Conference Highlights, Cracker Barrel and Motorcylces in the Rain
Michelle and I spent the day apart. She was in class, while I was getting the truck serviced and meeting the folks from Champion Nutrition, our hosts to the conference.
We have Toni and Rene, who attended last year and Steve who in an ASBS Conference Virgin. (Can I say that?) Steve is the National Sales Manager & usually works the body builder shows. Toni is our rep and gets the Stack and ProScore to us and Rene is the Bio Chemist who makes it “Perfection in a glass”. I’ll get their pictures tomorrow.
I am looking forward to working with them. They are a great group to work with, if you can call this “work”. I calls it fuunnnn. At least until my feet give out after about the third day. LOL.
Michelle had the chance today to listen to case studies and even offer her thoughts (privately) on an open case the surgeon discussed. No not medical advice, obviously, but gave him some thoughts from a patient perspective. He listened, apparently, with interest. Sometimes, I’d love to be that proverbial fly on the wall. She was so up when she returned to the room. You go girlfriend...
(M: he was very polite and humored me nicely, I thought)Last night we went to the Cracker Barrel and I picked up a couple of things. One was a Willow Wood statue that reminded me of us. Ask anyone that know us and told us “you two need to get a room”, is that REALLY MOM AND DAD? YEP - SHORE IS!!!!
Tonight, Terry & CJ, their boys, her parents Judy & George, and her sis Lauren had dinner with us. It was good seeing Judy, who I neglected telling that she is looking great (CJ, please pass this on for me) and George. We met them when we did the VitaTour East several years ago. Nice folks. George was frettin’ over Terry riding her motorcycle in the rain. See Terry, you never get too old to escape daddy’s worrying.
Well my computer says is 7:00 (10:00 local) and it’s an early get up, so we are off “to get a room”. Nite all.
Pre-conference gathering of grads
We staked our claim and dropped the trailer for the week. CJ, Terry and the boys came down from Viera for dinner. It was good to see them again.
They are the ones that keep the site up and running, despite our best efforts to make impossible changes. We truly appreciate their professional and personal support. SHAMELESS ADVERTISEMENT--- if you are looking for a web host or similar computer service, contact 5DollarHosting.com. Tell ‘em Vitaguy sent ya.We snuck off to the Waffle House for a quick breakfast, then after transferring supplies from the back of the truck to the trailer and packing for the conference, I was exhausted in this heat. We left the campground around noon, had late lunch on the road and found the hotel. I don’t know how anyone could miss it. IT IS SO HUGE.We got to the Gaylord Palms, registered and started running in to friends! Got set up, cleaned up and started gathering here. Plans were for some of the Graduate OSSG group to gather here and share some time together. Patricia, Paulette, Terry, Jen and Sheri from FL, Gina from GA, Sue from NV, Sheila from NJ, and VitaCouple from WA. Hubbies, Steve (Mr. Gina), Tom (Mr. Sheri) and Mike (Mr. Jen) were here keeping an eye on their ladies, too. Jen wanted to sneak me off to go sky diving, but Mike and Michelle were having none of that. Darn near all four corners of the country were covered. Wow, what a ball getting all of us together. Thanks Terry for making it happen.
Well, classes start tomorrow for some (Michelle starts Monday) and the exhibits open on Tuesday, so Michelle and I will be busy. Posting might be somewhat abbreviated. We did make it and we are still talking to each other.
We are enjoying this trip so much. Meeting old friends, making new ones and seeing our beautiful country is much richer than we thought possible. I rarely say this but GOD BLESS AMERICA. It is a great country filled with beautiful people (and some crazy drivers LOL). (M: this part has been so much fun, I’m almost having to act like a grown up on Monday. It’s only for a week, then I can turn back into me again in Bradenton, right?)
Dorky hats and tight jeans: Arrival day in Kissimmee
We have arrived at the KOA Campsite in Kissimmee which is 6 minutes from the conference hotel. We are staying here before the conference and leaving the trailer, while attending. It sounds complicated but it works.
