Home

Finished up driving yesterday. Had an exceptionally early start, so was driving at dawn, with a fair few foggy patches. It was quite beautiful as the sun's rays would break through the fog; a really nice way to finish up the last day.  I had one more item on the list before finishing the trip, a special retirement celebration. This meant I needed to go to Toronto before I was able to go home. When heading out I had no clue the 'why' it was so important to be there, just to go and ignore good common sense that one more day of resting before going probably would have been wiser. So I listened to that instinct with the caveat that if I couldn't make it, I would pull over until I could do better and know I did the best I could. As it was, it worked out perfectly. While at the celebration, in listening to the stories of this individual's 41-year journey in his field, seeing the fruits of his labor before him that day, I realized we are all on our own journeys that will affect others in our lives and around us and just because one path ends, it doesn't mean we're finished, rather we are just tackling things from a different position. Just because his had an official title that he now retired from doesn't mean those of us who don't have the 'titles' or official retirement dates don't count. We all were on journeys, short ones such as the trip, or life-long ones simply as we are living our day-to-day. Retirement doesn't mean stop, it just is a change of direction and he will exemplify it beautifully, just as he has these past 41 years. It was neat to realize that this gentleman will no more stop what he's doing within his own life, just change the patterning of what he's been doing all along. During conversation afterwards, the word "pilgrimage" was mentioned in regards to my own trip. As I heard that word and as I  thought of the celebration presentation itself I realized in many ways it was a good fit although it hadn't been my intent, I was just going on a 'road trip' which really did end up being a true pilgrimage--in so many ways.  As I drove the final lap from Toronto to my home, my mind filled with so many memories of all that had happened within these past four weeks and there was a strong mix of sadness this time period was over, with an appreciation of being back home with my own family and life here. When all was said and done I can say the whole journey dovetailed beautifully as the days unfolded. A trip not soon to be forgotten and well worth every mile covered.

Not quite home yet....

Although a long travel day, not ending until near 10:00 pm, it certainly felt triumphant to return to where I started ... at my parents' home. Even though the last three states were familiar to me, I still saw them with new eyes, and was impressed with the fact that from Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, straight farmland...lots of corn, beans, and sorghum. No wonder it's called the bread basket! When one drives literally day after day after day by these fields, it's impactful to see just how large the 'bread basket' is. This was also the first time I've seen tiered cornfields, as in Illinois. An interesting use of some of these fields was the combination of cornfields and windfarms. Up to this point, I had only seen windfarms on unfarmable lands. I had made a pointed decision to just drive, so only had a few planned stops with the hope to get to Ohio today, Canada tomorrow. On the whole that worked, although by now the body was really feeling all these days of straight driving and it was finally becoming a bit of an endurance test to keep pushing on... the fatigue and soreness was just becoming a bit much. As day was coming to an end and I was literally forcing myself to keep driving, keep pushing on, it was exceptionally nice to see the "Welcome to Ohio" sign that was literally glowing due to the sunset shining right on it. Sweet! A couple more hours and I arrived back to where I started. Today was a peaceful day of rest, unwinding, even watching a bit of a Reds Game with my brother. Nice. Unfortunately, it looks like the adventure is not quite over as once home and rested at my parents, I unexpectedly pulled my back doing something so innocuous I never saw it coming. One quick moment and grounded! So must stay here until it is well enough to be able to make the drive home. Yet I'm thankful if this was to happen, it is here. Kind of anti-climatic true, and I felt bad to informed my children I was delayed; but if this was to happen I'm thankful it happened here!  I guess the adventure just isn't over yet. And the Red's game is pretty good! Go Bruce! Just hit his third home run tonight! Woo Hoo!

Last leg...

White Road Post

Once again, I got side tracked trying to see some of the country I was driving through. I was in Iowa and was told of a 26-mile length of road that was to some degree along the old wagon trails of old and had many interesting sights. Some of which I could find easily, some I couldn't find at all. They called it the "White Post Road" and it intersected six towns. I found the painted rock, dedicated to our veterans the most intriguing. Actually, travelling across the country this was probably the most common denominator...our veterans; from walls, to paintings, to names for our highways, museums, parks, etc. It was good to see the honor. It is most likely there is a rare life, if any, who's isn't touched by a family member past or present who hasn't served. Having visit the Wall in Washington D.C. some years back, and feeling the powerfulness of being there, it's nice to see it's spread across the country. This "rock" honors our veterans with new paintings each year, and also has some ashes from some of our Vietnam vets encased on one portion that has become a permanent part of the painting. It helps soften the blow of such huge loss, to have these memorials and thanks to all whom help create them.

