Update from Reston

Wed 2nd Nov

After leaving Hinton we visited the New River Gorge. Met a very pleasant and helpful Ranger in the Visitor Center. Then went to the Grandview recreation area and overlook. Magnificent views into the Gorge. Walked a trail through some caves in the side of the Gorge. The weather, views and colours were just about perfect.
Continued our drive through the byways of West Virginia, all "up and down and round and round" driving through Monongahela National Forest, eventually overnighting in Elkins.

Thurs 3rd Nov

Leisurely drive along WVa state road 55, through more beautiful colours and scenery. Eventually arriving back in Reston at the end of a really memorable road-trip.

Update from Hinton, West Virginia

Tues 1st Nov

After an excellent Halloween in The Library last night, we continued touring today. All driving is along the back roads on VA and WVA. The scenery is great and the autumn colours are at their best.
Stopped in Princeton WVA overnight. More touring tomorrow - which will be our last full day on the road.

Update from Boone, North Carolina

Monday 31st October
After breakfast motored a short distance to the North Carolina Arboretum - www.ncarboretum.org - good time of year for tree colours. Spent all morning here looking at the various gardens and especially the new bonsai exhibits, I'll have to try that some day. Took a hike through the woods to their greenhouses, very pleasant in the autumn sunshine, beautiful sunny day with blue skies, temperature probably about 70 deg F. Then motored again along scenic routes in South West NC mountains, stopping for lunch at Burnsville. Carried on along winding roads to Boone, NC, where we are currently in a motel for the night, and just about to go out to a sports bar called 'The Library'.

Update from Asheville, N. Carolina

Fri 28th Oct

Before leaving Nashville we visited the Opryland resort - just to look. What an amazing place!! www.gaylordopryland.com When we were there we got the distinct impression that the Air Force were trying to spend the defence budget on their own - some sort of convention or something like that.
Headed off east on the scenic route mainly US70 until we eventually ended up at Sevierville for the night.

Sat 29th Oct

This was the last open day at Dollywood before they closed down to put up the holiday decorations. So we had to go didn't we?? We really enjoyed a full day there, riding on the roller coasters, a trip on a steam train, and listened to a Bluegrass concert Yee-Hah.
It was a lovely sunny day but quite cool mid 50's I think.
Stayed overnight in Pigeon Forge.

Sun 30th Oct

Spent most of today visiting the Smoky Mountains NP. Beautiful day and great scenery, but too many cars and people for the narrow roads. In that sense it is a bit like the Lake District in the UK. We took the scenic tour out and around Cade's Cove.
Then headed over the Smoky's, through Cherokee and ended up just outside Asheville for the night.

Update from Nashville, Tennessee

Wed 26th Oct

After overnighting in Jackson, Tennessee, continued east. Made a sidetrip to visit the Civil War battlefield at Shiloh. Very interesting, watched a video followed by a 9 mile self-guided drive around the battlefield.. Lunched in Savannah - Subway as usual, and then continued on to Chattanooga for the night.

Thurs 27th Oct

In the morning we visited the Tennessee Valley railroad/museum and took a short ride on their train www.tvrail.com
Met up with Dave for lunch - really good to see him again.
After lunch called in at Hertz to report a slow puncture on the car. Really friendly and helpful service - ended up with a new car same model etc., so went happily on our way.
Visited Chattanooga Choo Choo in the afternoon, which is a series of tourist attractions in and around the old Chattanooga rail station.
Then took the Inclined Railway to the top of Lookout Mountain - said to be the steepest in the world 72% www.LookoutMtnAttractions.com wonderful views over the city from the top.

