Sunday, August 12, 2018
Day 26

This is going to be short. I'm tired tonight. Drove 550 miles today. Took 9 hours. Now I'm on Central Time so lost an hour. I didn't take many pictures today. Not much new to show that I haven't already posted.
The Holiday Inn Express was close to the railroad. There were trains going all night. I have never seen so many trains as I have on this trip. One train had a whole bunch or UPS trailers and Fed Ex trailers. They were separated by a bunch of other companies!! This truck was parked at the hotel this am. Not sure is you can see it, but it has wheels that drop down to run on the rails. Interesting.

There was a lot more traffic today than yesterday, even out in the open spaces. More trucks than cars and seemed like more were going west.  The first picture is north of Denver when the traffic was starting to back up. It looks like it's a long stretch but in the dip it curves to the right and under an overpass. The second picture was at a standstill north of Denver. The mountains were slightly visible. Could see a couple patches of snow but not well enough to take a picture.

The next 3 are when I had to pull off the road and walk around. The turnoff said Lowland Drive. I don't think it went any place!!! These were the buildings there. And a head of cattle. Reminded me of California on west side of valley. Must have been quite an operation at one time. 

I'm at Hampton Inn tonight in Hays, KS. Will call in am to try to make reservation for Wentzville, MO. Hope you all had a wonderful Sunday.  

I'm ready to be home. 

More tomorrow.

Hugs, Carol 

Saturday, August 11, 2018
Day 25

Left Elko about 9:30am. Still smoky! Didn't get to see the Ruby Mountains near Elko. Very beautiful usually.  There were lots of trucks traveling today. Some cars but not many except in Salt Lake City!! I took quite a few pictures today because of the scarcity of traffic but now looking at them, they pretty much all look similar. LONG stretches of road!! The first one is on the west side of Wendover. Wendover sits on the border of Utah and Nevada. The line runs directly though town. On the pavement in front of one of the casinos it has Utah/Nevada. The yellow sign is on the salt flats. It is very long and straight and many mirages! Fortunately I didn't get sleepy there.

The picture of the train is west of Salt Lake City proper. It is loaded with coal. When I was growing up, every year my dad would order a train car load of coal. It would come to the railroad station in Durham, and our foreman with help would truck it to our ranch. Hadn't thought about that for a long time.

All day I was at elevation above 6000 feet. The signs for road closure are outside of Evanston, WY. There are several places along the route where the road is closed in the winter time due to weather or snow.  I crossed the Continental Divide 2 times!! one was 6900 feet other 7000 feet. Couldn't get a picture But not sure how one can cross it twice.  The picture of the LONG stretch which was about 6 miles with the windmills on the hills in the background was amazing. the smoke was finally starting to clear. Was nice to see blue sky for a change after 3 weeks. There were gorgeous rock formations in Utah and Western Wyoming. Well the closer I got to Rawlins, the terrain changed. Kind of more flat but still with some interesting rock layers, etc. I think would be interesting to look up the geology of the area.

The motorcycle sign saying that there have been 7 fatalities in the last 30 days was one I hadn't seen before. And ironically just as I saw that I saw 2 riders going 80 miles an hour without helmets. No wonder!! Other signs say look twice, motorcycles are everywhere.  Well, would help if they didn't appear out of nowhere going lickity split and expect you to see them. Pretty skies again!!

Another interesting thing I saw and wish I had gotten a picture was in Evanston. There was a huge yellow sign that said Pyro City. And the scenery behind the sign was a burned hillside!! I think it was probably an ad for a fireworks place. But tickled me!! Doesn't take much sometimes.  Another one was in Eastern Nevada.  First sign said Prison Area. Don't pick up hitchhikers. The next sign was turn off to Independence Valley :-)


Interesting car on trailer in front of motel.  I'm at Holiday Inn Express.  Glad I called this am to get a room because tonight when I was checking in several people came to get rooms and they are sold out. The Hampton Inn was sold out this am when I called.  I have a nice room. Think they called it a King Executive. Got regular rewards points and then because I was "randomly selected a VIP" I get 500 more points.  I just noticed what I thought was the refrigerator - I think is someone snoring next door!!! Fortunately I can't hear it real loud. :-)

That's all folks for today!! Scenery tomorrow will be much the same. If you want to look, there are probably the same pictures on last year's blog!! :-) 

