Go West

Leaving Utah Valley, we went across western Utah and eastern Colorado. The weather was a variety including a healthy rainstorm as we went across the mountains and the Vail area. The trees are beautiful but there are many that have been affected by pine bark beetles.

We also saw lots of smoke and were hoping that the rains would help the firefighters.

Pulled into Glen and Jody's where they were waiting in the driveway. Such devoted relatives!

Home Teaching pays off

John and Judy Cook have earned jewels in their crown from having Bob and each of the boys as their HT for about 15 years all together. Eventually we wore them out and they had to escape by moving back to Utah. We sure love spending time with them.

Location:Orem, Utah

June 30 - July 1st

We had a fun couple of days seeing Grandma Gretta. She is 92 and lives in a wonderful residence where she receives excellent care. We got to spend time with Jean, Ken, Pat, and all their kids. No pictures taken on this device but we will add photos when we get home!


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Location:Linden, Utah

Oops -a little behind on the news.

Since last posting, we have had several fun days. First we left Dillion Montana we headed down to Idaho where we cut over to Rexburg, Idaho so Bob could visit Higbee Historical sites like St. Anthony and Teton. We then drove across the state aiming for the Grand Tetons .


They are so beautiful!!! After lunch in Driggs, Idaho, we continued down the backside of the mountains - such a sight!


We passed through Afton, Wyoming with battling elk in the center of town to Bear Lake, Utah. It is so gorgeous and the camera does not show the real turquoise color of the water.
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From there through Logan and then down the Wasatch front to Provo/Orem
To visit more family.

Heavenly Rest

Bob took a nap and I went on Pinterest for a whole hour! Still raining. Please note - I did not watch Bob sleeping even though I am still madly in human love with him!


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Location:Auburn, Washington

On the Road Again

Heading out again, we are so amazed every day, to see all the amazing sights in nature... Check out the amazing Couer 'd Alene.

Three amazingly -- just wanted to see if anyone is still reading!

Location:Interstate 90

Family fun 4

The best part was visiting with mom, my sister Sharon, my niece Angelina, her son Jared (6), and little Traylin (3 months). Here is the proud Grandma -


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Location:Still in Spokane

Family fun 3

Things really looked cheery. We worked Monday and Wednesday in the yard and while it rained all day Tuesday- we cruised around the city.

Family fun 2

Here is the After:


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Location:Spokane, Washington

Family fun

So we drove across the great state from one side to another enjoying true northwest weather with pouring rain until we crossed the Columbia river, where the temperature went up twenty degrees, the sky turned blue, and the landscape became gold instead of green.

We got to Mom's house and started catching up on all the news. The Cedar house is still one of our favorite places. We were so happy to get the chance to work in the yard. We dug up and helped mom replace 12 rose bushes and assisted in some major weeding. Before


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Location:Spokane, Washington

Northward

After more visiting and a delicious breakfast, we left Michelle's well hugged and well kissed to head up to visit with another of Bob's mission companions. Carl and Rebecca live on Lake Tapps and it was so fun to see their home and soak up the true northwest atmosphere. It rained all day and the green trees, bushes, and variety of flowering bushes were basking in the moisture.
It was very "twilight" in mood although we have not seen any old red trucks, wolves, or vapid girls staring longingly into the eyes of pasty guys.

Carl is the oral surgeon who helped Drew a few years ago and is still innovating that procedure updates and told us all about how they can pull all your teeth, stimulate bone growth, and give you implants all in one morning. Pretty amazing. Rebecca shared all about their kids and grand kids. We were thinking a weekend gathering with our favorite 70's Austrian alumni would be great fun. We discussed a variety of locations and activities.


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Location:Auburn, Washington

Family visit

We met up with Michelle at a beautiful park south of their home. She had organized all the kids, Greg, and the boat for some rides on the Willamette river. Beautiful scenery and great company while various kids and Greg surfed and wakeboarded up and down the river. Michelle and Greg's kids are: Michael - home from BYU, soon on mission; Jeffrey football hunk, just back from EFY, Anna who looks the most like her dad, Gavin puzzle & joke guy, Jacob - Mr. Under the Radar, Brielle sweet and hostess to her Australian cousins, and Julia - she's 3 and decided we are trustworthy and good for sharing all she knows.