Then drove up to Nashville, checked into a hotel in the city centre. went out in the vening to sample the music atmosphere. Amazing!! Seems like everyshop frount down Broadway is a bar with a live band.
Went to the Wildhorse saloon for drinks, food and music www.wildhorsesaloon.com

Update from Memphis, Tennessee

Mon 24th Oct

Left Branson and headed South on the Arkansas state highway 14. Lots of rolling hills, fields and trees, very picturesque Ozark country. Went through Buffalo National Forest area, mixed broadleafed with a few conifers. Stopped at place called Mountain View for sarnie - they are having a Bean Fest next weekend, lots of cooking and eating of beans: the mind boggles, seems like a good place not to be! Continued SW to West Memphis, Arkansas, where we stayed overnight beside a very noisy highway. Luckily we had a room in the back.

Tue 25th Oct

Headed East and into Memphis, Tennessee. After brief visit to tourist center, continued to pay homage to the King at Graceland, a must. Saw everything there was to see. Seems like a nice lad!
Just popped in to the library to check email and write this. Going to look for a big cup of coffee now.

Update from Branson, Missouri

Sat 22nd Oct

Left Dodge City after making a photo-op of Wyatt Earp's statue. Continued on US56, taking a side trip to Fort Larned which is a former military fort on the Santa Fe trail now restored by the NPS.
Carried on through Kansas. Very level wheat fields, feed lots for cattle etc. Vast open spaces with a clumpo trees, a water tower and grain silos every 10 miles or so. We've got nothing like that at home.
The roads were so straight and flat that we are able to cover enormous distances. As a consequence we are getting ahead of schedule giving is more time than expected to get back to VA. So we have changed our plans and will be deviating from the US50 southwards.
Ended the day at Emporia, Kansas. Booked into the Best Western along with a number of High School Soccer teams. There is a soccer festival in Emporia.

Sun 23rd Oct

Failed to find anywhere to watch NUFC vs SAFC so had to wait until after the game to phone home for the result. WE WON!! made my day.
After scraping the morning ice off the car (first this trip) continued along side roads into Missouri. S/W Missouri is very attractive scenery. We eventually ended the day at Branson. Have only driven through it so far but it gives the impression of being a smaller version of Las Vegas/Dollywood. We shall find out this evening.

Update from Dodge City, Kansas

Thurs 20th Oct (pm)

Best laid plans etc., when we got to the Prison Museum we found it was closed. They had unilaterally declared "winter" and decided that they were only going to open at weekends.
So we carried on East on US50 eventually arriving at La Junta where we stayed the night.
We did notice that there appear to be two Colorados - one in the mountains and the other the flat plains to the east.

Fri 21st Oct

Just outside of La Junta we visited "Bent's Old Fort", which was a key Fort and Trading Post on the Santa Fe Trail in the mid 1800s. It has been accurately reconstructed by the National Park Service, and the park rangers are dressed for the period and give demonstrations of crafts and provide guided tours. We were the first visitors to arrive that day, but we were closely followed by a school party from Colorado Springs who were on a pre-arranged visit. The Rangers were giving them an escorted tour and we tagged along with them. Very interesting.
We then continued our journey east eventually arriving here in Dodge City for the night. Along the way we stopped off at one of the historic markers where there were supposed to be signs of the Santa Fe trail - wagon wheel ruts etc. In truth the signs were barely discernible. Not surprising when you think that it was all happening 150+ years ago.

Update from Canon City, Colorado

Tues 18th Oct

Left Moab and drove through the Colorado gorge north to the I70.
Soon entered Colorado. Our first visit was to the Colorado National Monument NP. Lots more red rocks, cliffs and views on a scenic drive through the park.
We left the I70 to continue our journey on the US50. Stopped off in Grand Junction and had a stroll round the pleasant but very quiet town centre.
Left the US50 and took the CO550 down to Ridgway and stayed at the same motel that we stayed at when we were last here. Went over the road to Panny's Soup and Pizza place. We each had a wonderful BLT called a Panwich - we would recommend it to anyone if they are in the area.
It must be the hunting season around here. The area is very busy with guys in trucks with quad-bikes loaded on the back. All the guys are wearing camouflage but with fluorescent orange bibs. I hope - and can only assume that deer etc. are colourblind.