I am feeling the fatigue so take much longer to get from point to point. Was pulled over again yesterday (starting to get a little paranoid!) due to crossing the yellow line a few times and someone reported me. In speaking to the officer, I just mentioned the fatigue and he was good with that. I slept a fair bit between driving moments, so think it is getting time to end the trip. There is one more length today to end up back at my parents...then home. Most likely none to soon. It's been perfect weather the whole time, the only true storm was through the night, so I've been very fortunate. Had a nice evening last night, treating myself to a good dinner and hotel (no more 'by the hour' ones!) and am getting ready to drive that last portion. Tired but thankful I've been able to go on this trip. It's been good.

Geographical Center

I spent a lot of time in Kansas  yesterday...more than probably necessary, but the goal was two-fold; to find the geodetic center of the USA and the geographic center of the contiguous United States. I was determined to find the one site at Mead's Ranch, near Osbourne, but this is one time determination didn't pan out. All I can say is I was close and apparently was at the Holy Crossroads, which I had no idea existed AND didn't even take a photo. In retrospect, to have taken a photo of this sign on old dirt backroads would have been a good idea...as it was so unexpected. I had to wonder how on earth anyone would have known about it? For something so 'holy' it was certainly silent. I finally went to Lebanon, KS to get to the geographic center. What had simply been a following up on a suggestion became a very impactful moment. To be standing there at this center, represented a lot more than just a location.  I didn't expect the impact of being there. Very isolated yet in all directions the country spread from this point. Also what I hadn't realized is that the geodetic center is from where all surveys start, not just within the continental states, but also Canada and Mexico...all from a marker in a pasture. We are ALL connected through this point. As strange as it might sound, I felt that connection while there.

The rest of the day was spend traveling through more of  Kansas, Nebraska and dipping into Iowa...where I'm at now, at a kiosk for wireless...amazing how even wi-fi is popping up more and more in rest areas...whereas at one time if you were able to have a sanitary place for a pit stop, it was a good thing! Weather has been holding out wonderfully, and so far, despite being warned otherwise, I have found the scenery continually intriguing, and not boring at all. Still a couple days out...will enjoy what I can while traveling, then back home to the every day again. Better get going...

Kansas

Just before the storm

I have to be honest, I didn't think today would hold any real adventure. I left the mountains behind, and was just making tracks towards home, with the thought of going to the geographical center of the U.S. of A. before heading home;  my niece's idea and I kind of liked it.

So I'm driving through 'colorful Colorado'--their motto, and Kansas...farmland, farmland, and more farmland. I decided to sidetrack and go my own way towards my goal. It was one of those rare times that the backroads were worse than the highway as far as view. It was such an isolated drive I realized that if something happened to the car or me, I would be out in the middle of absolutely nowhere...I mean, literally there were miles and miles and miles of corn fields, no houses, the occasional cows. I felt I was breaking a promise to my family to drive safe, so once I found a road back to the highway, I scooted. It was then I noticed the skies. They were quite ominous and I realized Kansas was NOT a place I wanted to be isolated in a severe storm! I stopped at one hotel, asked if they had concerns and as the response was a negative, I kept going East trusting in the locals yet my instinct said differently---those skies were not 'nothing'. I decided to stop at a rest area first, to take better photos of the sky...I can't resist the stormy skies...yet knew too, I better find a safe place. While there, on the speaker were warnings to find cover due to the nature of the storm, and its route. I checked the map and realized I was driving directly into it, and as the skies became more and more ominous, realized I was a sitting duck. The highway was going up and I was out there in the open. Even beforehand, when watching the skies and lightning from afar I could see why Kansas was famous for its tornadoes, there was nothing to stop the winds and force; and while watching the skies realized the cloud patterns were not good--this was not the place/time to be on the road. I wanted to heed the warnings about finding a safe place if driving but was going in the wrong direction. I also noticed there were no other cars on the highway so decided to find the first U-turn spot and turn away from the center of the storm; go back where I came from... try to find a decent...yet affordable hotel before it hit. The clouds were getting darker and darker as I was searching and finally found one of those, more 'by the hour', than 'by the night' hotels...but price was right so I made the decision to lodge. Plus, I had wanted an older hotel that I knew had withstood other storms... there just seemed safety in that knowledge.  None too soon as the skies dropped the rain and the lightning and thunder started their action. I turned on the TV and they had just lengthened the time of the warning, and the width of the storm.  I have to admit, I will NOT shower here, I would rather be the 'stinky person' than take a chance with that here AND I have a large table in front of the door as there's no real lock and it definitely is NOT a family hotel, and I haven't seen another female here. Yet despite all that do feel safe enough. Barricaded and safe--even have wireless although TV signal went out--so there you go! An adventure in Kansas I'll not forget too soon. This stuff isn't in the tourist brochure... but there's something about that experience that just adds flavor, a bit of an adrenalin rush. Of course, it's easier to admit that once safe and sound.

