Road signs

Greetings all!

It has been a few days since we've written. Between fatique, a lack of internet connections and of course traveling, we've gotten behind. At any rate, today finds us in Monument Valley having arrived late last night. We toured Canyon Valley en route here [well a third of it since it is very broken up in terms of access] and totally enjoyed the massive buttes and mesas. The pictures we have taken, while technically good, are hugely inadequate to the task of describing the landscape.

One of the things we've made a point of doing is to hike nearly every day we are in a park. Today was no exception. We took a 4 wheel drive road as far as we could and then hiked maybe 2 & 1/2 miles to the lip of a canyon. Our goal was to find the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. Alas, we did not and we might even been within a short distance but not have known it. No matter really - we found a large flat rock and enjoyed the moment with not a soul within 10 miles of us.

The title of this blog speaks to a feature of American roads that I've not seen as much elsewhere. Roadside signs marking events, topographical features and quirky little stories. These signs are literally everywhere and while in NH, I would occasionally stop by them for the 2 minute it took to read them. Out here, we've really made an effort to stop by as many as we can. They tell of stories important enough to someone out there that they research it, fund it, make a lasting posting, and go to the effort to erect it at the spot. They speak of outlaws hiding out in a canyon and being starved out and feeling grateful it was not the ranchers that they had robbed that found them. They tell of geologic uprisings, hardy travelers with 7 children and a tolerant wife living in a dirt floor hut for 10 years. They tell of prairie dogs, antellope, elk and that bears have been recently sighted. They share animal protection strategies such as don't fight a bear if he attacks [right.....] but do fight a mountain lion. And mind you, this is all contextual in that you, while reading this sign, are actually IN bear or mountain lion country so it is QUITE relevant.

So, for what it is worth, take the time to read these signs. Even around the area you live. Amazing stories can be found. And it has the added benefit of slowing you and [and us] down.

Spent a few days in Salt lake city - saw the major buildings of the Mormon faith. Had my usual aversions but a pleasant day nevertheless. Found an art gallery and a comedy club later that night. Also a very nice Italian restaurant.

Wound our way down to Arches National Monument and took three hikes the later of which was to delicate arch [photo] and brought us down in the end to nearly total darkness. Good hikes though totalling about 8 miles. Spent last night in Moab Utah.

I will be thinking of that restaurant as we dine tonight since Monument Valley is in a Navajo reservation and there is NO alcohol.

Don't forget to write!

Matt

We PASSED our Peace Corps Medicals!

Well that sort of sums up the BIG news on this end. We have the final review to go through but based on everything we've heard from them, we have two slots reserved in a english speaking Central or South American country. For us this is really big news and we are both delighted and scared to death...in just about equal measures.

Spent the day in Boise and will until we leave on Friday. Did an 8 mile hike high into the foothills overlooking Boise. VERY dry but oddly enough, there were the occasional puddle at 4,000 feet all by itself without any other water around. Plus, they have had no rain for some time. At any rate, a good hike in a very different climate than we are used to. Ric and I spent the evening at a sports bar [Cheerleaders] with our wives watching the Red Sox crush the Rockies. Ric and Kathy have been extremely gracious hosts - something we have been blessed with the entire trip. It was wonderful to meet their family, new baby and of course to play with Dexter their Golden.

The next day, did some mandatory car cleaning [do you have any idea just how groddy the car can get essentially living out of it?} and then played 18 holes of golf with Ric and one of his buddies. Played pretty well considering that I haven't hit a ball in 2 months. Then to dinner at their favorite downscale and very fun restaurant. Enjoyed the evening.

Took off for Salt Lake City and made a few stops along the way. One was a huge canyon that outlaws used to hide in until the local constabulary realized that all they had to do was to starve them out. Then on to Salt lake and to tour Antelope Island in the middle of the Salt Lake. Very beautiful and essentially unchanged since it's creation. Among other considerations on the island is that they raise Bisson to help repopulate Yellowstone National Park.

Onto SLC to find that the hotel we had booked had changed its address on our nav system so that was a bit of a pain to find out where they actually were. Plan to stay here tomorrow and then off to Monument Park.

Finally, just for curiosityI signed on to the VITAL website to see how the project I managed was going....to find out that my sign on had been revoked. VERY odd and disquieting feeling. Guess it is over?

