiana Border and we picked it up just west of Crockett, which has some pretty impressive homes on the east side of town. Since Bill and I have been in this area the roads around Lufkin are finally finished and we were able to totally avoid the heart of town as well as the chaos of the college section. East of town we start to see the big rivers that are typical of the East Texas area--indeed of the Eastern part of the US. Starts in the Midwest that huge rivers flow. One of them, though it is dammed here to form Sabine Lake, is the Sabine which is the boundary between Texas and Louisiana. The causeway across the reservoir is almost 2 miles long and the coast of both sides and along their lengths is covered with recreation areas. Many is a town with several buildings that caught my eye--the French latticework wrought iron gallery in one, the Alamo Spanish look of another and the Mission appearance of St John's Catholic Church. In Robeline the buildings were somewhat smaller but still pretty though decaying. Came upon an accident and though the young girls involved seemed okay their car did not. At Natchitoches, the oldest town of the Louisiana Purchase, we got on an Interstate for the first time in days and headed south to Alexandria. Troopers out and pulling over non-Louisianes--even though the speed limit is 75!! Soon, we were at our Comfort Inn, where we ordered Pizza from Pizza Hut and washed it down with Pepsi--soda is something I rarely drink, but it tasted good and cold tonight. Arrived at 351 after driving 309.3 miles. The temperature only got to 66 degrees today, noticeably colder than yesterday's 72. Tomorrow is an easy day--St Francisville for Grandmother's Buttons and then on to Natchez and across the Mississippi again to stay in Vidalia. Soon we will be on the Trace and it will truly feel as though we are close to home once more. So, I have to do some more computer work and then get ready for TV and bed. Will be in touch again soon--take care, BarbZig and KatZag

Leaving New Mexico and Entering Texas

Good Afternoon from Big Spring, Texas, ZigZags! Left our beautiful hotel in Roswell and headed East out of town past Bitter Lake Wildlife Refuge. Barb asked if I wanted to take one more spin through to see the birds but decided the road was long and we weren't sure what awaited us in Texas. There have been torrential rains there and a great deal of flooding--fortunately, though we saw much standing water in the fields and along the roads, we didn't encounter any flooded roads or precipitation. East New Mexico is not what most people envision when they think of New Mexico. It is flat prairie for a long way and then it is very smelly from the petroleum taken from the depths of the Permian Basin that extends into West Texas and is a source of a great deal of oil etc. There is even a stretch of dunes called the Mescalero Sands. I love the juxtaposition of steer gathered around an oil rig. I also love the entrance gates to many ranches--they are really works of art. It is also quite nice that the power company places platforms at intervals along the lines so that raptors can make their nests--there are no trees for birds' nests. A favorite town of mine is Tatum, New Mexico about 8 miles from the Texas border. All the street signs, most of the business signs and the government building signs are made of decorative metal. There are two metal works in town--Poor Boy's Metal Art and Westcraft Metals--but neither is ever open and when checking the internet they appear to be construction companies--beyond me. https://www.bing.com/search?q=metal+art+in+tatum+new+mexico&src=IE-TopResult&FORM=IETR02&conversationid=&pc=EUPP_ As we approached Bronco and the State line we enjoyed watching the acrobatics of a spraying aircraft. And then we were in Texas and on our way to Big Spring, through LaMesa which stretches out along a large mesa ( we'd also gone through Plains, the origins of its name I leave to your imagination, since not much was used in the choice.) Lots of fields of unharvested and very wet cotton, sorghum, sunflowers, maybe peanuts. Around Brownfield there was a cloud that looked, to me, like a huge flying angel with her arms outstretched above us. My imagination may have been stimulated by the huge cross and replica of Christ's grave with the rolled back stone that was at the entrance to town. We passed a large thoroughbred horse ranch that had a row of Burma Shave-like blue signs, ipo red, with the names of all their famous horses--didn't recognize any names. As we reached the outskirts of Big Spring we passed through a huge oil field. Talk about candles in the wind--flames as far as the eye can see burning off the gases from oil drilling. It must be beautiful at night. Now, we are in our lovely room getting ready to eat. BTW, Amy, I did stick with The House at the Edge of Night. Though not reading as much as usual I am making headway and like the book very much. The little girl has just found the man with the gun washed ashore. Oh, oh, is Maria-Grazia going to meet her future??? lol On a final note, the emails to the family taking care of Damian are bouncing back in the last two days as an email account that does not exist. The FB page is down and they aren't answering the phone or texts. A bit worrisome. Will have to talk to Bill about the situation. They have cashed all of Barb's checks and had Bill get them more food for Damian awhile back. Strange. Oh, well, can't do much from here. Hope all is well. Talk to you all from Wacky Waco tomorrow--did 222.8 miles today and hope to do 296.6 tomorrow. Hope the weather holds --we are in the Central Time Zone now--having entered Texas --so only one hour difference from home!! Signing off , Barbzig and KatZag

Over the Range Through Riudoso to Roswell, NewMexico

Hi Gang, Yesterday in Alamogordo was a day of heavy rain, thunder and lightening which was fine since we just wanted to veg a bit and enjoy a meal at Johnny Carinos. But, that meant that the White Sands would have been slick and messy so for, I think, the first time ever I didn't go to them whilst in Alamogordo! Still today was made in heaven. Beautiful blue skies with stunning white clouds and no snow on the Mountain from Tularosa through Ruidoso--where that actor with the three names one of which is Harris, grew up. We also drove through the large, forested Mescalero Apache Reservation which is simply beautiful. At Apache Summit we were at 7591 feet and at the clearing we looked up at the cloud covered Sierra Blanca which is over 10,000 feet. Her snow covered head was well hidden by the clouds but even so she is stunning and impressive. As we started descending into the Ruidoso River Valley we passed a convoy of road brushes, staggered in place and clearing the loose gravel from the road that is being repaved. A sheriff fore and aft! Then it was farther down into the Hondo River Valley of cultivated fields and ranches. Soon we arrived in Roswell, which is a pretty town but I just hate all the tacky other worldly kitsch that the town insists on playing up. We continued right through the Main drag intersection and headed out to Bitter Lake Wildlife Refuge. Bill and I always go out to drive the loop, which is much smaller than the Bosque. The Refuge is also much more open with no trees to speak of and it is much smaller but it is a quiet spot to see birds nonetheless. Today there were a huge flock of Sandhill cranes with many more arriving as well as a good representation of snow geese. The males were dancing up a storm among the Cranes. The geese put on a nice display of rising, swirling and relanding for us. Saw a lovely little green heron fishing. A few birds that looked like white pelicans but too far away to be sure. There were a couple of whooping cranes, too, I think as well as some long billed,long legged white birds I should know but can't think of right now. Barb and I made sandwiches and had some olives and melon salad for lunch as we sat at a high observation overlook. Lots of bugs here--flies but also huge wasps--so we sat with the car running and the A/C on since the temp reached 70 degrees and there was no shade. Spent about two hours there before coming to our hotel. Sat in the lovely dining room and had coffee and cookies before settling in for the evening. Finished the olives and our leftover spagettini from Johnny Carino's for dinner and are now reading and sort of watching TV. Long drive tomorrow--only 150 today but we are headed to Big Spring Texas and that is over 200. Want to get through Texas into Louisiana so we can feel that we are on the way home. Depends how tired I am tomorrow whether I'll write but will probably send pix. West Texas isn't my favorite part but it is interesting. Until then, night all, Barbzig and Katzag

