Almost Home

Sunday, Sept. 14

Sorry folks, I have not been keeping this up to date.  Actually, since it was mostly driving, there wasn't a whole lot to report.

As planned, we stayed North coming across and have encountered cooler weather.  Had a few days of light rain and definitely lower temps.  The cold front from the arctic seemed to be chasing us.  We did manage to stay ahead of it.  Today we are heading into Alabama where the upper 80's will greet us.  Guess no room to complain since we missed most of the summer.

Everything on the RV seems to be fixed after having to visit 2 Camping Worlds.  We were able to visit with Ray and Tam last w/e in Salt Lake City due to their RV problems.  They are fixed up and a few days behind us.

It was a great trip and hope you enjoyed traveling with us.  Home tomorrow after an overnight in Birmingham.

Spokane to Butte, MT

Tuesday, Sept. 2nd

We spent an enjoyable w/e in Spokane, WA with some awesome weather.  Saturday, we attended their yearly "Pig in the Park".  Actually folks it is very similar to the festivals we all have in our home towns.  Lots and lots of food vendors, but also lots of very long lines.  Figure that was due to the beautiful weather.  Several arts and crafts vendors with small lines.  Jack even figured the line for beer was too long.

We returned to the RV and grilled some salmon and then settled in to watch the LSU football.  For those who know Jack well, he can't handle watching LSU lose or play poorly.  When at home, he usually goes to the garage and sits in the car and listens on the radio.  Being so far away, there was no garage or even a chance to hear LSU football on WWL.  He just had to sit and bear it.  Fortunately the outcome went in our direction.

Sunday, we took a drive to Couer d'Alene.  It was a lovely day and just perfect for strolling the boardwalk and some of the local shops.  Jack had seen an advertisement for "All things Irish".  He figured that would be the spot for lunch.  Unfortunately, it wasn't a restaurant but a store with "all things Irish".  We did find another spot and definitely enjoyed being back in the land of reasonable prices for lunch.  Alaska and Canada really knew how to charge.

Monday being Labor Day, we thought it only fitting we "labor".  Jack untook washing the RV and car - major undertaking.  Betty on the other hand tackled the inside including the ever dirty floor.  It has been amazing how much crud we accumulated on our travels.

This morning after fueling, we were on the road at 9am.  Travelling eastward, we were loosing an hour before we even left.

The first portion of our trip made of think of Canada - even though we were on I-90, we were up and down and round and round.  I was going to give Jack a hand behind the wheel, but not on that type of roadway.  After crossing into Montana, I got behind the wheel having not driven since April.  Nerves set in at first, but they the memories came back.

We are spending the night in Butte where it was 36 this morning and 77 this afternoon.  The same is predicted for tomorrow - chilly morning ahead of us.

Patti is still checking every RV that pulls in and looking for Teddi.  January can't come soon enough for her.

HOMEWARD BOUND FROM ALASKA

AUGUST 28TH

Yesterday we left our Alaska travel companions and started our journey toward Alabama.  Having washed the car and RV in Cache Creek, BC we thought it would arrive clean.  Once again, we saw some road construction and sprinkles on our windshield.  We crossed back into the USA.  The border crossing was busy and everyone was being checked including us.  No big deal, but just ironic that it is harder to return to the USA than go into another country.

We were working out way toward Spokane but after so many twisty roads, we called in quits in Electric City, WA.  What a wonder surprise to find the Coulee Dam there - didn't have a clue.  Jack was familiar with it, but I wasn't.  After talking with campers next to us, they told us about the laser show.  It was later than we wanted to stay up, but thought we needed to go and see.  It was a history of the dam - how it came to be - numerous job opportunities after the depression, but loss of Indian culture and some land.  It definitely was worth staying up late.

This morning, we both put on our shorts and put the jeans in the laundry - yeah or so I thought.  By the time we landed here at the Elks in Spokane it was 85 and I began to sweat - ugh!

We are set up here on a hilltop until Tuesday morning.  Once again, we've run in to some unknown festivities.  They celebrate "Pig in the Park" all weekend.  Actually it started yesterday through Monday.  Suppose to be all sorts of vendors downtown along with continuous entertainment.  We will definitely check this out.  The weather is suppose to cool off tonight and only reach 75 tomorrow.

Happy Hour without our friends and Patti's friend Teddy just isn't the same.  Unfortunately, we can't explain it to Patti, but she will survive.

Looking forward to LSU football tomorrow night.  First thing Jack checked was the satellite reception with our dish - it is working!

Monday, Oct. 18th

SWEET HOME ALABAMA!!!

We are now safely home. Over the past 78 days, we have traveled over 7,000 miles, been in 15 different states, and 2 provences of Canada. We had a wonderful time and are so thankful we have been given the opportunity to do this.

Now it is time to get our feet on the ground and undertake the projects around the house. To those who followed our blog, I wish to say this is the END!! (until Jack gets antsy again)

Sunday, October 10th

This morning was the end of the festival. Most of the balloons were able to go up this morning, but the box was not working. Regardless, it is still a wonderful sight.

We went to church with friends from Georgia and then out to breakfast. By the time, we returned to the festival park, a good number of the RV's had left. It was disappointing to see it all come to an end, but thankful that everything was so good in creating great memories.

Since we departed Albuquerque later than planned, we only made it to Tucumaria, NM for the night. Working on lots of laundry and tomorrow will be another day of traveling in an Eastward direction. Next week, we should be back in Daphne.

Saturday, Oct. 9th

Yesterday was a winner all the way around. After the morning ballooning, we were treated to our first glow of the week. Weather was perfect, crowds were huge, and all ended with a great fireworks show. The best of all was just after midnight when the gas balloons were able to leave on their journey to the East. It started with a tribute to the 2 ballooners that were lost last week. They were from Albuquerque and were suppose to be here.

This morning saw approximately 450 balloons taking to the air in just over an hour. The north wind took them right over our RV. Truly a nice spectacular sight. We are hoping for another glow this evening and more fireworks. Tomorrow morning ends with another mass ascension and then we head Eastward.

Friday, Oct. 8th

Ok, I didn't get to wifi yesterday. Our morning started early - 6am we were on the field to watch the blowing up of the character balloons. Just awesome to see all that is involved. As the sun comes up, so go the balloons. We were lucky that the wind co-operated and they were able to preform with wind box. Unfortunately, the wind was too strong for the balloon glow last evening, but the fireworks were good. This morning the character balloons stayed tethered because of a passing cold front, but that gave us the opportunity to walk amongst them. Not sure what will happen tonight as the wind is picking up again.

Apparently the night glow has not happened all week, but the mornings have been just about perfect.

Had a wonderful luncheon yesterday at a local country club. Today, we ate at a wonderful Mexican restaurant that many celebrities have been too.