Matt

Boise, Idaho

Arrived at Ric and Kathy's after a long day of mountainous,curvy roads. Drove past the Snake River and the Salmon River. Yesterday set out to discover downtown Boise, a city nestled in the valley surrounded by mts. Happened upon the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, a park whose purpose is to educate the world abouy human rights. There were a series of 40 quotes from people discussing the human condition. Some of Anne Frank's quotes were included as well. I was as moved by the park and it's surroundings as I was when I visited Anne Frank's place of hiding in Amsterdam. A tree was planted by a friend of Anne's whose parents gave Anne the diary that she wrote in. They presented it to her at her 13th birthday party. How ironic that the diary would prove to be her saving grace while she was hiding. Incredible coincidence. Matt and I strolled along the Greenbelt parks bordering the Boise River. Temp was in the 70's ( yeah, I actually wore sandals), then sat by the river enjoying the soothing sound of the river, the sun, the foliage. This is actually the first time on the trip that we've sat in one spot and just contemplated life, being in the moment. Then we visited the Boise Art Museum which had a display of photographs by Laura McPhee. The exhibit was actually assembled by the MFA in Boston! An elderly man who was obviously a docent followed me from exhibit to exhibit pointing out unique features. His sharing of his knowledge of the exhibits added immeasurabely to my enjoyment and understanding of the art. He was incredulous that we were on the road for two months. He recommended that we drive through Hell's Canyon. I replied that's how we arrived in Boise, all downhill! Yikes! The diversity of the landscape is mind boggling at times. All in all it was a perfect day and much appreciated after the long drive the previous day. Met Ric and Kathy's daughter, son-in-law and their 10 month of daughter, Audrey. Oh, and their golden retriever, Dexter. Capped off the evening by having dinner at restaurant with an Argentine flair. Great fun! A man came to our table and made delicious guacamole from scratch--- from cutting the avocado in half, depitting it, chopping it, mashing it and adding seasoning! First time I've witnessed that feat! Hope all is well with all of you, Kare.

The day in Yakima Washington

Today was a 'down' day in that we needed not to drive and to attend to some details. Items such as clean laundry allow our friends to let us visit and not attract a pack of wolves looking for the road kill. Changing the oil was also on the agenda with oOver 5,000 miles so far this trip. Also, Kare had a minor fender bender last night in her mission to get our dinner at the local Chinese diner. A somewhat impatient driver attempted to pass her on the right as she made a right hand turn. Basically a bumping but still a bit of a pain. These days make it possible to enjoy the sights later and see what is right here in front of our noses.

I wandered about town, went to a farmers market found a small but intriguing little park that had the original copy of the treaty between the Indians and the US Government ceding so much of their land. Also a copy of a letter / telegram from WWII informing the next of kin of a soldiers passing on the battlefield. Too much of that going on today as well.

Visited a bunch of wineries today and bought some to ship home and some to bring to our friends in Boise Idaho. met a guy who worked for the BLM and got some interesting perspective on what their job is. VERY broad responsibilities. Caves to trees, to mining, to vast tracks of open prairie and much more. We also visited a town nearby where they had painted maybe 30 murals on their buildings (LARGE murals) showing their history. This is an indian reservation and I think it was pretty balanced in the subject matter considering their history. Town was largely deserted as we wandered from mural to mural all about the town. A bit of a ghost town quality to it.

THEN THE RED SOX WON THE AL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!

Idaho bound tomorrow!

Matt

Bellingham to Yakima, Wa

We had Dinner at the Black Cat, a restaurant in a restored building with balconies all around each level with a direct view to each floor below. After dinner Garth took us for a walk around the oceanside walkway. He pointed out the ferry that transports people and cars to Alaska. Ah, another dream destination! Not this trip though. Saturday drove through a mountain pass: when we entered Mt. Rainier Nat'l Park rain turned to snow. Rangers were posted in the park advising motorists without all wheel drive or chains to turn back due to 6" of snow and more falling. Keep in mind that there are no railings in the park so one slip is into a ditch 1,500 feet or more deep! The larch trees were a brilliant yellow and the only deciduous evergreens in the area. Massive, snow covered evergreens were a striking contrast to yellow larches. All of a sudden ,the tune Let It Snow came to mind and of course I had to sing it! We entered White Pass and discovered two cascading waterfalls. It was 32-39 degrees F. The sun eventually emerged and the terrain changed dramatically to sheer, treeless cliffs that had a blocklike appearance as if someone had purposefully chiseled the columns. The culprit was actually lava that had flowed over uneven terrain. Learned that they are referred to as entrapments. Will have to discuss it with our son-in-law, the geologist. Hi Ryan and Sarah! I'm still amazed at the rivers and lakes within Washington State. The perpetual cloudy days with clear nights, and frequent rain would deter me from living here. Plan to explore the wineries today as there are 40 within the Yakima area. A delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon, don't you think? All for now, Kare

Vancouver, Canada!