Gallup,Socorro and Alamogordo , New Mexico

Hello ZZ's, When I left you Barb was returned from the hospital and resting I believe. We had been unable to go to Perry Null's much to both of our disappointments. Since Socorro was only a 197 mile jaunt we decided we had plenty of time to go there before leaving Gallup. Arrived almost at opening and Barb went on a shopping spree. I, on the other hand, knew exactly what I was looking for and so asked for Rocky upon arrival. Rocky is the young woman who handles Perry's online sales and eBay sales. I have sat with her in the back room several years in a row asking to see things I've seen on the website and purchasing Christmas gifts for Barb, Betsy and myself. We are old friends as are Karen--she who is off to Morocco --and Angel. I gave Rocky the bracelet I'd knocked a stone out of on one of the first days of the trip getting my suitcase out of the car. Fortunately, I had the stone and she said since that was the case and the bracelet is from Perry's there will no charge for repair. I also had her get me some samples of coral stone to make another string to wrap around my Navajo pearls for yet another look. ( If you look back at my picture with Roger in Ca you'll see the pearls with the turquoise strand wrapped around them.) Then, arranging for both things to be sent when ready, it was off to the pin/pendant case. Karen has worn her pearls with a pin suspended from them--the pin has a shepard's hook and so simply latches over the strand. Well, I couldn't decide among all the beauties but finally chose--actually, picked this one immediately--a Christmas tree, a horned toad and a salamander. I'm wearing the horned toad in the picture in the Bosque with my gray Irish sweater--don't want to imply that it has been very cold the last few days, but it has been. While Barb was still shopping I chatted with Angel and one of the other fellows who remembered looking at our home on Google Earth last winter with Bill. He pulled it up again for the others to see and they are all overwhelmed by the jungle of trees we have in Vt. They think I live in the wilderness--they are amazed that we have deer and bear and foxes etc on our front lawn. It is funny. One of the fellow's daughters is getting ready for College--they looked at the Dartmouth Campus and think it is beautiful but it is far too expensive for them--told them to join the boat. Well,after two hours of socializing and shopping we were off East on I-40 once more. As we passed Grants and Mount Taylor, another of the Native's four corners of their world, we could see its snow covered summit. Also the blown off top that showed it was the ancient source of the lava flows through which we passed once more. Lots of volcanic activity out West. Also, as we passed McCarthy's I found the lovely church that is the same color of the surrounding bluffs--I don't always manage to pick it out. And then, at Laguna, the large white church above the little hamlet. I love that the town before is Casa Blanco but there is no white house THERE that I can see!! Around Acoma the overpasses have greetings and farewells in the Native Language but I know not what they say exactly--so maybe they aren't welcomes at all--lol This is my winter home so at last I know my way around. Took a cutoff across State Road 6 to Los Lunas, bypassing Albuquerque totally and got on I-25 South to Socorro. Went right by Sunrise Bluffs in Belen and the home of Gloria and Bud. They are on their way home from South Padre Island, having cut their vacation short because of rain and cold. But, they would not be home for two more days and we didn't have the time to spare to wait to visit, especially with Barb not 100%.The Manzanitas were a bit hazy and as we entered Socorro we had drizzle with a little snowflake mixed in here and there. Off in the distance was the hazy loaf like mountain with the " M " for Mining that is the landmark of Socorro. There is a Mining and Engineering Tech school here. It is always amazing to us to see bicycles and pedestrians on the Interstates out here. BUT, in fairness, in some places there are absolutely no alternative routes and that is the case in this valley. When we checked in to our motel--the clerk but the no vacancy sign up immediately-- I asked why all the motels were booked up. Apparently there was a big First Responders training session at the College. We brought our stuff into the room and wasted no time heading south through Luis Lopez to San Antonio and thence to the Bosque--about 30 miles away. I love both of these agricultural villages along the almost dry Rio Grande. The little San Jose Church in Luis Lopez and the now fenced off, deserted Church in San Antonio with the rose window that has been missing for several years now. Someday, I'm going to have to spend some time at the Owl and find out the history of these places. https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=san+antonio+new+mexico&id=E2F9AC02A7D2D257EAF288B00881A4406354FB83&FORM=IARRTH Here is a link that shows the Church as I first saw it with its rose window in place and how it has deteriorated through the years. I will make another small album of pictures of The Owl and its food in a bit. As we approached the Bosque I got very excited--this is one of the winter habitats of the Sand Hill Crane --they begin to arrive in late October and leave mid-January. I have only seen a few of them on our first trip because Bill won't travel in Fall. On the first trip though we left right after New Years and managed to arrive before they all left. Of course, when we arrive in March they and the Snow Geese are all gone and headed north and only a few Canada geese remain. It doesn't matter a lot though because this place is so beautiful and we always make two visits, one of which is at sunrise, and there are always ducks and deer and all kinds of other wildlife to see. We never spend less than two hours just driving slowly and relaxing. This year, however, the cranes are here and so are the snow geese. There are only a few so far--the fields have been drained to accommodate the thousands that will be here by the time the Crane Festival occurs in November. There is a whole book on the events that take place here and, according to Gloria it is a mob scene of tourists from all over the world who come to see these birds in such great number. The fly-in and the fly-out is apparently quite chaotic with people. This little town must hop! For now, there were a few more people but not many than when we come in March and that is fine. Right at the entrance near the culvert there is always a Great Blue Heron and today was no different--he seemed ready to fly but I spoke quietly to him and he stayed. Does he recognize my voice? Is he the same one? Is he a she? Don't know, don't care--just love that the heron is always there to greet me. For those of you who are interested there are several articles on this page about the cranes--basically, the adults have red crown patches and the immature birds do not.https://www.bing.com/search?q=sandhill+crane&src=IE-TopResult&FORM=IETR02&conversationid=&pc=EUPP_ Another creature that we often see in this area is Pepe le Peu and this one did not like my attention and stopped at the edge of the grasses and lifted its tail at me--did not spray but certainly made it clear that I should just move on and let it return to its feeding. I was surprised that much of what is flooded in Feb-Mar for Canada geese and various species of duck is all drained to provide open fields for the tens of thousands of cranes on their way. It is fascinating to see the birds in flight as they constantly change places in the flock and the overall impression is of undulating waves of intertwining motion up and down, over and under and yet so incredibly synchronized. They arrive to land in groups of six or four --breaking off into pairs and landing in totally matching strokes of the wings with one landing first and then the other coming down behind--in the meantime, as they land in pairs the other four are circling waiting for their turn to land as a pair. Over and over again we saw this arrival and landing pattern. We eventually came to a cove in which the snow geese had congregated--they stay in water rather than in the fields. I loved the scene of a line of ducks swimming into the cove, a large bird bouncing around on the shore and the geese bundled up tightly together in the lee of the grasses to stay out of the wind. The next little pond had one lone heron who was hunched into himself as it had begun to rain heavily. Poor baby looked drenched. Then as we watched a pair of immature cranes landed among the ducks on the other side of the water. In comparison to the rest of the birds they looked so huge and ungainly, though they are truly graceful in flight. As we continued along the north loop I noticed a deer in the woods beside me--a young fawn and as we moved a bit farther to the closed road on our right we saw that it was with its mother and a sibling, who continued to the other side. The little one came racing behind to catch up and then they were gone! Next, at the curve in the road we saw a turkey flying to the grasses beneath a tree and lo and behold there