Thursday, July 31, 2008

Route 66 - 7/31

Our first stop was to an open house for a Mormon Temple in Twin Falls. After a 20 min or so video we were given a tour of the Temple and explained what all the rooms are used for. I would suggest that if you have the opportunity to do so you should go visit.

Today we went to The Ice Cave and Mammoth Cave which are both north of Shoshone. Because of the number of steps Ainslie went into the Ice Cave by herself. 111 steps down and back up in case you are wondering. Ainslie was not impressed by the Mammoth Cave as it was a self guided tour and you carried your own light walking about 1/4 mile to the 1/2 way point where their trail ended.

We ended the day at a very good friends home for a BBQ with his family at Doc Davis's home in Shoshone. Cheeseburgers, Salmon and Hot Dogs with all the trimmings were quite delicious. We really enjoyed the visit with Keith and his family staying a little over 5 hours. My how time slips away. Doc and I have been friends for about 25 years now and I always enjoy seeing him.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Route 66 - 7/29 & 7/30

7/29
After driving from Dillon MT to Twin Falls ID we checked into the motel and called Tim Murphy. We went to see his shop Standard Printing in Twin Falls and then went to supper. It was great getting caught up with Tim.
7/30
Today started off with me driving from Twin Falls to Shoshone to have breakfast with a very good friend Doc Davis. After eating we went to his office so that I could see changes from the last time I visited his office. The morning flew by so very quickly. I drove to Jerome to visit with Carl Emerson at his print shop. It had been long enough that he did not recognize me immediately. In the afternoon Ainslie and I went to see the Snake River Canyon and Shoshone Falls. In the evening we were invited to Bob and Geri Hillman's for supper and were joined by Tim Murphy and his new wife and Linda and Wally Ekren. What a meal we had (wow). It was great seeing all these long time friends and catching up.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Route 66 - 7/28

Today we drove from Great Falls to Dillon MT. This is just a little under 1/2 way to Twin Falls ID. where we plan to see 4 friends. Nothing happened today that was exciting unless you are into doing laundry. Ainslie has been wanting to go to a Pizza Hut since we left so she could have their pasta. As luck would have it there is one right next door to the hotel that we dined at tonight. She had her pasta and I had a Pzone which were pretty good.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Route 66 - 7/26 & 7/27

While staying at Great Falls Mt the state fair was in town. Chad, Alison, Ainslie and I went to the fair. While walking in a magic show was just about to start so we watched that performance. It was two twins from Canada that were mediocre at best. It was time to check out the food booths as most of us had not eaten anything yet. We had heard that the Vikings were the things to try. For $5 you got a giant meatball with a deep fried coating that was on a stick. It was pretty good. Chad also recommended the BBQ from a certain vendor that passed my taste test. After walking the grounds Ainslie and I settled in to listen to some country music and then watch a hypnotist that was really quite good. Chad and Alison went off to see a pig catching contest and joined us for the hypnotist.

On Sunday we started with a good breakfast at a local eatery and then went to see a missile silo. We then went on the air force base and got a look around. After that we went to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center that proved very interesting. It was sad to say good bye tonight to Chad and Alyson and their dog Dakota.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Route 66 - 7/24 & 7/25

On Thursday we drove from Seattle to Wallace ID where we spent the night. We ate in an old refurbished hotel at Brooks where Ainslie and I discovered Huckelberry shakes. We both loved them even though John was the one that ordered it. The seafood was not to bad either. We stayed at the Wallace Inn where the only room available was a suite which meant that Ainslie had her own room with a TV. This is only the 2nd time where we have had problems getting a room where we stopped. This time was because of an ATV Rodeo. There was ATV's everywhere and they allowed them to run up and down the street. The other time was because of a girls softball tournament being held.

On Friday we drove to Great Falls MT which John thought was bout 200 miles away from Wallace and it turned out to be over 300. No big deal just took us a little longer. This is where my sisters son lives and he tells us there is a fair here that we are going to tonight.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Route 66 - 7/23

Today we drove from Forks WA to Seattle WA. After about a 2 hour car ride we boarded a Ferry with our car to complete our journey. The Ferry was a nice experience for Ainslie. We could not check into the hotel that I had booked as we arrived too early, so off to the Space Needle we went after parking our car at the hotel. We walked about 3 - 4 blocks and immediately went up to get a birds eye view of the city. We were unable to eat as they were not accepting reservations that day.

After looking around we stopped briefly to listen to some Indians playing guitars and penny whistles. It amazes me what people will do to make a living. Ainslie got to see what scrimshaw art is all about as there was a display in a window. As we were leaving the area we decided to take a duck boat tour of the city. I always like someone else to do the driving as I get to look around and get someone else to tell me about the town. The driver was absolutely nuts which made it more fun.

We then went to a music hall and looked around. There was a display of old guitars that Ainslie fell in love with. Some as you can guess were priceless.

To top off the evening we ate at a restaurant and I had fresh salmon. Ainslie opted for her favorite Chicken Fettuccini. It was tasty. Tomorrow we are off for Montana and see Chad who is my sisters youngest son.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Route 66 - 7/22

Today we said good bye to Katlyn and drove to Forks WA. Ainslie wanted to come here because of some books she is reading. We also drove to La Push which is about 10 miles from here. Forks has the distinction of being the rainiest place in the US. Except for being cool it is sunny today off and on and looks like it could rain. Our drive took us about 5 1/2 hours from Portland. The place we are staying at is not the best but it is clean and reasonable.