4044 mile, 9/14/2011-9/25/2011 Overview via Minneapolis, Mn to Moab, Ut.( only 9 th return to Canyonlands/Arches National Parks and surrounding area ). On circle loop through Central Neb, N Colo, S.E. Utah, S.W.- S.E. Colo, Central Ks, K.C. NE to Mpls .Brooklyn and Copiague, L.I. born King and Queen of the Road. 5 National Parks/2 National Monuments. Stayed all 9 nights at Super 8’s( outstanding customer service !!)
Objective: Take as many NON Interstate and back roads as POSSIBLE !! Make a circle loop without experiencing HEAVY rain, sleet, snow, hail over Independence, Pass( the highest continuous pass in U.S.in Colorado) as well as no snow over Wolfe Creek Pass as in 5/1971 going E to W prior to oldest being born in 10/1971. Pick up an “out the way” # 39 th National Park. See Carhenge in W Neb. Visit former customer’s in Utah. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED !!
9/14-Up at 4:50 A.M. Have we “ ever traveled before “ ? Kept taking things to the car, going up and down stairs where thank goodness car is located some 20’ from front porch. Around 340 miles in 7 ½ hours via Sioux City Iowa to Norfolk, Neb. 70 miles to W. We just talked. One must have a GREAT COMPANION to do what we do-both had 2 note books to record observations. Usually like to start to look for places to stay around 4:00 P.M. “ Just in case a town might have a festival ” !! AGAIN-outstanding SERVICE at Super 8 !! Woman who was on maternity leave said town was full-called back to work-General Mgr had quit on Tuesday-woman at front desk in morning said that this lady had her 9 th child-all living in motel room from age infant to 20-she had 3 kids=then a 4 th a age 40( didn’t ask if they were married ? Found a cooked chicken at $ 3.99 at local food chain for dinner.
9/15-left around 7:45 A.M., 508 miles to Ft. Morgan, Colorado. Took advantage of minus an hour of time change-missed a detour-only 20 miles out of way-Neb # 91 to # 2-like in 2008 noticed a continuous line of trains carrying coal. Wondered where coming from ? Several times-trains were not moving. Later found from person traveling at Super 8 that coal had come from Gillette, Wyo. Ah!! Something remembered from college. Once a boom town. So crowded that people were sleeping in old cars.Then it died. Been through on travels in the past. A good test on car electronics. Car range indicated 8 miles left-took 11.17 gal.
9/16. Was supposed to be a “ slow day “ to relax Opps !!!? Left after 8:00 A.M. but very foggy. Could hardly see the road 80 miles E of Denver. Sun came out at 9:35 A.M. as we got on # 285.Visitor Ctr hard to find-worst marked in all travels. Independence Pass at Visitor Ctr said open as well as signs on hwy !!! Had picnic overlooking a lake then up the pass. Not more than a few miles. Clear at top yet with some mist. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED ? Then snow, rain, hail going down hair pin curves to Aspen. Felt like from Aspen( horrendous traffic) to Glenwood Springs-bumper to bumper traffic-stop lights every few miles. AS in observations BELOW got last of 3 rooms in Grand Junction.
9/17-With reservation in Green River, Utah , thanks to a cancelation where hotel was supposed to be full that day as in calling 9/16, drove through Colorado National Monument for only 15 time. Another “ wild goose chase “ on wrong info from lady at Colorado Vist. Ctr-old Hwy U.S. # 6 was supposed to be clear for 12 miles-then back on to I-70-baracade-did not want to take detour on dirt road around creek-at motel had a whirl pool and hot tub-then took over a 100 mile circle loop E . But prior went to a museum in Green River. Woman gave enough info on what to see that would take several months Did not recall # 128 as being this narrow. Or SO CROWDED with campers and bikers-all camp grounds full. Then discovered City Market in Moab. Met several Germans who love this area-we like theirs.