Also in the mix were Carol and Bart plus Nathan, isabella, Lydia, Charlotte, and Josiah -- who came back to the states and made 2 teeth magically appear.

We had a delicious salmon dinner, enjoyed Ron & Diane's company, and got To watch all the kids playing at the 8 acre compound. Everyone was busy and happy. What a delight.

After dinner, one of Greg's cousins and their five kids came to sleepover on their way to Disneyland. Michelle is a very gracious hostess and Maude everyone feel so welcome.


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Location:Michelle and Greg's house

North to Oregon

The morning was lovely with another hour and a half through the redwoods and along the smith river. Pictures cannot capture the colors and textures - nor the majestic feeling these enormous giants send into your mind and heart. These trees are frequently estimated at 1000 - 2000 years old and they have endured with grace as the world has had its human trials. Their message seemed to be stand tall hand keep stretching upward.

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Trees and the Sea

A perfect blend....


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Location:Perfectly highway 101

Picture Perfect

Bob drives through...


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Picture Perfect

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Location:Highway 101

Heading Down the Highway

We headed out and instead of crossing over to interstate 5, Bob humored me by letting us progress up highway 101 through the mountains and into the redwoods. Unbelievably BEAUTIFUL!
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Location:Out of Santa Rosa and due north

On To Family

Leaving Fairfield, we took the winding rural roads back through Napa and Sonoma to Santa Rosa where we went to visit my 90 year old Uncle CJ. We were able to spend time with him and take him out for lunch. He was tickled to see us and he told us many good humored stories about the trials of being "mature". He is 85% right on the money with the other 15% on a circular path. His major track is that Monica took his truck and will not give it back. Men and their cars=independence. It was so good to see him.

We later went out to see the vineyard where Monica works and Bob asked about100 questions about growing grapes and the wine producing process. The vineyard was lovely and it is great for Monica has been a part of creating a thriving business. Matt is now doing cross country trucking. We did not get to see Lacy and her two children Taylor and Jameson.

We met up with M&M plus my cousin Carroll at a vineyard restaurant where we had a lovely evening visiting.



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Location:Windsor, California

Dr. Gillespie

Well Fairview, California is a beautiful city with lots of green space, golden mountains, and tons of farmer's stands selling fresh produce. Bob and I were really happy to be able to spend the evening with an old friend- Craig Gillespie who served with Bob on his mission and was in the 83rd branch with us back in the day.
We got to Fairview early so we spent 3 hours hanging out at the Barnes and Noble reading magazines and checking out displays. It was so fun and decadent to just read and hang out.
At 5:30 we followed the gps to Craig's house, let ourselves into the backyard and took in the beautiful landscaping, fountain, and sing. Wow I told bob this is a great hotel. We were startled by but then glad to meet Craig's brother and two nieces who came to raid his fridge for part of a family visit with Craig's parents who live just around the corner. Before too long, Craig came home and he looked wonderful. His cheerful demeanor and fun loving spirit were still front and center.
He graciously took us out to inner where we ate fabulous food and talked the night away. The restaurant in Napa had excellent food, great atmosphere, and we tried to catch up on all of the things everyone had been doing.
It was such a perfect night, he then generously hosted us overnight. Too soon, we had breakfast in his kitchen and we all headed on our way. We all agreed we needed to get together soon.

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Resort Living

Well, we left the hotel and continued our way up the central valley of California -- seeing great expanses of fields growing deliciousness for consumers to enjoy. We made plans to meet up with Dr. Craig Gillespie, one of Bob's mission companions and BYU roommates.

The picture below is from his beautiful backyard where we are awaiting the good doctor. This is a pretty high class resort!



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Location:Fairfield, California

Quick tour and on the Road again.