Sorry no pictures today. We left Alachua around noon, had breakfast at a Waffle House. CARBO HEAVEN. Before we left town we hit a Western Wear store that was going out of business. 50% + off. I had been looking for a hat that didn’t make me look totally like a dork and finally found one (I think). As a friend of mine from Florida would say “SCORE”, but I don’t think Michelle is as thrilled. Now there was a pair of low rider jeans that looked killer on her and a blouse too, but she restrained herself, (dang)...
Instead of taking the Freeway we came down Hwy 27 and enjoyed the local ambiance. We even went past where her Aunt Cate lives in Summerfield. We pulled into the campground after having lunch in Leesburg, FL at the Maryland Fried Chicken which is next to KFC and across the highway from Popeye’s. I thought we made the right choice but Michelle’s was a bit tough. Typical of dark meat vs. white meat.
Again we thought we were getting WI-FI but realized it’s free AFTER you pay the monthly charges. So went looking for dial up and here we are. At least I was able to get Michelle’s mail in. Communications have really been the only major problem we have encountered thus far.
We have traveled 3900 miles so far and are at the end of the east bound journey. Let me get a bit mushy here.
1) Michelle and I BOTH have enjoyed being together and have seen and shared many new things to us. We have been able to share some with you all thanks to CJ, Terry’s honey. I think he’s done a great job on the blog and keeping the site updated. Thanks buddy.
2) We have seen so many beautiful and loving WLS success stories. Every person we have met has been an inspiration to us. Everyone that came out to meet us has been a blessing to us. We appreciate your stories, your caring and the chance to help with your difficulties. Trust me, we all have them.
3) We also want to acknowledge and share BIG HUGGS to those of you that have arranged these stops and have hosted and put up with us. You guys are the best. Without your help this trip would be a disaster. We love each and every one of you. We also hope we’ll see you all again in the near future.
OK, ‘nuff of that mushy stuff, besides, I gotta go wipe my nose. Hehehe. We are off tomorrow and depending on what we do, will depend on more blog or not. See ya all at, during or after the conference.
Don Curran
OK one picture. Dork or not a dork? I sure ain’t the Marlboro man. LOL
(M: *I* think he’s a hunk, no matter what. But then I pretty much think all hats are dorky. Oh, yeah, those jeans were mega-cute, as long as I didn’t want to ever breathe or eat again. Just because I EVENTUALLY could zip them doesn’t mean they actually FIT, darn it.)
The Home Stretch! Atlanta to Alachua
We met Michele’s sister Stephanie today. She has also had surgery and is doing well. But I gotta tall ya, I only understood every 10th word or so. Ssshhheee ddddooooeeeessss ttttaaaalllllkkkkk SSSooouuuttthhheeeerrrnnnnn. LOL She is as sweet as her sis.
We said good night and goodbye to David and Michele (sadly) and got our latest animal fix (dogs are not as good as kitties, tho) with Pepper, Dash and Bentley.
We were hitched and on the way by 10:30. Made the correct turns and picked up I-75 South.
I thought going through downtown Atlanta wouldn’t be too bad this time of day and fortunately was right. We got views of the skyline and the Olympic site. No we didn’t stop, just plowed on through.
300 miles later we arrive in Alachua, FL. It was an uneventful drive and we made pretty good time. We had a view of sunset behind the clouds:
and then found this campsite to be a sanctuary for macaws. Now I am not much of a bird lover but our computer guy Dan is, so these are for him. They are beautiful, for sure.
Well tomorrow is the final stretch to the conference site in Kissimmee, FL. What a name for a coupla love birds, like the VitaCouple. Seeing as we washed the trailer and truck tonight, I think we sleep in tomorrow. I know I could use the extra. We are getting pretty tired and sore. The potholes are getting tougher to take.
So ‘til tomorrow, good night and have a happy fun protein. The Nectar Roadside Lemonade over ice sure would taste good right about now. See ya’ll tomorrow.
(M: we will amuse ourselves by seeing how the truck looks tomorrow, having been washed entirely in the dark. This is so pretty here, but could someone turn the heat down a bit? We pulled over and took a short nap with the a/c on in the truck and when I woke up, the temp said 137? I wonder where, exactly, the sensor is! It was 99 once we got moving and I am here to tell you that is at LEAST 20 deg too many!)