9/18-had reservations in Moab for $63.90 vs. the same rate of $ 199 that it received and GOT on 9/17-drove 40 miles to Canyonlands. Took 1 ½ miles of a strenuous hike without good shoes-got room-took La Sal Loop Road as we have done in past-wrong turn of 8 miles on top of mesa like road. Knew something was off-dirt road-found a biker-watch for hand written sign-hair pin curves-same views West- did not go 8 miles up on dirt road to Geyser Pass as in 1980’s, VASTNESS-so hard to describe.
9/19-ran out of time at Arches-did hike to Landscape Arch since we were to meet former customer’s 76 miles away. Decided to spend an extra day but rate had gone to $ 89-front desk then honored the $ 79 we secured on toll free #-rates subject to change. Did not remember last trip into this section. No visitor Ctr. was here at that time when we took a trail on a mesa-got disorientated. Saw vultures looking for a meal. Did get out. Bawled out by Ranger for not having water. Took 3 mile dirt road that Ranger said was car safe to drive on. Parking lot to Elephant Hill was FULL !! Mostly for hikers on other trails. Wanted to recall going up this in a 4 wheel jeep with customer’s boyfriend. Thought we were going to flip as he gunned the last 200’ up slick rock as we went to confluence of Colorado and the Green. GOOGLE-Elephant Hill, Canyonlands-see videos. Only went a few 100 ‘-thought-IMPOSSIBLE even with a jeep. Oh !! The conversations and recollections of friendship !! Thanks to former Toastmaster Tom Bernier when I first started selling in 8/1983-treat all customers as though a guest in one’s home. Though short-left at 8:10 P.M. Told to watch out for deer and put on bright lights then of course to dim when seeing on coming cars. Scanned both sides of hwy. for 22 miles as suggested speed of 50 M.P.H. which appeared to not bother other drivers going 65 plus M.P.H. Made it SAFELY back at 9:45 P.M.
9/20. Day to relax ? You’ve got to be kidding. Wanted to hike to Delicate Arch. In readings most pictured as well as on Utah license plate. Have done trail several times. Estimated 3 mile round trip-3 hours but took wrong turn while talking with another couple. For a moment !! Where are we ? Could at least see parking lot in distance. One must scale a 45 * sheer rock trail over several hundred feet, then turn L vs. R. Took picture from a top. Decision. Go back and find trail or as in planned since this was an extra day to re-visit Canyonlands, go back. UNEXPECTED stop by Ranger with flashing lights !! For all of driving years from age 18, when going down and up mountain roads have gone over the double white line to reduce chance of flipping over. That morning as reported by Ranger, I passed 2 employee’s who called in license plate #-took my license-as frightening as crossing into Poland from Czech in 2006 where we were stopped for 15 minutes. Said, he would only give us a warning. WHEW !!! Shared a picnic table in shade with another couple. Then back to Canyonlands to re-see Green River Junction. Had enjoyment of meeting a few. Always guess accent. BINGO !! N.J. that turned out to be a single fellow traveling alone. Repeated himself some 3 times about travels. Surprised that I could pick up accent.
9/21. Met woman and husband from Racine, Wisc. Who were gone 2 1/2 weeks-heading home. Missed # 128-did not appear interested in taking extra time. Even for an hour out of way ? Person at Super 8 said that no longer printing DIRECTORY that we have one from 2009. Appears that they expect to ASSUME people unlike us to book ON LINE ? Debated to stay and take chances of lodging in Cortez of non Super 8 or put a courtisy hold in Durango. WOW !! Discovered Hovenweep National Monument. Unlike Utah customer who said road was not paved. Excellent road of 25 miles. Took 1 ½ mile trail. Thanks to meeting a hiker who said ski poles used as walking sticks would help last ¼ mile. Down and up a STEEP canyon. Then confirmed reservation in Durango but called to compare rate by calling motel direct vs. toll free. $ 120 for smoking vs. our $ 88 which we though was too high. . Needed time to explore Mesa Verde, 25 miles in plus 2, 6 mile loops plus over looks. Did not have a NEW visitor Ctr when we were there in 1971. Also had taken a tour of a ruin on a ranger walk. Met more Germans plus a family from Switzerland. Shared stories about travels to their areas. Best paved roads in all travels. Then drove up to Park Point about 10 miles from Visitor Ctr. Most SECENIC view in ALL TRAVELS as well. Latest dinner at 8:30 P.M. Another City Market-had same ice cream in previous nights-this Super 8 had glass glasses-clicked when our usual toast of wine.