Wed 19th Oct

Backtracked up the CO550 to Montrose then carried on east along US50.
Visited the Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP. It had been raining overnight and was still a little damp and drizzly, but enjoyed the scenery anyway. Met a tourist couple who had lived in Colorado all their lives but had never been there before. Seems we all miss the scenery near us.
Continued east on US50 following the Gunnison River all the way up to Monarch Pass 11312ft and the Continental Divide, where we found the the previous nights rain had fallen as snow here. Very appropriate for our highest point on the trip.
Going down the eastern slopes we soon found ourselves alongside the Arkansas River and overnighted in Canon City.
Tomorrow we will be continuing east along US50 towards Kansas. The task now is to find a Sports Bar somewhere in Kansas that will be open at 7.30am on Sunday morning and showing The Toon vs The Makems game.

Thurs 20th Oct

Visited the Royal Gorge Bridge this morning. It is very much out of season and many of the attractions were closed. We did however walk over the bridge, descend the gorge on the tram and cross the gorge on the aerial tram. www.royalgorgebridge.com
After leaving the Library here in Canon City we plan to visit the Prison Museum - apparently this city has a number of prisons and the prison service is the largest single employer here.
After that it will be lunch and then head out East.

Update from Montrose, Colorado

Mon 17th Oct

We spent the day touring the sights around Moab. First we visited Arches N.P. Lot's of really dramatic red rock scenery. Walked a couple of short trails, nothing too long or strenuous as it was a bit warm. One of the more impressive aspects of the park is how the entrance drive has been engineered into a near vertical cliff, and yet cannot be seen from the main road at the bottom.
In the afternoon we visited Dead Horse Point State Park, which is a small, almost isolated mesa accessed via a narrow neck of land perhaps 10 yards wide.
The views over the Colorado and canyons is wonderful. It is a really quiet and peaceful spot. The mesa got its name from past practice of corralling wild horses there.
www.moab-utah.com/photo/deadhorsepoint
Tomorrow we continue our journey East leaving Utah.

Update from Moab

Sat 15th Oct

Drove along US6 over Soldier Summit alongside a long train with four engines. Through Price and then on to Green River. Stopped off at Green River to visit the John Wesley Powell River History Museum. All about his expedition by rowboat down the unexplored sections of the Green and Colorado Rivers.
Carried on to Moab where we decided to check into a motel for three nights.
Went out for a pint and eats and had our first encounter with the Utah licensing laws. We sat at the bar, I could drink beer but Jenny could not drink wine there, but would have needed to move two feet to the dining area if she had wanted wine. Bizarre!!

Sun 16th Oct

Went on a half day river rafting trip on the Colorado, included a picnic lunch on one of the river beaches. Managed to get wet going through a number of rapids, but it wasn't as rough as we had hoped - probably due to the season. We really enjoyed it - yet another ambition fulfilled.
Ended the day by visiting the Island in the Sky at Canyonlands NP. As recommended by our river guide, we stayed at amajor viewpoint for sunset. Quite spectacular. Lots of other viewers there also.

Update from Price, Utah

Fri 14th Oct

Continued east along US50 from Ely on more long straight roads and great views through the deserts and mountains. At Connor's Pass got our first sight of Wheeler Peak 13,063 ft.
Stopped off at Great Basin National Park at the base of Wheeler Peak, drove up the park scenic drive to over 10,000ft. Very scenic and breathtaking - particularly for ex smokers :-(
Continued east into Utah - entering Mountain Time, so only 7 hrs behind the UK now.
Turned north on US6 just after Eureka and overnighted at Springville, which is just south of Salt Lake City. The highlight of the evening was a cod and chips supper. Not quite up to Gill's standard in the Sluice but very welcome nevertheless.
Gas prices are now down to $2.89.
Plan for tomorrow is to continue south-east towards Moab.