We did a mountain about and saw our "cabin", Cedar Glen, Arrowhead Village, Blue jay, Jensen's Bakery, and the high school. Many memories evoked but today's pictures do not jive with the remembrances. The tight economy show and the most amazing was the gigantic high school which is now Rim of the World High -- a distinguished California High School. It says that right on the gym wall.

Left the mountain. Went to Los Feliz to see Cheryl and for Bob to do a driveway repair. He was mortified to is cover that he coul not fix the dip because the bricks were crosshatched so well, thy cannot be removed. He was mortified as he always fixes stuff. We on soled him dying the good news was that the driveway will endure for many years to come.

Now we head down Interstate 5 -- good for getting north in a big state. I can cheerfully report that there have been few adjustments and no increase in services since my last trip north with CJ and Alex in 1980. It is long and you sweep through majestic gold canyons and along acres of fields.

We had one great section where we went 6 miles in 90 minutes in the 113 degree heat. The grape crop does look good, some corm, and many fallow fields.

To me the golden hills look like some one did paint by number across the mountains.

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Location:Arrowhead to Kettleman City

Girl time - Sat

Cheryl got in late Friday night and missed the delicious dinner at the "Dragon" where the food was delicious. We had steamed dumplings, chicken Kung pao, chicken & broccoli, mooshoo pork, and orange beef, plus rice & extras. I was especially glad to see almond cookies - which are delicious! We never see them in Texas. Bob's friend Dave Cox came and ate with us on his way out to Palm Springs.

We all visited, slept for several hours and then got up to talk, talk, talk, some more. Sure love them and we hashed over the past and started making plans for a "laughs and literature" tour of central Britain.

Left there at 2:30 and headed up to Arrowhead for the class reunion. Stayed in a genteel bed and breakfast right in the Village, across from the L.A. Convention Center and walked over at 7:00.

It was really in to reconnect with many Rim of the World alumni. This reunion had 5 years of grads, so many people knew Glen and Sharon too. We talked about our careers, our kids & pets and swapped email addresses. Not too big of a Facebook, Twitter crowd.

So great to see Cathy Moreland, Sue Irby, Claudia Erickson, Joanie Klopfenstein, Rick Chute, Linda Johnstone, Dave Wilhite,
Virginia and Bill Mc Intosh, Jill Mally & Ira Pasternack, and many others. The pictures are all in Bob's phone so those will provide many moments of recall and smiles.
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Location:Riverside, California

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

Leaving Needles it was 102 degrees at 9:30 in the morning and we headed off across the Mojave desert. Now Arizona and New Mexico think they have deserts but it is the real thing with tiny scrub brush-ettes and even the yuccas are noticeably smaller and determined to survive no matter how little rain comes their way. Re-visited the lovely city of Barstow. Has not improved since the mid 70's in my opinion....

Got to our friends home in the late afternoon and have had a great time catching up. The weather was so hot but the evening was nice and cool. We slept with the window open and Larry was worried that the dogs barking would wake us up. The dogs did fine but they do have a very persistent rooster in the neighborhood who is determined that everyone be up and about. He is calling us to be productive as I type this. The vegetation is very desert-y here and we have been able to see some cactus in bloom. The large white flowers are lovely but only last a day or two. So pretty...

Susan and I have been friends since my UC Riverside days and we seem to get right back up to speed whenever we are together. Today we are just hanging out and this afternoon our buddy Cheryl will be here to spend the night. Fun, fun!


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Location:Nuevo, California

California - here we come....

The Colorado river was looking strong and blue. We crossed over the river and into my home state with enthusiasm. The dashboard instrument cluster announced it was 111 degrees at 5:00 in the afternoon. This would have been more dismaying if I didn't know that in California you could instantly be helped by shade. Get in it and the temperature is noticeably cooler. Not so in the great state of Texas where the shade is just a place where it is harder to read small print.

Almost immediately, the road signs announced that the state agriculture station was ahead. Being a native I knew, I was in trouble, being in a vehicle carrying produce from an outside state which could infest the Golden State produce industry with alien insects and crop destroying fungus. I finished my apple and prepared to confess to the officer that I had cherries, carrots, and grape tomatoes in the cooler and fork it all over. We pulled up, the officer asked, "do you have any fruit or vegetables?". Yes, we confessed and Bob started handing over the apple core while I recited our list of plant contraband. "have you encountered any worms," he queried.
"no" all the while holding out our verboten produce. Drive on, he waved, and didn't want any of it. Do not blame us if there is some kind of stone fruit plague in the near future.

