Some of you know by now, we made it to Tacoma, WA for Thanksgiving at my sister's house where all the family were meeting for the Thanksgiving meal. Did we ever surprise some of them. There was nothing quite like seeing the sign "Welcome to Washington" only thing to

make it any better would have been to have sunshine in the background instead of rain clouds, but then again, it's fall/winter in the northwest.

It's really nice to be home and sleeping in our own beds. The last two nights have been heaven.

We will now begin the process of getting the trip all together and the story written to get the book published. I'm still off for another week so hope to get most of it done before heading back to the park.

Speaking of the park, it really has been an eye opener to see how other parks perform the duties of dealing with the public. After all, the public is why the parks are there. There's always something we can learn from each other, all we have to do is to ask and or watch.

After our visit with Ralph and family (his mom Jean was visiting) we made it to Eureka, CA and had a wonderful dinner at the Marina Cafe. Our weather has been pretty good considering it is now November the the forecast is rain. I'm amazed at the number of hitchhikers along Hwy 101.

The signs all say to watch for those on bicycles but nothing about the hitchhikers. We haven't seen to many bicyclers thought.

This morning we will head north into Oregon where we haven't been since August. Oh no, the 4 months is coming to an end. What will we do? I must say thank you to everyone who has graciously opened their doors and allowed us to stay with them.

Spending time in San Francisco was wonderful. We enjoyed Japan Town and the people who live there and then went over to Fillmore area which is the big Jazz center of San Fran.

If we had more time, I expect we would have covered miles and miles walking. Just wish it would show on my body. NO luck there.

Thought these flags that are cut out were quite interesting and thought the picture was pretty good. Visiting with the Bell's and then heading north tomorrow.

We made it to San Francisco via Hwy 1 along the coast. What a beautiful drive and the traffic was nothing. Today is started to rain, so we had to put on pants.

I told Joe it will help to get acclimated by having the weather a bit cooler and a little rain just reminds us of home.


We'll be here for a few more days visiting with Ralph Bell and his family before getting back out on the coast and traveling north. The weather seems to be colder up north and snow all the way to the northern California coast. Hope by Tuesday when we head north, it will be clearing up and we can make our stop at the Heacocks as planned as they are in Eastern Oregon and it's not looking really good at this point. If snow continues --- well --- guess we'll just have to hunker down until the roads clear to get 4DATUDE back home. She hates snow.

SMART CAR WILL TRAVEL

Our travels today took us by the LAX airport but I will say that traveling off of the interstate allows us to see such wonderful things like this lab who was watching where his owner was driving. We've had so many questions from everyone on how in the world do we pack all the items we have into the car, so thought I'd share with everyone. Larry wanted us to pull the car into his garage and wow';';'; his Harley looks bigger than our smart car in length== funny D:

We made it up highway 1 from Del Mar, CA and enjoyed seeing how many California people work and play. We both said that to live in California you must enjoy being with people because there's a lot of people in California. We never got out of development all along the coastline except at Camp Pendleton and stopped in Beullton, CA for the night at the Windmill Days One. Heard from or friends north of San Francisco and will be spending a few days with them next week.

As we head north, we both realize how much we have seen and what a wonderful time we have had and yet, we still have a few more weeks before having to get back to Eatonville.

SMART CAR WILL TRAVEL

SMART CAR WILL TRAVEL

We visited the San Diego, CA Mercedes dealership today to check out the new Smart Cars and really are happy that we have the German built Smart car. After taco Tuesday at Cut N Core, we headed to Torrey Pines Beach for some wonderful beach walking and really enjoyed the sunshine and warmth. Picking up some rocks along the way, we headed south towards La Jolla not realizing we would come across "black beach". As we walked, I said, "is that guy naked?" Janice and Joe were walking not paying any attention to people walking towards us and then all of a sudden, I said " that guy has a different kind of swim suit on" It has hair???????? Oh NO -- We were within the nude beach ... close your eyes. I seen a lot more than I wanted to. Of course, I wasn't looking too close or else I would have seen a big.... kahuna...???

Celebrating Larry's birthday ==
Here he is blowing out the candle on Red Velvet Cupcakes with white frosting. Afterwards, we had Shrimp scampi for dinner.


The weather is wonderful, sunny and warm. Our plan today is to get in some beach walking and to enjoy a "birthday" lunch at Larry's work.

Made it to San Diego and loving the sunshine. Hoping for getting some photos today & tomorrow and will post them later. Plan to celebrate Larry's birthday today and should get some good pictures. Later :D

Staying in 29 Palms last night at a nice motel but we found a lizard on our car in the morning while we ate breakfast. We then headed to Joshua Tree NP driving through the park.

