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| Mural of George Rogers Clark, who almost single-handedly saved the Northwest Territories (Ohio, etc.) from British hands during the American Revolution |
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| and the mural of Mr. Clark's baby brother William (of Lewis and Clark fame) |
We started by heading north on I-75 through Florida and Georgia. In Georgia we stopped at Carrolls (Exit 82) and bought some wonderful store made sausage.
Then on to Tennessee and Kentucky. The first night we spent in Paducah, KY (which, I hope,, will be a separate posting.) A quick trip through southwestern Illinois, crossing the Mississippi River in the southern part of Saint Louis, Missouri. It was a gray dismal morning. But we could see THE Arch, Gray on gray does not make for a purdy picture, but, I guess it is kind of my proof for having been there.
Crossing Missouri, we headed north on I-29, drove through Iowa where we saw the memorial to Sgt. Floyd, the only person to die of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition. Obviously, the weather improved from the early morning gray.
Driving through Missouri, Iowa and the Dakotas, we passed mannnnnnnnnny, many miles of corn fields, some soybeans, more corn and lots of wheat and hay and more corn.
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| Some of the antique equipment at Carroll's |
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| Atlanta's Olympic Torch |
Then on to Tennessee and Kentucky. The first night we spent in Paducah, KY (which, I hope,, will be a separate posting.) A quick trip through southwestern Illinois, crossing the Mississippi River in the southern part of Saint Louis, Missouri. It was a gray dismal morning. But we could see THE Arch, Gray on gray does not make for a purdy picture, but, I guess it is kind of my proof for having been there.
Crossing Missouri, we headed north on I-29, drove through Iowa where we saw the memorial to Sgt. Floyd, the only person to die of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition. Obviously, the weather improved from the early morning gray.
And then South Dakota (where we spent our second night). Finally, in North Dakota, we tried to call our Evergreen host to no avail. We made a stop in Fargo at the Air Museum and Jamestown's Frontier Village where we hoped to see the three white buffalo who make their home there. (These will, hopefully, also be separate postings).
Driving through Missouri, Iowa and the Dakotas, we passed mannnnnnnnnny, many miles of corn fields, some soybeans, more corn and lots of wheat and hay and more corn.
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| Did I mention corn? |
We arrived in Bismarck too late to visit the capitol, but did drive/walk around its beautiful grounds. We tried to contact our next Evergreeners to see if they could host us a night early. Just when we were about to find a motel (surprisingly expensive in western North Dakota due to the oil strikes in and around Williston, (not Florida) North Dakota,) the cell rang. (God's timing is so perfect in everything). Yes, indeed they could host us. As it turned out, we stayed the second night as well. Jan and John were good hosts.
As I have mentioned before, locals know many things tourists don't. I wore my Williston, Florida shirt. Most of the people did not know there was such a thing. I spent several minutes in the morning restaurant modeling for the staff and other customers. John asked me to get him a Williston, Florida shirt. Next week, I hope to oblige They directed us to see Ft. Abraham Lincoln in Mandan, ND (another set of postings). They also directed us to a couple of good local restaurants that we would not have found on our own. They joined us the second night at Noodles and Brunch (Dutch treat, of course). The food was mostly German. John, however, had an Italian dish. I loved the food. Jan ordered a side of buttons something or another. It was to die for (or maybe one would die because as it was a sort of noodle loaded with butter and other yummy flavors). Never had borsht soup before. Steve, on the other hand, did not care for his meal which was sausage, noodles and sauerkraut. No surprise here!!! It was, however, a kind of a surprise as he likes each of these items individually...but obviously not together. Jan had the most beautiful flower garden.
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| Some family members stopped in |
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| John and Jan |
We continued on I-94 which eventually went into I-90. We stopped at Custer's Last Stand (Little Big Horn NHS)---again a separate posting. And continued on our way to our next Evergreen in Red Lodge, MT.
In the meantime, we started to leak water from the radiator area. When it started, it had not been bad; but it had started to get worse (I really want to say worserererer, but spell check did not like that). We ate a very late lunch (or a very early supper/dinner) in downtown Red Lodge. Plugged in Maggie (GPS) to find our way. It turned out Kerry and Betty were a bazillon miles down a very dusty dirt road. Steve was getting more concerned by the minute. It was now early evening Friday night. What were we going to do if it were major!!! Kerry looked at it. Thought it might be just a faulty radiator cap. But we just had a new radiator, cap and all (and lots of other work), It turns out (as in most small towns) Kerry had a relative that was a mechanic. His shop was open Saturday morning. And, if it could not be fixed, we could stay with them until everything was repaired. I LOVE EVERGREENERS!!! Again, locals know. Saturday morning we followed Kerry to his cousin's shop. The mechanic on duty verified that it was just the cap. He called NAPA. Steve and Kerry went off and were soon back with a new cap. We continued on our way. The Bear Tooth Pass to Yellowstone had been our goal. (hopefully, another posting) He gave us some good advice and off we went. Steve rechecked under the hood every chance he could. Everything was all right. He is an author (Every 400 Years and Odd, Strange, and Curious--co-authored with Lindsey Appell). She is a master quilter and has a very large room set aside for her quilting. They built their home which was phenomenal...several kinds of heat. Their acreage is about 300, which they tell me is a small spread in Montana. We did enjoy breakfast with them. Homemade jams, eggs, bacon. Excellent fare.