Today was Vancouver day - in spite of the heavy rain that fell most of the day. Toured a compact and beautiful Chinese garden dedicated to peace between two peoples. I have always been inspired by oriental gardens of any sort. The art of simple expression - well placed and crafted shapes that calm the mind while creating energy.

We did something we've not done for many many years and that was to go into a 'head shop'. They are somewhat casual in BC about pot use [no we didn't and don't] and the shops around show it. It was very much like walking into the 60's in a somewhat limited way.

Had lunch on the revolving restaurant of the Towers...very nice very long lunch.

Off to visit my nephew Garth in Bellington Washington. Very nice after all these hotels to sleep in a home and be with Garth as family. His roommate, Dave, very personable and both young men interesting to talk to. Would have liked to meet Emily Garths GF but no luck on this visit. Also got my dog fix with Garths very active VERY well mannered Yellow Lab. Had my first dinner in a brothel last night. Interesting to say the least!

Off to Yakima tomorrow over the two mountain passes. I will let Kare describe those sections. Surfice to say, I am glad we have an all wheel drive and had chains on board.

Btw, in case you are wondering...the brothel was a brothel 50 years ago and restored to original condition.

Matt

First encounter with snow

It was bound to happen sooner or later and today was the day. We left Kelowna, BC on a cloudy, rainy day. We weren't complaining as we've been blessed with sunny days since our departure. What we weren't planning on was driving in snow. Driving through a mountain pass ( man, Canada certainly has its share ) we encountered rain, then sleet, then snow. It certainly made for great photos, however, the curvy up, up, up, then the down, down, down made for some tense moments. Let's just say that while Matt was driving I was super attentive looking for animals along the side of the road. We'd seen far too many wildlife along the roadside, [we had a very close call missing an elk by less than a foot yesterday in broad daylight] so we both stayed focused. We stopped at a trucker's diner called Eastgate ,where we overheard the locals discussing an accident that had just occurred on the section we were about to drive on. Fortunately, with Matt's driving prowess and the help of XM radio folk Village station, we arrived safely in Vancouver, Canada. He's watching the Red Sox game as I write. Go Red Sox!
The trucker's diner [also, a lonely outpost]had magazines to read so I grabbed British Columbia and Matt grabbed an issue of National Geographic. Not exactly what we expected at a truck stop. There was actually a pay phone ( hard to come by in the US now), post office boxes and a Greyhound bus terminal. We were 30 miles from the next town, in an area with NO cell phone coverage and had to traverse yet more curvy, mountainous roads. I think I'll be able to go up and come down the Mt. Washington auto road in NH with my eyes open from now on! Can't wait to see the city of Vancouver tomorrow before we head to the Seattle area to visit our nephew, Garth. Wishing for the straight roads of the midwest! I never thought I'd say that! Happy days, Kare

Dream of a lifetime

Yesterday I fulfilled my dream of visiting Banff National Park. Linda and Bryan Stearnes were kind enough to provide lodging in their lakeside home in British Columbia and chauffered us to the Park. Not only are they funloving, interesting people they are superb tour guides as well. Aside from the fantastic scenery, the highlights of the day were: seeing a gray wolf running along a roadside forest, a bull elk grazing in dowtown Banff, and enjoying a drink while gazing out of the Chateau's large window with a view of Lake Louise. The color of many of the lakes and streams are a Caribbean turquoise blue. Matt and I look forward to hosting them on the east coast soon. After a great visit, we departed for Roger's Pass through Canada's Glacier National Park. Fortunately, the snow was limited to the higher elevations as we drove through the pass, so we didn't have to drag out the chains. We were prepared anyway. We finally descended into a valley with green pastures. Lots of photo stops along the way. Stopped briefly in Revelton, a town that reminded me of No.Conway, NH. Tonight we are calling Kelowna, BC our home base. This trip hasn't been just about sight seeing and visiting friends, I've learned some new skills. I've learned how to use cruise control (yup that's right, Ben), how to use a blackberry for calls and sending emails, and how to navigate a laptop without a mouse! Reading two books along the way: Three Cups of Tea and Mountain Time, A Yellowstone Memoir by a park ranger, Paul Schullery. It's fun reading after having seen Yellowstone. Lots of info about the native plants and animals. On to Vancouver tomorrow! Miss you all. Love, Kare

En route with a detour

Hello all,

First of all, we know that we might have left some folks off distribution of this blog site by pure task overload on our part. If you know of anyone contemplating such an adventure or if you know of anyone who might be sufficiently bored and needs to get out more, feel free to share the URL around. Even strangers! One never knows where their next friend is coming from.