Our drive was so peaceful. Driving through the park and along the Salton Sea was without any traffic what so ever to speak of.

We had lunch in Julian, CA then headed on Hwy 78 to Ramona and into Escondido before arriving in DelMar/SanDiego.

Thought everyone would appreciate the travel map. We've covered a few miles - over 12,000 miles and have been averaging 44 miles per gallon. Sure depends on the quality of gas. Even though it says 91Octane we know it isn't because we end up getting in the 30 mpg and if it is 91Octane we are getting in the 50 mpg. Of course using the AC or climbing a lot of hills can also make a difference.

Most of what we have been seeing in the southwest is so dry and brown from west Texas to here in California.

Hearing about the snow in the PNW makes both of us shiver.

SMART CAR WILL TRAVEL ***** We met five wonderful bikers traveling from LA through this beautiful land. They were taking pictures and we arrived just in time to help get them all in the shot, so they returned the favor. I must say, Zion is just awesome and I hope you all will plan to visit. I'm hoping we can make this trip next fall again, of course, our weather has been so wonderful which makes everything a little better.

I couldn't wait to get these pictures out on the blog. Enjoy ;D

We had an early morning start after having breakfast included in our stay. There were quite a few bus loads of tourist traveling the South West- many from Japan all having breakfast too. Heading to Hurricane, UT through the most beautiful landscapes. Of course the Grand Canyon is just that. Driving in the highlands 7,300 ft at one point. Drove through the East entrance to Zion NP (celebrating their 100th year of becoming a national park) ++ WOW the landscape was overwhelming positively spectacular.

Sincerely enjoyed our visit with Carla and Don. Your orchard is awesome and I'm envious. As we traveled the roads today (Thanks Don for the suggested route) the amount of space with landscapes beyond imagination. We're in 29 Palms for the night. Will get to Larry & Janice tomorrow.

SMART CAR WILL TRAVEL

We got a great walk in which always feeds the sole. Then off to the Grand Canyon via Flagstaff for a shopping spree to take to Sharlow. We were greeted at the Entrance booth by Jennifer who was very friendly and tried to sell us an annual pass for $80.00, after finding out no one in the car was "62 or older" but we opted out on that and ended up with the 7 day pass for $25.00. We told her about Joe being retired but she explained that you must be "62 or older".

I asked her about the same time I took this picture - if it would be okay?.

She said afterwards, I caught her off guard because she'd had too much coffee this morning and was feeling kind of funny. -- Wish I would have had a picture of that face. Thanks Jennifer for the smile.

Of course there's not an easy way to explain how it feels and what you really see, looking out over the grand canyon.
We had a great hike along the south rim. Funny how crowded it is right around the visitor center area but you get out a ways and it becomes much quieter and peaceful.

Plan to hike some tomorrow before heading to Utah.

ABQ (aka Albuquerque) was heaven sent -- staying at the Sheraton uptown. Oh so good !
We had such a wonderful relaxing evening let along the s*x. Oh sorry this a public site :D

Traveling from ABQ to Winslow, AZ was quite an eye opener. We see this view all the time on TV when watching Discovery or some of the older western movies from the 40's through the 60's. But to see the open land of the southwest as we travel is amazing. Then you come upon the Plateau view that is beyond description .

We enjoyed our travel along Interstate 40. Not to many vehicles or road work - traveling the speed limit of 75 MPH. - No kidding ! Really was quite comfortable. The view and roadway was pretty much the same for at least half of the way.

As we travel towards the Grand Canyon, we both agree that moving from the 70 degree weather to what we hear in Seattle of 50's.... Ah ? Oh this is really going to be hard. We have enjoyed such wonderful weather and looking at the weather channel it looks like the PNW is in the rain. Go figure ::!!)

SMART CAR WILL TRAVEL

Here we are on ROUTE U S 66.
The drive from Amarillo, TX to Albuquerque, NM was pretty flat and uneventful. Seen a lot of open range land with cattle lots. It's nice to be out of Texas and headed west.


I must say that I have so enjoyed my sister Cathy's comments on the blog and I really love reading her comments and wishes. Love you Cathy :D

We found that Albuquerque, NM had a Sheraton, so we're here for free ... Love that starwood point system. We are getting spoiled with these heavenly beds.

