I left Homer Thursday evening, flew to Anchorage and then a connection to Phoenix, then on to Albuquerque. I had one delay on the last flight but finally arrived home. I had no food in the house so I went down to Madrid, met with my friends and had a lite dinner. I have been up for 38 hours now.
When I got to Madrid I was told they had just been talking about me. Looks like I have a photo shoot. Nice to come home and have a job lined up.
Here are a couple of shots from my trip home.
I am currently at the Albuquerque Days Inn, I’ll be here overnight. In the morning, I’ll catch a 7AM flight which will take me to Los Angeles. I have about a four hour layover and then I fly up to Seattle and then from Seattle I’ll catch a connection up to anchorage. Saturday,
These are a few recent sunrise and sunset photos from my house in New Mexico and in a few days you will start seeing some photos from Alaska
Just a quick note, I flew back to Alaska yesterday and will be here until the need of September. I will be posting pictures as I get out. Today we are hoping to see some Beluga Whales before we drive from Anchorage to Homer.
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| At the gate waiting to board |
Made it to San Jose and was picked up by a friend and taken to my sister’s house in Los Altos.
A few delays along the way, we arrived about an hour later than scheduled.
Here are a few shots from our flight.
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| Clouds after take off |
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| Clouds |
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| Hoover Dam Las Vegas |
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| Very low water level |
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| Rio Grande River going through Albuquerque |
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| Albuquerque Airport |
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| I40 I25 Cloverleaf Albuquerque |
Thought we were coming up on some cooling fog as we came closer to our destination. Unfortunately, it turned out to be the Santa Rita fire.
Sitting at the Albuquerque Sunport waiting for a flight to take me on the first leg of my trip. today I am off to the Bay Area for a couple of days.
I will be going to my favorite bakery, Copenhagen, in Burlingame. Then a stop at my favorite chocolate shop, Preston’s, also in Burlingame.
Looking forward to at least one good Chinese meal.
On, Sunday, I will begin the second leg of the trip.
I will keep you updated and have some pictures coming.
Very lazy day, had to drag myself out of bed. Sore back, need to reheat the hot tub and climb in.
Fed the birds and did the watering.
Made some breakfast and discovered that my food delivery person forgot the eggs.
Just heard that Lisa made to Alaska at about 9:30am.
Update: Lisa made it to Alaska. She had to get up at 4am to make to the border by 9am. They only give you 24 hours to cross the Yukon. They had made a mistake on her paperwork when she entered, it showed her having to leave the same day she entered. It did not turn out to be an issue.
She went to US customs and sailed right through, the dogs even got a treat for the agents. They reviewed her paperwork and gave her a bunch of paperwork, which she threw on the seat on drove off.
I believe she said that she pulled over around 10 am to feed the dogs, which she hadn't had time to do before. Each dog wears a harness, a leash is attached. the leashes are then secured to a carabiner that is attached to the car. She went to get their food and bowls from the back. As she came around the car she saw and animal int the road, then she thought that it looks like a beagle. She thinks someone else has a beagle out here. Then she looks down and sees that "Houdini" aka "Lola" has once again slipped her harness.
Lisa calls out to Lola and she turns and starts running back. You can not make a move towards Lola after she is headed to you or she will bolt. Lisa made a slight move when Lola was about 6 feet away. Lola turned, Lisa shouted "LOLA DROP", she did and she peed. Lisa put them in the car and they were not to come out until she got home.
Which she had intended to spend another night in a hotel, as it was a long drive to Homer. Remember those papers she threw on the seat, she read them. Basically it said that you will go straight to the place where you will quarantine , do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars. No gas station stops, No bathroom stops, No food stops, DO NOT LEAVE YOU VEHICLE "PERIOD". GMAFB
Waiting to hear if she gotten home, she figured around 8:30pm.
So, now you get hear about what I ate today.....
I had a good nights sleep, Lisa not so much, the dogs wandered around and jumped on and off the bed.
We got moving, checked out and went to get some supplies at Walmart in case they would not let us stop in Canada. We were only a couple hours from the border.
We were driving down the road and came across an Antelope stopped in the road, stopped to take a few pictures. If any turn out I will post them later.