Update from Ely, Nevada

Wed 12th Oct

Before leaving Carson City we visited the Nevada State Museum which is housed in the old Mint. We found it very interesting in fact we spent most of the morning there. The lady in the gift shop had a daughter at University in Newcastle studying Archaeology. The lady had visited recently and had spent some time at the Roman Wall. It's a small world.
From Carson City we went to Virginia City www.virginiacity-nv.com
Apparently in the late 1800's billions of $s of gold and silver were extracted from under the surrounding mountains. Although the place was very touristy we found it interesting. Went on a trolley guided tour.
Then it was back to US50 East and on through near empty roads to Fallon where we stayed overnight. Had a couple of drinks in a Restaurant/Bar/Casino which was full (rows upon rows) of slot machines, which perhaps explains why the drinks were so inexpensive. Jenny still hasn't recovered from the surprise of her glasses of white wine at $1.50

Thurs 13th Oct

Quite a long drive today along the Loneliest Road (US50). Stopped off at Grime's Point Petraglyphs, a large sand dune, Sand Mountain, an old Pony Express station, and broke for lunch in Austin. Other than that it was long driving through sagebrush and mountains. The scenery and distances are staggering to us Brits. We are overnighting here in Ely, and planning to continue east tomorrow.
Saw record Gas price of $3.45 in Austin for Plus grade today.

Update from Carson City, Nevada

Tues 11th Oct

Left Placerville and took a side trip North on the US49 to Coloma, where the 1848 Gold Rush started. Interesting state park, with various buildings and reconstructions. Spent some time wandering around the buildings at the edge of the America River, and then got back on the 49 and headed South, crossing the 50 on the way to El Dorado where we had brunch at a small place called Poor Red's Barbecue. It was good and they made a mean margarita! We then went back up to the 50 and continued to Carson City, via a small place on the US207 - Genoa
www.genoanv.com
We will be overnighting here in Carson City and will head off East on US50 in the morning.

Update from Sacramento

Thurs 6th Oct

After staying at a motel on the seafront at Seaside, called into the local library to catch up on emails, then set off down the coast again. Weather was getting less and less foggy, so there were better and better views as we went down the coast. Looked in at a few beaches down the coast, mostly misty though. Stopped at Tillamook cheese factory, tasted a few cheeses, saw cheese being cut and packed, bought some cheese, cheese spread and crackers in the gift shop. However, didn't see any being made - aparently it's all done in sealed containers these days. Went off the 101 to Sand Lake and joined again at Pacific City where we had good clam chowder at Pelican Pub and Brewery. On to Lincoln City. We stayed overnight, had a few drinks in a local bar, Maxwell's, met a couple from Vancouver WA. Tried to contact friend from Reston Garden Club who has a summer home in Lincoln City, but she is back in Julian CA.

Friday 7th Oct.
Continued down the coast, beautiful views, some lovely beaches. I think the coastline here is even more attractive than the LA to SF coast. During the afternoon, we paid a visit to Shore Acres State Park Botanical Gardens, www.shoreacres.net . It made a nice break; the gardens were not extensive, but very pleasant, and with good sea views again. We left the 101 briefly to go to the westernmost point of the lower 48 states. We ended our day at Crescent City CA, where we had stopped once before - at the same motel too. During the evening we tried to find a restaurant where we had dined the last time, but failed to find it at the end of a pier/harbour. However, I think I spotted it from the car as we were leaving the next morning!

Saturday 8th Oct.
Carried on down the US101 down the coast, then turned inland on US299 and followed the Trinity River through the mountains. A very attractive and scenic drive, lots of fishermen up to their armpits in the river. We also saw one canoeist going down, looked good fun. We stopped for a drink and a bite in Weaverville www.weavervilleinfo.com . Nice little place; there was a Quilt Show going on at the time and the main street was festooned with quilts. Weather was quite a lot warmer than it had been on the coast. Continued East on the 299 and stayed overnight at Red Bluff on the I5.