We really enjoyed seeing some of the old Route 66 but it was also sad to see so many businesses closed and falling down. We had a few discussions with the waitress where we stopped for breakfast. She was so excited as Joe continued to tell her our story about our travels, she kept saying, "Get out of here !!" Joe then got to talking about our stop in Sparta, NC, again it was "Get out of here !!" I almost starting making faces to Joe just to get him to look at me. He really had her going.

SMART CAR WILL TRAVEL +++

** Started our day heading northwest towards Amarillo, TX around 8 am.

It was quite interesting seeing how much cotton was being grown and then at the number of oil drilling and wells we seen. You could smell the oil in the air in certain areas, especially the lower valleys. UGH.:( This picture shows the oil storage and the wind mill farm in the background. Oxy moron? No... Just MONEY !

You would think the fields were snow because they stretched out over the land to no end. The cotton was even on the sides of the roads. Joe was in seventh heaven after having the tour of the cotton gin outside of Salem, Alabama. We decided to head to the OLD ROUTE 66 Highway to get some photo ops. So here we are ready to head west (this time for sure ) :D)

Our stay at the Super8 last night was really great, they were very helpful when we had questions and it was clean - really clean. Left about 8am heading west -- YES WEST !! Willow Creek was a stop this morning. 4DATUDE is parked along the street while we got our daily coffee and got into great conversation with a Dallas couple asking whether we drove all this way and why?? !! Happens this lady was from Seattle originally and has a niece coming down next week to stay with her, while her husband goes hunting @! .. I think her husband was deaf he just smiled :D
We weren't sure exactly where we'd end up but though San Angelo, TX sounded good so that's where we are now for the night.
While traveling HWY 87 we passed a lot of cattle country and massive Homestead mansion houses. We had heard LBJ has 10,000 acres plus. Lots and Lots of cotton too - shorter plants than those cotton plants we seen in the south. Is that because of lack of rain? We've had great weather for the majority of our travels thus far. Hoping it stays with us.

As we drove along, we came across this interesting beast. It's a transport company who brings hunters into this area. Picks them up from different airports then bring them out to the country. Then they drive them around in that there jeepy looking thing. You sit out on the back seat and from what they were saying, you can hunt almost any wild thing you can imagine to your hearts content.
I expect the dump truck is in case you get an elephant. ........

Plenty of gas cans on the back so there must be lots of acreage for hunting stuff. Not sure if the black box is like that found in the planes just in case they over run their destination? Or is it for smoking what every they KILL ?

Looks like you can strap your gun right there on the bracket and then just wait and pull the trigger. Down here they call that rip-roaring fun *D

So we made it through the night. Halloween in San Antonio, TX. Who would have thought. After last night, we decided to have breakfast in bed before heading to New Braunfels, TX where the 49th annual

German Brautsfest takes place. Here is Joe waiting in line for some excellent German Potato pancakes with applesauce.
Needless to say, we had our fill of German food for a while.

This is right out of his childhood and uncle Flop making Sunday supper for everyone before heading back to milking
Everything at the festival was cash only, so of course they brought in portable ATM's. Thought Patty would appreciate such an innovated idea.

Promise to head West tomorrow figuring we should be able to get to San Diego within the next 8 days or so.

Hope to get home a few days early just to get back into the swing before I have to.

During our stay, we have walked a lot. Found some WSU fans here for the football game tonight against Notra Dame. Looks like more ND fans than WSU. Joe was impressed with the iron lizard.

My hip has decided to play with me and cause some spasms, I have to be careful when I stand up mostly.
Moving today from the Sheraton to the Westin on the Riverwalk. Have our costumes ready,, so we should have a riot blast of fun tonight ;D

We have been enjoying San Antonio to the fullest.

Staying at the same place as with the sisters last November. Mailed 4 postcards from the 12th floor mail slot with the hopes they will make it to their destinations. Visited the river walk and went to the Hyatt Lobby Bar for a morning drink only to find the bartender didn't know how to make Tequila Sunrises, so she had to call the manager who came up and mixed them "on the house" because we had to wait. The manager then said she had never made this drink. Surprisingly and lucky for us, they were excellent and exactly as they should have been.

Walking, drinking and eating seems to be the way of the riverwalk. We enjoyed the market today eating at the same place the sisters did. It hasn't been as crowded as then though. We took the time to actually map out our trip since we let in August and feel so luck to have had the time and money to do such a trip. It is so amazing to have seen such beautiful land. I only hope everyone who wants to travel as we have, has the opportunity to do so. Tomorrow we'll investigate a few other attractions here in San Antonio. XXOO

Our first day in San Antonio, TX. We walked the river walk and enjoyed seeing so much of what they have improved.