We found a hotel in Needles and enjoyed a pleasant evening. At 10:00 it was still 107 but the hotel pool had been our friend.
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Still on the Lookout

One more glance down the main drag and remarking that the Pixar people are truly imaginative geniuses - we peel out and head down the highway 80 plus miles to the thriving metropolis of Kingman. The scenery does become more desert like with scrub brush, yucca trees, and sand. The highway signs ask us to watch out for deer- big deer with large antler racks and so I do. No deer but we see several non-rabbit, too big for rat, non tailed squirrel like rodents. They must be some beefy cousin of prairie dogs and skilled survivors as we do not see any Roadkill with their outlines. (Either that or they are headliners at the Roadkill Cafe.)

We cruise into Kingman about 3 and remark that this would be a long hot drive in the 40's and 50's. The thermometer tells us it is 103.

Now for the road less travelled. The road from Kingman to California was the most difficult. Almost immediately, the road becomes more scenic with a variety of geo,ogic features, erosion patterns revealing dozens of patterns and colors.




The ability to sightsee and drive becomes difficult for Bob as the two lane twisting and winding road demands his undivided attention. I keep up a running on the drop off cliffs right out my passenger window and how beautiful the scenery is. All I can think is what brave souls they were... Dustbowl travelers determined to get to California and work. My uncle CJ and his family were among those who made the journey with all their family and whatever they owned - starting over. When I see him next week, I will have to see hat he remembers...

Tons of curves, dozens of switchbacks, few other travelers on the road-, but after a couple of hours we arrive in Oatman, a mining town which flourished from 1901 to 1936 when gold was discovered and processed. The town now has a dozen shops with names that are playonwords homage to the now wild burros that roam the area. They are descendants of the miners donkeys who were just turned loose when the veins trickled down and profitability waned. Bob was a little sad that we had missed one of the daily shoot outs they stage every afternoon to draw in tourists. He had to make do with seeing people feeding and getting nipped by donkeys - they are wild animals the signs reminded us - and speculating on how much gold money could be had from working the tailings now that gold is $1800 an ounce.

Down the other side and we arrived at the Colorado River - 600 feet in altitude. More than a 6500 foot drop from the morning. It's true - we have been going down hill all day...

On the lookout for McQueen & Mater

After a delicious slice at Fratelli's (thanks Arthur for the recommendation), we headed off down R66, eager to see the portion of highway immortalized in Cars. We headed off, soon hit the Arizona divide -elevation 7265 feet - to start the drop off into more desert terrain. By the time we passed Williams, we had dropped 2000 feet and turned off onto the traditional "Mother Road" headed 20 plus miles. This 20 + miles were remarkable in their nothingness. You just drove and drove and with the exception of 2 sets of Burma Shave signs there was little to engage one's imagination. Finally we hit Seligman - where there were crowds of people hanging out In the local gas stations, souvenir stands and eating establishments. Turning down Bob's generous offer to buy me lunch at the Roadkill Cafe, I had a cherry snow
Cone at the Snowcap Drive in and watched the crowds. Generally there are two types of people - oldsters, who are either living it up on the open road cruising on their Harley's OR Madge & Fred in their motor coaches complete with all the amenities of home. Some even have roll out grass...

The other group of people are young, European, fond of Birkenstocks, and traveling on buses with guides. They were happy and soaking up the sights.

Bob seems a little shocked that there are so many old people out here. I prefer the term vintage.