Thanks,
Don Curran
General Curran takes Atlanta; mass fondue consumption ensues
As we were checking out at the Trav-L-Park in Chattanooga, we saw these rememberances of the War Between the States.
We camped on an actual battlefield, where both Union and Confederate soldiers lost their lives for what they believed. An awesome feeling being here and a wonderful place to relax “for a minute”. We slept in and boy was it nice after the past few days of early ups.
Except for the warmth, this is such a pretty area. The temp was as high as 93 and there was a storm following us. I guess lightning took out a substation in Chattanooga and part of the city was without power. We left town before it hit and we were able to stay ahead of it.
We pulled into Atlanta on time, hard to believe. But it was less than 200 miles, an easy day on the road. David and Michele are hosting us for a couple of days. More laundry and sleep tomorrow. YES!!!
Michele arranged a gathering at the Melting Pot in Kennesaw. Joining us was a two week postie and a 4 week post plastics. Both of you gals look so good. We are amazed at how quickly you are recovering. Again, the food, service and company were to die for.
If I weren’t so crazy about Michelle, I think it would be easy to fall for the charm of a Southern Woman. Don’t worry ladies (and Michelle), I AM A VERY HAPPILY MARRIED MAN. Anyway, we laughed and giggled like school children all evening. Dang, I hate it when we have to leave these groups. Meeting and making new friends has been so much fun.
Like I said, tomorrow is down time so we will catch you all on the way into Florida. I can’t believe we have gone 3340 miles already. The time is passing so quickly and we are enjoying every minute and mile. And it’s because of y’all. (Malinda, did I say that right?)
(M: I never thought I’d say it, but I am enjoying the travel and people so much, sitting all week at the conference almost seems like an anti-climax, you know? I’ll have fun when I get there, but it won’t be THIS much fun.)
Thanks,
Don Curran
Southern charm, Greek food and baby kitties. What more do you need?
We left Cincinnati and had a good drive into Knoxville. Those hills of TN are truly beautiful.
We met up with Peggy and Jim Chisholm in Knoxville. A much too quick stop for lunch, we found them a wonderful couple. They are on their way to Washington, DC and we pray they are having a safe and successful trip. Peggy has done wonderfully as these pictures show.
On to Chattanooga, where Ellen had us gather at the Acropolis. Pure Southern charm with a Greek flair. Great food and service. You picked a great place, Ellen and the weather couldn’t have been better. (M: well, maybe 10 degrees cooler woulda been ok...) Cliff and Patti came from Augusta and others had a long drive to meet us. We are so blessed at meeting this group.
Ellen took us to her home to get another kitty fix. She has a pair of 8 week old cuties.
(M: she had them cued up to entertain us, so they did their whole baby kitty thing for us!)Ellen, thank you for your hospitality and “gifts”, which we will put to good use in training others.
I can tell ya’ll that these two from that “other” Washington are really enjoying this beautiful part of our country with its Southern charm and wonderful folks.
(M: the girls were teaching us southernisms, which were making us ROTFL, especially the ones they didn’t teach but just used. lol)Well, it’s on to Atlanta today, and looking forward to more of the Southern hospitality at "One L’s" with her Love Muffin.
Thanks,
Don Curran
On to Cincy! With a few bumps in the road....
We left Chicago about an hour later than we intended and had a number of problems with the trailer and construction. Unfortunately we were unable to meet with a group in Indianapolis, IN which we REALLY feel bad about. Due to timing, we had to push on toward Cincinnati for a support group meeting with the Butterfly Network, and by the time we dropped the trailer we weren’t able to make the meeting either.
We had a double booking in the campground and that took a lot of time to resolve. Even though we were upset with the situation we were VERY IMPRESSED with the ranger at East Fork State Camp Grounds and the effort to care for us. If you ever have the chance to visit this campground, do so. It is a great location, beautifully set up. The State of Ohio can be proud of this facility and their staff.
We were able to meet up with a number of Butterflies at a restaurant (Bonefish Grill) where they waited for Michelle and me. Even though we walked in near the end of their day, the staff at Bonefish made us feel welcome and treated us like we were family (the good side) and we enjoyed the meal and the fellowship. (M: they were so disappointed that they had no fish for us. Gee, I felt really bad about that!)