I hope all is well with everyone.   Praying for the firefighters and emergency personnel, families that have lost loved ones and or their possessions. Here is a link to a You Tube video made by Juan Brown. It's very informative about the fire situation. I have followed him since the Oroville Dam problems last year. He is very knowledgeable and gets to the bottom of issues. Not just the political side of issues. He lives in Nevada City, CA in the foothills. He is also an American Airlines Pilot and loves the outdoors.
Link to Juan Brown's Blancolirio video about California wildfires
It's about 15 minutes long but very interesting I think.
Nite all. I'm on Mountain Time now. Lost an hour. And will probably lose another hour tomorrow. Haven't done research on how far I will go tomorrow. Guess I should do that. Hugs, Carol

Friday, August 10, 2018

Day 24

The crew arrived EARLY today so we were up before 7 to move our cars out to the road to make way for the asphalt equipment and truck. I've seen a lot of road construction but never really paid much attention to it. It was really interesting. The men have been doing that kind of job for a long time and are quite proficient.  When Jackie and I walked back into the house from the road we saw two of the men laying in the equipment. It looked like they were taking a nap before they started work!! Maybe partied too late :-). but they were actually working on the equipment. The guys were quite friendly. Asked me where I lived. When I told them Tennessee, they said is that on the east coast? I said I was originally from Chico but lived there now. He said Oh!! Chico State University?? The party school.  Cracked me up that he didn't know where Tennessee was but knew about Chico!! 😊 He was the man on the left, the owner of the paving company.

Finally got a picture of me with Jackie. I've had a hard time remembering to get pictures. Not good.

When it was time to take my suitcase etc. out, Jack loaded it into his cart and motored it out to the road. Had us laughing!  Tennessee or Bust!!!  He made the cart out of an old lawnmower. :-)

Almost done!

The highway to Reno was beautiful today. All areas were smoky or at least a little hazy so didn't get any really crisp looking pictures. But was still a gorgeous drive.  I stopped at a rest stop on Donner Summitt and stopped to take a picture of Donner Lake.

Donner Pass 

Donner Pass 

Donner Lake

At vista point above Donner Lake

Entering Truckee

There was road construction with lower speed limits a few places along the way. But only saw one place that they were actually working. Maybe because was Friday.

When I left Lovelock, NV I turned on my podcast and started listening to Pastor Tim Harris' sermons. He is Tina and Brandon's pastor at Woodburn Baptist Church in KY. I listened to two of his and then 2 of my pastor's sermons, Pastor James Johnson, First United Methodist Church, in Gallatin, TN. When I got a few miles past Battle Mountain, NV, an alert showed up on the navigation screen saying "Your fuel level is low"  and a yellow icon of a gas pump on the dash showed up.  I had 19 miles worth of gas left. She (my navigator) asked if I would like to see the nearest gas station. I said YES!! So I had to go 4 miles to an exit and then go back 15 miles to Battle Mountain!!! this is after I bragged to Jackie that I had never let the gas get low enough to know how it alerted when gas low!!! So needless to say I was sweating it - literally. I turned off the a/c and slowed down some to conserve gas. When I got to the station it said I had 2 miles left to go.  I put 15.6 gallons in. I think the tank is 16 gallons. There is always a first time for everything. I just hope it's the last time I do that!!  At least I have AAA and I did have a cell phone reception.

I'm staying at the Red Lion Hotel and Casino in Elko, NV tonight. Very nice room but it was very cold since the a/c was set on 67. So I switched it over to heat. It was hot here in Elko when I arrived but now is 79 and going to be 59 tonight. Elko is at 5000'. But it is high desert so it doesn't look like it. All of the cities of any size along I-80 have the initial of their name on a hillside nearby.

I had a good dinner. Chicken Caesar salad and some sourdough bread. I have no idea what that orangish/brown round thing is. It had a familiar smell but I couldn't decide what it smelled like. I couldn't eat it.  Couldn't bite it or break it but it was flexible!!

The hotel comped me $15 to play on the slots. So I cashed out with $25. Dinner cost $13. I gained a little and didn't use my money to play. Was fun. Then came to room to get my feet elevated. They don't like being dependent all day!! :-(
The wifi is very slow here. Trying to get the photos I took to transfer over to the Mac.I am going to have to quit. I have many more pictures but I can't get them to download.
So I will close for now. Take care. More tomorrow  from someplace east of here. :-)
Hugs, Carol

Thursday, August 9, 2018
Day 23

I woke up this morning to a crew of men grading the driveway and preparing it for tomorrow. They are going to be laying asphalt tomorrow am early.