We were getting excited about crossing into Canada for the next half of our drive.
We pulled up to the border station and gave them the paper work, we were asked to park the car and come inside. There they again went through all of the paperwork, asked a bunch of questions.
THEN THEY DENIED ME ENTRY.
I was denied entry because I was considered a tourist and they are not allowing tourists in. My sister has a home she is moving to, as well as, a business in Alaska, so she was allowed to transit Canada.
So, then we had to turn around and Lisa drove me to the Great Falls Airport, where I caught a flight to Denver and then back home to New Mexico.
Waiting, in Denver, for my connecting flight to Albuquerque.
Lisa then had to drive back to the border. They had a shift change and they went through the whole routine again.
I got hold of my friend and he came down and picked me up at the airport. As we are driving back to Cerrillos he tells me his partner had bought some cheap clay pipes for when people come over (covid). He then told me mine was in the glove box loaded if I desired. So nice to have good friends.
My trip has ended. I told Alex and Lisa that the maze I was drawing for the trip will turn black at the Canadian border and won't actually work because I never got to Alaska.
Prong Horn Antelope
Travel Summary
Leave Fargo, ND at 7:17am
Arrive Havre, MT at 5:20pm
11 Hours travel time
689 miles
2370 total miles
Last night we had a good nights sleep. Dogs slept pretty well, too.
Went to get our breakfast in the morning, absolute crap, two bites threw it out. We ate some of our snacks.
We climbed in the car and headed out under overcast skies. The clouds cleared away about 20 miles out of Fargo. the rest of the day was clear and HOT.
We made a stop for gas and had some Bad juju, Lisa's necklace broke as she was exiting the car, fortunately, Puppum's tag was not lost. We stopped here for gas because of the Pie sign, this is for you, Denise, no, we did to get any.We crossed the Continental Divide 8:25am. We were officially in the West.
We have seen very few birds along the way. There were hardly any bugs on the windshield. then we hit western North Dakota, bugs all over the windshield. Started seeing many Hawks, Pelicans and some water fowl. Still not as many as I recall from past trips.
At one quick restroom stop we came across a bunch of trucks carrying the blades for wind turbines.At 12:20 we turned on 200S headed to western Montana and the border.
We made it all the way to Harve Montana, about an hour and a half from the border. Looking to get another good night sleep before the Canadian stretch of the trip.
Bea finally took a poo, of course she waited until she had climbed on my bed, which is now Lisa's bed. I was out getting dinner and guess who was not going to say anything.
I had a french dip sandwich from one of the only places open for food, it was good. Lisa had mystery "foul" strips, most of which went in the trash.
Time to relax and then get some sleep.
Travel Summary
Leave Beloit, WI at 7:30am
Arrive Fargo, ND at 6:00pm
10.5 Hours travel time
569 miles
1681 total miles*
Very difficult to fall and stay asleep last night. Esther wandered around the room all night. We finally got up and got moving. Loaded the car, fed the dogs and headed to Deerfield.
We went to Deerfield to meet with my grandson, Alecs, who I had not seen since he was very little. He just graduated college. (*This was a detour and added to our mileage and is included in our travel time.) We had a picnic breakfast at his church. It was great to see him and catch up. His, Aunt Lisa, had last seen him when he was 18 months old.
He has grown a bit since we last saw him.
He has become a wonderful young man.
Hopefully we will see more of him.
We left him and headed to Madison, where we ran into a downpour. After that it was mostly a cloudy day, it was nice not to have to drive in the glaring sun.
As we drove down the road we saw a sign for the, Cheese Chalet, of course we had to stop and purchase a lot of cheese, I, also, bought some Honey BBQ Jerky which is great.
There was a detour on 94 that took us to towns I could not find on the map. We had no idea where we were. Fortunately, it it led us back to 94 on the other side of Minneapolis, so we didn't run into any traffic there.
We continue to switch drivers every two hours. Since the dogs are hardly peeing we, only, take them out every other stop. This saves us some time.
Denise called twice today to give a heads up on the places to stop to eat. Any that were actually close to us are closed. She then attempt to help find a stop for tomorrow, having us go either 400 miles (too short) or 840 mile (too long). We are continuing to go a bit over 500 miles per day.