The next day we had a seminar and protein tasting that was attended by over 20 patients.
We had a ball. Michelle did her thing and I had the time of my life helping every one find “ecstasy in a glass”.
I have made some good friends in Cincinnati through the
Butterfly Network online support group. Michelle discussed malabsorption and nutritional needs of WLS patients. I know some of what she shared was new info to some, but we were well received.
I want to thank Terri, Mileah, Gina and Sharon for the help setting up, and working behind the scenes helping me with the shakes and for the opportunity to met so many great folks. You gals are great. Mileah and Gina joined us for dinner at the Cracker Barrel after the meeting. I think they wanted to be sure I could find our way and that I could “cross the road” to get outta town. We laughed, and laughed and were sad we had to leave, but such is life.
It was fun meeting ya’ll.
(M: big time fun. I’m sorry that you’re only Don’s and not mine, too.
I’m also glad to see you guys are not going to let him get away with any funny stuff. You girls just keep on going with keeping Don and Jack in line. I know, it’s a dirty job, but you girls are SO UP FOR IT!)
Thanks,
Don Curran
Chicago revisited: Carol's house
I can’t believe the perfect weather Carol ordered for our outside party. Warm, slight breeze and clear as a bell. Her home made a wonderful setting for meeting a dozen new & old friends.
Patti was the first to arrive and jumped in to rescue Michelle’s hands. She broke several nails and needed quick attention. Patti to the rescue and off in her convertible they went. Carol and I set up for the event.
Linda arrived and I knew either she was lost or was just a friend of Carol’s. No way this woman was ever heavy. In reality, she has transformed into a real beauty. Inside and out. Gina G was next, and I’m telling you this was becoming a beauty pageant.
(M: and I left Don all alone to have to contend with it/them!)
Well, Carol and Gina have become exercise nuts, and they both have the results of hard work. I am in awe of such dedication.
As many know, we have been without our cats so Michelle looks high and low, and lo and behold, kitties to spoil. Carol has two of the prettiest Russian Blues….. FUN for me, too.
(M: they looked me up and down, roll never at my feet and marked me as their slave immediately. They weren’t far from the mark. Of course, they WERE pre-spoiled and expected to be worshipped.)
As the day continued I was blessed to see a dozen or so folks who have made (or will make) incredible transformations. I love hearing the stories and amazed at what many struggles some have gone threw, and how smooth others’ journeys have been.
And of course, out come the teaching tools and flipchart.
I also found time to mix a few shakes and hopefully some found some fun in a cup. We helped clean up after everyone left and I think hit the sack around 11:00.
Big day tomorrow. Lunch in Indianapolis, and participate in a support group meeting in Cincinnati. After making a wrong turn from Carol’s, I pulled into a parking lot to head the other way, and just checked the connections. Good thing. Sway bar was not hooked up and the tongue wasn’t locked. It is only a miracle I didn’t lose it. (M: well, he DID lose it—his mind, just did not lose the trailer.) Everyone keep praying’ for our safety. A trip to Home Depot and back on the road, only 2 hours behind. Not bad, I figured a hour was covered, two would be tight.
(M: but then there was construction. All in all, it put us in Indy at pm, which was sorta pushing it for a noon lunch and we didn’t make it. L We’ll talk about our non-arrival in Cincinnati later)
Thanks,
Don Curran
Days 9-11: Catching up
OK, we have been running like crazy, the last couple of days. We are currently in Chicago at Carol’s home. More about this stop later. We got to Wisconsin Dells and stayed with a former Washingtonian, Mari. She had a distal RNY with our same docs and has done very well. It was a joy seeing her after such a long time. (Huggs Mari, Thanks for having us) Our drive was a long trip, and thanks to the lack of wind and hills, we got improved mileage. The drive was beautiful and proof of how wonderful our country is. I didn’t catch the name of this river or dam but this wayside stop was a cool and refreshing break.
The stop in the Dells brought out a half dozen eager folks. Michelle had the chance to share our beliefs on malnutrition and supplementation. They showed us wonderful Mexican fare.
