Home stretch

Great return so far, but I knew I'd hit a snag somewhere. Left Iowa City this morning (along with Bill & Hill) and headed east.

I hit the most horrible weather on 70 heading toward Columbus, OH. I'd hoped to make it to Zanesville, but drove into the biggest, blackest clouds with frightening lightning, and it was never-ending. People pulled off under the underpasses--even trucks pulled over. I plugged along, I knew if I stopped I could be stuck for a long time. Finally exited where they had some motel signs, but I couldn't find the motels because I couldn't see. Utilized Bertha's search feature, she said turn left, said I was at destination, etc. but I didn't believe her (I couldn't see because of driving rain!) Fortunately she also gave a phone number, so I called the motel and asked if they had rooms and if so, how could I find them. They had rooms and they were just a block away. Another vote for GPS.

Anyway, unless I run into that storm again, I should be home tomorrow (Thursday) night. So John, I'll have plenty of time to prepare for your arrival!

Iowa City

I'm staying in a 37.99 Motel 6 tonight, Iowa City, IA, pirating internet. Bill & Hill in town, that's all the news. I figure I've only got one more night--somewhere in Ohio--and I should be home late Thursday. John & Co. to arrive Friday afternoon, I know I'll be tired but I just love being around those two boys

Kadota, S.D.

I'm Kadota, S.D., tonight. I left Butte, Mont., this morning - just calculated my mileage - 675 miles today!

I left at 7 a.m., arrived around 4:40. It was 75 all the way. I know things will slow down as I head eastward, so glad I did so well today. Weather perfect, though much hotter than it was when I went through here three weeks ago.

Winging it

Left Seattle this morning, 55 degrees, I'm in Butte, MT tonight, 85 when I arrived. Made reservations for South Dakota tomorrow night. Note to self: next time factor in traveling during July 4 holiday (many motels are full).

I spent most of the time planning my trip TO the west coast; this part I'm making up as I go along. I learned that the white figure up on the mountain is "Our Lady of the Rockies." I didn't even realize I was IN the Rockies.

Port Angeles, WA, Vancouver Island

Beautiful drive to Port Angeles, WA from Oregon. Then took the ferry to Victoria, $44, 1.5 hours. The downtown area is touristy but fun.

At one point the harbor cruise boats performed a synchronized waltz to the Blue Danube. The aborigines sell handcarved items and jewelry along the bank.

Saw lots of Smart Cars on Vancouver Island--gas is around $1.11/litre. Love the Arbutus tree, the only native broad-leafed evergreen in British Columbia.

Two different galleries had the diving pig print that I have in my living room. Guess it's not as unique as I thought!

More photos

Space Needle

You would love the Space Needle. Expensive, but what a view. In the cityscape photo my hotel is at the bottom left corner. I also took the monorail downtown. Can't wait to explore more tomorrow. Worst traffic I've encountered so far on the trip was coming into Seattle but once off the freeway, it wasn't bad.

Evergreen digs

My Evergreen hosts live in an area near Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island, about 30 miles north of Victoria. They not only had a beautiful place (they turned over the lower level to me, these shots are from "my" balcony) but were so nice. They took me sightseeing when I got there and I saw things I'd never have known about. Victoria was a delight, I arrived Sunday morning via ferry from Port Angeles, WA and had no trouble finding my way around.

This morning Des (for Desmond) cleaned my windshield and hood because of all the bugs! That island you see in one of the photos is Salt Spring Island--they said it was settled largely by draft dodgers, now has an art colony there.

Took the ferry from Sidney (Vancouver Island) to Anacortes, WA this evening, neat little town, I'll explore more tomorrow before heading down to Seattle for the LAST LEG of my trip. I'll have wifi there.