Well, were heading home for sure. It didn't take long for the sky's to completely cover over with grey and the rain to kick in. Unlike the rest of the country, where we could see storm clouds passing through, this is one uniform dreary sky. Thank goodness it's not that long of a drive.
Almost sent my new co-driver to the back, first thing this morning he figures out how to get much more fuel per mile - turn air temp to Econ. Wonders why we didn't think of it.
Well, maybe we had other things think about and talk about.....
Last night while I was blogging, David was on the Internet and discovered the reason for all our elec. Trailer lighting issues. Simply put, we need an adapter with a resistor. Something to do with the LED lights not drawing enough calling power to the truck.
We possibly will have this addressed before we get home.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Friday
Out the door at 6am, looked around for all our new friends from the night before and NOTHING!
The whole town was still sleeping. We were hysterical. Decided to fill the tank and hitnthe road. Left WY, and into Montana.
YUCK! I don't like Montana....where are all the cows? It's totally unkept, junk all over the place, people use their yards like a giant garbage, scrap metal pit. Nothing is blooming, trees hardly have buds. It was as if this state was not thriving in anything, and showed no pride.
Oh, I need to back up to Thursday with another question. If our Paleontologist friend, Win is still tuning in.....
There was a long stretch yesterday when we noticed the land change a lot. It took on a redish color in the soil, even the road. And the landscape too, no rolling fields, but semi flat terrain with what looked like giant ant hills. Actually, I will confess here and tell you Mic said ant hills, I was thinking perky breasts. It really was a drastic change for a while and we wondered what happened there. I think it was the south west part of South Dakota. Before all you wise guys take a crack at me, NO THE COWS WERE NOT RED TOO!
Win? Anyone???
Fridays music, which is always blasted when I'm driving. michaela liked a more quiet, contemplative ride when she drove.
Andre Boccelli
Jr. Wells, Better off with the Blues
Fergie
Pink
A small change in plan. michaela has decided to take a flight home as she has a family commitment on Saturday.
David has graciously stepped in and taken her place and tomorrow we will drive home from Spokane. Should be an easy drive, after all, it's only one state!
David also found an amazing hotel in Spokane, The Davenport. What a nice surprise.
pink
The whole town was still sleeping. We were hysterical. Decided to fill the tank and hitnthe road. Left WY, and into Montana.
YUCK! I don't like Montana....where are all the cows? It's totally unkept, junk all over the place, people use their yards like a giant garbage, scrap metal pit. Nothing is blooming, trees hardly have buds. It was as if this state was not thriving in anything, and showed no pride.
Oh, I need to back up to Thursday with another question. If our Paleontologist friend, Win is still tuning in.....
There was a long stretch yesterday when we noticed the land change a lot. It took on a redish color in the soil, even the road. And the landscape too, no rolling fields, but semi flat terrain with what looked like giant ant hills. Actually, I will confess here and tell you Mic said ant hills, I was thinking perky breasts. It really was a drastic change for a while and we wondered what happened there. I think it was the south west part of South Dakota. Before all you wise guys take a crack at me, NO THE COWS WERE NOT RED TOO!
Win? Anyone???
Fridays music, which is always blasted when I'm driving. michaela liked a more quiet, contemplative ride when she drove.
Andre Boccelli
Jr. Wells, Better off with the Blues
Fergie
Pink
A small change in plan. michaela has decided to take a flight home as she has a family commitment on Saturday.
David has graciously stepped in and taken her place and tomorrow we will drive home from Spokane. Should be an easy drive, after all, it's only one state!
David also found an amazing hotel in Spokane, The Davenport. What a nice surprise.
pink
Home stretch
Blog is back! I have so much to tell you.
We covered a great deal of ground on Thursday, including Minnesota, South Dakota and stayed the night in Buffalo, WY. David called ahead and found us a suite at The Occidental Hotel.
Once hosts to Butch Cassidy, Teddy Roosevelt, Clamity Jane and many others....Check their web site., or better yet, visit Dawn, the owner, she is an amazing women. Www.Occidentalwyoming.com. We checked in and were escorted to the bar for the weekly Blue Grass entertainment. We met with Chuck, a local cattle farmer who drives 75 miles every Thursday to play with who are the true remaining ranchers in the county. Sense of community is extremely strong here, especially on a Thursday night, to say the least. michaela and I were obvious strangers to town, yet we were welcomed and given what we felt was special attention from everyone. I was envious of this community, their roots clearly run deep. A one point I said to Michaela I think we are in the movie with the time machine, Back To The Future.