We ended up going through Milwaukee and met Vickie. What a bundle of fun. We giggled and laughed and fell in love. Thanks for coming out Vickie.
We got into Chicago, and are staying with Carol. We have known her for some time, met her at the Grad party in Seattle last year. We finally met her hubby Frank and his 69 Mustang (drool). He and I have very similar gear head mentality. Needless to say Frank and I hit it off. After spotting the trailer Carol treated us to dinner in Roselle, IL. If you ever get the chance to meet her, it’s a chance to see a beautiful loving woman. And she’s nuts too. LOL
Being a cat owner she shared them with us and we got our cat “fix”. These two were very wonderful stress relievers.
M: Having the open house format gave us the chance to meet several people who couldn’t come out during work hours. Carol throws a very nice party and I so enjoyed my day!
Thanks,
Don Curran
BONUS PICTURE: The "VitaMap" is getting rather colorful!
Day 8: The center of the universe lies in Minnesota
Well, this has been a fun day. We did about 200 miles so we took our time. We left Sioux Falls around 10:30 and moseyed on over to Minnesota. Beautiful country.
As one sign said, “The Heart of America”. The farms are so large and well-maintained. From cattle to horses, and crops galore, the country breathes hard work and pride. However, they gotta do somthin’ about these bugs with a kamikaze wish. Ker-splat.
As we came across I-90 we stopped in Blue Earth, MN. The home of the 60 ft Jolly Green Giant. Lost the picture, darn it. There was the Cedar Inn for lunch. A real drive in with a car hop. He wasn’t very cute though. Cheap food but VERY GOOD Americana.
The people next to us were from, believe it or not, Puyallup, WA, home of Vitalady. They were heading home and promised to scratch our kitties’ ears when they got there.
We noticed while continuing east that all the mileage signs showed Albert Lea as the last town listed. First like at 180 mi, then 123 mi and 99mi and 87 mi then 40 mi and at 27 miles and still no other town listed beyond - we figured it had to be the end of the earth, just beyond Blue Earth. LOL. After we got to our camp site and returned to Austin, to meet Michelle Mack (meowzie) we saw another sign westbound with the last town listed - Albert Lea 24 miles. It must be the center of the Universe.
Well, we met up with Michelle Mack from Minneapolis. She came down to Austin (2+ hour drive) to meet us. What a story she has to tell. Wow, she has been through the wringer. But I have to tell ya, SHE HAS DONE VERY WELL. She is thin, healthy and as nice as can be.
As I said, it’s been a fun day. We giggled at signs, met someone new, and most of all went to Sears to pick up a charger for the cordless drill I brought along. ; ) She let me go alone. Oddly they didn’t have a charger for my “old” cordless. Humm. Time to up grade anyway. I wonder why she doesn’t let me go to the “toy store” alone. It’s probably why I hold (clinch tightly) her hand going past the shoe departments as she tries to get free.
Michelle is taking a shower and complaining the drain is backing up. Well, the gray water is only ½ full so why would I carry a plunger? OK, I gotta improvise so I sacrificed a plastic water bottle... It actually worked. Who woulda thunk? Just cut off an inch of neck, insert over the drain and squeeze. Wish I could have used the drill, but a box knife worked just fine. “Ah, honey, I needed the drill to give me the inspiration to make you a plunger ; )”
Thanks,
Don Curran
Day 7: Free donuts & coffee and new dinosaurs
This has been a long day. 350 miles to Sioux Falls, SD. The countryside is rolling hills, pretty farm/ranch country, mountains in the background. We stopped at “Wall Drug” in Wall, SD. We had signs all along 90 from Rapid City (I guess 100 miles) urging everyone to see this wonderful place. Free coffee and doughnut for Vietnam Vets. New Dinosaurs. New Back Yard. Free Doughnut and coffee for hunters, etc, etc…… Yeah we got sucked in. Big place and lotsa tourist stuff (over priced junk and T-Shirts). Got lunch to go and got back on the road. (2-1/2 hours later)
No we didn’t stop at the air and space museum back in Rapid City. Too many miles ahead of us and an interesting stop coming up in Wall. LOL
Well, we have our second gathering in Austin, MN tomorrow and it’s only 195 miles so we can sleep in a bit. Sorry no pictures today. I’m being crotchety and Michelle is fighting to get the DSL we paid for up and running, uuuuurrrrrrrr.