was a flock of them--another and then another flew in--but catching birds in flight is something I do with pure luck--they are so fast. Still we stopped and they crossed the road before us--one of them kept moving closer to the car with one eye on us and one on the flock. Even after they were all across and into the woods he lingered moving closer and then away--obviously, the bodyguard. Off on the faraway hills we could see cars and trucks traveling north and south along I 25--looking, again, like little toys. Toward the exit we came to the area that had burned after we returned home last year--a significant destruction of habitat. Af the end we came to the flight deck --this field is always empty or flooded when we are here--today it was filled with the sounds of cranes, particularly one deep voiced fellow who did not seem to like our presence. After several more minutes of standing in the cold wind watching them get ready for night time and watching others arrive we decided to head into San Antonio and the Owl Café for Bacon Cheese Burgers and merlot to warm up. Then it was back in the dark to our lovely suite and TV and sleep. Got up the next morning and decided we had time to revisit the Bosque before heading over the valley and hills to Corrozozo and down the Valley of Fire to Alamogordo. We arrived around 1030 and left about 130. As you can see, each day brings new experiences at the Bosque. My heron was NOT at his normal place and I knew he must be off fishing a different hole this morning. Yesterday, we had bypassed a road that is normally closed in winter so today we headed that way. There was a very strong odor of skunk and it lasted a long distance down the road. I have heard that the javelinas have a strong odor though I've never experienced it and since I knew this is an area where they hang out I wondered if the odor was theirs rather than skunk. Around a bend we came upon a buzzard feeding on some road kill--he was pretty far in the distance but we stopped so as not to disturb him. I thought I discerned tell-tale black and white on the carcass but couldn't be sure. He was agitated by our presence and ate and backed off, turned away from us and then began trying to drag his prize across the road. Soon, another buzzard arrived and the first one walked off across the road. The newcomer looked the body over and then he too walked across the road. Then they came back but flew off together in the opposite direction. As we drove by I took a shot of the odiferous mess--disgusting Barb completely and off we went, figuring they came back for their delicious breakfast once we had departed. A little farther along the road we came to the Heron. Handsome as ever and happy to pose for me. Less skittish today, assuming it is the same bird--lol A little farther along, another who in my eyes looked older and more mature. He graciously struck several different poses to our delight. Of course, he was fishing for breakfast and really, once he saw we were just some more of those strange creatures who make funny clicking sounds and pose no danger, just went on about his business. Looking up the side roads is a must and this morning we were startled by the crossing of one by a female javelina--with two tiny babies the size of puppies--closely followed by the male, whose picture I was fast enough to catch before he, too, was gone in a flash. As we reached the pool of the drenched heron, there he was looking much chipper today. The snow geese were all clustered and had heads tucked in repose. Several cars were there with many of us taking photos. All of a sudden with a rush they were all gone--circling the pool madly and squawking loudly. Have no idea what spooked them--another car had just arrived and people got out--but there were several of us there already. I couldn't see an eagle or hawk or wild cat but who knows--something definitely agitated them AND they definitely seemed to want to return to the water. Barb and I watched for a little while and then decided to at least make the crowd of humans a bit smaller and left the tripods with 6 ft lens toting others in the middle of the road where they'd set up. Ignoring their dirty looks indicating their distain for us and our little $200 point and shoot camera, we departed. Driving along, Barb stopped abruptly and I said what's up--she said, a snake and it is very much alive. So I handed her my camera. Unfortunately, the snake continued on its way and went under the car! Now we were in a quandary--where was he? In front of the tires or behind. We could not move until we knew. The car behind us, passed by in a cloud of dust so no asking him. Finally, Barb decided to step out and look. I hoped he wasn't going to stay under the warm car for long. But then, I saw him coming out on my side. We waited until he was clear and then went on our merry way, just as he did, vigorously sniffing with his tongue all the way into the woods. LOL Just beautiful. ( After we finished our tour we stopped at the visitors' center to ask what he was--used several reference books and couldn't find him. Then one of the administrators came out of the office. The volunteer introduced her as their favorite ranger--which she said she was not, that she was an administrator--lol BUT, she said, I know someone who knows what that snake is and she returned to the office bringing a very handsome ranger type fellow behind her who took one look at my picture and said "It's a common king snake." He got the page and when he saw I was interested enough to read the info, he added that it is a favorite among snake collectors because it is docile and has a pleasant personality. It is also rare in the refuge!!! Though it does range from Los Lunas south. Wow, a real discovery!!) http://www.nmherpsociety.org/reptiles/snakes/lampropeltisgetulasplendida/image04.html and http://www.nmherpsociety.org/reptiles/snakes/lampropeltisgetulasplendida/index.html We returned to the flight deck for one last look at the cranes. I am wearing my heavy Irish sweater because it was cold though warmer than the day before.I am also wearing the horned toad pin from Perry Null. Out behind us you can see the field of cranes in the distance. At the entrance/exit were three deer. We thought they would cross the road, but two more were off to the right and the last deer ran off to join them--they had stopped and were looking at us. Eventually, the other two loped off to the grasses at the right and once more wild creatures, five of them, disappeared from sight and it was as though they had never been there. And so, after a chat at the visitors' center we were on the road once more--heading east past Trinity site to Carrizozo. But first, I sang, I hear a train acomin' and Barb sang, it's comin' round the bend--and there it was right on the edge of San Antonio. We covered 75 miles of emptiness of sand hills and plains to the mountain ridge that leads to Santa Rosa or Lincoln depending how you go, but we, after touring 12th St, turned south through Tularosa to Alamogordo. Down the Valley of Fire to where the lava flows reach the White Sands. https://www.carrizozochamber.org/historic-12th-street First stop--Eagle Ranch--a NEW Heart of the Desert sign--put up in May and, according to the salesgirl, excitedly, the heart lights up at night. Prettier than the big pistachio at McGinn's next door--lol Picked up some nuts to send Betsy, some cookies and a couple of stocking stuffers. Bill and I still have some nuts left from winter. Then it was on to Lowe's to replenish our food and drink supply and then to the motel. I said I was doing NOTHING but eat and read and sleep until today. We are spending a second night here. It is 2 and I'm not dressed yet. It is pouring outside and I had to map out our trip through Texas to St Francisville and Natchez and the Trace to Nashville. Also had to do the blog and pix, make a reservation in Roswell tomorrow night and will soon figure out finances. Then shower and wash my hair, dress and eventually go to Johnny Carino's for dinner. Had texted Bets last night to see if she wanted any refills for her Alamogordo groceries but she said she was fine--the nuts and baby lentils I picked up for her would be good until March. Sooo, ZZ's the story is caught up yet again.I'll send a small album of misc pix in a few minutes. Oh, yes, I forgot, San Antonio is the site of the first hotel ever established by Conrad Hilton. He grew up here and used to rent rooms in his parents' house to people passing through. Eventually, he built a small hotel which burned down but the mahogany bar was rescued and is now in the Owl Café where Barb and I sat the other night and ate our burgers. The Owl calls them the greatest in the world---I don't know about that but it is mighty good and I'd go out of my way for it. Up the road the Buckhorn says it is rated #7 in the country for its burgers--I think by the Food Network. Well, what would you choose--#7 or the greatest?? I cannot count how many greatest, best, world famous burgers I've eaten in how many world famous restaurants, cafes and bars but oh, well, they are famous to me--lol Off I go, we are having an incredible thunder storm right now. Later, BarbZig and KatZag gallup,Socorro