Sunday 9th Oct
Left Red Bluff and headed down to Napa Valley. Finally managed to get to a winery, Beringer, and tasted three wines. www.beringer.com The designated driver had nothing to drink, of course! Hard luck, Clive. We didn't manage to get a tour round the winery as the next tour was fully booked already. We didn't want to hang around, so that is saved for another trip. Carried on to Sacramento where we overnighted. Currently paying $3.25 for Gas

Monday 10th Oct.
Spent the day, after a quick visit to Jiffylube for an oil change, in Sacramento. Visited the Old Town, quaint and interesting, and also the Caliornia State Railroad Museum www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org
Again, very interesting. Unfortunately couldn't take a ride on a train as it was out of season. Went round the State Capitol, didn't see Arnie. Ended the day heading East on US50, staying overnight at Placerville, CA, Gold Country Inn, very close to the first find of the California Gold Rush in 1848.

Update from Seaside, Oregon

Mon 3rd Oct

The chill out day turned out to be pretty good. We took the ferry over to Bainbridge Island (35 mins), wandered around the shops.
Then would you believe it we finished up at a pub overlooking the harbour that seemed to have nearly every micro brew from the north west. So we sat on the deck overlooking the marina, sampled a few brews, had some crabcakes before setting off back to Seattle on the ferry.

A good "chill out" day.

Tues 4th Oct

Took the ferry from Edmonds to Kingston. Then followed US101 all around the Olympic peninsular. Very scenic, and we know a lot of people like it, but there are equally scenic spots in the Rockies. The weather was overcast so it may well have spoiled some of the best views. Temperature was in the low fifties. Stopped for lunch at The In Place, Forks, then carried on to Aberdeen where we had been thinking of overnighting. However, Aberdeen was not an attractive place - full of smoke from an ancient lumber mill, the air was blue with it and it looked and smelled awful. Travelled on to Long Beach, lovely place, quite delightful.
For those interested, the cost of gas went up as high as $3.24 in eastern Washington state, but was a little lower on the peninsular.
Weather was cloudy with sunny intervals, fifties again.

Wed. 5th Oct
Took a walk along the boardwalk and the beach, windy and a bit chilly. Decided we had to visit the Cranberry Museum - because it was there! Had a walk round the 'ponds' where the berries are grown and then went into the inevitable Gift Shop. Bought some beads, cranberry coloured of course, for the Christmas tree.
We then went a couple of miles South to where Lewis and Clark first reached the Pacific at the mouth of the Columbia. We visited the North Head lighthouse, where a very pleasant elderly volunteer guide took us to the top and explained some of the history. For those who are interested they have fitted some webcams there so that people can monitor the coastal erosion see http://zuma.nwra.com/north_head/
We then visited the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Very interesting, spent a bit of time there. Again, for those who are interested, the replica of Fort Clatsop on the south side of The Columbia burned down the day before we arrived - somebody must have known we were coming!!
By this time, we were a bit parched, so went and had a coffee and some fabulous clam chowder at a place back in Long Beach, the Loose Caboose. The chef served us and apparently he had won third place in a clam chowder contest the previous weekend. Continued our journey to Seaside Oregon where we stayed overnight at the Hi Tide Resort motel with a room overlooking the sea. Plan to carry on down the Oregon coast on US101 tomorrow

Update from Seattle

Fri 30th Sep

Left Spokane and carried on across miles and miles of wheat fields. Eventually arrived at the Grand Coulee Damn. Pretty impressive from the outside. We didn't see the inside as we arrived just too late for the afternoon guided tour.

Carried on along US2 eventually arriving in Wenatchee for our overnight stop. Miles and miles of fruit orchards around here.