As the road stretches out...

Another long day of traveling, settling in after dark this time, as with the last two nights...taking me a long time to  get to where I need to go each day. Today I found myself struggling with the fatigue that's settling in. As good as this has been, it can get tiring, although I do try to amuse myself along the way. When the road stretches out in front of me though, I really simply enjoy taking in my surroundings and thinking; doing a whole lot of thinking! And when I can't take it anymore, I tune the radio to listen to anything it has to offer which is sometimes very slim pickings. I was enjoying a particularly good rolling the miles away in Wyoming and had just been able to tune in to Prairie Home Companion, so was glad for some interesting radio to help while away the time. As I was enjoying it and just smiling really, I saw a highway patrol was behind me in the passing lane, so I pulled over as they are always wanting to rush ahead to their business. It was such a smooth pull in I felt pleased I was finally getting used to this mountain driving. I wasn't as pleased when I saw that he wasn't really pulling ahead, then pulled in behind me; then the dreaded lights started flashing. Not good. Apparently I was going a fair bit over the speed limit, so I'm thinking I've gotten used to the car by now as going 70 intimidated me when I started out. I guess averaging my overly slow times during some mountain passes, and my speeding wasn't going to work. I did tell him I was trying to get out of the mountains as fast as I could but that wasn't helpful either.  He was so polite about the whole thing and let me pay for the ticket then and there and I found myself thanking him for being so kind and polite. It was 'almost' a pleasure--although that wasn't quite what I had in mind for my emergency fund! I have found that on this trip...on the whole everyone has been more than polite, interesting to talk, to which has added to this adventure. Sometimes, if in a hotel and there wasn't a place to sit for breakfast, I'd join other solitary individuals and we'd chat away. As my trip has unfolded, flying by the seat of my pants at times as far as which direction to go when, I have discovered that where I 'would have been' for some other reason wouldn't have worked out. It's been intriguing. I saw the last of my family tonight. It was really good and worth heading in this direction before heading home. The best has been to see my family across the country, and some good friends. I have no regrets for what I haven't seen, thankful for the surprises along the way, and still look forward to the bit of adventure that's left before all is said and done.