Joe was checking out the trees that are so big here trying to figure out the species. Where are our friends with the knowledge to assist with the identification of the tree. Joe got a few cones from the tree in hopes to grow them at home?

We seen the Alamo without so many people as last year.

Then ended up eating excellent food for lunch and continued to walk it off then decided to stop and do a great big siesta before going out for the night time entertainment

Our travels from Carney's in the rain heading SW with the hopes of sunshine. Mike is raising wild pigs and took a few pictures for us. This is the mama sow.
We enjoyed a wonder meal cooked by Debra's son Mark - Cajun food. that he brought back from Baton Rouge. He went to the LSU Auburn game and was happy on the outcome, but I told him ....... wrong day for Auburn. ;D
We had great food and wonderful conversation. Joe & I learned quite a bit about the mining for natural gas. We had such a wonderful time visiting and getting such education. "who'd a thunk Eastern Texas" Traveled to Austin, TX on Monday and had a wonderful visit to the capital and University of Texas. Awoke to Sunshine this morning :D
Drove through Johnson City and went to where Johnson grew up and the ranch.








From there we headed to San Antonio, TX for a few days of rest and enjoyment. We will be here for Halloween, so we hope to be apart of some exciting celebrations. We'll be working on our travels from here to San Diego while here. It will really depend on the weather. 4DATUDE hates snow. "":D

We had such a wonderful day yesterday. Debra's son Jason is married to the most lovely lady Sarah who's family was having a family reunion at the family farm which was part of the Mimosa plantation settled in 1765. 8,000 acres originally. Sarah's Great grandmother stayed there all her 97 years and passed away not to many years ago.. Needless to say, there was a lot of history and collections of everything you could think of including political campaign buttons. Match boxes, clocks, color bottles and much much more. There is a log cabin on the property that is full of so many different things.

Also included was a trapped posses m which was being fed corn to take the rat taste out of the meat before cooking it, at least that's what Lee was telling us. Mike said that armadillos were just possemums on a half shell.
On the plantation is a cemetery where family members are buried included are two slaves who from the story told were given the privilege of being buried with the family after the man slave "Henry" saved one of the family and his request was just that he and his wife be buried with the family. The rest of the slaves were buried out in the back outside the cemetery grounds.
There is one white headstone which is kind of a marker for the other slave graves which are marked only with a brick.

Here we are in Kilgore Texas visiting the Carney's who moved here two years ago after retiring from Mt. Rainier. Our trip yesterday was pretty uneventful making good time.

Seen quite a few dogs, some puppies too, along the road way and wonder if they are ruminates from Katrina 5 years ago? Just realized we hadn't seen any tent caterpillars since Virginia until now in northern Louisiana. Stopped for a late breakfast at a small country dinner, Joe ordered oatmeal with brown sugar and the lady said, " we don't have any brown sugar only white sugar". Oh well. You can see that there has been a lot of rain in this area. Fields are covered with water and they haven't harvested to cotton yet because it's been so wet.

SMART CAR WILL TRAVEL

First thing this morning, Joe heard a lot of talking outside our room so he went out to find three men looking at 4DATUDE. They were very curious and were surprised to hear it had a Mercedes tractor engine in it. Joe was talking with his hands as you can see but I think the fellow standing in front of the car is missing most of that but then it is a small car.

While driving down the parkway, we had a chestnut drop onto the top of the car. WOW, that woke us up. D,) Stopped at a Swamp where we took a few pictures. I of course, got more than a few bites from our LOVELY mosquito's. We reached the end of the Natchez Trace Parkway in Natchez, Mississippi then over the Mississippi River to Louisiana where we were flagged over by a police car after we had stopped at the visitor center to get a map. The cop had been in front of us, so immediately, I thought we must have a light out but I looked over to see - - they were not on as Joe was turning them on... The cop flagged us to go up to the side of the cop car, I rolled down my window and she said " I have few questions to ask . . . ....... . . . "How economical is your Smart car?" "Do you like your car?" Smiling I told her we averaged around 45 mpg on this trip and love the car. Then someone came up behind us, she turned her police car lights on and continued to discuss the car for another 10 minutes. I told her we were going to Jonesville, Louisiana to get out of the rain that was just starting and stay the night there. She suggested we stay at Edwards Inn and eat at Jackie's Restaurant which we did. Nice room and it was down home cooking. Catfish buffet tonight. Hope to get to our friends in Kilgore, TX sometime tomorrow. Still without cell coverage all day. I think it's the nextel coverage because we can still use the Internet through Verizon. Buttoning down the hatches tonight with the hopes of avoiding most of the rain storm in this area.