M: Looks like another day with half communication. This is not good. Especially since they charge extra for the WiFi, per computer. Grrrr
See y'all tomorrow, from Austin.
Thanks,
Don Curran
Day 6: Men of stone and wax
We took today off and played tourist in Rapid City, SD and area. Obviously Mt. Rushmore was the big attraction. We stopped at the Borglum / Mt. Rushmore Museum and personally was disappointed. We did see how the sculptor created the “Mt. Rushmore Sculpture” which was vaguely interesting. It was not worth the $14.00 we paid to get in. Half that, maybe. No picture taking allowed, but you sure could pay for some.
Driving up here on Hwy 16A is worth the drive, simply breathtaking.
There is a private Presidential Wax Museum in Keystone (where the Mt. is). Now that was pretty cool. All the Presidents in wax by the same artist. Excellent exhibits and a non-rushed self tour. Well worth the $20.00 we spent. A coupla pictures of the many I took:
Continuing up 16A to the Mt Rushmore Memorial Park revealed the first sighting.
I couldn’t believe how huge this sculpture is.
The view the four presidents have of the South Dakota countryside is so beautiful. Even I would be stone-faced frozen at this constant view.
Had dinner at the Powder House Lodge. Prime Rib and Buffalo Stew. Excellent and lotsa leftovers. The BBQ place for lunch scratched Michelle’s itch. Got a few TINY grandkid souvenirs.
Today did not yield the best weather and shortened our visit, but did allow the housekeeping tasks to get done.
Hopefully, we can see the Ellsworth AFB Air and Space Museum on the way out of town. Hey,Jennifer,wish you were here for this. Congratulations, by the way.
Thanks,
Don Curran
Hog Heaven & Mt. Rushmore: Day 5 to Rapid City SD
A hundred miles or so got us to Sturgis, SD, home of the big Harley rally each year. Cute little town, with H/D memorabilia EVERYWHERE. Can you envision thousands of bikers lining these streets every summer for a week?
It was hard to imagine, and I don’t see us riding my hog here (even if I had one). Guess it's just not our thing. However, this side car Harley outside the Side Hack Saloon caught my eye.
Well, back on the road to Rapid City, SD. This is where our gal Laura is from. Home of Mt Rushmore and all kinds of touristy places. We are taking tomorrow off to sightsee. The Black Hills are interesting, and are really black….. These pictures are for Laura, coming into town and downtown Rapid City. (Honest, Laura, Puyallup is much nicer.)
The campground here is pretty nice (Rushmore Shadows Resort). AND they have working DSL and Dial Up connections (at the office). Anything is better than transfering data via cell phone. Well time for a shake and dinner (I’m hoping).
See ya’ll tomorrow.
Thanks,
Don Curran
Coasting into Gillette & The Sundance Kid: Day 4
Well we got off early, but stopped at a Super Walmart in Billings for a few things. Birthday & Father’s Day cards and a little of this and some of that and FINALLY left about 1:30 for Wyoming. Again an uneventful trip (no, she didn’t drive) and got about 260 miles. I am loving this road trip thing.
We got gas in Little Big Horn, yes where Custer met his demise. And back on the road with gas at $2.27/gal. and 7.6mpg. We coasted into Gillette, WY after missing the gas stop before. And when I say coasted, I am not kidding. I took on 22.9 gallons in a 23 gallon tank. Coming off the freeway, there was a guy in front of me in no hurry to cross traffic. He musta had gas in his truck. Michelle didn’t notice but I was starting to sputter. Fortunately, the station was downhill from the exit ramp, so we made it.
On to Sundance where the “Kid” got his name! Yep, the Sundance Kid is from here. Looking over the lake down the road a piece, I think I would have stayed. There is some beautiful country out here.
We also passed an open pit mine, which neither of us had seen before. And lotsa coal cars coming and going. BIG TRAIN LOADS. Devil’s Mountain is right behind us.
