This is what I'm talking about

These pics are from Utah but looks pretty much the same.

Nevada

The state of Nevada is sadly what I expected.  After going to Las Vegas a couple of times I had hoped that the rest of the state would be cleaner.  I'm not talking smut, I'm talking dirt.  Everywhere I look is the same thing: dirty, desolate and dry.  The only thing that is growing here is scrub bushes and trees around places that have water.  I learned an important lesson though: When looking for a rest area make sure that there are trees there.  No trees means no running water and no flush toilets.  I almost barfed.  It was bad.  Thought of taking a picture but couldn't bring myself to stand that close for that long.  Anyway,  Slept last night in the Winnemucca Walmart parking lot and had my first truck stop shower.  I have made it three weeks from home before resorting to this and not because there is anything wrong with truck stops, they just weird me out for some reason.  The Flying J in Winnemucca was very clean though and the water was nice and hot and no time limit that I could find.  Cost about half of what I would have paid to stay in a campground with no shower and that is counting the money that I spent at Walmart.  I know all the reasons not to like Walmart but am super super grateful that they let me sleep there.  The dry heat out here kind of sucks though.  Even after putting lotion on my face it feels dry and I got a nose bleed.  Pretty gross.  So, what do I like about Nevada?  I haven't spent as much money and the dry heat makes my hair look awesome.  Having a very good hair day!  That added to the very nice clean public library in Elko is making this state okay.  Last note on Nevada, if you like stark, expanses of rugged mountains with no trees, it is beautiful.  I can see why people like it, it just isn't my style.  Oh well, off the Salt Lake City.

Last day in California

Yesterday, I left San Francisco and started moving East.  West was blocked by the Pacific Ocean and my car just isn't made for that kind of terrain.I had a blast in San Francisco.  I went on a pub crawl with the people from the hostel that I was staying at and danced the night away.  Some girl even told me I have excellent stamina!  It wasn't even creepy!    The next morning I woke up and walked to Ferry Square before picking up my car to leave.  Observations on San Francisco:  everywhere you go some one is smoking weed and the city stinks, walk is a GREAT workout for my legs and butt (lots of steep hills), the people are very friendly, and thy city is beautiful.  Last night, I drove back to Midtown, picked up my dog and made my final decision.  What was deciding on?  Which route to take out of California and I picked Lake Tahoe. Not sure if that is spelled currently but I'm gong with it.  Camped last night at a campground with no running water but plenty of drama and I'm proud to say I wasn't involved in any of it because unlike some people I don't let my dog run loose if I can help it.  The neighbors don't have any such rules for there dog and when said dog ran over to some one else's camp site the dude there pulled a gun.  The neighbors tried to involve me but I was on my way to the bathroom, not really what unwashed doing just wanted to find an open bathroom, so I said I needed to pee and walked away.  Arrived at the lake today and the water is crystal clear and beautiful.  Well, I think I will head toward Reno so I better get on the the road.  Have a Happy Halloween, all!

Some pics from San Francisco

I took these while walk tonight

Northern California and Cousins

Well, I can't say that I love California.  I keep trying to tell myself it is because of the cost of living or something but I think it may be the people.  I came down US 101 and went from there over to Middletown where some of my cousins live.  It was really nice to be around family after two weeks on the road.  I was feeling pretty lonely.  It is weird to be lonely when you are still speeching to your family every couple of days but that is how I am I guess.  I started being really forward with strangers.  Maybe it is the tour guide in me but I would talk to strangers like we are the oldest of friends and by the looks on some of their faces that is weird.  Anyway, I reached my cousin's house and stayed there from Sunday to today.  I had only thought to stay a day or two but I stayed a week.  My cousin Marg took me all over the place and even thought of going on my trip with me to see San Francisco and Santa Cruz but she couldn't get away so I am alone again.  While there I saw vineyards and relaxed.  It was great and part of me wanted to stay longer but I decided to head out instead.  I'm in San Francisco now and staying at a cute little hostel.  Not sure what I want to see first but I better get to it.  Sending my love home.

Oregon, the beautiful fair weather state

I will be honest many people have told me the eastern Oregon is a lot like eastern Washington and just not that beautiful but I drove the entire coast of Oregon on US highway 101 and I can say the the coast of this state is spectacular.  I love it.  I am not sure if I can but I would like to live on that wondrous stretch of land.  Amazing beaches spotted with giant rocks that just seem to be randomly scattered about in the sand and water.  Thickly forested mountains that made me feel like I was lost in a fairy tale story.  Quaint little towns with adorable shops that have cute names like Tsunami Coffee.  I really didn't want to even try continuing but I still need to see more and the prevalence of things with the wired tsunami in them makes me a little nervous.  Funny or warning?  Both, I think.  Anything else to recommend this state?  The weather.  The people here don't quite seem to understand that if you are still expecting the first freeze of the year at the end of October, you are very blessed.  The few transplants that I have spoken to understand my feeling and tell me the rain can be a bit depressing but I think they just don't remember how depressing snow can be.  Gwynne has assured me that she is willing to move here if I do but I will wait a little longer to decide and continue enjoying this trip.  Am in California now.  Wine country.  Not likely to drink any but it is still quite pretty.  Am going to see about visiting San Francisco while I'm here.  Wish me luck.