Jackie and Jack in front yard. Jackie getting ready to walk with Carley.  The workers are off to the right.

Jackie and Jack

I had originally planned to leave this morning. Then Jeana asked if she could talk me into staying one more night so she could have a dinner for all of us. I'm so glad I chose to stay. It was great seeing them and the dinner was excellent. Another Tri-tip. Had to get my fill of Tri-tip since I can't get it in TN. Or at least at a reasonable price. Have found it at Publix but it was so pricey. This one came from Costco so might try to see if the Costco in Nashville carries them. They are the best especially when marinated and cooked on the grill. Jeana made stuffed zucchini, a tomato salad, green salad, Tri-tip by Mark, and a yummy berry cobbler with ice cream. Going to have to starve myself the next few days!!

Mark, Jack, Kaia, Teagan, Jeana, and Jackie

Kaia and Carol

Teagan and Carol 

Mark, Carol, Jeana

What a wonderful trip this has been even though the main reason for it was very sad. Dee is at peace and doesn't have to suffer through a long illness. It's hard on the friends and family, but in the long run it is such a blessing.
Will close for now. Will be updating every night and also texting to the group that is did on the way out here. Wouldn't mind a phone call if anyone wants to call. If I'm in a high traffic situation I will let you know and will call back.
Take care.  Love you all.
Hugs, Carol

Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Day 22

I left Chico this morning about 11am. Intended to leave about 10 but got sidetracked talking to my brother and looking for an image on the computer. It was pretty nice in Chico, slightly hazy. By the time I got to Orland and Interstate 5 it was very smoky. I drove north of Orland to Corning to the Olive Pit. A store that sells every kind of olive combination, olive oil, balsamic vinegars of many flavors, many gift items made out of olive wood. Plus many other fun gift type items, and a restaurant.  It's a stop I have to make each trip to California.

Going north on I-5 towards Corning

Olive tree

Dee's service started in Willows  at the Open Gate Christian Fellowship Church at 1pm. I got there about 10 minutes before and the place was packed!! She had a lot of friends that thought a lot of her. It was a beautiful simple service. The same pastor performed her service as did Lon's graveside service 2 years ago. It was a potluck and they had a LOT of food. I got to see several of Lon's relatives and several high school friends that I hadn't seen for a long time. Unfortunately I didn't take but one picture. Lisa (Lon's step daughter) and her family came for the service from Chico. It looks like I'm shrinking but I think Eric is just getting taller!!

Amie, Carter, Carol, Eric, and Lisa

I have decided to stay one more night with Jackie. Jeana (Jackie's daughter) has invited us for dinner tomorrow night so I can see the girls one more time. Will leave Friday am.
It's late here again so will post for tonight.
Take care. Hugs, Carol

Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Day 21

I think this is going to be short tonight. It's already late. It's been a full day. I stayed with Bud and Linda last night and will again tonight. For lunch today I met my grade school and high school girlfriend, Judy,  at La Hacienda. One of my favorite restaurants. They have the BEST secret sauce for their tostadas. We talked for almost 3 hours!! What a wonderful time we had. Reminiscing like two old ladies and comparing our health issues :-) We had so much fun when we were growing up together.  Unfortunately, I totally forgot to get our picture together. I had thought about it last night and this am.
Here are a couple of pictures of Bud and Linda's home and yard. They have a lovely patio that I have enjoyed using. No bugs!!

After lunch I drove around Chico some and took a few pictures. This is the Methodist Church and Jim Peterson  and I were married in 50 years ago.  It looks much smaller (and older) to me than I remember it!! 

Tomorrow is Dee's celebration in Willows which is about 45 minutes from Chico. It's a potluck event so I made another double batch of Texas Caviar. Linda helped me chop the bell peppers. Sure helped out. I wasn't sure I was going to get it all back in the smaller bowl after I mixed it, but it did fit. :-) 

I plan to leave Chico about 10 tomorrow, drive to Corning to the Olive Pit and then to Willows for the service. Then to Jackie's for 1 last night in California. the weather had been nice today. 90's which isn't bad. 

Until tomorrow. Take care.