Well, I’m cooking tonight so gotta run and toss the burgers on the grill. See ya’ll soon.
M: yummy burger! We might get a chance to see these things up close since we have less than 100 mi to drive tomorrow. Staying in Rapid City, SD (where my Laura is from!) and Mt. Rushmore area for 2 nights.
Thanks,
Don Curran
And Michelle, too
The Sheep Driving Capital of Montana and no WiFi: Day 3, Deer Lodge -> Billings, MT
Here we are at the KOA Billings. We left at 10:30 this morning and pulled in at 5:30 right about 300 miles. 2-1/4 tanks of gas, 7.4 mpg and lotsa mountain passes.
We got gas in this cute little town of Reed Point. Real old west. So fun. Pop: 96, The Sheep Driving Capital of MT...
The campground here is beautiful. A lot of trees and grass, pool and the whole 9 yards. Even this mountain view right out the door of the trailer:
Finally able to kick back for a minute.
Don’t ya just love the swing?
Well, this was an uneventful day on the road. We pulled into the KOA which is supposed to have wireless. Guess what? It’s down. Go figure. Well, the people we are next to are from Great Falls, MT. Oddly enough, she was considering surgery, but ? So we’ll have a mini seminar for her. LOL
M: out of many, many campgrounds here, I picked THIS one for WiFi. Hear me screaming?
Gotta go find a phone line to connect with (should be one some where)
Thanks,
Don Curran
Day 2: Coeur d'Alene, ID -> Deer Lodge, MT
Well another day under our belts. We got out of Spokane at 10:30 (not bad) and arrived in Coeur d’Alene, ID about 11:45. We had lunch with Cheyenne (Grad list) at the Dock Side which is on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Absolutely beautiful!
Wonderful food, and as the picture depicts, beautiful company for me. It was just neat to meet another one of us and share stories.
This town is so cute, and knowing the tax structure, it could be on the Vitalady short list for a new location. KIDDING, we aren’t moving. Downtown parking can be a little tough, though.
Michelle spent the day on her computer or on the phone, being Vitalady. I don’t think she wanted to drive after yesterday and I haven’t even teased. Go figure. Maybe I should...
(M: NO WAY! Those were some BIG mountains!)
We pulled into Indian Creek campground in Deer Lodge about 8:30 a typical camp site, parking lot with a few trees. It’s quiet though, level and everything works, which is a plus. Hot dogs for dinner and to bed early again. 300 miles tomorrow to Billings, MT.
1-1/2 tanks of gas again today. We are getting under 8mpg, but we are still climbing.
See ya in Billings.
Thanks,
Don Curran
Departure Day
Here we are in Sunny Downtown Cheney, WA. Just 10 miles short of Spokane. The Tundra had no trouble pulling the trailer up the pass, so I don’t anticipate problems pullin’ the rig. But 290mi on 1-1/2 tanks of gas? Dinners over, thank you dear. Computers that were checked before we left are back on line (after frantic calls to Dan our geek). So here we are.
We left at 11:00 (not bad considering I wanted to leave at 10:00 and expected noon. The girls were a big help getting the last thing packed per the picture.
After getting ready over the last 3 months and the wedding (my son) on Saturday, we are finally on the way. Highway 167 north. I got to Kent, just like I was going to my old job, and realized I missed the Hwy 18 exit. Great start huh? So instead we went to I 405 to I 90 only a 20 minute delay.
Michelle got to drive for the first time pulling this trailer and did pretty, until she caught a cross wind and fished a bit. Oh well, we have plenty of clean undies anyway. Hey she pulled it out and I was proud of her. But I doubt I'll get much rest next time. But she’ll get better with experience.
Most of the trip was under sunshine, a couple of sprinkles but not bad. We pulled into Yogi Bear, Spokane about 6:30. Nice spot. Unfortunately the phone line doesn’t have a dial tone so am using dial up. We did have config problems but I think Dan got us straight.
Steaks for dinner. Vitalady can be a domestic, too. No wonder I keep ‘er.
Well Deer Lodge, MT tomorrow so an early up.