Routes and pathways

Pacific ocean view from car while driving

Just about ready to head into Wyoming...not quite awake enough so thought I'd write out some thoughts. Before leaving California I drove along a portion of the Pacific Coastal Highway. What a treat and a long term goal so I found it very emotional to be there. Actually, within all the driving, there have been incredible scenaries before my eyes. I had grabbed a 'point and shoot' camera from the house last minute just in case it became handy. As it is, especially with my main camera not operable for now, the little camera became a great tool as I've mastered the art of taking photos and driving at the same time. Although a hit and miss (Actual aiming for a good photograph is out of the question when driving!) some fairly good shots have come out to capture the scenary while passing by. These last few days have been mountain days. Although still not too relaxed with the declines and the passes where there's mountain only and steep curving, I can still enjoy the absolute beauty and different geologocial formations along the way. California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah...some crossover of types but also huge variety. When heading east again I needed to take some off-Interstate roads to get to where I was going. I felt more like I was in France or Italy, not North America...english wasn't even the first language in some of the back hills. I knew in Quebec, parts of New Brunswick, are all french-speaking; I didn't expect that through backroads in California. On the drive, especially the tree-lined portions, I felt like I was in Southern France again. Beautiful. One stretch was as straight as an arrow but was shaped with mounds so was like driving on a ski mogul. This drive was an amazing little piece of the journey and probably one of my favorite drives so far. On I-15, without warning, especially as the route I had chosen was at the advice of others as the 'least mountainness" of all routes, I had to drive through a canyon...the only warning I had was a sign that said "For the next 11 miles there will be mountain driving."...since I've done the steep curves and downward spirals before...I wasn't that concerned...just the usual bracing process I go through. I was NOT prepared for the quick hairpin turns and being completely surrounded by rock. I found out later that it was gorge of a canyon that the road is routed through and even some locals white-knuckle through it. Yet again, to be surrounded totally by the harshness of the rock formations was beauty in itself. Utah has been so friendly...their rest stops are the greatest...and plentiful...as they do not want 'drowsy drivers'. It has been getting more and more green and there are farmlands at 6000 + feet up. Today it will be Wyoming and Colorada, and although down a camera and only able to point and shoot while driving, I try to capture as much as possible to memory of all the spectacular views and scenery along the way.

Hollywood sign

It was quite the challenge to FINALLY take this photograph. It wasn't on my agenda to go to Hollywood but as a daughter asked I thought "Why not?" But just quickly and not fall for the hype. I tried to find my way without directions... which took so long I finally asked for help. Yet even with that, I got so turned around I was well in LA before I realized I was going in the wrong direction. Once I did finally arrive at Hollywood Blvd... I was hooked, with balance I hoped... although I had to wonder at that when I found myself taking photos in the bathroom stalls (the tiles were intriguing!). Then I thought I'd try to go where I wasn't allowed. First time I dropped my money/identification so had to go back; second time, I only got one shot in and I was sent back by security. Having found out they were strict about parking rules too, (I was avoiding the $2.25 per 15 minute charge) I made sure to get back in time as to not get ticketed. As I was driving around more, I realized my children might appreciate photographs of Hollywood High School. Once again, I bargained with a security officer who agreed I could take my photos, as long as I was watched by him. I wandered for a bit, then got back before getting ticketed. I was too late. There was an $80.00 parking ticket waiting for me. I re-read the signage and realized I was wrongly ticketed so decided to fight it which meant a phone call, on what was now, a small time limit left on my phone. If I went over, my phone was no good anymore. As I was deciding my plan of action, the parking patrol drove by again, and I wanted to argue with her then and there...but instead,  I just received a fist being shaken at me...like I was this very bad person! So I called the 1-800 number, and after punching in my ticket # I think it said that the matter was closed and I had to take no further action. I hope they meant it!  STILL, after all this, I decided I should see the sign "Hollywood".  I mean, how hard would it be? Surely I'd make it out before rush hour in LA (not!). And I had been told by several people how to get there and that it was quite close, five minutes away. Two hours later I wondered why I just didn't quit and travel instead. I was hot and tired and the traffic was terrible, But I just couldn't give up. I became driven to see this sign...it didn't seem right to be so close and walk away. After more asking and again getting turned around, VICTORY! ...yet not. I was told  while trying to find the trail that "Hey man, that takes forever to walk up, you came way too late...and well man, it wasn't a good idea", but! If I went down a different street I'd find a trail that was very easy to go on. I acknowledged I was fairly out of shape and so tired that this sounded like a very good idea. I found it easily enough and after creative parking, started the trail. It wasn't even past the first curve I was huffing and puffing and red in the face, wondering if this was the 'easy' trail, what was the hard one? It took way longer than the half hour promised, and as the sun beat down and I was the only one there for much of the time yet again I had to wonder why didn't I just stop, and get going somewhere...as eventually I was going to have to make tracks.  Yet by this time I was determined to finish no matter what obstacles or how long it would take to get there. I watched for the rattlesnakes as the posting said they were there. I sweated under the heat I was warned about but thought it wouldn't bother me. Not bringing water wasn't such a great idea either. Yet, the more I hiked, the more I appreciated the surroundings, the view of LA from so high, the total silence and being at one with nature and also the occasional person who would be there too, and the challenge itself. It felt good to push my limits...plus it became a great reminder for not giving up within the obstacles of life. Once I made it and climbed the final portion without trail (and in bare feet for better traction) it was a triumphant moment. It had become way more than just 'seeing the Hollywood sign.' Going down had its own challenges too, but all in all, the whole exercise was worth it... it was a good lesson in how it feels to persevere to the end and just how good completion feels. And now I can tell my girls I was there.