We made up some time during my last shift as I went 160 miles in two hours, getting us to Fargo right at my estimated time of 6pm.
At our last gas stop I went use the restroom, I pulled my mask out of my pocket, my cell phone fell out and the glass face shattered, oh well.
We ate the other half of our three pound sandwiches for dinner. After checking into our hotel, feeding and walking the dogs. Bea had a tiny poop, but it was a poop and we congratulated her.
Went to watch the weather channel, unfortunately, our TV remote turns the TV on, you may adjust the volume, but you can not change the channels.
I went to Dairy Queen across the parking lot from our hotel and got us both chocolate dipped cones.
There are very few people wearing masks in the "RED" states.
Travel Summary
Leave Fredonia, NY at 7:20am
Arrive Beloit, WI at 5:20pm
10 hours travel time
592 miles
1112 total miles
Finally, fell asleep, after Lisa took the Ester out numerous times, only to find out she was thirsty.
Bea climbed into my bed and turned it "magic finger bed" with her panting and nervous shake. That would have been alright, but then she went from the end of the bed to planting her butt in my face. Lisa then took her over to her bed.
In the morning Bea went to get a drink, she likes to dip her feet in the water splashing it everywhere. This morning she dipped and then walked with dirty paws all over the white, coffee stained (see yesterday's post) bedspread. Lola then went for a drink, got her paws wet and proceeded to add her paws to the spread. Later she knock the bowl over and flooded the bathroom. I believe we have banned from Quality Inns.
We then packed everything and one into the car and headed out.
Around 9am, we decided it was time to find a bagel and some cream cheese, to add to the lox in the cooler, for breakfast. We took an exit to get gas and find the "Panera" that was posted as being there. We still do not know where it is. After driving around through various neighborhoods, we came upon a tiny strip mall with a bakery. Fragapane Bakery (drool over the pictures), has two locations in Ohio, we happened upon the one, on Lorain Rd in North Olmsted, if you are ever there it is a must. Incredible selection of pastries, we were very good, Lisa had a chocolate frosted donut with real chocolate frosting. I had an apple turnover very flakey, good filling and a touch of sugar on top.
They also have some gourmet grocery items and a deli. We decided to order sandwiches for later. WOW! Lisa had roast beef and swiss on rye and I ordered a turkey and provolone on rye. I watched as she sliced the meat, and sliced the meat and then added some more.
We have a few things to pack in the truck, including the dogs and then we will be on the road.
10:20am we are driving out of the driveway, bye bye Lisa' old house.
We filled the tank in Hope Valley and off we go.
Pretty uneventful drive, beautiful day to start our journey. The dogs behaved themselves. We switched drivers every two hours or so. We planned for a short day, drove until about 7:30, and went over 500 miles.
We are now at a Quality Inn, which allows dogs. We took them for a walk, then came to our room.
Lisa's, no spill, coffee cup spilled in her bag, and leaked through the covers of her bed. To make matters worse the dog then peed on her bed. Not the best way to end the day, but we had a good laugh, after awhile of cursing.
We made it just passed Buffalo.
Yes, again.
Our driver got back on the road and left Virginia after being stopped by the State Police.
They got as far as Delaware before they were stopped by the Delaware State Police.
It seems that a truck with "Alaska" all over the sides is suspicious.
My guess is they will not arrive by 2pm.
I will keep updating throughout the day.
Update: 1:14pm EDT He is in New Jersey about 4 hours away.
Update: 4:30pm EDT They are about 90 minutes away. This means we will probably not be loading until tomorrow. My sister and I have decided regardless of the time we are leaving as soon as the truck is finished.
Update: The truck got stuck in a construction zone. What else could go wrong? Maybe my bed, the dog couch I have been sleeping on was thrown in the dumpster today.
My new bedroom.
UPDATE: The truck is almost loaded and the house is empty.
Virginia police have reviewed all of the driver's records and decided that he is in compliance. He is back on the road and should arrive some time tonight.Which means we are on for loading tomorrow and may be able to leave on Thursday.
Considering how things have been going, I will, again, NOT be holding my breath.
