I can be kinda dumb sometimes.....

Here's something a little funny: I just went out to get a bite to eat and to fill up with gas so I don't have to get out in the freezing cold in the morning. I pulled up to the tanks, stopped the car and started getting my credit card out of my purse. Then I noticed a guy in an old ratty sweatshirt standing at my window. I locked my doors - felt for the mace in my coat pocket and rolled down my window. "Can I help you?" I said in my snottiest - don't ask me for money voice.
"Don't you need gas? Oregon is full service."
Isn't that weird - New Jersey is the same way. It is ILLEGAL to pump your own gas!
So, I sheepishly gave him a $5 tip for my ignorance!

One of the few spots in Oregon where it wasn't snowing!

Day 2 - Are we there yet?

Hi friends! Thankfully, I am in my hotel room for the night! I've stopped in Le Grande, Oregon after another day of dealing with those silly storms coming in from the Pacific. They are totally wreaking havoc with my road trip! However, they didn't stop me from taking a detour as suggested by my dad. This morning I went through the mountains of Utah and passed through the ski areas where the 2002 Winter Olympics were held. Man, did I ever want to stop and ski. But, I was scared off by loud booms that I assume were intentionally triggering avalanches. Then I stopped in Salt Lake City to see the famous Mormon Temple and Tabernacle (no, I haven't converted, just curious). In the picture you see the Temple and to the right you see a bit of the Tabernacle which is supposed to be so acoustically superior that you can hear a pin dropped 170 feet away. I would not know because you cannot enter these buildings unless "deemed worthy" and obviously I am not. It was interesting nonetheless and a good chance to stretch my legs.

I've driven through rain or snow or rain/snow most of the day. People are putting snow chains on their tires and I'm getting intimidated - what to do?

Anyway what I've seen of the countryside (Idaho and Oregon) has been beautiful - I should get to Tacoma sometime tomorrow!
I may not have internet right away - so don't worry if you don't see me on for awhile -

Day 1

Ok, well of course I put this picture up here for you to feel sorry for me. I had visions of stopping on the side of the road and taking pictures of buffalo roaming the plains of Wyoming but instead I was stuck in a line of cars (can't see them can you - neither could I) creeping our way west. But let me start at the beginning. I began the trip early this morning around 6:30. I saw a beautiful sunrise with a crescent moon rising right before the sun - I hope some of you got to see that too. Colorado, specifically Denver was great to drive through. I hope I get to spend more time in that city - possibly a future assignment! Leaving Denver tho, it started to become very windy and didn't let up like I thought it might when I turned west in Cheyenne, Wyoming. And then I encountered what you see in the picture and so I white knuckled my way through most of the southern part of the state. When I finally got through the storm I found that Wyoming isn't such a bad state at all and I will try my hardest not to hold a grudge. Thanks for all the calls and comments - keep them coming - hopefully tomorrow will bring a more positive blog!! LOVE

Big Trip Tomorrow!

Hi everyone - i thought a blog site would be a great way to track my experiences while I am traveling! Tomorrow I leave Dalhart, Tx for Tacoma, Wa. Hopefully the weather will be good and I can make the 1600 mile drive in about 2 1/2 days. Check back for details and pictures of the journey!