Ambassador

This is where I went to school, 33 years ago. As I walked the grounds today, I realized what a priviledge it was to have been able to live, learn, and gain lifetime friendships within this beautiful environment. Outwardly, the grounds look much the same. Historically, as with life, really nothing is the same, as this is no longer a University, but rather a piece of property split by a variety of ownerships used for different purposes. Yet as I walked about and was able to talk with a number of individuals there, a richer story unfolded. One of loyalty and maintaining a property site within its orginal mandate of beauty and historical and architectural significance. One of respect for the legacy of the original owner and purpose, a site that was created to provide a rich resource both for  individuals and the larger community of Pasadena. Some of the existing facilities are still working towards that purpose today. Story after story of change, and intended change came out. I realized that the ties of so many people who walked this campus through the decades are still connected, not only to each other, but also within the shared stories as we continue to share our past stories of being here with those who are there now. Down the road, there will be buildings torn down, and new ones built on a part of this property, and ownership too, will change. But within all these changes are the cornerstones that still mark out the originial dedication. It was inspiring to see that through the evolvement of the use of what was once a well known campus in the area, there is still much good coming out of it. This old campus will continue to change, yet still keep the foundation and ties from the past. It reminded me of our own lives...how we too go through so many changes, can look the same on the outside yet be transformed for different purposes through our seasons of life. As I walked through these grounds for the last time there was no sadness of what wasn't the same, only thankfulness that within all the changes that have and will come about, this property continues to thrive and be appreciated for what it continues to offer.

Pasadena, California

Thirty-three years later, I finally made it back and a longtime dream has come true. As usual, took much longer than anticipated to make the drive today. So arrival was that much sweeter. Ironically, it is the coolest weather I've come across within the whole trip... but a pleasant relief from the 100's I was getting used to.  There seems to be added adventure tacked on to each day, and today was no different. First challenge past those mountains that I had trouble with, was finding my own way to the Pacific Ocean, instead of following directions...being directionlly challenged, even NOT driving towards mountains (that just seemed too obvious) it still took me way longer than it should have to find a beach. Secondly, driving in the massive amount of traffic LA unloads... Truthfully, the actual driving wasn't bad, atlhough probably not the smartest idea to arrive during rush hour (another 'note to self') but it was just the sheer volumes of vehicles. I found out later I drove on the busiest of the highways, so it was no wonder. Still, it was kind of fun and an adventure all on it's own. Although arriving too late to see Pasadena and visit old familiar sites, I felt the old hum and excitement in the air and it is with anticipation I look forward to exploring.  This evening I was able to spend time with good friends, catching up on years of absence and I'm looking forward to spending more time here before heading out.

So...

Time to get this far? Years of hoping and  15 days travel time.
Incidents and 'getting lost' along the way? Who's counting!
Miles traveled? Over 3000.
Finally dipping my feet in the Pacific? Priceless... (and very cold!)

Good day

What a good day today! I've really enjoyed just being here in Arizona, relaxing, resting, enjoying being around my sister and family. I also had a chance to FINALLY meet my one cousin who found me on Facebook. It was good to finally sit across from her in person---very neat. I didn't even pull out the camera, which is highly unusual...a day of complete relaxation, talking, unwinding. It's nice to travel and see things, but also just simply nice to 'breathe' and enjoy the company of others.

Horizons and ghost towns

 It was a very long, grueling day today, nearly 600 miles in one stretch plus a day of facing one of my fears, driving in the mountains. As soon as curves, height, and visuals of an edge come into play, I am in trouble and it becomes very difficult to keep pushing on. One can argue, why go on a trip where mountains are involved if this fear is in place? The other side of the coin is, why let fear stop one from doing something, but rather,why not learn to face the fear? No, my fear was not conquered although there were definite strides of 'better', which is enough.  Still, I'm VERY thankful to be in a flat space for now... and will think about the next part of the drive when I'm on the road again.