We spent the night in Bozeman Montana purely on a whim by me. One of my all time favorite books is "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" by Robert Pirsig. This is not a quick nor easy read but it is an interesting read and I recommend it. It most likely is NOT an airline book [the kind I used to buy at one end of a trip and discard into the trash on the other end]. At any rate, the author used to teach at the University of Montana in Bozeman. For only that reason I wanted to see the English department he taught in while he was going through his trials and tribulations. Hence the night in Bozeman. It is nice to indulge one's whims now and again.

The scenary and such at the park yesterday was once again spectacular. I find that we are very quickly running out of superlatives in describing what we are seeing. I ask for your indulgence in this as we try new ways of describing what we are witnessing. After all, it isn't every day in our little town of Rochester that we encounter a herd of elk pooping on the sideway with a nervous male elk huffing his hormonal message to his harem on the front lawn of the park service hotel. Hot springs everywhere and it made me very mindful of another book by Bill Bryson where he describes the caldera that is Yellowstone Park and what it means for our planet. Let me just say, it makes global warming irrelevant in either the near or far term.

Trek north to Somers Bay just outside of Kalispell. Actually the scenery was mostly New England like so while pretty, it felt more like 'home' than any place we have been to thus far on the trip.

We have enjoyed the chance encounters with all manner of people, some longer than others, that one meets on the road. Vastly different than business travel in the most part where the emphasis is often on speed and efficiency. I suspect the difference is less with the style of travel and more with where I am at.

We are headed to Bryan and Linda's camp in British Columbia in Canada tomorrow for a few days. Very much looking forward to seeing them again as they are also Jamaican Graduates. Very easy company.

Hope all is well with everyone who reads this note. Write when you can as we both enjoy getting your comments which come out on my blackberry as we drive along.

Matt

Oh, my god--Yellowstone is amazing

We entered the East entrance of Yellowstone Nat'l Park and within minutes found 3 bison grazing right by the roadside. I could actually have reached out my window and touched one. Then while driving along, an owl swooped down towards the front window of the car: wings outspread within 4 ft. of us. That was an OOO, Ohh moment. All told, we saw herds of buffalo, herds of elk, a coyote, 2 bald eagles, a huge elk with a 6 foot wide antler span, mule deer and a few scampering chipmunks! The geothermal areas were numerous, some descended into lakes. On the drive back to our hotel, we noticed cars stopped. Ten bison were crossing the road single file. Five cars were held hostage until while the bison decided to cross the road. The cars just had to drive around them.
The traffic in the park and the surrounding highways has been surprisingly minimal. A bit spooky at times. Hmm, maybe I should listen to the news! All entrances to the park close Nov.5 to the public. There were traces of snow from last weekend here and there. Now they are offering winter tours in snowcats used at ski areas. I'll pass on the winter tour, thank you very much. See ya in Montana and Alberta. Love, Kare
Today we'll be entering the park and traveling northward towards Montana.

Other stuff while traveling

Hello all,

We have probably bored you with all manner of trivia of our travels so I thought I would extend the streak in a new direction and talk about what it feels like to be gone for two months....or how I expect it will be when I / we are actually gone two months instead of the two weeks we have actually been gone. The particular focus will be discussions in the car between my wife and I.

My wife and I find that faced with the seemingless endless Dakota and Wyoming prairies, we actually interact on a different level that is not task driven, not driven by her work or my work [since I have none], or by what the kids are doing in their own lives since we rarely hear the minutia that adds meaning to the conversations. The discussions, often light hearted, occasionally not, often tangents to what we finally get around to saying, are surprising, warm, maddening and more. This is a bit of a surprise as we've been married for 33 years now and thought we had pretty well covered the waterfront of possible discussions. I know that I have had an epiphany or two along the way. I suspect that she has as well.