Leaving their abode we traveled to the Bear Tooth Mountain and Pass. My cousin, Doug, told me that this was something we should not miss. And, he was correct. The road eventually become the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone. So, we had our first view of this spectacular gift from God. Onward.
Helena was our goal. We got there in time to tour the capitol. It was open until six p.m. No one was there, however, to do guided tours. So, we self toured. We also spent a bit of time in the Historical Society Museum across the street.
We lost our cell line before we got to Sandra' s and John's. Ate at Perkins. They allowed us to use their phone. Sandra was confused as her caller ID showed an unfamiliar phone number in her area code with a message from us. We finally connected and moseyed our way to their home. Their spacious guest and bath were in their basement. After a couple of minutes, we discovered that Sandra and Kerry of the previous evening were brother and sister. Kerry is a genealogist and had created a beautiful framed family tree of images of much younger Kerry and Sandra. When we woke up in the morning, there was a doe looking (what appeared to be) at us through the back window. Like the previous morn, we had a huge meal...eggs, more homemade jams and goodies. John and Sandra suggested we stop at the Wheat place in Wheat, Montana. Again, locals know. We would never have stopped there. Another wonderful Evergreen family.
Back toward Yellowstone. We made on stop at Wheat, Montana. This was Sunday morning. The place was filled. Combination restaurant and bakery that sold their wonderful good. Interesting place. Much of the wheat grown in that area is under their ownership or lease. Bread was delicious and a bit high, but not overly pricey. Wish there was one of these near us.
Back into Yellowstone via the North Entrance. Two nights in a cabin. Left Yellowstone via the South Entrance which brings one into the Grand Teton National Park. (separate posting) Headed to Casper for Grand Chapter OES and to see our good friend Marianne. Three nights there. My reservation was for the wrong day. So, my mistake turned into a suite at the same price of a room. Great digs. While based in Casper, we visited The Trails Interpretive Center (which is one of my favorite places and definitely a separate posting) and the State Fair in Douglas--the Jackalope Capital of the World--for yet another posting.
Then, to Cheyenne to quickly revisit the Capitol. Continued into Nebraska where we spent the night at a Super 8. Certainly not light spending the night with Evergreeners. Ate at Arby's. The next morning we continued into Iowa (only about ten miles) and followed I-29 and I-49 to Carthage to stay with Evergreeners Brian and Marilyn (this also has to be a separate posting). Stopped in Ash Grove, Missouri to visit old friends Linda and Jimmy. Then onto Forsyth, MO, where we would stay with former Evergreeners, but now friends (this was the third trip in which we have stayed with them). We met at Subway. Steve and I split a meatball sub. It actually was a nice treat, as I seldom eat subs, heroes, grinders, or whatever they are called in whatever region.
One more night--in Montgomery, Alabama. Nice couple. Hart and Leona. We had already gone to the capitol. She gave us several ideas of other places to see in the area. Locals know. He is a history buff and really enjoyed challenging me with detailed questions (when did Ohio become a state...missed my guess by three years; what was the first state; what was the first National Park and the year, etc.) Got some right and most of the others were close. He mentioned that he thought I did better than most. She made a wonderful coffee cake for breakfast. Had with Constant Comment tea, which is a favorite. Steve's Mom introduced me to it before we were married. Unfortunately, it had nuts. So, I got Steve's share We were really ready, however, to get home and Montgomery is not THAT far away. I had forgotten about taking their pictures that evening. And, although Steve thought she was cute, she did not care to have her picture taken in the morning.
Home at last. Two days later I went down to Venice to collect my dog, Frisky and visit with my friend John and Lynne and my Venice pastor (who is my favorite Pastor) Dwight.