Fom Bakersfield Ca to Gallup New Mexico in Several Days

Hello ZigZags, Today started out very strangely indeed. First of all, I've been having trouble sleeping more than a couple of hours a night and, having a roommate, I cannot turn on a light and read until drowsy. Nor can I go outside in my nightclothes. Barb has been complaining about a headache for several days but, since she says she gets them often and they eventually go away, except for feeling sad for her discomfit, I haven't been unduly concerned. Last night, she, too, couldn't sleep, so at 230 or so we sat watching TV with the light on. I eventually went to sleep at around 4 and awoke at 630ish. She wasn't in her bed but I thought she was in the bathroom and went back to sleep. Woke again around 730 and she wasn't in bed or the bathroom but I figured she was having breakfast and went back to sleep. Woke up at 8, got dressed, and called down to the desk to ask if she were in the dining room. The desk clerk said Barb told her to tell me that she took an ambulance to the hospital! No note, the TV still on, her purse gone. I went down and rented the room for tonight again and called Bill. What to do? The hospital is not far but I didn't want to drive in a snow squall and traffic, plus the hospital is a big place and wasn't sure if she was still there or on her way back. Called her cell and it kept going to voice mail. Finally texted her--by this time it was almost 930. She told me to stay put--she was being released. At 12 15 she showed up here. They said it was vertigo and her blood pressure was through the roof. Did a CT scan--today's version of listening to your heart with a stethoscope--always a CT scan no matter the symptoms. They said nothing about the headache nor did they give her anything for it. Take it easy, keep to a schedule and eat normally. She's been sleeping since she got back--so I called Perry Null and told Karen we probably wouldn't be seeing her this trip after all. She was headed out at 2--she and her husband are off to Morocco for two weeks. On top of all that the temp is 42 degrees and the sun has just appeared at 235pm I have a reservation in Socorro tomorrow night but don't know if we'll make it or not. Sigh. But, it seems she's okay to go so hopefully, we'll be on our way again soon. When last I wrote we were in Bakersfield California. We left there at 915 in 62 degree weather and for half the drive had decent weather. We took 58 East and passed through the usual oil fields, fruit/nut trees etc but looming ahead of us were pretty high mountains and it seemed as though we were aimed right for them. Indeed we were and for many miles we rose higher and higher into them and moved alongside the railroad, whose cars looked like toy trains going through tunnels in the adjacent mountainsides. As we climbed the clouds began to thicken and darken and the winds grew stronger. Luckily, though this went on and on with the road snaking every which way, there was never any real drop-offs to contend with. Eventually, we arrived in Mohave and as its name implies we found ourselves on the floor of the Mohave Desert. For as high and rugged the mountains had been the desert is flat, flat, flat. Off in the distance, with no signs to name them, we saw the boneyard of old planes that John had told us about. Tails of airlines we never heard of--sitting there to be sold cheaply or to be used for parts. A strange site those tails like colorful sails billowing on a sea of sand. Lots of wind farms here on the desert just as in the huge pass near Tehachapi--I really loved that one--different configurations of grouped pinwheels and different sizes, too. All trying to catch whatever breeze from whichever direction might go up, down or across that system of folds and crevices. On a clear day you lose all sense of distance out here in the West. A plane takes off and you watch it rising and banking and flying away. It remains in sight forever and there is no way to tell how far away it is. Nor, where it took off from. After about three hours of driving we arrived at Barstow and the beginning of I40 which goes all the way to Wilmington NC and if you don't believe me, the first sign posted once you enter the freeway, as they call it here, announces that it is 2554 miles to Wilmington, NC. It is the third longest interstate highway in the US behind I 80 and I 90. From Barstow to Oklahoma City, it either parallels or replaces old Rte 66 and for that reason has many places that play up the association with that Mother Road. Many of the places are falling apart old curio shops or signs for motels and/ or restaurants that have long since rotted away. Yet, if you grew up with stories of Dad going out to California in the 20's and sometimes traveling on dirt tracks of those that went before rather than a marked highway with pavement, the imagination puts you with him as you gaze at these things and wonder if he saw them or passed by this same way. I cannot describe the changing topography along the length of I 40 any better than Wikipedia, although I had found a more poetic description the other night. Nevertheless, we followed it for its length in California, Arizona ( except for a digression yesterday through the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert) and New Mexico to Gallup. We will probably pick it up again a bit in Texas and Louisiana but it is too soon to tell. Here is the link to the Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_40 The long miles to Kingman continue through high desert country with lower mountains off in the distance both north and south. One of my favorite cacti--the cholla began to appear as we drew within a 100 miles of our destination. My favorite also appeared--the occatilla but was not in its lovely red flowered bloom at this time of year. There were some Joshua Trees back near Needles, too but it was more or less at Needles that we left California behind and entered Arizona. There is no daylight savings time here so though in the Mountain Time Zone the time difference between here and home is three hours not two. Also around Needles the Colorado River and its lovely bridge made a brief appearance. It is not difficult when looking at the mountains around it to determine how Needles came by its name. Along we came to Area 66. I don't remember any Roswell like activities in this part of the country so I googled it and here is the answer to What is that thing and What is Area 66?https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/area-66 It is eye-catching. As were the clouds that looked like toddlers that had done a face-plant and were crawling toward each other AND the hill that looked like a face. At last, after 6 hours and 343.1 miles we arrived in Kingman, Az and a sunny 76 degrees. After checking in we headed to the Dam Bar for steaks and drinks. Happy to see Bill's Vermont plate has joined the collection. Said howdy to John and enjoyed dinner before heading back to watch TV and rest up. The next morning we asked for late checkout so we could do some errands downtown before leaving. Went to the PO where Barb got soaked running from car to door to get some priority boxes to send some stuff home. I waited in the car for a break in the downpour--still got wet but not soaked. The roads were running with muddy water and cars were sending up bow waves that would make an ocean liner proud. Torrential. Got back and packed up the boxes but decided to get out of town since we had many miles to go once more. This time to Winslow Az. So off we went at 1035. To say the ceiling was low is a true understatement--I think we were above the ceiling most of the way if not right smack dab in the middle of it. I 40 climbs steadily from Kingman to Flagstaff and reaches its highest point in the US just West of it at over 7000 feet. I think the pictures paint the conditions in which we drove quite well. At one point of partial clearing there was a mountain that looked to us like a young girl with streaming hair lying on the floor at the foot of the rest of the range. For those of you familiar with the area, let me tell you, we NEVER laid eyes on the San Franciscans--they were totally obscured as was the road and all around us. We drove totally blind past them--let us just say the Gods were furious and sent a maelstrom at us to make their point. Yet , by Winona, though still wet, we could see once more. We took the quick detour for Barb to see the Meteor Crater. No tours outside today because of all the lightening hits. As we returned to I-40 I looked back toward Flagstaff sure the SF's would be visible--nope. For those of you not familiar with the area, the San Franciscan Mountains mark one of the four corners of Native American sacred ground and they are visible in all direstions for miles and they are always snow capped. Not this time. About 14 miles from Winslow the traffic was backed up as far as we could see. Bored I took pictures of whatever caught my eye. We were bumper to bumper moving at about 5 miles an hour for about 22 minutes and covered about four miles. A truck headed West, I think but not sure, went off in the median--could have been going East and jack-knifed. Anyway, there was a tow truck and another truck removing the wrecked truck's cargo and a pretty beat up cab. No ambulance or driver--I imagine already headed to a hospital. Scary. But trains kept right on chugging by. Got to Winslow ( after 224 miles and 6 hours; ordered pizza in) and had a room that must have been invaded by aliens. Couldn't get the Wifi to work, the A/C made a huge racket but cooled nothing off, the refrig set at the highest setting melted our ice packs, the TV turned off every 5-10 minutes and then didn't want to come back on again, the alarm clock kept blinking and we couldn't figure out how to set it so unplugged it. Total disaster. When we were checking out the lady in front of me complained that her TV came on at 5 am!! and they couldn't use the pool because the heater didn't work. She left a list of complaints and so did I. But I went a step farther, I mentioned my status as a Diamond Elite and that I would be voicing my displeasure to corporate and Travelocity and family and friends and requested a full refund. When I called Bill that afternoon he said the guy from the Winslow Quality called to apologize for our stay and was refunding the full amount. We, of course, would receive no points for the stay either--harrumph! I got an email to confirm the refund. Next morning we went downtown for Barb to Stand on the Corner, then took off for Gallup. Got off the Interstate and took the 22 mile loop through the two National Parks which we've both visited before so didn't really stop very often. Met the couple from California with the '64 Pontiac GTO. Chatted about the car and the Skyline Blue color and the red striped tires made especially for those cars. Also talked about our respective travel experiences. Were told to watch for the red '67 GTO from Canada, which we did see in passing--they were driving west in the park as we drove past them to the east. Then it was back to I 40 and something we hadn't seen in awhile--torrential rain all the way into New Mexico--but stopped as we crossed the line. I played peek-a-boo with a rainbow that just couldn't decide whether to form or not. I also we terribly intimidated by the huge pink underbellied cloud directly above us that seemed to come lower and lower as we drove. Longer day time wise--7 hours--but shorter distance--only 152 miles. Went down to Applebees where we sat at the bar--the only women among Native men. Don't think the Native barmaid approved but the men seemed fine--we chatted together and only said a few things to the gentlemen on either side who were really quite nice--travels with one and sports with the two on the other side. Just in passing not long conversations. She got a good tip even though she was not particularly friendly. LOL And then, our ordeal commenced. I made reservations in Socorro tomorrow night--we'll see what we shall see. Until then, that's all from the road for now. Barbzig and Katzag