I think Mic has more to tell you about that night, probably with a lot more humor.
On to landscape. love Minnesota, its beautiful. But, I have a question? Can any one tell me why in this state only, there are grave yards, with several hundred headstones, in the middle of farm land? It was a litle odd, I think.
South Dakota, wow, the wind came back. Our dear friend Jane did mention this, she wasn't fooling. I was a bit white knuckled. We got terrible gas mileage. Still beau till farmlands and lots of cows and babies.
Oh,we did, on occasion drive buy a draft horse breeding farm. These horses do make the cutest babies. michaela and I had to take turns talking each other out of stoping and putting one in the trailer. It was kind of like..."let's do it now while it still fits".
Thursday music picks....
Ricky Lee Jones
Tracy Chapman
I think Michaela calculated 860 miles covered on Thursday.
We covered a great deal of ground on Thursday, including Minnesota, South Dakota and stayed the night in Buffalo, WY. David called ahead and found us a suite at The Occidental Hotel.
Once hosts to Butch Cassidy, Teddy Roosevelt, Clamity Jane and many others....Check their web site., or better yet, visit Dawn, the owner, she is an amazing women. Www.Occidentalwyoming.com. We checked in and were escorted to the bar for the weekly Blue Grass entertainment. We met with Chuck, a local cattle farmer who drives 75 miles every Thursday to play with who are the true remaining ranchers in the county. Sense of community is extremely strong here, especially on a Thursday night, to say the least. michaela and I were obvious strangers to town, yet we were welcomed and given what we felt was special attention from everyone. I was envious of this community, their roots clearly run deep. A one point I said to Michaela I think we are in the movie with the time machine, Back To The Future.
I think Mic has more to tell you about that night, probably with a lot more humor.
On to landscape. love Minnesota, its beautiful. But, I have a question? Can any one tell me why in this state only, there are grave yards, with several hundred headstones, in the middle of farm land? It was a litle odd, I think.
South Dakota, wow, the wind came back. Our dear friend Jane did mention this, she wasn't fooling. I was a bit white knuckled. We got terrible gas mileage. Still beau till farmlands and lots of cows and babies.
Oh,we did, on occasion drive buy a draft horse breeding farm. These horses do make the cutest babies. michaela and I had to take turns talking each other out of stoping and putting one in the trailer. It was kind of like..."let's do it now while it still fits".
Thursday music picks....
Ricky Lee Jones
Tracy Chapman
I think Michaela calculated 860 miles covered on Thursday.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Humidity
Michaela and I just love what this humidity is doing for our hair.
Just had a lunch made by the Amish, although they didn't look Amish, why is that?
Just passed a sign for a spam factory, VERY tempting.
Just had a lunch made by the Amish, although they didn't look Amish, why is that?
Just passed a sign for a spam factory, VERY tempting.
Trying again
Tried to address the electrical problems all morning. Long story short, we justnleft Fred at Peterbult in Minnesota. A very wise, seemingly experienced man, packed us up and sent us on our way. There is no fix! David can give you better details if you want to know.
Bottom line, we have no signal lights and one brake light. Sometimes, we may have more, but, we never know.
Oh, during all this I was forced to enter a Walmart store for the first time in my life, and the last time as well. Desperate for a restroom, I remained focused, looked straight ahead, found what I needed and left immediately. This was at 6:30 am, thankfully not too many people to run into.
On the road now, Minnesoda is also very beautiful.
Bottom line, we have no signal lights and one brake light. Sometimes, we may have more, but, we never know.
Oh, during all this I was forced to enter a Walmart store for the first time in my life, and the last time as well. Desperate for a restroom, I remained focused, looked straight ahead, found what I needed and left immediately. This was at 6:30 am, thankfully not too many people to run into.
On the road now, Minnesoda is also very beautiful.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Grounded
Made a pit stop. Turned off the lights, and surprise, the trailer would not light up when we got back from the restroom. Change of plans, we are not driving into the dark anymore. In the am, we will find a new part that Michaela is convinced will be the fix and end our headache. Cross your fingers.
This afternoon I drove through Indiana. I LOVE INDIANA! It is beautiful. Manicured farms that went on for ever. Beautiful barns. Oh, an observation. ... I have noticed Lilac blooming in every state we have been through so far! True story.