Interestingly enough, this driving and talking thing worked really well with our children when driving them to and from various sports/games that they had over the years. Somehow it seemed easier when they were facing forward and not at you and really had to have second thoughts about leaping from a car doing 60 miles an hour on the highway in order to escape the conversation. Perhaps this ought to be tried for more people who really need to discuss things. Imagine, you could invite your troubled boss out for a 60 mph ride for an hour or so to 'sort things out'. Make sure you are the one driving though. Or perhaps that young thug who is terrorizing your neighborhood or the grumpy old man who always kicks your newspaper into the puddle.

Who knows? It might even work on a global level with Bush and Putin! They would of course have to do this on Air Force One or whatever the Russian equivalent is. In that case, to escape, they would need air tanks and a mask which would be a certain giveaway that they were not engaged in the conversation.

At any rate, on to Yellowstone in the morning. Hope you try this technique and that you let me know if it works for you. I'll cut you in on the profits.

Matt

Wyoming

Yesterday we visited Mt. Rushmore. It was a clear day and the photos we took had a blue backdrop that was stunning. The museum that documentated the carving of the presidents heads was well done and the facts were presented in a fascinating manner. Really worth the trip. We stayed at the White House Resort! Drove on to Wyoming and had lunch in Sundance, the home of the film festival and Robert Redford. He was out of town, so we missed connections! When we arrived in the town of Buffalo, we happened upon a charming hotel that has the original furniture from 100 years ago. We stayed in the Herbert Hoover room (local lore has it that he stayed in this very room. Each room had old tube radios in them and the owner broadcast old radio shows on them.

We took a walk along the river trail and then through the charming town. The waitress at dinner told us that mountain lions were seen in town this summer. Cut down on the joggers for awhile. Town was miraculously plunked down in the middle of an massive expanse of grazing land. Had bison medallions for dinner. Off to Yellowstone today! Matt says hello and yes, we are still talking to each other. Sorry, Sylvie!

The Badlands

Greetings all!

Yesterday we found ourselves in the midst of the most dramatic scenery I've ever seen... the Badlands of South Dakota. Amazing what time and erosion will produce. We toured as much as was possible without actually going down into the canyon. Since we didn't have the water and the requisite maps, that option was not available.

Kare here We arrived in Sioux Falls and had just settled down for a long autumn sleep, when what to our ears did we hear? The droning of the fire alarm at the Residence Inn. It was 1 am and most of the residents,that would be us, vacated to the parking lot waiting for the fire dept to arrive. Our room was saved, so we went back to sleep. En route to Keystone, had the thrill of seeing scores of prairie dogs popping out of their holes. Then in Badland Nat'l Park happened upon several herds of deer. And we drove for 35 miles through the Badland area. Now all I have to see is a bear, bison and where the antelope play. I would not want to be home, home on the range here. Way too isolated for my taste. Visited a mock up of a prairie home with sod walls and read the sign that the US govt hoped that the settlers starved to death before they had to turn over 160 acreas to them.
Today we're off to see Mt. Rushmore before we drive to Yosemite Nat'l Park. Oh, and forgot to mention that we did stop at the World's only Corn Palace in Mitchell. Now can we be official Midwesterners, Pam and Brian? Breakfast and Matt are waiting, so hope to check again tonight, if the Almighty internet allows it. Miss you all, Kare

water, water, corn fields and farm after farm

It was great to see Sarah and Ryan's new apartment with two views of Lake Superior. The upper living room gives the impression of being in a tree house. So great to just kick back and chat. We hit the road headed for Sioux Falls, today's destination. Stopped at Pipestone National monument where Indians quarried for a special rock to create peace pipes with. The prairie surrounding the site created a lovely backdrop for the rocky outcropping, cliffs that seemed to rise out of the fertile ground. A welcome relief from farm after farm and field after field of corn. Today was a driving day: left Duluth at 10 am and arrived in Sioux Falls at 7 pm. Can't wait to see Mt. Rushmore tomorrow. All for now, Kare

1,700 miles in...

Greetings to all!

We are now in Duluth MN visiting with our newly married daughter and her husband. We walked in on the extended Erickson family who also happened by at that moment so it was a bit of a family reunion. Good to see everyone without all the hubbub of the wedding [Sept 1st].

Spent the last few days visiting with Kris and Tom at Kris's 'cabin' in Birchwood Wisconsin. A very quiet and charming place that Kris has been refurbing for some time now. A beautiful loft guest bedroom with a king bed that defied any explanation as to how they got the massive thing up a tight circular staircase. Great company and good to get caught up with things since we've not had a chance to talk for months. Sat on her back deck eating great food and watching the deer walk by and lick the salt lick and 'huff' when they caught our scent. Big bonfire one night just to drink wine by.