GoodBye Sacramento--Hello Road

Hello ZigZags All, Need to add some comments to our Sacramento sojourn. I forgot to mention that on the day we arrived at John and Cindy's we watched LadyBird, which Cindy calls a love letter to Sacramento. I had it on my to watch list so was really thrilled to see it, especially since I didn't realize it was primarily filmed within blocks of their house. it was fun to watch with them since they told us where each of the locations were. Also a bit about the writer/director of the film since it is semi-autobiographical. When they took us to our motel the first time, I rode with Cindy and John rode with Barb in our car. Cindy gave me a tour of the locations, which was really cool. The blue house, for those of you who have seen the movie IS blue though not as vibrant as it filmed and there IS a flag in the front. It has been sold since the movie was filmed and, were I the new owner, I'd repaint it so that rubber neckers like me couldn't pick it out and slow down and stare at it! LOL The other thing I forgot to tell you was that one of the nights when we were left off at the hotel we decided to have a drink before bed. A young woman was sitting at the bar also while we were gabbing with Germaine, the bar man. It was getting close to 10 and there were about five people behind the bar getting it ready to close. Finally, the young woman spoke up to ask where her brussel sprout bowl was. Germaine knew nothing about it and asked the others, none of whom owned up to knowing about her order. Germaine, very embarrassed and flustered, got going on the order. I could see the woman was getting quite angry and I apologized for having tied Germaine up and commented that she looked tired. She admitted that she had just arrived from North Carolina on a flight--a long trip--and was tired and hungry. I told her that I could relate to late arrivals after a long trip. To make a long story short she is a nurse involved with kidney machines and she travels and teaches doctors and nurses who are using the equipment. Seems she had done the same thing at Med Ctr of Vt in Burlington and loved Stowe. By the time the sprouts arrived I'd gotten her calmed down and relaxed. We left her to enjoy her meal and left Germaine safe from complaint. Back to last night--Cindy texted us to ask if we could go to dinner earlier since her friend,Dana, who was joining us had her meeting canceled. We said sure and John came to get us. We walked up to the corner to one of the local small restaurants in their neighborhood. We all had the chicken balsamic walnut apple salad, except Cindy who had an arugula + pizza. She had red wine and Dana, Barb and I shared a bottle of Lava Cap chardonnay. Lots of fun conversation, including Dana's experiences on the African safari from which she returned about a month ago. What a delightful person--we all clicked immediately--and felt sad that we hadn't gotten together with her sooner or that we weren't staying a bit longer. But, the four of us had been running the roads and having such fun that we were all pooped. Plus, Barb and I really need to get a move on toward home, sad though that makes us on one hand, anxious to get home on the other. So, today--I awoke at 430 and was restless until 7 when we finally got up. We went out to the car to rearrange our new acquisitions before taking out our luggage. We had stopped for a black cherry old fashioned night cap last night and Hazel was working once more. She was our waitress on our first night . A delightful 31 year old with two young children and husband. We'd chatted with her quite a bit that evening and last night we chatted some more before she left for the evening. She said she'd be on this morning and would look for us. As we were finishing our drink, Lisa came over to our table--the nurse from Carolina. She said she was getting a flight this morning but wasn't sure she'd be able to fly to NC with Michael causing so much havoc. I asked if her 14 year old son was safe and she said, yes, he was with her ex. We didn't see her this morning but Hazel was not only working but HAD looked for us and purchased large coffees for us. She had celebrated her 31 st birthday with her family in the two days since we'd seen her. She went to the back to bring out the sparkly tee that her girls had bought her. Such a doll. It was hard to say good=bye and she said she'd miss us, too. The whole staff at the Marriott was wonderful and we got to know many of them--it was almost like family saying good-bye to many of them. I called Cindy once we were on the road to thank her once more and let her know we were on our way. She said she slept well last night and was rested but that she was just taking it easy today--lol We took 99S that does eventually go to LA but it curves more Eastward than 5 and we are staying in Bakersfield tonight. The road and traffic weren't too bad though one town just runs into the next with grape vines, cotton fields, fruit and nut trees and various agricultural businesses or plants interspersed among them. Familiar names, Lodi, Merced, Fresno--Dad spoke of them all when we were young. We had planned on stopping in Fresno to tour the underground home and gardens of the Human Mole. We got a late start today and decided to forgo it. Barb was there in the 60's with our parents and I visited them with Roger and Cindy back in the 70's so it isn't as though we haven't seen them. It is a fascinating underground home and gardens that a farmer in the early 20th century built for himself and family to escape the heat of the desert. Would have been nice to see them once more but we covered almost 300 miles today and wanted to get to the motel early. Now, I'm going to have my leftover Matteo pizza for dinner and figure out where our next stop will be. I'd like to aim for Kingman Az but it may be too far for one day's drive. We shall see what we shall see. Until then, take care, with hugs from BarbZig and KatZag

