Let me say right here at the outset that I’m writing this after a very nice meal and evening with Gary and Jane (and Julie of course), so there is no telling what may be coming next.
This morning we were up at 5 to get everything loaded and ready for the trip. And we did that rather smoothly I think, largely because we spent a lot of time in preparation for this trip.
We said goodbyes, got hugs and kisses and were on the road to Gary and Jane just about on time. We arrived right at the stroke of 7.
Gary designate me as initial leader, and I lead over to Tatum, up to Cactus and over to I-17. That trip was unusual in that I’ve used Cactus several times recently and traffic signals never seemed to be a problem. But this time there were three instances where lights changed at a time when I could not stop but Gary had to. Just incredible.
Traffic was in general light to moderate. The trip to Flagstaff was very routine – we stopped once for a pit stop and Julie and I changed seats. The next stop was after I-40 through Flag and we gassed up. Then on to the Cameron Trading Post for Navajo Tacos! Julie and I shared one, and it was great as always.
I drove again after that. I’ll not try to describe the route in detail, but we went northeast towards 4 corners but turned north and into Utah and on to Moab where we are staying for the night. The trip was very scenic. There was only one delay for road construction, and otherwise it was pretty clear sailing.
In Moab we checked into the Motel (Moab Hotel!!!) and got settled in. It had been 9 hours since we left Jane and Gary’s and we were all pretty exhausted. After a little while, mostly discussing where we might eat dinner and breakfast tomorrow, we decided on a Thai restaurant.
We walked over – about 3 blocks, or 1/4 of a mile maybe. And our meals were great, the service was great, and Gary bought! (My turn tomorrow night)
On the way home we took a short walk along a stream/river walk that goes through town. Julie didn’t do this one. It’s a nice thought, and a nice effort, but it needs a lot of work – cleanup and such – to be a pleasant experience.
Julie had headed back to the room, but we stopped at the cafe across the street for ice cream. And the ice cream was great. I had a big waffle cone of a Pralines and Cream sort of flavor. Yummy.
Then back to the room, and it didn’t take long to decide that it was bedtime. We plan to have breakfast at 6am in preparation for an early start tomorrow.
This was a great day. A long and tiring drive, but great scenery and just a good time all around.
Goodnight
2019 Red Lodge Montana 