Today, I arrived in Gallup, New Mexico just in time for a Noon meeting of a group called “Wings of the Storm”. It seems I can not ever travel the South West without planning a stop in this city, as well as Flagstaff, AR. Of the twenty or so people attending this meeting, I’m the only white person. I felt right at home, and all accepted me once I identify who and what I am….
After the meeting, I moved my “rig” into the hills surrounding the city, parked and just rested. The wind was cool and fast, providing the necessary comfort I sought. This will be the first time I can gather my thoughts and rest, having driven pretty much “straight through” in my traveling.
After stopping in Michigan and Indiana for personal business, I continued west along Rt. 80, into the rain. The rain continued along RT 57 South, SW on Rt. 72, as well as South on Rt. 55. The News on the radio talked of all the flooding, but I encountered none. Traveling West along Rt. 70, the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers were surly swollen and my thoughts could not help but go out for all those people whose homes were under water.
I did stop for a few hours in Mullinville, KS. To see a man I call “The Wizard of OZ”.
The last time here I was easterly bound, took a lot of pictures, and regretted not stopping to see this person.
All along the road for 300 feet are the craziest “iron works” I have ever seen. The individual who created them had to be a character, and I wanted to talk to him. This I did, and he was a 77 year old retired Navy man, not so talkative, but managed to sell me a piece of “iron works”. After sleeping a few hours, I moved SW along Rt. 54 to Albuquerque, NM.
My immediate plans are to “sight see” this city and surroundings for a day or two, move to Flagstaff for another two days, then to the North Rim of the grand Canyon for a few days. I’m looking forward to the tranquility and “vanilla” smell of the Ponderosa Pines on the Rim.
Access to the inter-net will diminish as I travel to the Rim, so will be looking to get on here in Gallup or Flagstaff to file these words.
Sounds wonderful Mr. B. We drove into Louisiana yesterday and we traveled all the way to Milton, FL today. We stopped at the new Bass Pro in Baton Rouge, LA. The kids had a great time. It made for a long trip, but we are going to see the beach for a bit tomorrow before heading onto the next stop. Have a wonderful trip and stay safe. QT2
2008 Ford F-350 DRW 4x2 Lariat Crew Cab
2007 Denali 28LB-M5
Mom, Dad, Sissy (9), Brother (5), Sassy (13 yr. old Border Collie), and Daisy (7 yr. old Lab)
QT2...... I know Milton, Fl. In 1957 my drinking habits got me and 5 other Airmen "locked up" for the night in their Small jail. A marine doing 3 months ate all the GRITS and SOURBACK (?) we could not even look at that next morning.
I'll bet it's hot down there this time of year!!?? I hope the beach cools ya all off.
Hello All:
Going from TOO much detail, to nothing for balance of trip is not the way to communicate I know, but…. that is what I did…, and if an apology is due, I give it.
I hope QT2’s family completed their vacation without incident and they enjoyed the TRIP. Maybe they will fill us in on balance of this trip?
Also, I thank Galvorien52 for the interest expressed in my trip. Sorry I did not come back with the rest of trip.
I did not make it into Canada, let alone Alaska this trip, and that is ok. I had no negative events and all was good! Traveled from 6/4/08 to 7/2/08, 29 days.
For me, the trip was one of my most enjoyable. I was able to slow down and park by Rivers ands parks, just to enjoy the sights.
Some highlights of Trip:
1) I Visited the North Rim for short time. Still beautiful.
2) Traveled along the North side of Columbia River this trip, camping at Roosevelt Park for night. I was able to talk to a number of fisherman as they surfed for Salmon. They were very friendly and expressed “thankfulness” for the opportunity.
3) While visiting Daughter, toured the city of Portland, riding the Trolleys throughout the city for nothing…. Can ya believe that? Also rode a TRAM up into a Hospital complex, crossing a major "expressway", and above the city.
4) Traveled the most northern of our countries major hiways, Rt #90 and 94 into Chicago. I missed the opportunity to see “Yellowstone’ national park because I was enjoy Rt #90 so much. Many Rivers and sights to see… walked into woods a few times, and of course getting turned around enough once to get concerned. I fear spending time Lost in woods.
To some this up…, I want to wish those wanting to travel in this manner, get the chance!
I have been blessed. To have the resources to just say, “What’s down that road?” and then go there….. wow!
It was really good to hear from you. Was afraid something bad might have happened. Even though you didn't make it to Alaska, it does sound like you had a great time and got to see many places. That is the main thing - have a great time and see many places. We are hoping to do the same on a planned trip to Montana after we get our 5th wheel back from being repaired. We will get to Montana, but we will just go where we please when we please other than that. Hope you have many more happy trips.
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