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Standing on a Corner

In Winslow, Arizona... Well that is how we started the day. With deep respect to the Eagles and fine lyrics everywhere, we must report that this town is doing its best to hold on through tough economic times. If the President had visited here, he would not think that the private sector is doing fine. Many empty store fronts, few jobs, and little evidence that the girl in the flat bed Ford had the time or gas money to be slowing down to get a look at me...
We headed off down Route 66 to Flagstaff. Beautiful city, altitude 7200 feet, lots of trees, and fun college town. Using the guidebooks, we followed in the footsteps of previous pilgrims looking for the sights stated. Pretty much, the guidebooks neglected to mention that they have 95% been replaced with today's regular stuff.




Here is Bob in the parking lot of the Lumberjack Cafe (which changed into Granny's Cafe in 1972) where a 40 foot 'muffler-man' lumberjack was supposed to be... As you can see from the photo, the poor fellow has shrunk in his old age. We are glad we got there before he got stooped. Bob did let me know that there is a full sized fellow in Dallas helping out Ken's Muffler as well as one in Illinois that is wearing a helmet and holding a rocket in his hands. Maybe I should have gone on the 1st half of the Route 66 tour.

Route 66 hotels

There are still dozens of signs and numerous motels left from the heyday of car exploration on R66 and some places are still open. We tried to book the Wigwam Hotel --sleep in a teepee tonight -- but they are booked up months in advance. We did take a picture as we cruised the main drag in Holbrook.



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Can you see the giant trees? It is amazing that the human eye is STILL way ahead of any camera....


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Location:More desert

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Location:Painted desert Arizona

The views are great!

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Tuesday - out & about

Started the day in Santa Rosa, new Mexico where we met up with a Plano couple -- it is a small world.

We headed off down Route 66 to Albuquerque where we had a delicious lunch at the historic Route 66 Diner. Bob had a vanilla malt and I had green chili stew. The restaurant was really cute and they had a gigantic Pez dispenser collection! We took pictures but the wi-fi connections are pretty slim and won't let me send them right now. From there we headed down and around a historic area some 45 miles and felt very 1940 as it was wild, vacant, and free land with sagebrush as our only companions.

The road alternates with being interstate 40 and small 2 lane sections where we travel along winding asphalt and assorted rock formations. We kept going into Arizona and headed to the painted desert and petrified desert. Bob had never visited either and I have fond memories of this trip as part of the Gimmee Tribe. Somewhere there is an old reel of Dot, CJ,glen, Sharon, Monica and I exploring the area. We made movies and had a big roll of shelf liner and a black "magic marker" which we used to make story board narration for our travels. This is the infamous trip where Glen bemoans his assignment as the SWAMPER loading all the luggage on and off the Carryall each morning and night...

Anyway, the park was beautiful -- the colors rose, apricot, soft gold, and a blue slate with some green and black layered ups all around yours you travel throughout the park. We took pictures but they never do God's handiwork full justice...

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Location:Winslow, Arizona

Two

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A picture or two

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iPad

Location:Lake Dr,Santa Rosa,United States

Amarillo by mornin

Ok- it took us until afternoon. Life on the open road has its share of tractor trailers, big rigs, and motor homes with vehicles attached. We were happy to tool along in our little car and enjoy the generally green fields. The rains have made plant life very happy. For those who have not had the opportunity to traverse west Texas, we must report that it is flat. 180 degree flat. Stand on a tuna can and see Reunion
Tower flat.

By 3:00 we were able to fulfill one of Bob's dreams. We stopped for a steak dinner at the world famous "Free 72 oz. Steak Dinner" place which is advertised every 5 miles as you buzz across the prairie. In order to get this free steak you have to eat all the meat, a multiple shrimp appetizer, salad, potato with all the fixins, and several rolls and butter within one hour. Without barfing...

Did Bob try this - no. But we eat plenty. Our waiter Cody took care of us and we looked at all the dead stuff on the walls. Lots of dead stuff - see attached picture. They do have big timers on the wall so the whole room can watch you attempting to gorge yourself...

Post pictures

By Jove - I might have it!


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my iPad

Does it work on IPad?

Jet and I think so

Summer 2012 and June already.  We are about ready to embark on a little adventure and thought that this was a good time to activate this site.  We will be able to post pictures and share our fascinating opinions on highway courtesies,
truck stops, and cultural events.  Stay tuned for more....