The road to Wisconsin was longish after leaving Dave and Jane's idyllic setting on the lake. About 450 miles and probably the most we would want to do. We did have a goal and this was contrary to how we really want to conduct this trip. However, the passage over the great lakes past Lake Huron, Lake Ontario and Lake Michigan was interesting for the many many many small towns we passed through -many with 400 residents or less. We could not figure how such towns create enough 'critical mass' to survive. Still can't. Some are as much as 30 miles from each other with wide swaths of unincorporated land in between. Certainly no place to run out of gas...

Stopped in one "bar/restaurant" to buy a cup of coffee. It was very odd. They sold nothing for food and only ETOH. The barkeep responded to my query about buying a cup of coffee with a blank stare and the reply, 'we don't sell coffee'. Ok, not so much of a restaurant then... Once we knew to look for them, there was one of these places about every 5 or so miles.

Off to Sioux Falls tomorrow trading long views of forest for long views of corn. Then onto the badlands. XM radio has been great and it has been good to have long conversations with my wife on 'stuff'. At the same time, neither of us feels compelled to talk either and silence is sometimes nice. 33 years of marraige I guess wears a few edges smooth.

Devin is doing a great job of managing our home in our absence. Thanks Devin!

Matt

Kare is alive and well!

I bet you've wondered where I've been?
When we left Plattsburgh,NY we drove to Cape Vincent,NY. Enroute we stopped at Thousand Islands Winery and sampled some of their wines. Found the lighthouse hostel but alas no one was home. We decided to hop the ferry [actually 2 with a stop on an island halfway over] to Kingston Ontario, a charming city that was once the capitol of Ontario. Stayed at the Briar Patch B&B where we conversed with a dying breed - a Bush supporter. Of course, she was an American living in Canada....hmmmm.

Next day drove to Toronto to visit with an old friend of Matts. David and Jane immediately made us feel welcome. From the moment I met Jane I knew we would hit it off as she has a delightful sense of humor. We drove two hours to their island cabin, threw our gear in their motorboat and zoomed off to their 28 acre Harbor Island. Their cabin was perched on top of a rocky promitory. The welcome quiet and isolation was welcome after so many hours in the car. Matt and I could see spectacular sunsets across the island and it was a perfect ending to the day. The quiet was punctuated by our laughter over dinner on the open front porch over the water and the occasional loon call.

Kare

Just a few additions to Kare's comments: The cabin on the water was actually two cabins and we had our own bedroom cabin with wide open deck and window facing over the water below. The temps dipped into the low 40's and we slept under heavy quilts with the doors to the deck open. It was spectacular. Thank you David and Jane! Say hi to your two silly bull terriers for us!

We then, under duress as we really wanted to stay, headed out to Sault Ste. Marie Ontario to cross the border in the morning to visit with Kris and Tom in Wisconsin tomorrow night. We will publish the link to the photos shortly. So all this will make a bit more sense. Enough to say, everything is going great. We are having some difficulty getting an internet connection reliably so expect posts either every night or not at all depending on the connections we can find.

Matt

We are off and away!

Greetings to everyone!

First day out and we are now in Plattsburg NY or about 10 miles from the Canadian Border. We did about 350 miles today and probably was about as much as we want to do. That calibration is important as we keep our eye on seeing friends and being able to chill out in places that we find that we particularly like. We are mindful that if anything happens to the car, we will need to hire a cargo plane to get our stuff back!

Kare drove across most of NH and all of Vermont. Hard to get her hands off the wheel of her CRV! At any rate, we did stop several times to stretch legs and see sights. One of the places was Queechee Gorge in Vermont. At the moment it was impressive but we both know that once we see the Grand Canyon.... The scenary was spectacular on this bright, cool autumn day in upper New England. Colors really just starting to turn.

While we both wanted a quaint sort of place for our first night, we also both ran out of steam at about the same time so crashed in the first available hotel that didn't look like you needed a weapon in hand to cross the parking lot.

Off to a nice dinner and glass of wine. Touring the St. Lawrence Seaway tomorrow en route to the Hostel in a lighthouse tomorrow if we can find a room there. As most of you know, I tend to plan the trips in some detail and this whole aspect of 'appearing on an unplanned basis' to ask for a room is a little bit unnerving. Shades of Nicola having surrender her room to me in Birmingham UK one night as my room got cancelled...Although she drove the short distance to her home for the night, I had to be Mr. Mann for the night or they would have bounced me out. A little unnerving to be sure.

Matt