171011 - MN to CA - Day 15
This motel is the place that has the good bismarck's, but they were mostly chocolate:( Last day of the trip so we were in 'home' mode, few stops, just drive. First stop was in Moorehead at the rest area, second stop was the Arby's in Fergus Falls, then... we stopped at a family cemetery and took pic...
171010 - MN to CA - Day 14
Breakfast at the Quality Inn in Bismarck is 'made to order.' And the cook knows how to make everything just right. Mmmm One quick stop at the Hathaway rest area before we get to Medora for lunch. We did drive past a few places before we found on that was open. Boots Bar and Grill is open in the off...
171009 - MN to CA - Day 13
Left out of Twin Falls and turned the wrong direction, but had the GPS going so we just drove around the parimater of the mall before heading the correct direction. Over the huge gorge of the Snake River, someday we need to stop. Just checked and besides the visitors center we drive past, there is a...
171008 - MN to CA - Day 12
We had coupons for either a free 'continental breakfast,' or $3 off of anything on the menu. We took the full breakfast, good food, but a waiting list even at 9 in the morning. (11 central time, so it was a late morning) We had enough fuel to get to Carson City where gas was cheaper. Arco is the che...
171007 - MN to CA - Day 11 - Vac
Pulled out about 8 am west coast time. Filled with gas in Oakdale, CA. Arco, cash or debit only but a lot cheaper than most places. After a long and winding road, we got to the gate of Yosemite Nat'l Park. The ride up the hill was OK with BB looking at the site's... until I mentioned there was not a...
171006 - MN to CA - Day 10 - Vac
Ate leftovers for breakfast then met the others down at the breakfast area. Once we were going we stopped at Peet's again for coffee and then at Shell for gas. Most of this route today we have been on before. No one wanted to stop at the vista point again today... Dispatch called today or yesterday...
171005 - MN to CA - Day 9 - Vac
After breakfast we headed down to a local cemetery where with a lot of help from the help we were able to location one of the people from my family tree. Then off to the trains, we got there plenty early before the crowds. We waited and they boarded us by train car, we were in the last one. By the t...
171004 - MN to CA - Day 8 - Vac
After our breakfast we went for a walk. And a stop at Peet's coffee... We were off driving for the day, lots of windy road. First stop of the day was Alexander Valley. After taking a tour, doing some tasting, some buying, BIL and I walked up the hill to a cemetery and to see the view. Next was Bear...
171003 - MN to CA - Day 7 - Vac
SIL was up a lot earlier than expected after getting in at midnight west coast time. She had left MSP early AM, flown to VT for a meeting and then back to San Jose. Lot day. We went up the west side of the bay so we could cross the Golden Gate Bridge. We stopped on the south end but there is only pl...
171002 - MN to CA - Day 6
Late morning, had looked at the traffic early and the route was mostly red. Went down for breakfast but all the 'buffet' area when it opened and everything was covered up so I went back to the room and took a shower. Came back a while later and same thing, looked around and couldn't find anyone so I...
171001 - MN to CA - Day 5
Today is an off day... the bus is not going to move. Breakfast here is 'different.' Three warmers for hot food, tea and coffee and not much else. No toast, cereal, yogert, etc. Food was good and lots of it. This place was likely a Best Western or ??? back in it's day. Now it's holding on. There was...
170930 - MN to CA - Day 4
Stay up late and get going late... it is nice to have an extra day, no alarm clock. Almost nine when I get rolling, four hours later I'm in Winnemucca at Pilot for a Subway and my first break. Two hours later I stop again at Fernly for fuel. I won't make it to Lodi on the fuel I have so this is my b...
170929 - MN to CA - Day 3
Rolling by 8:30... no internet for two nights in a row and I still wasn't getting to bed until after 11. Suns just coming up... and there is no heat in this bus, that is one of the things that we are supposed to check before we leave. I just zip my jacket up tight and hope it's a warm day. No short...
170928 - MN to CA - Day 2
Early AM call from dispatch... I maybe could drive it but I don't think it would be good for the pump. By the time roadside gets there it is almost the end of my 10 hours off, by the time he comes back with power steering fluid I'm 'On Duty.' He spends a long time looking for a leak but no luck. Dis...
170927 - MN to CA - Day 1
This will be my first road trip for my original company in about two years. BB can no longer ride with, but this time she is flying to CA to meet me. Her sister had a meeting planned there for Monday that is how this all came about. Meeting got canceled after plans were made so now we just need to f...