9/22. Made reservations in Alamosa. See below-to allow extra time. Unable to stop to take pictures on Wolfe Creek Pass. Checked into motel and then left in 10 minutes to drive the 35 miles to see Sand Dunes National Park as in objective. Like in ALL travels since 1969, we like to seek out a place to see the day before. Visitor Ctr closed as well as admission to get maps. Available outside visitor ctr. Took a 10 minute walk in the sand. Would return on way out. Enjoyed dining on large $ 6.99 pre-made sandwich.
9/23. Made reservations in Dodge City, Ks. Interesting perhaps on way out of Sand Dunes, met a couple who were relying on a GPS-thought road through Park would go to another highway-said nothing. Did they own a map or have an atlas ? Unexpected detour on planned Colorado # 10 from Walsenburg-no signs. Merely stopped a car-asked for help-drove 37 miles on I-25 and picked up U.S. # 350. 76 miles of NOTHING !!! West and East of Garden City, a strange highway-4 lanes for about 4 miles in each direction-70 M.P.H. ( in middle of no where ?) Visited an historic site of where wagon wheel tracks along Sante Fe Trail. Are we the only one’s who use maps ? Only place to get food vs, Wal-Mart that we refuse to BUY from. Dillons. Had same lay out as City Market-same Deluxe brand ice cream as well-used card-had a Chinese dinner for 2 plus of course the ice cream. Call 800-632-6900 or www.kroger.com. 16 oz or 1 pint for $ 1.49 or 10/$ 10.00 . Google, Deluxe Brand ice cream ? Playing with flipping channels. Stumbled upon movie Thelma and Louise. Scenery and filmed around Moab. Language –pathetic !! Also, T.V. showed that here was an unexpected major snow storm in Salzburg, Austria. Shut down roads and rail.
9/24 “ Played by ear” making reservations . Had called former customer some 200 miles away the night before. Both he and wife e-mailed wanting us to visit if possible. Would call an hour out. Started to have SEVERE CHEST PAINS which as in experience is from heart burn. Still rather scary. Pulled off road in Kinsley, Ks. On Hwy # 56 , around 42 miles from Dodge City just to stretch. “ Low and behold “, a sign 1561 NYC/1561 S.F.. AAA book mentioned ½ way between both cities or a mid-way point. Called customer 50 miles away. A conflict with his wife working. Located on map, Minneapolis, Ks. And in AAA book-Rock City. Then made reservations NE of K.C. to allow extra time. 25 mile round trip. Pay station and little home/gift shop closed but had a pay box for $ 3.00 donation each. Book said 200 rounded rocks-we only saw a few that were 3 ‘ high and looked like cow pies. Just drove through and did not stop. Upon coming home Googled Rock City, Minneapolis, Ks. Larger rounded stones taller than people. Next time. I-70 a SPEED WAY Speed limit 70 but most doing well over.( see observations). Another story of relationship sadness. We hear them all. Motel worker leaving as she is moving back to Colorado to fight getting custody of grandchild. What a mess. Said we would pray for her. Cheapest Super 8 but it had a nice pool and whirl pool. Took advantage at 6:00 P.M. Only one’s in. Then went back after our dinner. Man and 10 year old son in pool. Son could not swim. Merely encouraged him since if a 2 nd life want to come back as an otter. Could live in water ! In this town-Wal-Mart vs. another chain. Took the chain but MOST IEPT service. New person in deli did not know how to ring up correct price and customer relations a grouch in getting the card BUT WE SAVED $ 2.46. All adds up.
