IT HAS BEEN QUITE THE JOURNEY: I filled the tank at the cheap gas station in Glenwood Springs just 3,751 miles since doing so at the beginning, a snowy morning early March. The litany of places includes Billings MT, Kalispell (entry town for western National Glacier Park), familiar places like Spokane and Seattle, leading to a wonderful stay with friends in Fort Langley BC. Then back down to Seattle and then Portland. Setting out for Basalt CO, I passed through the Oregon towns of Bend and Ontario, then into Idaho, staying overnight at Twin Falls, and then down through Utah and finally back into Colorado, driving alongside the Colorado River from Grand Junction to Glenwood Springs before the last 30 miles up Roaring Forks Valley to Basalt.Once into the NW Pacific coastal stretch, it rained almost continuously with only two or three fine days. Miraculously, these occurred in Portland and I was able to don the roller blades on two days and one day ventured up to the mountain for some cross country skiing, each time with my friend Jack. Hence a new photo where you see me all kitted out for roller blading.
Lots of spectacular country to see along the way...mountains, rivers, and high desert. The high desert can be somewhat boring at times but at other times one is rewarded by a sight like a family of elk crossing the highway. This was in Malheur country, named by early French trappers for 'misfortune', but good fortune for me in meeting the friendly folk of eastern Oregon at the next cafe stop. Crossing the bridge over the Snake River into Twin Falls affords an amazing view down into the canyon some 500 feet below, wide and deep. If ever you should do this, be prepared to be suddenly distracted from the business of driving!
I was so impressed that, once settled into my motel room, I walked back to take a photo or two. The bridge is 480 above the river and is the only place where anyone with a parachute is permitted to jump off without qualification.Mostly silent for the return journey, my GPS was invaluable threading my way around Brigham City and Salt Lake City. Richard (the British accented voice I chose to be my companion) kept me on track and able to manage the dense traffic. Let's hear an 'Hurrah' for good old Richard from TomTom land! The GPS also gave clear visual information, especially when lane changes were required to weave to the next highway. A great travel aid.
All that is left now is the 1,800 mile trip back to New York State where the adventure of the house project begins. I will devote a separate Blog to that. Meanwhile, I am reading all I can about house construction, contracting, site design and the like.
Just now it is wonderful to be back with my Basalt family. My granddaughter has made the Honor Roll once more and I imagine a more deserving recipient. The ski season draws to an end although, after a warm day or two, it has been snowing all of this Sunday morning and into the afternoon.
Warm wishes from this mountain country where it seems possible to have four seasons in one day.
1 comment:
That would have to be around late 2000, Glenn but I accept the compliment nonetheless! It was magic to be back on the blades, whizzing along beside the mighty Columbia River; very self-affirming.
I am looking forward to the return journey. Driving across America is such a great experience. This time, staying off the toll-ways to see more of northern Indiana and Ohio.
Post a Comment