In driving just a small portion of Route 66 it was kind of sad to see how dilapidated some of the towns were... nearly ghost towns... yet there were glimpses of what once must have been thriving business along the road sides. Descending into Albuquerque was as amazing as when I traveled by bus 33 years ago. As I continued on,  between the mountainess parts when my eyes weren't glued to the lines on the road only and silently praying for the nerve to not let my surroundings get to me, the horizons are what struck me the most... I didn't think the sun's rays could span out any further across the skies while I was in Arizona, and the clouds in the west just seem to have a completely different quality than in the east. The terrain kept changing and it was always a pleasant surprise to see the new landscapes. I don't know if I could ever get tired of seeing so much spread out in front of me while driving.

I am with more family now, and look forward to spending time with them, before heading on out again.

OKC to New Mexico

Group that washed my car on another side trip--I felt overdressed!

Before heading this way, I read that the trip from Oklahoma City to Albuquerque on I-40 was boring. Boring! How can that possibly be? My drive out of Oklahoma included fascinating wind farms, beautiful farm country, rolling hills and horizon lines that just don't quit. And cattle... lots and lots of cattle. When in Texas there were the oil rigs and huge silos after silos... almost like pit stops along side the road. Once in New Mexico, the landscape changed even more and the mesas started protruding out of seemingly flat ground and the roads got higher and the view stretched out in front for miles. The horizon seemed non-ending... and impossible to photograph while driving... didn't seem the best idea although temptation was there! OK, I did try briefly but quickly put camera down!

People are fairly friendly at the rest stops and the further I get, the more common the goal is... California via I-40 so we are aware of each other as we travel. It did kind of surprise me to be recognized as 'the photographer along the highway'... yet it was a nice conversation opener to chat a bit too. I-40 isn't the QEW so is fairly safe to pull over and take photos in certain areas.

I do seem to have a knack within my gas stops for pulling off into the seediest parts of town and yet in a way, kind of enjoy it as there certainly is no tourism --- yet must admit I don't blend in all that well so try to keep a somewhat low profile. My favorite was in buying some groceries and Spanish was the first language and signage...thankfully the old high school Spanish clicked in and apples look like apples regardless of title! I felt like I was in Mexico itself. And the service was such my cart was brought out to the car and loaded up for me, just like the town I was brought up in. The worst stop was when I didn't dare turn my back while pumping gas and I got out of there ASAP and made another mental 'note to self'.

All in all been a fascinating trek and keeps me on my toes as each new day comes.

Oklahoma

It is time to move on. I had a great time here from beginning to end and it was nice to just be in one place for a few days. I have seen a fair bit while here... although of course, not as much as there is to see. Featured here are photos from Guthrie, the original capital of Oklahoma, and the Witchita Mountains Wildlife Reserve...both places very fascinating. My sister was kind enough to drive so I could be passenger... something I tend to treasure more and more as a gift to sit and see instead of always being in the driver's seat.

While at the reserve, we couldn't help but think of the times when the buffalo truly roamed and didn't need the preservation measures they do today. I think of the landmark in Buffalo, as you merge onto I-90 towards Erie, PA and there are the sculptures of buffalo grazing, echoing a long ago reality that is exampled on this reserve. Here we were, next to these huge animals and although we didn't get too close...figured they were bigger and could run faster than we could!... there still was ample space and time to appreciate these magnificant animals and the longhorns... who too, showed patience with us as we were in their face, shooting away. It was a lot of fun...at least for us...

Tomorrow I head towards Arizona... looking forward to reaching another goal, yet quite hesitant to drive in the mountain areas. Something I find intimidating at best, yet as with today, once a peak is reached, the view is quite worth the trepidation. I will try to keep that in mind and although not a comfort zone for myself, will simply let the wheels go forth and take each mile as it comes and watch how it will all unfold as I continue the trek towards California. Been an interesting journey to go on even if not at all how I percieved it would be when planning it out. Just goes to show, one never knows...

Get your kicks, on Route 66

Good travel day. Landed in Oklahoma City to stay with my sister and brother-in-law for the next few days.