Sat 1st Oct

Early start in Wenatchee, where we sought out the venue for a Wings and Wheels Festival, commemorating the first Pacific crossing by plane in 1931 (it landed near Wenatchee). Didn't see much happening at the airport, but went to look at lots of old cars, in immaculate condition, at a different venue. CR has lots of pictures of old cars. There were also some old codgers on huge motorbikes there, all gleaming in the sun.

We then continued on our way West. Called in at a place called Cashmere where there was allegedly a festival going on - it didn't seem to have started. Carried on to Leavenworth where there definitely was a festival going on - Oktoberfest. The whole place re-invented itself in the mid 1960's (lots of unemployment at the time), and it now resembles a Bavarian village, lots of oompah, yodelling and lederhosen!

Carried on along the US2 through the Cascades. We're sure they are beautiful, but couldn't see much for the rain cascading down! Eventually arrived at Days Inn, Seattle for the night. For our evening entertainment, we went to the Fox Sports Bar and saw Sunderland scraping a draw with West Ham. Unfortunately there was no chance to see NUFC, but we have just seen that they also scraped a draw with Portsmouth.

Sunday 2nd Oct
Weather not too good, showers and cloudy skies. Went on a three-hour bus tour of Seattle, setting off at 10 a.m. Good and informative and the guide was entertaining. Shared the tour bus with people from Georgia, Ohio, Florida, California and Brisbane. After the tour, we wandered around Pike Place Market and had a good helping of clam chowder in a bread bowl. Went back to motel for a cup of tea and then in the afternoon went up the Space Needle, it had stopped raining so the views were quite decent, although we still couldn't see the peak of Mount Rainier for clouds. Had a coffee up top - Seattle, we just had to! After descending, went to the Imax theatre and saw a film about the Vikings. We then went into a mall food hall where there was a Croatiafest going on; much singing, whistling and dancing going on, plus exhibition stalls from local Croatian communities.

Monday 3rd Oct.
Chill out day in Seattle, prior to heading for the Oregon coast tomorrow, then heading South.

Update from Spokane, Washington

Wed 28 Sep
Didn't stay in Great Falls, but continued North through Lewis & Clark National Forest, very picturesque, and then on through open prairies to Cut Bank for the night.

Thu 29 Sep
Left Cut Bank and headed West to Glacier National Park at St. Mary entrance. Spectacular. Most amenities were closed for the season, but the drive through on the Road to the Sun had wonderful views. At the Logan Pas the temperature was 35 deg F, pretty chilly. Even the loos were closed and we had to use PortaPotties!

Went through Kalispell where we stopped for a late lunch at BoJangle's Diner. Unlike the morning, it was raining in the afternoon so we just pressed on and spent the night at Sandpoint, Idaho. Nice little place. Went out in the evening to a sports bar where we had a few drinks.

Fri 30 Sep
Before leaving Sandpoint, we drove down to the lake where a sand beach forms part of a lakeside park. We are now continuing West along the US2, having stopped at Spokane so we can use the internet. We plan to visit the Grand Coulee Dam this afternoon. That's all for now or we shall get a parking ticket.

Update from Great Falls, Montana

Tues 27th Sep.
Left motel early and went down the road to Old Trail Town www.museumoftheoldwest.org a collection of old historically important wooden buildings which have been brought to one place. These include three 'Hole in the Wall' hideouts used by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid among others. Graves of notorious persons also re-positioned here.
Then entered Yellowstone via the East entrance. Spent the day there seeing as many of the sights as possible. Mostly the only other people there were old gits like ourselves enjoying the place without the crowds, plus one or two school trips. We left via the North exit and ended up in Livingston, Montana for the night.
So far the trip has been really great, temperatures just about right in the high 60's low 70's and sunny all of the time.
We have now covered 3000 miles on really quiet roads - only going on the Interstates when absolutely necessary. We should have done this a couple of years ago when the fuel was cheaper. We are paying between $2.80 and $2.90 a gallon.
On Thurs we hope to visit Glacier National Park. Will report again after that.