California at Last and Adventures in Sacramento

Hello ZZ's, By now I imagine you've looked at the pictures of the fire devastation and the volcanic formation of new landscapes and the fog and low ceiling of our departure from Oregon and arrival in California. It was interesting to note that the traffic lights in Ashland, Oregon have a light dedicated to the bicyclists among them. They should have that everywhere and there should be tickets issued to them as well as drivers who violate the lights or the pedestrians who do. It is just as well that there was the fog and rain to shield me from the views of the incredible drop offs in the Cascades in Northern California. Happily, though it was not a picnic for Barb to drive in the ceiling lifted enough in several passes that at least she could see the road and the almost hairpin turns that it took getting us to the Sacramento Valley which the map indicated we would travel through to Sacramento--not before Redding we didn't. When we approached Mt Shasta it was not visible through the fog and mist. I happened to glance out the back passenger window behind Barb and saw it--snow covered, partially exposed, gigantic obviously missing its top. She could not see it and the road had been reduced to two lanes, one going each way, due to the ever- present road construction. A few minutes later she told me to look in the mirror to see the huge rainbow--it wasn't very visible to me. She said in a voice crossed between irritation and disappointment--well, I guess its a sight I won't see--and I said, well, I won't see the rainbow either. I was looking to see if there was anyway to get off and get back on the Interstate to go back. Finally, about 5 miles later we came to a town with three exits--I had her get off at the first and sure enough we could get right back on. So we returned to Shasta City and I saw the huge rainbow on the way back and in Shasta City the lady at the gas station told us to go to the parking lot near the Ace Hardware store and we'd be able to see Shasta. Just magnificent. Well, worth the time to go back. AND, easy access to I-5 south where we returned to continue our way to Redding for the night. When we entered California we passed through the burned out forest consumed by the Klamath fire of the summer. The extent of the fire was unbelieveable. Still lots of fire trucks and crews around and the smell of burned wood in the air. We also had to stop at an agricultural inspection station when entering California--our three oranges, one banana and one apple were deemed safe to enter. Many of the Western states had ag inspection but Ca is the only one I've encountered in our travels. Quite understandable considering the ag economy here. And the monoculture--one diseased plant and miles of acreage would be destroyed in no time. After Shasta at least the weather relented and we had sunshine more or less all the way to Redding and the mountains began to recede East, West and North of us. Got into town by 130 so took ourselves to the Laundromat to do the two weeks of accumulated dirty clothes. Tired we ate in--I had hummus and carrots with a v-8. Barb went to Pizza Hut and got a personal pan pizza and large salad. We shared the salad. Watched TV and went to bed. Also at Redding was the huge Carr fire that made national news in August, so we really had the smells of burning forest and the sight of smoke in the smoldering pockets that were still afire. The next day was sunny, bright and the land was finally flat!!! Passed miles and miles of olive trees and fields of rice being harvested. Crossed the Sacramento River and entered the city on J Street. Followed it to Dolores Way and Cindy and John's abode. Spent the afternoon chatting and catching up in the lovely back yard. Made friends with Bobette ( a Shadow look-alike ) and Bunny who is just such a lady. Friendly and curious cats, whom even Barb, not a cat lover, found enchanting. Cindy did not tell me before we arrived, since she didn't want me to get a motel , that the guest room we stayed in 18 years ago has been converted to a small den without bed. She and John rented a suite for us at the Marriott for three nights!!!! In addition, when we checked in, the desk clerk, I think believing that all four of us were staying, upgraded us to the largest suite!!!! I absolutely did not want CandJ to pay for this but they insisted--as they have for every meal--Barb and I have tried to get the check, demanded we be allowed to treat them and they will not hear of it. We have finally demurred and have graciously accepted and thanked them for their incredible hospitality and generosity. Having traveled that day, we checked in and had dinner at the in-house bistro. I had a nice roasted chicken breast with broccolini and lemon dressed arugula. Barb had the bacon cheeseburger. We both drank a black cherry old fashioned--Maker's Mark bourbon, demerara syrup, cherry bitters, topped with a Bordeaux cherry--delicious but potent. One is plenty. The next morning Cindy and John came by and we had breakfast at the Bistro--it was passable but we only have done it once. Then off we went to Blue Diamond Almonds--the plant is huge!--went to the gift store and picked up some uniquely flavored almonds and almond brittle which I devoured that night and some Post cards. Then off to the Railroad Museum--such fun--all these original locomotives and the history of the transcontinental railroad. We walked through a Pullman sleeper and when I told the porter that I'd never be able to sleep in one of the upper berths with the curtains snapped he told me that for a bit more money I could have the private sleeper with its own restroom--yup, if I could have afforded it. We also went through the dining car in which some of the most gorgeous dishes were on display from many different rail lines and different periods of time. Elegance for sure. The dining car porter rang the chimes for the various seatings for us and told us of several of the sets--such as the lovely Tiffany setting for Great Northern Rail. While John went to get the car, Barb and Cindy played with their phones while I ran around taking pictures of Old Sac. Then off we went to see Roger Brown, whom I haven't seen in I don't know how many years. I came out and stayed with them in 1978--I don't think I've seen him since then. Had a lovely afternoon visit with great chicken wraps he'd gotten from a local deli and cold mango juice. All of us with our various collections of pix to share and stories to help us play catch-up. How is it that you can fall right back into warmth and closeness with someone even after many years apart? But it was like we'd never been out of touch. We are friends on FB now---lol Soon afterwards the four of us went to Zinfandel Grill for dinner and I had a wonderful Asian chicken salad and merlot, I think. Barb had a mushroom salad and Z burger as did John--the Z burger. What did Cindy have--not sure. LOL Brought home part of my salad. Home exhausted but really happy. Cindy had said she wished we didn't have to leave so soon. As we passed the Bistro, Barb suggested a nightcap--so she bought me a glass of wine and herself another Old Fashioned. She decided to extend our visit another night as a birthday gift to me. Wasn't sure if we should but having such a wonderful time, I agreed. On Tuesday, Cindy and John picked us up and we had breakfast at Denny's --a big improvement over the food and service at the Bistro. Then off we went to Apple Valley and wineries!!!!!!! At Boeger's Barb and Cindy each did the $20 Reserve wine tasting--I did the $5 tasting and didn't get a glass--lol Plus I got to taste their wines, too! Didn't taste them all because some didn't interest me. Still, I tasted three whites and three reds of my own plus several of theirs. The lady who waited on us was so nice--she had spent time in Stowe and ate at some fancy restaurant on the Burlington waterfront--Hen something or other. I don't do Burlington anymore so meant nothing to me. She also went to a camp in Craftsbury because she is a rower. Anyway, her husband is a retired pilot and she was quite conversant about travel and food and definitely wine but not at all pompous and we enjoyed her immensely. Said if we ever met again in Burlington we'd do lunch at the Hen place--told her I'd be more likely to see her in the Craftsbury--Hardwicke area--lol Bought some wine there--don't ask what I can't remember. Then it was off to Lava Cap--met a couple there from San Francisco--natives--grew up there and were bemoaning how it has changed. Fisherman's wharf really used to be filled with fishermen--not boutiques, fancy dancy restaurants etc. They told me to ask Kevin Brady to do his glass roll for me. Okay, I did. Kevin takes the glass about a quarter full of wine and rolls it on its side along the bar--it aerates the wine and does change its nose and taste --but the impressive part is the wine comes right to the brim of the glass and he doesn't spill a drop. Neat man--chatted so much we were there for ages, all the while sipping numerous wines and, of course, buying some. It was my favorite winery of the day--primarily because I loved every wine I tasted and would have bought them all if I could have. Spent more on a bottle of wine than I think I ever have but it is really good. Neat sleeping cat at Lava, Stopped at an apple stand, too but heck, we were into wine, baby. So, John, ever patient and good natured, rounded up the carriage and chauffeured us to the next winery. Madrona, named after those lovely trees we saw in the San Juans and now in the garden here. We weren't really impressed with many of the wines here, but they do have a lovely port which is light with a slight sweetness and a peach tinged aperitif called Fiore that chilled is really very nice. So picked up a couple of bottles of it and a port. Enjoyed meeting the canine greeter, Sprocket. He insisted I allow him out where he made himself comfortable in a shallow pit he dug for himself under a picnic table. He sprawled his full length and went to sleep. We, too, decided we had enough wine and John returned us to our digs for a rest. Cindy and John then picked us up around six for dinner at Matteo's--outdoors under the trees with a nice breeze and candles. I had a pizza--and Merlot and raspberry cheesecake and coffee. John had shrimp and mango salad that looked devine. Cindy had mussels and Barb had a steak. So delicious. I ate all but two pieces of my pizza. I'm amazed my clothes haven't gotten too tight on me--Cindy and John are spoiling us so much. But the days just fly and we talk non-stop and laugh and are just having such an incredibly good time. Today, we had breakfast at Pancake Circus. I had a pecan waffle--I can't remember the last time I've had a waffle and this one was delicious. Then we headed up to Fairfield and the Jelly Belly factory. I texted Bets at noon to ask what kind she likes and she answered by 12:01---lolol After ohhing and ahhing over all the selections we all got ourselves jelly bellies of all kinds. Then, knowing that tomorrow we are hitting the road once more, we came back to the hotel to rest. John is picking up at 630 for dinner and then, it will be back to pack and get ready to leave tomorrow. Tonight is a Italian-Czech restaurant. Should be interesting. It will be so sad to leave--the weather, the company, the food, the wine, the room --such a perfect four days. Bill just called and I regaled him with our doings and told him we have to find a way to meet up with Cindy and John this winter. It is so sad we live so far apart and never see each other--we were so close when she was in Vt --it is hard to believe she's been out here over 40years! Well, that's what's been happening the past few days. I'll post pix from today soon. Tomorrow we head to Bakersfield with a stop in Fresno to see the Forestiere Underground Gardens. I saw them back in the 70's but they were closed in 2000 when Barb and I came through. Hopefully, we'll get to see them this time. They are unique and interesting. So, until next time, so long from BarbZig and KatZag

Almost to California

Hello, ZigZagAlongs, California here we come. Only about 10 miles from the border but though we only went about 160 miles today, the nearest town in California with a hotel was too far. Rainy today and very low ceiling all the way. Actually, though cold and damp really quite pretty with the mountains and the various colors of the trees and grasses. Amazing the thick, high walls of lava all the way along thpye Interstate, evidence of the volcanic pyrotechnics of the millennia. Barb mentioned that we seemed to be following Interstates a lot on this trip and missing all the small, quaint little towns we enjoyed in 2000 and again in 2014. Unfortunately, I've never been able to get a decent State transportation map from California. They provide a strange tourist vacation map that shows very few roads, primarily the ones that connect points of interest. As a result I'm not easily able to pick out alternate routes but now and then I urge an exploration on and off the Interstate, such at Myrtle Creek. Barb wanted to find myrtle wood items and I thought maybe Myrtle Creek might have some. Well, like so many of the towns of our memory it has either died or, as in the case of Corvallis, it has become a yuppy, boutique-y tourist trap. I'd picked up a mini-tangerine--the only one-- at the motel this morning and it turned out to be one of the best tangerines I've ever eaten. We continued South toward California--will these mountains never end??--over pass after pass after pass. Saw a sign for a National Historic Site to took another loop off the Interstate to see an Inn that would have fit in perfectly in New England. If you ever played The Oregon Trail computer game--one of my favorites-- you will be familiar with the pioneers making their way to Oregon's Willemette Valley, which we were doing in a much more comfortable and rapid fashion. I wish I knew the names of the trees out here, some of them are just so beautiful. Look at the loveliness of that conifer branch--the color, the pattern. Riding down among the mountains on both sides I was much reminded of being in Battery Park in Burlington with the Adirondacks on one side and the Greens on the other. These mountain ranges just refuse to make a single line easily crossed--oh, no, once you are over one ridge another sometimes higher rises before you. Now I can appreciate purple mountains majesty as much as the next guy, but, you know, enough is enough. Eventually, we came to our last stop in Oregon--Ashland. I don't usually stay in Rodeways--they are at the bottom end of the Choice line-up. But this one is a gold medal award winner and had an excellent rating by over 900 customers. Well, the room was tiny but recently updated, clean and comfortable, And there is where my positive comments end. The clerk refused to accept the reservation in my name with Barbara paying--first time we've had this problem over how many days??? Then the internet dropped me mid-blog and I could not reconnect. The breakfast the next day was nothing but coffee, dry cereal, waffles to make and no creamer and nothing hot. In addition, there were at least 50 rooms if not more the the breakfast room had three two person tables so close together they would have done better with one table and six chairs. There will be a very poor evaluation of this property. The positively worst ever. Well, we are in Sacramento tonight until Wednesday. We are visiting friends and will be running the roads and having fun with them so no more internet until we leave to move farther south or east or southeast out of California. I will send today's and yesterday's pix tonight but the blog of our doings will have to wait for a few days. Enjoy the pix, especially of Mt Shasta and the Rainbow to beat all Rainbows. Take care, BarbZig and KatZag

