Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Tumwater, WA to Soda Springs, Idaho

We get a fair AT&T connection here in Soda Springs.  The problem is that I’m getting no chance to really spend time at the computer since my aunt and uncle want to sit and talk to us a lot.  Well….we did come to visit them after all.   So, I’m doing my best to get a couple of posts in while we are here and a little bit of time to read some other blogs.

We left Tumwater Tuesday morning at 5:20 on our way to southeast Idaho.  We took I-5 to I-84 in Oregon and then headed East.  The ride through the Columbia River Gorge was beautiful.  We didn’t really stop to take any photos since we had a lot of ground to cover to get all the way to Soda in one day.  Toward the end of the scenic Columbia River Gorge area I did snap this one pic which I thought was interesting.

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We began to see those wind machines stationed like sentries along the tops of the mountains.  These are a permanent part of our American landscape now, so we may as well get used to them.

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                                                           Annie was happy riding along in her cozy bed while we drove through Oregon.DSCF5755

We stopped at one of the many roadside rest areas to use the facilities and eat our picnic lunch.  When you have to stop and use one of these is when you really miss traveling with your RV.   We had no choice on this trip, so you just do what you have to do!

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As we drove on into Idaho, the weather began to look a bit threatening.  We could see rain clouds off in the distance and wondered if they’d get to us.  Soon enough we had some rain spatters on our windshield.

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                                                           We did see a bit of a rainbow a few minutes later.DSCF5764
Sometimes we’d have a bit of clearing before the rain spatters would start again.  It wasn’t a big storm and it didn’t slow us down.  We kept moving East.  We picked up I-86 after the Idaho Falls area and turned toward Pocatello.  In “Pokie” we connected with I-15 South for a few miles.

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At Exit 47 on I-15 we turned East onto Idaho State Route 30 toward Soda Springs.  It was only about 33 more miles now.  We passed a lot of ranch land and farm land throughout the area.  They grow wheat, barley and alfalfa here.  A few potato fields, but most of those are over toward Idaho Falls.

We got to my Aunt Anne and Uncle Lyle’s house around 8:00 pm (1 hour time difference) and after driving 818 miles.  Only crazy people drive that many miles in one day.  We hadn’t been here in 3 years so it was nice to see them again.

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                                                                      This is Aunt Anne who is recovering from knee surgery and will be 89 in November.DSCF5783
                                                                        This is Uncle Lyle and he married my aunt in 1996.DSCF5782
                                                           Aunt Anne has always been a great cook and had fixed us a big meal.DSCF5784
By the time we finished eating, talked for a while, and then went down into our basement bedroom suite it was past 10:00 and we were beat.  Bruce checked the computer and we saw some comments left on the blog, but I was too tired to do anything about it. 

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Today we spent all day talking and catching up on activities and vacations and family stuff.  I tried to get some time to make a post on the blog….but just couldn’t get away.  We’re only staying until Friday morning, so it was more important to be with the family than sit at the computer.  So, I’ll catch up on stuff in a day or two.

I’ve taken a few pics of the town of Soda Springs and will make that a post tomorrow if possible.  It is a small town of less than 4,000 people.  Nice place to visit…but…you know the rest of that quote.

Hope everyone is having a great week.

Until next time…..so long for now!

17 comments:

Kathy said...

Beautiful rainbow and I can smell the aroma of that meal in the crockpot...I just know it was yumalicious!
Enjoy!
Kathy

Happytrails said...

Margie- your aunt Anne does not look her age, but younger. You never have to explain the reason you skip a post or making comments. I feel we know you well enough not to even have that thought enter our minds.
I will say DANG, that's driving too many miles for even 2 days worth of driving!!!!!
Enjoy your visit and travel safely.
Mike & Gerri

Rick said...

Your Aunt Anne is a very young looking 89! Whatever was in the crockpot sure looked good too!

Nice pic of the rainbow. It was great to see your blog pop up on my sidebar tonight!

Wayne and Roberta said...

Glad you arrived safely, enjoy your visit with your family and don't worry about posting on your blog. The saying in our hometown is "Family First"!!

Carol K said...

It's always a pleasure to read your blog, but I'm amazed that you had any time at all to blog. Wow. That was a long day's drive.

I agree with the others that your Aunt Anne looks amazing for being 89 years old AND after having knee surgery. And obviously, they still live in their own home and she still enjoys cooking. Wow again!

Enjoy the rest of your stay in Soda Springs, and have a great trip back home.

Gypsy said...

Margie, I love reading your blog, but I would rather know you are spending time and giving undivided attention to an aunt & uncle, especially at their ages.

I agree with everyone that has said your aunt certainly doesn't look her age.

Sue and Doug said...

Hey there Bruce and Margie..boy over 800 miles in one day..gluttons for punishment or some great food and company at the end of that rainbow!!..your aunt and uncle look great for their age!!..not to worry about all of us readers out here in blog land ..we will be here when you get back...enjoy the visit with your family!!!

Al Bossence said...

Don't know why it is, but 'visiting' totally knocks the stuffings right out of both Kelly & I.

Sam&Donna Weibel said...

Visit's with family are so much fun, we like to try to touch down with family when we are on trips, makes it so nice to have the memories shared with someone, Don't worry family comes first then the blog's we will miss you of course, but we can wait. Have fun on your visit. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna.

Phyllis said...

Over 800 miles in one day??? I don't think I could do that anymore. Years ago we used to drive from NJ to Lousiana straight through when there were emergencies down there. Over 1,400 miles. I know neither Len nor I could do that now.

In the meantime, enjoy your time but rest up for that long drive back home.

Jerry and Suzy said...

At least the State of Oregon usually has very nice rest areas to stop in. Yes 818 miles is way too far to drive in one day. But family is very important, and you need to do what you need to do.

Travels with Emma said...

Over 800 miles in one day! Yuck! I hope you recuperate enough before you have to do it again to get home. :)

Unknown said...

beautiful rainbow picture!

Prettypics123 said...

Great shots and it sounds like a great visit with your aunt! Margie, if you have time, come see my pics that I took with my new camera lens and let me know what you think. Thanks. See ya!

Dennis and Donna said...

Isn't it strange how, when you are used to being "by yourselves, on the road" ,you feel a little confined when faced with visiting people?? Dennis and I turn into hermits when we are gone...I guess it's because we get plenty of "social action" when we are home..It's good of you to spend time with your aunt and uncle...They both look amazing!

An English Shepherd said...

800 miles thats a lot of traveling in one day!!!

What a lovely place and people to visit however. I can almost smell that cooking ;-)

Wizz :-)

Karyn-Lee said...

WoW your aunt looks great for her age!!
Dont worry about the blog, we will be here when you get back.
Enjoy your visit!
Cheers!