Update from Cody, Wyoming

Sun 25th September

Departed Spearfish and continued along US14 to the Devils Tower of "Close Encounters..." fame.
When we arrived the top was shrouded in cloud, so we walked around the base (about 1 mile) and by the time we got back to the beginning the cloud had lifted. It's an amazing sight - even more impressive from a distance.
Carried on to Gillette, arrived in the rain. Noticed that there is a lot of opencast coal mining in the area. So we kept going on US14, over the Bighorn mountains and stayed in Lovell overnight.

Mon 26th September

After a cup of coffee, left Lovell and continued on the US14 to Cody. Found somewhere to have a decent breakfast (Grandma's Diner) and ate a hearty meal! Then visited the Buffalo Bill Historical Center www.bbhc.org and spent a couple of hours or so looking round. It sounds a bit naff but it was really interesting; we spent so much time here that we have now decided to stay in Cody overnight and then go on to Yellowstone tomorrow.

Update from Spearfish, South Dakota

Sat 24th Sep

Spent the entire day touring the beautiful Black Hills. This must be one of the best times of year to be here. All of what I imagine will be high season crowds have gone, the trees are just starting to turn, and it is not too cold.
Went on a drive through Custer State Park www.CusterStatePark.info and from the road the wildlife we saw were deer, buffalo, mules, goats, prairie dogs, chipmunk, and turkeys.
It is a pity we could not be here next weekend when the round up of the Buffalo herd starts. Must be quite a sight.
We then drove over the Needles highway to Hill City whre we lunched in a Diner.
Visited Deadwood which is a bit of a depressing place as it seems to have been inundated with casinos. We did however climb the hill to Mt Moriah Cemetery and saw the graves of Wild Bill Hickock, Calamity Jane, and other notables from earlier times. However, we didn't see the Deadwood Stage rolling over the hill. :-) We did see a genuine Deadwood Stage exhibited at the House on the Rock a few days ago.
We eventually ended up in Spearfish for the night.

Update from Custer, South Dakota

After leaving Pierre we immediately crossed the Missouri then continued west along US14. The scenery changed to miles and miles of rolling prairie. All along the way we saw fewer and fewer signs of life but increasing numbers of adverts for Wall Drug.
We visited Badlands NP - taking advantage of our Seniors pass. Very impressive, and reminded us very much of The Painted Desert in Arizona.

Eventually we arrived at Wall, checked in to a motel and then went for a walk down Main Street. Found Wall Drug www.walldrug.com which seems to be the main reason for the existence of Wall.

Went into a bar for a few drinks (as one does!!) and got talking to a guy who is a self employed upholsterer who travels all over SD and beyond on contracts. This next is for Allen - he comes from Aberdeen and knows Conde.

Fri 23rd Sep

Drove into the Black Hills. Ended up at Keystone in time for a ride on an old steam railway www.1880train.com through the hills to Hill City and back. We really enjoyed it.

This afternoon we have visited Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorials. The Crazy Horse one is much the larger. So much so that I wonder if they will ever get it finished.

We are staying the night in Custer. We are just setting off down the Main Street to find a Steak House and Bar. These road trips are so tiring you know :-)

Update from Pierre, South Dakota

Thursday 22nd September, Pierre

These Public Library facilities are great!! It's very convenient - we stop for a lunchtime break and look out for a library at that time.

Left Marshall yesterday lunchtime, spent the rest of the day driving west through cornfields on lovely quiet and dead straight roads (mainly US14), eventually stopping overnight in Huron.
Stayed at the Super 8, opposite which was a shack called Prime Time Tavern - had a great filet mignon dinner for $5.95! We need more places like this! The 'salad' was a bit of a surprise: one quarter of an Iceberg lettuce in one chunk, with ranch dressing poured over it. It was good though.

After a bite of lunch, we intend to carry on West on the 14 and hope to overnight at Wall just outside Badlands National Park; tomorrow will be Badlands and Black Hills.