Dinner Last Night in Troutdale and Fun All Day in Albany

Hello ZZ's We begin today's pictures with dinner at Tad's in Troutdale along the Sandy River. Though chicken and dumplings is the house specialty, neither of us like dumplings and the chicken appears to be made much like a chicken pot pie. I took a shot of the round huge bowl in which the meal is served--the one huge dumpling makes it look like an ice cream sundae. Many of our fellow diners were lapping it up and had to go boxes to take home. We, on the other hand, both opted for liver, onions and bacon with wine--reisling for me, merlot for Barb. We had salads before--honey vinaigrette for Barb and Bleu Cheese for me. Then we finished with coffee. Barb brought home her leftovers but I did not--I ate most of the two liver steaks but don't like reheated liver or cold liver. So Barb has her dinner tonight--I think I'll have carrots and hummus with fruit and yogurt for dinner. This morning we headed out to Sandy and through Estacada and down a 22 mile mountain road to Mollala where we decided to follow the valley to Woodburn and I-5 south. Lots of fruit trees and vineyards once we reached flat land--nurseries and green houses as well. I loved how the vines covering the soundproof wall in Woodburn are changing colors in sequence producing a wonderful wall mounted tapestry of color. When we neared Albany a billboard for an antique carousel caught my eye so we got off at the exit and went to the info center. Amy, the greeter, was astounded that we planned on going to Corvallis. She said spend the day here in Albany, we have lots to see including the Carousel. So, we agreed to walk the six or so blocks to the specially built building housing the Carousel. As soon as we walked in the door, I recognized the beautiful ride from a PBS special I'd seen within the past two years about its restoration. OMG--It is gorgeous. We were descended upon by two little plumb ladies who reminded me of two little birds. Each on chirping at us--where are you from? Ohhhh, you are so long from home! What brought you here? Yes, this is the one from PBS. How did you find us? I saw the billboard. Oh, you must go to the gift shop and take a tour of the workroom and get a token and ride on the carousel. And you can get coffee and hot dogs to eat! And there is a little museum about the restoration, They were so cute. We started walking around the ride and looking at the wonderful animals--each one more adorable than the next--and the details--so much to see on each one. The Frog is Harriet and she has a bag of flour behind and a canning jar clutched in her arm. There is Tuesday the brown cat and the spotted cat with a flamingo draped on its back and a monkey propped on its tail. On and on--each more fun than the next. Then there were some animals from older carousels and a miniature carousel that served as the tree stand for the family of the man whose family built the original mechanism etc of the this carousel. At the back of the gift shop, we met Larry, one of the wood carvers who was working on some hibiscus flowers that will eventually decorate one of the chariots already on the ride. He talked about the building and how they managed to get just what they wanted. It seems that the town owned the property and sent out requests all across the country and the world to architects looking for a design that would hold the carousel but would also blend in with the old buildings in Albany--19th century structures. They received all kinds of modernistic glass and steel designs and despaired that they'd ever find someone who " got it" Then one day a young man was on one of the tours of the workshop where the animals and floor and ceiling and mechanism were being refurbished. After the tour he remained behind and asked where the finished ride would be placed. Larry told him of the problems they were having and he asked if he could submit a design since he had a small architectural firm in Eugene. Sure, why not? And, voila, he got it! Soon the floor was finished and Osha came in and said it would not meet current standards. A guy a couple of towns away heard about the problem and he came and said, if you can find someone to mill it for you, I have two old stand Douglas Fir you can have. Found a mill to do it and the floor was done over. The mechanism was really worn and they were looking for someone who knew how to repair this 19th C drive. The grandson of the original manufacturer heard about the problem and said send it back to us --we'll fix it. We spoke about the rooster that Larry and a couple of others are working on--all painted it now needs to have the shadowing and contouring with other paints. Then it will get a coat of clear material containing sparkly particles to give iridescence to the feathers and then the whole thing will get a thick clear coat to give it the hard shine of the real carousel creatures. He pointed out the eyes--specially made so that no matter where you stand that nasty old rooster is keeping you in his sights. And he does. Then Barb and I checked out of the gift shop, clutching two tokes a piece to take two rides on the carousel. Dropped the tokens into an old San Francisco Streetcar fare box and boarded the ride. Oh, my gosh, I haven't smiled so much in years. No music but it was magical. When the ride stopped one of the fellows operating it, came by and said stay on for another ride. The man who was watching from the floor to make sure we all were behaving came by and said to me, the music wasn't playing--so I know it is hard, but you'll just have to ride again. Hard, right! I took pix of the animals going up and down and just loved it. Then, when it was over, I got off and put my second token in the box for another ride. Oh, if I lived there I 'd ride until I'd been on every animal at least once. But, sadly, it was time to move on. We walked back along 1st and then saw a cute little German café so in we went for a late lunch. Ginger lemonade, sauerkraut salad--didn't taste like sauerkraut at all and was cold--and a half beef and cheese sandwich with horseradish sauce. Bought a chocolate chip scone to go. Maybe that is dinner. Then we took spin out to Corvallis but it is now a boutique, fancy bistros, etc town. Not any evidence of myrtle wood which was its big claim to fame 18 years ago. Guess, they found a better draw these days--too touristy for us. So back to I-5 between mountains on both sides--like Burlington with the Adirondacks on one side and the Greens on the other. Got through Eugene as easily as through Salem, the capital. Ten miles out came to Cottage Grove and checked into our motel. Now, I have to study the Oregon/California border on the map and decide how we are going to proceed to Sacramento and our visit with Cindy and John and other old friends. It has been much too long since we've seen each other--18 years for some, much, much more for others! So, we are off for the evening. Enjoy the Carousel--really look at each animal--so much detail and hidden fun things. We'll catch up again tomorrow. For now, good night BarbZig and KatZag

Sort Hop, Skip and Jump into Oregon

Hi zz's, Short day today with only one zig over to the Mt St Helens vistors' center which is in a Wa State Park and charged $5 to see the museum and movie--but we paid it, willingly. The museum is a earth science teacher's dream when teaching volcanology and the movie capturing the horrendous eruption is remarkable. This eruption was considered and is considered a SMALL eruption--I cannot imagine it or anything bigger. Nature sure is daunting. The ride today was on Interstates but traffic moved well and the sun was out. All in all a nice drive with the Kalana River flowing nearby for several miles. The names of the Indian tribes out here are so unfamiliar to me. Many reservations all along Puget Sound in Washington. As we neared the Columbia River and the Gorge crossing we could see Mt Hood in the distance. Another of the Cascades and another of the volcanoes in this part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Arrived in Troutdale Oregon at 130 having covered about 135 miles. Our purpose for stopping here? Tad's Restaurant --famous for chicken and dumplings, though we NEVER get that. Maybe I will tonight, since I'm not sure I'll get back here again, But then, maybe not. Hard to believe the eruption of Helen was almost 40 years ago. I'd been out visiting friends just two years before that. Dad had come out to California in the 20's just after Lassen had erupted. Now, that is almost 100 years ago. Strange, the concept of time. Well, will let you know about Tad's tomorrow. Barbzig and KatZag