9/25 Could finally tune to our Minnesota stations. Caught the Minnesota Viking game in afternoon. Another disaster as they choked for 3 rd loss. See why we don’t like to have news on during a trip especially with this NIGHTMARE of a team as well as last place Minnesota Twins and most pathetic team to embrace a Minnesota pro sport uniform in Minnesota Timberwolves !!
9/26-27 Takes about a week to recover. Inner self said “ be in touch with body “ and do not overdo on 5 mile Monday walk. Did not drive the 6 minutes after walk to scale the hill and steps. Only did steps up and down to test the stamina. Then on Tuesday, added a mile by walking more along golf course fence and included more climbs to the hill and up and down stairs in DAMP HUMIDITY. No shortness of breath. .
OBSERVATIONS and SCENIC VISTAS/ROADS !!
* In conversation while driving 9/14 we recalled the past when I 1 st started selling in 8/1983. Noticed today how terrible the media portrays WHERE everything is BAD. THEN !!! Remember when Brown Shoe Co. in Central , NY came up a “ slogan’ BUSINESS IS GOOD !!! in mid 1980’s. Made numerous attempts to locate on a search of location of the shoe store as well as when slogan was reported in U.S.A. Today ? IF EVERYONE SPENT AN EXTRA $ 1.00 or $ 2.00, how much business would it generate ? Instead of saying that there is 9 % unemployment, why not 91 % EMPLOYED ? Throughout the trip we noticed store parking lots FULL especially our favorite TARGET !!! Still have the button BUSINESS IS GOOD that the store designed. Firm that I worked for then copied and put on toll free #.
* 1 st trip EVER where we did not EXPERIENCE any REALLY POOR weather with exception of going up and down Independence Pass with some fog, light rain and mild hail. Some mist at the top.
* Still AMAZED as though who write info have never taken the place of being a tourist and following own directions. Such as no signage prior to coming to MAIN ENTRANCE SIGN to Hovenweep National Monument nor signs E of Alliance for Carhenge.
*Carhenge( 3 ½ miles N of Alliance, Neb) old cars stacked on end like Stonehenge where wife and daughter visited in England. Youngest saw on T.V.!!!
*Rock hit windshield 3 rd day out making a 6 “, S on driver’s side-used duct tape to put over glare spots-then expanded 8 “ across-more duct tape-Utah customer said ” no sweat “ that if expanded more that it would not crack-took advise as to keeping windows rolled down slightly-did not expand further on trip !!!
* U.S. # 285 off belt way in SW Denver from to Buena Vista-whew !!! 55/65 M.P.H. which seemed to be on a 100 mile down hill-felt like a race car driver. Utah # 128 off I-70 outside of Cisco inside line some 43 miles ? to Moab.
* U.S. # 550 from Durango N 75 miles to Ouray( did a round trip) Wow !! TRETCHEROUS, HARD DRIVING, EXCITING ADVENTURE. Have done several times in the past but do not recall. Old age ?
*There is something mystical, mysterious or hard to explain the love of the WEST ? Even after our 9 th visit to Canyonlands and Arches will go back for our 10 th visit in 2014.
*1 st EVER trip in not having a time table to come home NOR to contact ANYONE !!! Strangest feeling in the world . I AM RETIRED !!! During my 27 years in telemarketing, took over a week to follow up on sales that associates had taken.
*Brought own beer and EXPENSIVE $4.00 wine-had meals from local grocery stores. FEASTED like Kings and Queens. Lunches were left over chicken along with cheese that we had bought, cuts from $ 6.99 sandwich and fruit obtained from breakfast at motel.
* All parking areas in both Canyonlands and Arches FULL as well as hiking trails jammed. Did everyone else have same idea to travel when kids in school ? TOO MANY SENIORS or those taking advantage of off season ? HOWEVER noticed that SO MANY were OBESE in getting out of parking areas, overlooks and in grocery stores. One person at motel on 9/25 must have weighed over 500 lbs. with his wife who was at least 350. Maybe they could have helped our hapless Minnesota Vikings?