Good news is we found a package of Trader Joe's Lava Cakes and Ice Cream for breakfast this morning.
Nothing to do but wait for the truck.
No food in the house, surviving on bread and water.
Hot and humid.
Stomach is still trying to return to normal. Feels like shards of glass throughout my intestinal tract, for the past three days.
Shoot me now, the truck will not be here until Wednesday. Yeah, right.
We ordered dinner, from the store that shall remain nameless, food has gone downhill. Fried chicken wings that were not well coated, if it weren't for the oil dripping off of them, I would believe the gooey mess was cooked in water.
Cable and the internet have been shutoff, it is a good thing that I have a Hot Spot on my phone.
Please let me awaken from this nightmare in my hot tub overlooking Santa Fe.
I have come to the conclusion that there is no truck and I am living in the Twilight Zone.
It seems the truck that was coming here, "straight" from Alaska to Rhode Island. They entered the lower 48 in Montana. It then proceeded to South Dakota, then on to Washington State, wait that is not the right direction. It got stuck there for an extra day due to a customer that had to run out during the middle of unloading. Okay, so now the truck is headed here and will be here Friday. Oh wait, somehow it ended up in North Carolina, WTFH. So they were going to arrive Sunday night, Monday morning at the latest. Sunday night they inform us that will not get here until Tuesday. At this point I do not believe there is a truck coming.
It seems there were mushrooms in the Hunan Chicken that was ordered, spent another night with cramps
As if that were not enough, who let the dogs out. The dogs sleep with my sister and there is a gate to keep them in her room. She took the gate down to so we could remove a dresser, it did not get put back. She took the dogs to bed and closed her door. It was hot and humid, so she must have opened her door. At 1:15am, two Collies decided to join me on the couch. They sat on my legs while panting from the heat. This is just what I needed, hot dogs panting in my face and vibrating the bed. I attempted to get them to remove themselves. Then I removed myself to the office floor. This of course did wonders for my stomach cramps. At 1:44am, my sister took them back into her room, or so I thought. I moved back to the couch and promptly had a dog nose breathing in my face, again. Took the dog, in the dark and opened my sister's door to let her in, went back to bed. The dog had gone into the other bedroom in the dark, so a few minutes later, I again had a nose in my face. Turned on the light and marched the dog back to her bedroom and shut the door. By this time it is 2:45am and I can't sleep.
I arrived here, in Rhode Island, on the 10th of July, with the anticipation of leaving for Alaska within a few days. I have now been here a month.
I should be in Alaska, coming out of quarantine, taking pictures of moose, eagles and bears.
Yet, here I am in the Twilight Zone.
Good grief, Charlie Brown, this is getting ridiculous. The truck is driving all over the country.
Reminds me of an incident from years ago. I was dating a young girl from Los Angelas, at the time I lived south of San Francisco. Her father, a well known actor, had just received his pilot license. He decided to fly her up to my house for a visit. I was working on my license, and knew the people at the airport, so I was in the tower waiting for them to arrive. The tower was giving him directions and and he was a bit confused, as the plane was going left then right then left. When I told them who it was we had a good laugh about how it was good he played a Chief Science Officer and not the Captain of the ship.
Anyway, it seems this truck has detoured all over the country and wound up down south. They are now headed here. They are supposed to get here tonight or tomorrow. I will not be holding my breath.
Some of my sister's neighbors came by for a farewell dinner, we had a pizza dinner in the front yard to say our goodbyes. I believe that there may have been mushrooms on one of the pizzas. I ate one. The rest of the night was spend with severe stomach cramps. I am allergic to mushrooms. Great sent off.
Searching for the Pepto-Bismol and toilet paper.....
Last word is that the truck is on the way and should arrive on Sunday evening.
Trying to pack all the odds and ends.
I mailed a bunch of stuff to my house that Lisa has given to me. This includes all of her "vinyl" 45's and 33 1/3 from the seventies and eighties. these should be a good addition to all of mine.
Yeah, my lens was ready, I went to pick it up. Stopped by Best Buy to pickup a new iPad mini for Lisa.
Had a great last Chinese dinner from Lisa's favorite restaurant. Loads of leftovers that need to be gone before we are.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Wakefield, Rhode Island