After driving awhile on the interstate I decided to go down the famous Route 66. It did not disappoint. Besides the winding roads and picturesque views that you don't see off the interstates as much, there were also the old towns to go through and the locals to talk with.  While pulling off to take a photo of the West 66 sign, a fellow photographer came out from behind the trees. Strange because I thought I was alone out there... just goes to show there's always someone else out there doing the same thing! He started telling me of a better vantage point to take the photo, so I walked over to the trees he spoke of yet only saw the back of the sign. Yet as I turned my head I noticed what he was really talking about. There was this yard that was fully decked out in with a space ship, and carnival like rides with small to life size dolls planted in various places.  My eye saw it before with only a glance, but with his direction, I was able to see more clearly. Kind of like life sometimes!

Today will be a day of exploring through my sister's eye, some of the local flavor of Oklahoma. I am looking foward to it.

Gateway to the West

Since I first saw it as a child, I have always been fascinated by the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. One photo cannot do it justice. The farenheit index was over 112 while I was there today, but the heat/humidity didn't take away from the awe of seeing this huge structure that symbolizes so much historically and personally. It truly is the gateway to the west. When one of my daughters and I stopped here a few years back, it was all we could do not to keep going westward as there seems to be a beckoning within this arch. I made a silent promise I'd be back, and then keep traveling. Today that promise was kept.

This massive arch of polished stainless steel, with the silver gleaming in the sun is an amazing sight to behold... As you look at it up towards the sky it seems to have an aura of its own. I think of all those who have gone before us to prepare the land we live in now. Even while driving through Missouri afterwards and seeing the hills and forests I couldn't help but think of the land as it was before it was 'explored and settled'. Untouched and beautiful.

Yet civilization has its place to and as I settled in for the night, I couldn't help but say out loud, "YES, civilization!" as I was again surrounded by the lights of a busy city with the many neon signs of all the establishments around the exit I pulled off. Welcoming indeed. It was a long day and creature comforts very much appreciated. It was more a travel day than people day, and I wasn't able to photograph the beauty that I drove through...the rich farmland of Illinois or the hilliness of Missouri but is imprinted on my mind as is the country music which was what my radio picked up, it just seemed to fit within the Lake of the Ozarks and Brandon area. When in Rome....

Indiana

Unexpected find... only at my parents!

I stayed at my parents for a fair few days in Ohio before officially heading out on my road trip. I am now at my aunt and uncle's at the Indiana/Illinois border.  Been quite the journey to get to this point. Lots of delays and 'incidents' along the way so a speedy progress is NOT happening; not in heading out in time, not in getting anywhere quickly, not in seeing new sights. Seven days, four states, wasn't quite what I had in mind. I believe I'm now slower than Greyhound in getting from point to point. Having made several trips across country that way, I realized Greyhound would get you there 'eventually'. On my own steam... Greyhound's eventually seems quite quick! Hope to head out tomorrow either towards the mountains, or due west... will toss the die and make a decision when I wake up.

I had mentioned to someone yesterday a.m. when "officially" heading out for my long talked of road trip that each day would be it's own day, own adventure. Little did I know how true that would become so quickly.Yesterday provided a "broke" car and over 9 hours for a 350 mile trip. Today, the car is fixed and I have become ill with flu-like symptoms... hopefully not long lasting but not able to travel.

Yet within these incidents I've been able to get to know my relatives much better than I have all these years. It's been a real pleasure. Within the getting sick, I am with family so am being taken care of as opposed to finding a spot somewhere to rest and sleep along the road. Within the repairs of the vehicle, it ended up being a warranty issue so was taken care of in a very nice way and the dealership, Terre Haute Chevrolet, couldn't have been better to work with. 

I've already met some very interesting people within the waiting. The ladies at McDonald's who asked for my name specific as I was leaving, to pray for me to make it to California as they had overheard my phone call about car repairs; the policeman who shared enough stories of his own road trips that helped build the excitement of seeing this beautiful country and also, I will be weary of the vans that may be hollow and have winch inside! Thankfully, my car is too large to be driven over and taken away! Quite frankly, never would have thought of it before!

So despite the delays, slow movement, and getting no where fast, not seeing 'new' country, it's been good on many fronts and the adventure-a-day has not disappointed.