After four hours driving back to Seattle from the family reunion through occaisonally heavy rain I was really looking forward to jumping into a 17' penske truck with a car trailer in tow and heading into the wet and grey mountains. Nothing's more fun and relaxing than 5 hrs in a wobbly ride through pouring rain.
Fortunately for us both, the rain was brief and the skies cleared of clouds as we dropped down into Ellensburg. The truck is very well behaved and has plenty of pulling power. (note to Chris: no governor that either of us has had the balls to find Edit- found it in Montana at 90) Penske trucks rock! I'll never rent from U-Haul again.
The eastern sky fading through reds to deep blues while the sun lights up the fields around us presents a spectacular view. The dark greens of the trees contrasting against the silver greens of the sage and browns of the wild grasses. The sage in particular looks bathed in silver flame as the setting sun finds a beauty you wouldn't expect from the dull grey green color presented under the midday sun.
Stopped at Moses Lake to top up the gas tank. 7 mpg so far. WooHoo!!
We rolled on east racing a freight train through the dark while the Beastie Boys and Ween kept us company on the iPod.
We had reserved a non-smoking room at the fabulous Rodeway Inn in downtown Spocompton through Choice Hotels. Someone in housekeeping will be looking for a new job. The night manager was very cool. Gave us half off our room and did a nice cleanup while we went next door for a beer and some pool.
So what are the odds we end up in Spokanes finest gay nightspot? Better than even apparently. I'm pondering on which brewery uses a rainbow tap handle when I notice the bar is sporting said "breweries" flags on the walls. Yup, I'm a tard. But I did catch on quicker than Jacob. He didn't clue in 'til he got a close look at the art by the pool table.
So, if you're looking for a good time in Spokane, stop by Dempseys Brass Rail for some decent beers and a rack or two of pool.
More moses lake.
Rolled outta bed and onto the road at about 6:30. Stopped at the Rocket Cafe for what will probably be the last good cup o' coffee for the next couple days. Crossed into Idaho and through lovely Coeur d'Alene.
Took out a low flying bird with the windshield.
Third state of the day and we're only a couple hours down the road.
Only buildings for 40 miles.
Just across the continental divide.
Talk about mixed emotions. This sign would quicken my heart with excitement if I were on my bike. Riding shotgun with Jacob, it causes my sphincter to clench with abject terror.
U-Suck.
Buh-bye.
How sweet, I wonder what he's dreaming about?
Yikes!
He's reaching for a Big Gulp. No, seriously.
There were many stretches where fire damage was evident along the roadside.
We were guessing that the red was some kind of fire retardant. There's a rest area on the bluff just behind the stain.
These bales are about the size of a small car.
Badlands hills.
Montana has casinos like seattle has Starbucks.
Church in Miles City.
Ummmmm...?
Ok, we're good to go!
Once someones dream.
Ok, the green blur there? Yah, it says welcome to North Dakota.
Beach North Dakota for dinner.
City of the year 2003!!!
The door handle of the fabulous Trappers Kettle Inn of Belfield ND.
We're not sure if this is the original trappers kettle, but they sure seem proud of it.
At one point the bugs were hitting the windshield with such frequency that we thought it was starting to rain.
This guy apparently never made the jump from wood to metal shop.
The road goes on.
And on.
Hey, where's the...?
Nevermind.
And on.
Lunch in Fargo.
Cross the border into Minnesota and the primary color changes from brown to green.
This must be where folks from Enumclaw go when they get tired of being done by horses.
A speed minimum. I can get behind that.
Minneapolis at 6:00. Who's idea was this?
Anyone know what three Thunderbirds are doing in the middle of a MN cornfield?
This is the next in my series of blurry "Welcome to (insert state name here)" signs.
300' windmills stretching out into the distance. It really is awsome how far you can see here. The only limiting factor during the evening drive was the haze of humidity.
Ok, as far as you can see out that way? Corn. As far out as you can see the other way? Yup, corn. We drove through it for hours. It's incredible how much corn there is being grown out here.
Illinois corn. Looks alot like Iowa corn huh?
Crossing the mighty Mississippi. Seriously, who came up with that name?
Someones collection of old International Harvester tractors.
Some soybeans to distract you from the corn.
Cool old windmill.
Oh look, the corn's getting closer. Creepy.
Fun Bridge over the Illinois river.
More than 10'6"? Check.
Jacob's folks place.
They have a beautiful spot out in the corn fields with a pond out back and some beautiful yard work. Which I, of course, neglected to get pics of. Jacob's Mom has feeders out for the birds which are everywhere. The dueling hummingbirds are great fun. She said she goes through about three quarts of nectar every other day or so. Did I mention there's LOTS of hummingbirds?
Jacob finally got to put his 12 guage to work on some nefarious looking plastic bottles.
They're coming right for us!!
Well, I couldn't let him have all the fun.
Everyone was hoping for a bit of rain to keep the corn going, and I was hoping to see a real midwest thunderstorm. Those clouds off to the right held some promise, but only managed a few weak flashes as night fell.
Goodby Jacobs folks.
Jacob will try to tell ya this is Roodhouse. Don't listen to him, it's Manchester.
I spy with my little eye something that begins with the letter "state patrol".
So Jacob, how do you feel about this?
85 in a 65 and only a $95 fine? If they had any twisty roads I might actually consider moving there.
How come we don't have backwards cement trucks in WA?
I'll pass, thanks.
At least this one's legible.
Oh look, Ohio has corn too! Whoopie!
It's cool to see these old buildings getting converted to new use rather than torn down imo.
I was surprised how many helmet/gearless riders I saw. This just makes my skin crawl.
Well, it's not as flat as Iowa, but it sure does go on.
And on.
You get the idea.
It all becomes a blur after awhile. Get it? Blur? Get it?
The final installment in my blurry state signs series.
Due to everything closing at 10, this is where we had dinner. Kinda low rent Dennys.
The misty morning mountains of west PA.
Ok seriously, enough with the corn already.
Tunnel through the Mt. We passed through quite a few of these.
Almost there...stay on target.
Three Mile Island. When Jacob gets back we'll be able to use him as a nightlight.
This is the street where Jacob lives. Down at the end on the left.
His ginormous kitchen where he can put his vast array of culinary skills to good work. Breakfast burritos anyone?
The rather nice little greenbelt from the back porch.
The living room.
Jacobs throne.
3 hrs and 10 gallons of sweat later.
The office.
The desk as modern art.
Heading to the Philly airport and we spy signs of civilzation at last. The last Starbucks we saw was in Ellensburg, WA.
I've gotta get back for a visit before he's done and do a bit of history touring.
Sunset over Seattle. I'd be lying if I said my eyes were dry the whole flight back. Come home soon Jacob.