* Most expensive prices paid on motels EVER !! Is this supposed to be OFF season ? Hit with “ sticker shock “ !!!
*Purchase chain store cards such as www.citymarket .com ( part of Kroeger ) Can be used at numerous affiliates-had same brand of 1 pint of ice cream for a $ 1.00 that we split for 6 nights-stores in Moab, Durango and Dodge, City ,Ks. Store layouts the same-OUTSTANDING customer service !!!
*Have never seen THIS MANY PEOPLE !! Roads jammed-1 st ever Sept trip-Super 8 wanted $ 199 for a room in Moab last Sat-thank goodness there was a cancelation in Green River, Utah as we called from Grand Junction on Sat. before leaving thanks to talking with guest the night before.Got one of last 3 rooms in Grand Junction that Friday night at 4:45 P.M. as a result of numerous festivals.
* Many UNAWARE that you can obtain a Senior Pass, now a name change at age 62 for $ 10.00 one time fee-allows you to get into ANY National Park or areas for FREE-in our OPINION-best Govt. Program EVER !! Especially for those who like to travel !!
* Most non-Germans EVER. Met numerous from France, Switzerland and Holland including a couple from Belgium. To find out where people are from, merely ask, “ where are you from, or put hand to ear, and say “ is that German” ? They will respond by a yes or no answer. Then you ask WHERE ? Instant communication. Of course if German( friendliest of all travels after 6 visits since 2001-have you climbed all 768 steeple steps in Ulm 30 “ wide, 500 steps in Cologne or 320 in Frankfurt or been up the 54 floor building in Frankfurt ? Did not meet any Norwegians so we could tell about our 1999 and 2002 visits.
* SURPRISED that most that we spoke with did not visit BOTH parks such as in 10 trips to Glacier National Park. Most would drive over the Going To Sun Highway and then on to Banff/Lake Louise in Canada without going opposite way.
* Collected enough EXTRA soap and shampoo at motels to last a year
* Drove trough K.C.,Ks and Mo. Around 4:00 P.M.. Most complicated and confusing in ALL trips. Thick as in NYC. We held speed limit at 65/70 M.PH. Were passed as though we were snails.
* Only took a cell phone to call for reservations. Made ONE phone call home to oldest daughter on 9/21. Did not take any other electronics , use computer at motel to e-mail , read paper or COMMUNICATE WITH anyone. Saw blips of news as a result of coming back after 6:00 P.M. Did not look at a newspaper. Since we do not have cable at home, merely flipped channels. TOO much GARBAGE especially with “ political commentary and talk shows “ that incite viewer reaction.
* Had fun with similar named places in other areas such as how many have ever visited Minneapolis, St. Paul( over 150 miles a part from Central to SE ?, Rock City and Parsons, Ks as well as Minneapolis, St. Paul, Mn, Rock City, a top of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga(here on 4/1969 honeymoon saw MASSIVE bill boards from Illinois down. SEE ROCK CITY and view 7 states. Included a lovers leap. Actually visualized that there would be white lines showing the 7 states in distance. I graduated from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa but my adored God-mother always send letters to Parsons, Ks.( Post Office forwarded). Minneapolis, Ks is 620 miles from Minneapolis, MN.
* No effects from either of us with sight as a result of being hit from behind in 2/2002 which would lead to 7 eye surgeries each on opposite eyes. Even with dryness did not have to put in or use RX for pain or regular drops. Mine is blurred/wife’s out of sync with brain NOR ANY BACK problems. Exercise attitude with gratitude ? BE THANKFUL FOR HEALTH EVERYDAY !!!
* We over packed as always such as bring lawn chairs, tools, wire, shovel, 40 lb. railroad bar, bungee cords and DUCT TAPE !!! Could the world survive without duct tape ?
* FINALLY came home to see that oldest daughter had put all mail and papers inside-electricity still on. Once came back and she had forgotten to check power in rear room which had gone out. Only lost food in freezer. Air quality PATHETIC !!! Had plenty of stamina , no shortness of breath nor eye problems on trip with DRY AIR and little humidity. Lowest rain fall in September in years.