Today, we had 90 degree temps most the day, just wonderful. Than came the humidity, and you know what comes after that? You guessed it! The most nasty rain, hail, thunder, lightening, and wind storm I have ever attempted to drive through. In hind sight, I should have stopped like most the cars we passed did along the side of the road. Not too smart on my part. But, I was so irritated by the amount of time lost trying to get through Chicago. Well, the rest is history. Poor truck, I don't think there is any more wax on it.
I also wanted to mention that this truck pulls this trailer like it isn't even there. Very cool, but than try looking in the rear view mirror, yikes!
This afternoon I drove through Indiana. I LOVE INDIANA! It is beautiful. Manicured farms that went on for ever. Beautiful barns. Oh, an observation. ... I have noticed Lilac blooming in every state we have been through so far! True story.
Today, we had 90 degree temps most the day, just wonderful. Than came the humidity, and you know what comes after that? You guessed it! The most nasty rain, hail, thunder, lightening, and wind storm I have ever attempted to drive through. In hind sight, I should have stopped like most the cars we passed did along the side of the road. Not too smart on my part. But, I was so irritated by the amount of time lost trying to get through Chicago. Well, the rest is history. Poor truck, I don't think there is any more wax on it.
I also wanted to mention that this truck pulls this trailer like it isn't even there. Very cool, but than try looking in the rear view mirror, yikes!
You didn't think we'd stay horseless for long...
We couldn't resist - a sway backed broodmare of indeterminate (and indiscriminate) breeding called to us. That roman nose, those pigeon toes topped by charming knock-knees...to say nothing of e cow-hocks. It was love. Scared now Jenn and Tami? No worries, we traded her pregnant miniature horse (so far the only good thing we found in Pennsylvania - after all two are better than one. Alas Fancy was lonely, indianna had the remedy for that. We selected a two year old stud colt from a Clydesdale breeder. (very reputable, as evidenced by the rusty tractor parts in the pasture, good news for nick- he's pretty well sacked out). Anyway, Benney (the name he came with, we are debating changing it) was glad to hop in the trailer before he got too big to fit. He moves a -10 and jumps great, with three legs, we aren't quite sure what he's doing with the fourth leg but that's tami's problem to figure out... See you soon.
PS. We are listing to Brandi carslyle's new cd. It is fantastic.
PPS. We have been informed by a billboard that in indianna, "after you die you will meet God" so that's good to know.
PS. We are listing to Brandi carslyle's new cd. It is fantastic.
PPS. We have been informed by a billboard that in indianna, "after you die you will meet God" so that's good to know.
Wednesday am
Passing Toledo, at least we think. Ohio is not big on signage. Which reminds me of the time I was running thru here on a road trip with my pretty green 911 and Chaucer. I had no idea which state I was in, could have been Michigan. This only irritated the cop who pulled me over for speeding. How can one not know where you are? Having Chaucer nearly jump thru the window at him did not help my situation either. One of my better tickets.
So, Michaela is driving thru Ohio, thankfully.
We have both decided we are driving one of the most anel, neurotic, and now the most bug infested vehicles on the road.
The dash has not stopped beeping, shouting, and simply alarming us of things either we are doing wrong, or that have gone wrong.
First thing this morning, before we pull out of park, we are met with major beeps, seen on the dash as !
Ok, time to find the Manuel, no, not in the glove box, but a special place in the way back!!
(have I mentioned, I am not a morning person?)
Ok, tire pressure! We can do that. Never mind that we wanted to be on the road by now, but, let's just get this done so we can get the truck to stop screaming.
Some time down the road, finally making ,progress. AGAIN! Michaela, "what doesn't the truck like now?". We have no lights. Crap!
Turns out, we have very fickle turn signal communication with the outside world, at best.
Ok, we're on the road again, closing in on Indiana. Maybe it's save for me to drive soon. I have to send a big thank you to my friend and former track buddy (although he has not retired) for receiving the early SOS calls!
So, Michaela is driving thru Ohio, thankfully.
We have both decided we are driving one of the most anel, neurotic, and now the most bug infested vehicles on the road.
The dash has not stopped beeping, shouting, and simply alarming us of things either we are doing wrong, or that have gone wrong.