Hugs, Carol 

Monday, August 6, 2018
Day 20

I got up early today knowing I had a list of things I wanted to do today. So left Jackie's about 9am. Drove to Willows and decided to take the long route to Orland and go out to Elk Creek and down the west side to Newville to the cemetery where Lon is buried. It's been 2 years today and seemed fitting to visit him on this day. I had bought some silk flowers to replace the spent ones that were there. Had thought about doing it on Wednesday when I go to Willows for Dee's funeral, but with the fire situation as it is, thought the fire might be closer then. I am glad I went. The valley was very smoky and the road from Elk Creek to Millsap gap was very smoky. After I went through the gap to the east side of the ridge I saw beautiful blue sky!! It is actually foothills so has some elevation. It started getting smoky again as I got close to the valley floor and to Black Butte Lake where we used to spend a fair amount of time camping or fishing. I drove from Willows to Elk Creek, about 20miles, and met 3 cars, 2 CHP and a truck. Didn't see any going my direction. From Elk Creek to cemetery, another 20 miles, and no cars either way. Got to cemetery and had to pee really bad so hid behind oak tree and large grave marker and a pickup drove by!!! Don't think he could see me tho. And then drove almost the rest of the way to Orland another 20 miles without seeing any cars until just outside of Orland. So I could stop in the middle of the road and take pictures. The first set of pictures is on Hwy 162 going from Willows to Elk Creek. Those are beehives and the plowed ground is a fire break around the field. The bridge is over Stony Creek at Elk Creek. Elk Creek is where Lon grew up.

The next set is on the road from Elk Creek to Newville Cemetery. Can't remember the number. The first picture is on the west side of the ridge and very smoky. It shows the road going through Millsap gap. It's right in the center of the picture. I guess you have to click on the picture to make it bigger to see the road. It's in the dip in the middle of the picture on the skyline. 

 The next 2 are on the east side of the gap and there is the blue sky!! Pretty rock formations. Did see a couple of deer but didn't capture them in the pictures.

Pictures of the new flowers I put on Lon' grave site. It was so peaceful and quiet out there. No sounds except a few birds and a bee that was harassing me.  No cars, trains, planes, etc. 

Interesting trees. 

When the color guard came out to the cemetery to do Lon's service 2 years ago, they said they had not been out there before. They wanted to put flags on the graves of men that had served in the military. So there are quite a few flags throughout the cemetery, including one for Lon. The one pictured below is on a county marker that says "Unknown". Had to take a picture of it. Made me a little teary although not sure why. 

Two random markers that I thought were interesting. Don't know who Samuel Clay is but he was born in Bedford County, Tennessee!

 This is sad!! 

This is Black Butte Lake. Very smoky.

 This sign was at the boat launch. At first I thought it was life jackets that had been lost and someone had hung there for the owners. This sounds like a good idea. I'm surprised tho that no one steals them.

This irrigation canal is water coming from Black Butte Lake. Used to water crops or orchards. 

I stopped at Carl's Jr. (same as Hardy's in TN) to get some chicken tenders. I wanted to take a picture of the palm trees. Would have been a pretty picture except for the billboards. I can't believe Max G. Arnold is still practicing! He was quite the ambulance chaser in the late 70's and early 80's.  I didn't like it when he came into the hospital unit to see clients (patients). 

 My mom had a cousin that passed in 1972 at the same time that Tina was born. So I didn't know where he was buried. I found out on Ancestry.com that he is in Forest Ranch. Tells the section and row, etc. So I drove to Forest Ranch, up Hwy 32 which Jackie and I came down on from the lake. I had to drive back through some woods  between some shady looking homes. When I got to the cemetery it was full of weeds, grasses, etc. Didn't see any snakes but was sure looking!! I walked all the way to that back gate and couldn't find his marker. Oh well.I tried. I wanted to get a picture to put on line and in my Family Tree Maker program.

So after I got back down the hill, I went to get my car scrubbed and waxed. It was dirty from ashes and pollen from the tree it was parked under. Then to Kohl's to get a pair of pants for the service. Could hardly find the store. The trees have grown up so much it wasn't visible. Next stop Costco to get lamb chops. And gas. Then to Bud and Linda's at quitting time!  Took an "off the freeway" route and made it in a short time. Their daughter, Arwen and her daughter Rowen came for dinner. Was good to see them. And once again it is after 1am there! Just can't seem to get to writing this until late. Everyone has gone to bed. Linda will be up at 5:30 but I doubt that I will, unless it's to go to BR. :-) 

Tomorrow going to have lunch with a long time friend from grade school and high school. Going to La Hacienda, one of my favorite places. It's been there a long time. 

Nite all. Hope all is well.

Hugs, Carol