Best place to stay in ALL TRAVELS !!!
# 1-found by mistake-Hotel Hilleprandt in Garmisch-Partenkirchen( info # 2( info .
Visit www.twinrocks.com or www.twinrockscafe.com in Bluff, Utah-owned by in-law family of former customer in Blanding, Utah. Shall re-return to Moab via S Colorado but head on a loop S via Grand Canyon( ever camp 50 ‘ from the rim ? ) for 10 th visit in 2014.
Best part of travel. The anticipation and excitement of the adventure( attempting to put all the pieces together which so many times do not fit), looking at fares, taking notes, checking and re-checking if we have missed anything, networking, packing and having family watch our home. For fun ask ANYONE-“ if $$$’s were no object where would you go, live or work ? Most information gotten from other’s personal experiences as well as delight in meeting people from all over the world. Are cherishing relationships even from daily lives as well as on trips IMPORTANT ? Reveled in seeing 2 former customer’s and family on 2011 trip 76 miles away from Moab-cookout at 6:30 P.M.-Dutch oven on a fire with chicken and potatoes-met some of family for 1 st time-been in contact with since 1984. “ as we arrived at 6:09 P.M. Would have made it sooner but NO SIGN to say coming to the park. .Perfect timing “ by staying in contact by cell phone. Drove into Needles Section of Canyonlands National Park about 49 miles-planned on 3 hours. Visited previously. 1 st calls upon coming home after re-packing car after 4:30 P.M. on 9/25 was not to family but to former customer in Pa.via voice mail and to cell phone of Utah buddy.
www.manfromthenorthpole.wordpress.com
Raised in Glen Head , 27 ½ miles from Manhattan out on North Shore of L.I. Wife reared in Minneapolis where 80 % who walk around Lake Nokomis, Lake Hiawatha or neighborhood have gone to the 3 local schools in Roosevelt, Washburn or South ( wife’s late dad, Doris and 2 daughter’s (Roosevelt) -both grandson’s are in 9 th and 10 th grade at Washburn-hard to believe !!! time goes SO FAST !!!), Driven in all 50 states-49 twice(wife visited all 50 twice) -been within a 200/300 mile radius of all 48 from marriage of 4/26/1969, 3 trips to Alaska 1995/1999-drove 88ll miles in 20 days in 2004, 8 visits via 6 Germany/2 Norway since 1999-wife has taken 8 additional tours from 1999. Prior to marriage, I had hitch-hiked some estimated 30,000 miles from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa to N.Y.C. , Minneapolis/St. Paul,Seattle, S.F. while wife had been to 47 states( her builder dad who’s homes will last longer than the Pyramids, took off in the summer), 8 week trip to Europe with friends in 1966( saved EVERDAY personal/vacation day to put into travel), 1967 to Hawaii.. Norwegians do not bury their dead with pockets-travel now why you have your health !!! Visited or hiked in 39 (picked up a New one-Great Sand Dunes on 9/2011 trip plus back through Colorado National Monument for only 15 th time outside of Grand Junction, Colorado ) of U.S. 58 National Parks-Glacier in N.W. Montana only 10 times. Wife and youngest daughter off to Israel 11/2-16-looking at wife taking oldest daughter on a Sound of Music tour to Salzburg, Austria in April. Driving trip planned for Nova Scotia in 8/2012 that will include visiting grade school friend that I re-connected with and stayed in touch with since the late 1970’s, Visited with his family when he was in N.Y. metro, when he lived in N.J. and then with wife in Vt. Still recall lunch with him and mother on a business trip to NYC in mid 1980’s to see customer’s. Would like to see his world famous artist 91 year old mother who lives near him in Vt. who has sent us a “ hand written “ anniversary card for years despite the fact that she has never met my adorable/angelic mate of 42 years. Another MARATHON to Alaska in 2013 with MORE TIME unlike in 2004 ? Will work around 50 th class re-union that year as well.