All photos by "Molly" Marston
In the meantime, we started to leak water from the radiator area. When it started, it had not been bad; but it had started to get worse (I really want to say worserererer, but spell check did not like that). We ate a very late lunch (or a very early supper/dinner) in downtown Red Lodge. Plugged in Maggie (GPS) to find our way. It turned out Kerry and Betty were a bazillon miles down a very dusty dirt road. Steve was getting more concerned by the minute. It was now early evening Friday night. What were we going to do if it were major!!! Kerry looked at it. Thought it might be just a faulty radiator cap. But we just had a new radiator, cap and all (and lots of other work), It turns out (as in most small towns) Kerry had a relative that was a mechanic. His shop was open Saturday morning. And, if it could not be fixed, we could stay with them until everything was repaired. I LOVE EVERGREENERS!!! Again, locals know. Saturday morning we followed Kerry to his cousin's shop. The mechanic on duty verified that it was just the cap. He called NAPA. Steve and Kerry went off and were soon back with a new cap. We continued on our way. The Bear Tooth Pass to Yellowstone had been our goal. (hopefully, another posting) He gave us some good advice and off we went. Steve rechecked under the hood every chance he could. Everything was all right. He is an author (Every 400 Years and Odd, Strange, and Curious--co-authored with Lindsey Appell). She is a master quilter and has a very large room set aside for her quilting. They built their home which was phenomenal...several kinds of heat. Their acreage is about 300, which they tell me is a small spread in Montana. We did enjoy breakfast with them. Homemade jams, eggs, bacon. Excellent fare.
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| Betty & Kerry |
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| Downtown Red Lodge |
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| Lumber from this building was used in the flooring of their home |
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| Scenery from front door
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Helena was our goal. We got there in time to tour the capitol. It was open until six p.m. No one was there, however, to do guided tours. So, we self toured. We also spent a bit of time in the Historical Society Museum across the street.
We lost our cell line before we got to Sandra' s and John's. Ate at Perkins. They allowed us to use their phone. Sandra was confused as her caller ID showed an unfamiliar phone number in her area code with a message from us. We finally connected and moseyed our way to their home. Their spacious guest and bath were in their basement. After a couple of minutes, we discovered that Sandra and Kerry of the previous evening were brother and sister. Kerry is a genealogist and had created a beautiful framed family tree of images of much younger Kerry and Sandra. When we woke up in the morning, there was a doe looking (what appeared to be) at us through the back window. Like the previous morn, we had a huge meal...eggs, more homemade jams and goodies. John and Sandra suggested we stop at the Wheat place in Wheat, Montana. Again, locals know. We would never have stopped there. Another wonderful Evergreen family.
Back toward Yellowstone. We made on stop at Wheat, Montana. This was Sunday morning. The place was filled. Combination restaurant and bakery that sold their wonderful good. Interesting place. Much of the wheat grown in that area is under their ownership or lease. Bread was delicious and a bit high, but not overly pricey. Wish there was one of these near us.
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| Sandra and John |
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| Good Morning! (taken through the screen and window) |
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| Rise and Shine |
Back into Yellowstone via the North Entrance. Two nights in a cabin. Left Yellowstone via the South Entrance which brings one into the Grand Teton National Park. (separate posting) Headed to Casper for Grand Chapter OES and to see our good friend Marianne. Three nights there. My reservation was for the wrong day. So, my mistake turned into a suite at the same price of a room. Great digs. While based in Casper, we visited The Trails Interpretive Center (which is one of my favorite places and definitely a separate posting) and the State Fair in Douglas--the Jackalope Capital of the World--for yet another posting.
Then, to Cheyenne to quickly revisit the Capitol. Continued into Nebraska where we spent the night at a Super 8. Certainly not light spending the night with Evergreeners. Ate at Arby's. The next morning we continued into Iowa (only about ten miles) and followed I-29 and I-49 to Carthage to stay with Evergreeners Brian and Marilyn (this also has to be a separate posting). Stopped in Ash Grove, Missouri to visit old friends Linda and Jimmy. Then onto Forsyth, MO, where we would stay with former Evergreeners, but now friends (this was the third trip in which we have stayed with them). We met at Subway. Steve and I split a meatball sub. It actually was a nice treat, as I seldom eat subs, heroes, grinders, or whatever they are called in whatever region.
One more night--in Montgomery, Alabama. Nice couple. Hart and Leona. We had already gone to the capitol. She gave us several ideas of other places to see in the area. Locals know. He is a history buff and really enjoyed challenging me with detailed questions (when did Ohio become a state...missed my guess by three years; what was the first state; what was the first National Park and the year, etc.) Got some right and most of the others were close. He mentioned that he thought I did better than most. She made a wonderful coffee cake for breakfast. Had with Constant Comment tea, which is a favorite. Steve's Mom introduced me to it before we were married. Unfortunately, it had nuts. So, I got Steve's share We were really ready, however, to get home and Montgomery is not THAT far away. I had forgotten about taking their pictures that evening. And, although Steve thought she was cute, she did not care to have her picture taken in the morning.
Home at last. Two days later I went down to Venice to collect my dog, Frisky and visit with my friend John and Lynne and my Venice pastor (who is my favorite Pastor) Dwight.
All photos by "Molly" Marston
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