First thing this morning, before we pull out of park, we are met with major beeps, seen on the dash as !
Ok, time to find the Manuel, no, not in the glove box, but a special place in the way back!!
(have I mentioned, I am not a morning person?)
Ok, tire pressure! We can do that. Never mind that we wanted to be on the road by now, but, let's just get this done so we can get the truck to stop screaming.
Some time down the road, finally making ,progress. AGAIN! Michaela, "what doesn't the truck like now?". We have no lights. Crap!
Turns out, we have very fickle turn signal communication with the outside world, at best.
Ok, we're on the road again, closing in on Indiana. Maybe it's save for me to drive soon. I have to send a big thank you to my friend and former track buddy (although he has not retired) for receiving the early SOS calls!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Day one
About 460 miles and two tanks of gas. Yeah, about one fifty. Food, fifty, we were cheap. Hotel, sixty with AAA.
7 hours of driving today, hoping for at least 10-12 tomorrow.
7 hours of driving today, hoping for at least 10-12 tomorrow.
In pennsylvania
Real men love Jesus... We passed the (rather large) truck bearing the (rather large) sign informing us of this, and all electronic devices promptly lost service for a minute. I'm going to guess cell service doesn't love real men...?
Pennsylvania
Also known as the roadkill state, or the state with worse roads than California. Lessons I have learned so far:
don't look at potholes; they don't like it. If you don't look at them, they won't jump up and grab you.
Public libraries are wonderful institutions, cheaper and quieter than any other public place you can use a computer to send emergency video of the horse you've just filmed to the people 2,998 miles away who actually know what they are doing.
Mountains - the map says they're here, but each time we get to the top of one of these charming little hills I look everywhere, but I can't see them.
don't look at potholes; they don't like it. If you don't look at them, they won't jump up and grab you.
Public libraries are wonderful institutions, cheaper and quieter than any other public place you can use a computer to send emergency video of the horse you've just filmed to the people 2,998 miles away who actually know what they are doing.
Mountains - the map says they're here, but each time we get to the top of one of these charming little hills I look everywhere, but I can't see them.
Tuesday.
My mother still enjoys being able to wake me up after all these years. 6:30 sharp. No matter that our clock was on West coast time reading 3:30.
Dad rinsed off David's truck TWICE. Just because. Dad helped hook up trailer with Michaela close by, me stratigically in the distance. I promise to be there if a tire goes flat.
We loaded with everything we felt we could get away with from my parents house. Napkins, tissues, papertowels, tolit paper (one never knows), water bottles. Some fruit. flashlight and something to keep the trailer from rolling away when and if we change the tire. it was dads, I told him not to expect it back.
We also swiped the license plate off his motorcycle trailer when I discovered that I left ALL the paperwork including the new plate at home. Don't worry Dad, we'll send that back in a few days.
As with all good plans. Oh, we really didn't have a plan. So, we decided to stop and see a horse for sale, not 40minutes from my parents house. Tego. a pretty bay, hunter type. He seems nice, he needs a new home. I took him for a ride. Michaela kindly videoed, G-d I hate seeing myself on video. My Tego looks cute.
So, now we sit at the local library and smart Michaela is downloading our finding to Jenn for her approval and next set of ideas. Or maybe she'll just hate what she sees and we'll just be on our way.
We'll be in touch...............
Dad rinsed off David's truck TWICE. Just because. Dad helped hook up trailer with Michaela close by, me stratigically in the distance. I promise to be there if a tire goes flat.
We loaded with everything we felt we could get away with from my parents house. Napkins, tissues, papertowels, tolit paper (one never knows), water bottles. Some fruit. flashlight and something to keep the trailer from rolling away when and if we change the tire. it was dads, I told him not to expect it back.
We also swiped the license plate off his motorcycle trailer when I discovered that I left ALL the paperwork including the new plate at home. Don't worry Dad, we'll send that back in a few days.
As with all good plans. Oh, we really didn't have a plan. So, we decided to stop and see a horse for sale, not 40minutes from my parents house. Tego. a pretty bay, hunter type. He seems nice, he needs a new home. I took him for a ride. Michaela kindly videoed, G-d I hate seeing myself on video. My Tego looks cute.
So, now we sit at the local library and smart Michaela is downloading our finding to Jenn for her approval and next set of ideas. Or maybe she'll just hate what she sees and we'll just be on our way.
We'll be in touch...............
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