Update from Marshall, Minnesota

After leaving Dodgeville, we visited Taliesin, Frank Lloyd-Wright's gaff. Fairly interesting but getting a bit dilapidated. They say that Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona is better. Headed West to La Crosse where we crossed the Mississippi then went North alongside the river and stayed overnight at Red Wing Minnesota.

So far today (Wed. 21st Sep) we have followed Minnesota Route 19 all the way West through farmland, farmland and farmland: a very quiet but good road, just as we like it. Have just stopped for a coffee and scone (it's lunchtime) in Marshall. Intend to carry on West till we hit South Dakota where we will overnight.

Update from Dodgeville, Wisconsin

Friday 16th Sep.

Travelled from Reston to Zanesville, Ohio - mainly along the I70.
Heavy thunderstorm as we arrived in Zanesville otherwise uneventful.
Stopped in Zanesville because it is close to Buckeye Lake, of which more later.

Saturday 17th Sep

Visited Banbury Cross Tea Rooms at Buckeye - establishment run by person Jenny went to junior school with: Dawn Canning (maiden name). She was surprised to see me! She visits Kings Sutton every January when tea shop is closed down. Continued on to Bowling Green on minor roads, all farming areas and through neighbourhoods in small towns. Overnight at Bowling Green.

Sunday 18th Sep

Visited Chain O'Lakes state park, few miles South on route 9. Lovely park but shops and amenities closed - out of season after Labor Day. Conntinued on Route 6 to Nappanee, where an Apple Festival was taking place.

Fairground in the Main St etc. We stopped, I had apple dumpling with ice cream, Clive had a funnel cake - as one does!!. On to Amish Acres at Nappanee, historic Amish farm, etc. Overnight at Days Inn, N.Chicago. Didn't stop in Chicago, just kept on the expressway North. Didn't see any motel signs at all until we got out the other side of Chicago. So gave it a miss, may come back again without car next time.

Monday 19th Sep

Woke to thunderstorms. Weather clearing as we set off. North into Wisconsin, took the Wisc. 50 West. First stop Whitewater for frozen custard - local speciality; small university town. Bypassed Madison, route 12 then route 18, Wis. 23 North at Dodgeville. Visited House on the Rock - fascinating house with collections of all sorts, from dolls to hearses. Has to be seen to be believed. Overnight at Dodgeville.

All of the motels have free internet access, but it amounts to a wire - which is not much use without a laptop. So we are having to hunt around for internet terminals. This one is in Dodgeville Chamber of Trade - many thanks to them.

More later

Arrived in Reston

Great Falls on the Potomac

The journey over on Tuesday was entirely uneventful.
The weather is in the 80's and very humid.
We went out to the local with Sherri and Asif last night. They send their regards to Flo and Norman.

Jenny is "lunching" with the girls whilst I am here in Reston Library making use of the internet terminals.

I think I will go down to Great Falls this afternoon to get our Golden Eagle NP pass ready for the trip.

We set off tomorrow (Fri) on the road trip.

Will try to keep you posted

Health Quest walk on Tues 23rd Aug

Today's walk started at Tyne Green in Hexham. The route was along the banks of the Tyne,then up the hill towards High Warden. The photo is of the Lunch Break on the way up the hill overlooking the Tyne Valley.

We returned down to the river by a different route, stopping at the Boatside Inn for refreshment before ambling back along the riverbank to Hexham.

A nice walk on a nice day.

Health Quest walk on Tues 16th Aug

This weeks 6 mile walk was in the Rothbury area. we set off from the town centre, then walked up to the moors overlooking the town at Glitteringstones.
This is the same area where I used to enter Orienteering events - some years ago when I was somewhat fitter.

The walk ended back in the town centre, in time for two well earned pints at the Newcastle Arms before the bus arrived.

The attached piccy is a view towards Cheviot from one of the higher points on the walk.