Thoughts on Washington

Yesterday, I left Washington and I would like to share my thoughts on the state.  First, while there I visited Spokane, Yakima, and around the Pacific coast including a town named Kelso, like the kid in That 70's Show.  I didn't really like the cities.  Spokane was nice but seemed a little too image obsessed for me.  Yakima felt dangerous. I don't know why, nothing happened to me there.  It also looked reminded me a little too much of South Dakota.  As for the coast, I loved it but where I would want to live I just couldn't afford.  I did stay at a campground in Cape Disappointment, which was not disappointing.  The site I got was about 30 feet from the beach, just past some trees and 50 feet from the ocean.  I could hear the ocean all night and slept like a baby.  It was awesome!  At least nothing bad happened in Washington.  I woke up to nothing but trouble here in Oregon.  So far, a creepy was standing outside my tent when I woke up and my car wouldn't start.  I'm not sure about you Oregon, it feels like you are trying to force me to stay and as beautiful as it is here, I'm not sure that I mind if I am stuck here.

Happy Birthday to me.

For my birthday I decided to rent a room in a hotel, well motel but whatever.  This place most definitely isn't the Ritz but it is okay.  Or is when the power is on.  Friday, I went all over the Grand Teton (French for breast) National Park.  That place is beautiful and the name makes me laugh.  What not to love?  Yesterday, I visited Old Faithful one last time, went to the Artist Paint Pots, stunning, and hiked all over Mammoth Hot Spring, lots of stairs, before leaving Yellowstone.  On the was out I saw a bear, two bison, and a herd of elk.  Pretty good for a last day.  I ended up in Bozeman, MT where I spent the remainder of my birthday.  Bloomers and I had fun sleeping on a bed that had real walls around it and I took two showers and washed my hair three times.  I was very clean.  We also watched lots of television.  It was nice.  This morning, we got up and hit the road and are now almost to the state of Washington.  Now to figure out where to sleep.

Old Faithful and surrounding area

Thermopolis Pros vs Cons

I like Thermopolis.  It is... well... nice.  I stayed there all yesterday and have compiled a list of reasons for and against living there.  Pros: the people are really nice, free hot springs, beautiful landscape and easy access to hiking.  Cons: good place to retire, overly friendly deer (Bloomers and I were chased by a group of them), not a lot of work.  Well, we will see.  I did like that no one disturbed me while I was sleeping in my car in the Hot Springs Park but I don't think that should be a pro for living there.  Got the Yellowstone today and the park ranger had great news for me, one of the camp grounds doesn't have pottable water anymore so it is FREE!  YAY FREE!  I like free especially after spending $80 on a year round, all federal parks admittance pass. I think it will pay off in the end, I hope.  Bye for now.

Wyoming Dinosaur Center

Had to visit without Bloomers but it was awesome anyway.

Bloomers in Thermopolis

Touristing in Thermopolis with Bloomers.

Dang Snow!

I have called Yellowstone Road Conditions THREE times and still getting the same message!  Why are you doing this to me Yellowstone?  All I want is to come visit you and what do you do?  You have a blizzard that shuts down some of your roads and advise snow tires for the majority of the remaining roads!  I guess I shouldn't complain, Bloomers and I have been having a great day.  We started off the day by visiting the White Sulfur Springs.  After that it was off the have a nice soak in the public springs for me.  Next, we both hiked to the top of a hill that looked a lot smaller from the ground at the bottom than it felt going up.  Last, we visited the Big Spring which has the strongest smell.  I felt pretty bad for poor Bloomers because as we were going over the swinging bridge he would randomly see through the wooden slats and get all scared seeing that there wasn't really ground below his feet.  He was my brave dog though and didn't even hesitate before going back on the bridge to cross the river again.  He really seems to like the trip so far.  I think he just likes that I can't seem to get away from him.  My poor baby, he has issues and they are all my fault.  I am at the public library now.  I love libraries because they just can't seen to bring themselves to kick my loser homeless butt out.  They let everyone in.  I will post more pics as soon as I can but now I am off the the Wyoming Dinosaur Museum.  Write again soon!

Good bye South Dakota!

I have left my home behind and am in Thermopolis, WY.  It's a nice town if you can get over the smell. Aww, sulfur!  How you remind me of summer.  So far I have realized two things.  Thing 1: I love mountains.  Driving through the Big Horns, even in the dark made me feel peaceful and at home.  When I spoke to my grandmother a week or so ago she said mountains frighten her because you can't see what is surrounding you like you can on the praire but for me it is opposite.  You can't hide on the plain.  Thing 2: I will always forget something.  What have I realized that I have forgotten this time?  My laptop and my skilled.  I'm sure there is more that I haven't remembered yet but I'm already a little sad about what I know I dont have with me.  Tomorrow, I am planning to go relax in a free hot spring, call the Yellowstone road conditions phone # the nice lady at the information center gave me and hopefully head to Yellowstone National Park!

Struggle

Help!  I am having some serious doubts!  I am not reconsidering leaving, just which route I will take to start my trip off.  The Bear Tooth pass is closed and I am worried about getting over the Rockies.  I am considering going South into Colorado to get past the Rockies but I want to go to Glacier National Park.  What should I do?  Go with the shortest route or the logical route?  It is me and I am rather reckless at heart so I know what I want to do but I promised that I would use common sense.  We will see.

Not home

Okay. So I am leaving Sioux Falls today and not on Sunday like I had planned.  I wanted to stay until this coming weekend to go to Dakota Days with my sister and friends but the anxiety is getting to me. I am worried that bad weather will force me to stay somewhere that I don't really want to be. I want to be West of the Rockies before November.  I am more excited to start my trip then ever.  I am going to miss having family and friends in easy reach but that is no surprise.  After all, who wouldn't miss all the awesome people that I have in my life?  A special thank you to the people who put up with me and put me up for the night. I do love sleeping on a bed!