From Anacortes to Tumwater Wa on the Road MOST Traveled

Hi there ZigZags, Our pictures today start with dinner last night in MiCasita's . We sat at the same table but Ashley was off helping a friend move to Canada so we had to " settle " for another lovely young lady whom we had also met the first evening we ate there. Tonight I had chicken stewed in a tomato based sauce with onions and peppers and seasonings. Of course it comes with refried beans and rice, both of which are delicious, neither of which are pointless--actually the rice is quite high but the beans would be okay if they weren't also drowned in loads of cheese. I just had a few forksful of each and left the rest. Did have a Dos Equis to wash it down, however. Barb had some kind of spicy beef dish and margarita. We decided since our trip today was around 150 miles that we would take our time getting ready to leave the Island. So we took the 11:05 ferry which was to arrive in Anacortes at 12:10. Met a nice couple from San Diego and chatted with them about life in California and how expensive everything is. Not sure where the wife was from but her husband grew up in Denver. We also could overhear two brothers, one of whom lives locally, rehashing their lives from day one, I think. Both they and their wives were such loudmouths I wanted to drop one of them overboard. The four of us rolled our eyes quite often over the "conversation" we could not avoid overhearing. I hate people like that. The captain this time gave a big speech on safety and emergency procedures--never heard that before. Soon, we were slowing down and he announced that we had to stop at Lopez Island to pick up a school bus load of kids. One of the loudmouths announced that there was no school system on Lopez, yet the bus said Lopez school system. Have no idea why a busload of kids was going into Anacortes at that hour of the day--no evidence of a sporting event. A mystery for sure. Mr California and I headed to the bow to see the operation of the loading dock and the loading of the bus. A young mother was going through each step of the backing up of boat, lowering of dock to meet deck, driving on of bus, raising of dock to leave deck and pulling away. It was really cute and the little three or four year old boy was just very excited about the whole thing. He wanted to get on the bus but she said no, those kids on the bus would be getting off. So, we pulled away from Lopez and the captain announced that we were going to have a practice rescue operation of a " man overboard " situation. Mr California and I offered to volunteer Mr Loudmouth but Barb and Mrs Ca just laughed and shushed us. So he and I went forward once more to see what we could see. A little red boat with two crew members tooling about and a squeaky pulley apparently lowering or maybe raising a lifeboat--could only see and hear the pulley. At last we were on our way once more. Now, another passenger came over to Loudmouth Bros saying you sound like locals so maybe you can tell us about the ferry between Coupeville and Port Townsend. They said only one ferry and you need reservations --very busy. I went over and said the new Fall schedule said two ferries until Oct 8 running every half hour. Ah, said one Loudmouth--can't believe that--one of the ferries is right there in drydock in Anacortes--prop got tangled with a crab trap and it ran slow all summer. Now that season is over they've taken it off. We were then joined by another passenger who said she'd just called the Ferry terminal and the next Ferry that had room ran at 6 pm.. Not good--it is a half hour crossing and only 33 miles away from Anacortes. We'd be driving in the dark and I couldn't cancel our reservation in Tumwater without losing 91 bucks. So, one of the Mrs Loudmouths said my desired route of 101 on the Olympic Peninsula was desolated and would take me way West of my destination. Plus, Tumwater tonight was going to have us driving our asses off. She said Rt 3 through the lower islands a much nicer drive but can't get there without the ferry. There was a smugness and satisfaction in her tone and I could have slapped her. But, I thanked her and told Barb that I-5 was our only option. BTW, it takes us as far East as 101 does West--maybe even more so. In the meantime, we were supposed to get into Anacortes at 12:10 and with all the playing around with buses and overboards, we got in at almost 2 !!! Also, I'd been watching the sky in the South and it did not look good--lots of precip very evident. But, off we went, backtracking to Mt. Vernon ( if I'd known all of this was going to happen, I'd have had us stay there again!) and on down to Everett, Seattle and its Space Needle, Spokane. Tacoma,SeaTac, Lacey, Olympia and finally Tumwater. We stopped at a rest area around Arlington and checked the mileage from Everett to Olympia and it showed almost 300 miles. It was pouring, traffic was bumper to bumper the whole way, in both directions. We decided if that was right we were going to bite the bullet and stop sooner. Called OnStar and with the rain they couldn't get a fix on us to give us the distance. Finally got them once we got out from under the rain clouds,for a little while, and lo and behold, I'd been right and the exits do go by mileage--so we were only 74 miles from Tumwater when at SeaTac. Thank God. Got in 5:20 and did 148.5 miles. Probably just as well with the weather that we didn't go that desolate way, but it sure wasn't the drive she described. Just as long as I thought and not timewise any longer than expected. We DID drive for a long time in the restricted lane for buses and 2 person car pools--but oh, well, we've been car pooling for three weeks now, haven't we? Just one last thing, before I run off to watch Jeopardy. Remember Leavenworth and Stevens Pass through which we traveled to Mt Vernon before the Islands? Well, snowed there all day today! Winter is coming to these mountains. Also severe flooding in N Arizona so don't know what that will mean for Antelope Canyon but that is far in the future. For now, Troutdale and Tad's tomorrow night. Til, then TV and sardines for dinner. Talk to you all tomorrow. BarbZig and KatZag

A few rainy, misty hours on Orcas Island

Hello zztagalongs! Today's pictures begin with a shot of Friday Harbor yesterday afternoon when it was cold but a bit sunny. The rest of the shots are from today. We asked for a 6 o'clock wake up call so we would be able to catch the 8:30 ferry to Orcas Island. With time to spare, Barb filled the car with gas at $3.96 per gallon. Well, when trapped on an island you pay what they charge. Soon, however, we were on our way to Orcas--the sky was very overcast and it was drizzling but we saw a few patches of blue, which made us feel optimistic. For naught. The Island is a funny shaped three lobed, heavily forested, mountainous piece of terre firma. We began by heading out to Deer Harbor and the marina there. Not much else there I'm afraid, although the Post Office was open so we mailed our packed boxes we'd been carting around for a few days. Asked about the Stanley Steamer rides--postmistress didn't seem too clear about them, except to say, oh, yes, they are open cars, I think, over in East Sound. I asked about the sculptor that the Washington Tourism Dept had sent an email about--yup--toward East Sound, too, up Double Hill Rd just before the village. You'll see his stuff from the road. So, off we headed out Crow Valley Road to East Sound. Missed the turn, since things are not terribly well marked. Though I had a map, it was not to scale, didn't have all the roads on it and most of the roads had no signs on them. Not terribly visitor friendly. But we made our way back to the village, which is cramped around a very narrow street with everything tooth to jowl and no really clear indication of what anything is. A couple of B&B's, a junk shop--oops. souvenir shop-- maybe a pub and a café and I think the porch on that building had a restaurant sign. Didn't see any sign of Stanley Steamers and missed Double Hill Rd but knew we had to come back this way because every lobe is connected at East Sound. So, out we went to Olga which supposedly has a gallery and shop of innumerable local artists. There is nothing in Olga except the gallery and it said Closed. When we returned past it, the other door said Open but there was no evidence of anyone around so we didn't stop. Worked our way back through Moran State Park, bypassing the Mountain Road to the top of Constitution Mountain which was shrouded in fog and mist. I hear it has a fabulous 360 degree view of the Islands etc but not today. Around Crescent Beach and back into East Sound. Found Double Hill Road and drove up at 10mph as instructed by the sign at the bottom. There was the field with the artists beautiful stainless steel wind mobiles but a tripod metal sign in the driveway saying private drive--do not enter. So the main reason I wanted to go to Orcas was denied me. No one around to ask permission to look at the field of beautiful objects. So, back to Orcas Rd, through West Sound--on the map but for sure not on the road--and back to Orcas Village and the 12:40 ferry back to Friday Harbor. $23.50 to return --nothing to go over. Crazy. Had to wait for the ferry so bought a souvenir spoon, a wooden bookmark and a map of the islands to frame. When I commented on the tax the lady asked if I were from Oregon. What? Seems they honor the lack of sales tax in Oregon, NH and Montana--should have told her I was from NH. Though the Island was disappointing--weatherwise, lunch wise and art wise--it really is incredibly beautiful and does not bother knocking itself out for the tourist. If you are into kayaking, camping, horseback riding or staying in harbor resorts, Orcas is your place, though. And the Madrona trees are incredibly interesting and beautiful. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arbutus_menziesii So after waiting in the harbor for 15 minutes to dock we are back in our room. Barb is napping, not having slept well last night for some reason. I have to plot out our way to Oregon --mileage between stops, motels at stops and the road to take after I give Barb the info. So, I'm off with my map and computer. We'll be on the road again tomorrow--headed for the Olympic Peninsula, that geographic hallmark of the Washington Coast and the Northwest Border of every grade school kid's map of the USA! Until then, hasta la vista, babies BarbZig and KatZag PS--Great chat with Betsy from the ferry between Lopez and San Juan. First time since leaving home. Good to talk with her--miss her a lot.