A Reminiscing "Stan the Man" Day - Day 31

The temperatures are slowing coming down as I get closer and closer to home, low temperature read 74F with the high coming in at 87F.  This was the first day in awhile that the thermometer didn't read at least 90F.  There were a few more clouds today then the previous few days also, but no rains came.  Gasoline purchased were two once again, one at $3.659/gallon and another at $3.799/gallon.  Today was a real special day for me as I decided to revisit Donora, Pennsylvania.  My previous visit here was to find the boyhood home of Stan Musial.  While trying to confirm where his home was, I met upon a couple that identified themselves as friends of Stan Musial, in fact she identified that her Aunt was Stan's Godmother.  She also said that Stan's boyhood home no longer existed.  As a result I am going to update my Papadave III blog to correct the error that I identified as his boyhood home.  This couple were just so warm and friendly, I didn't want to leave as I enjoyed their company so much!  A big Thank You goes out to them.
Tomorrow my plans include to revisit Horseshoe Curve as it was snowing on my previous visit, if one remembers.
Home is is sight!

The Traveller

"Stan the Man" Musial Bridge

This picture of the "Stan the Man" Musial Bridge was taken on Route 837 in Donora, Pennsylvania.  The bridge was officially named "Stan the Man" Musial Bridge on January 8,2012 and formally dedicated on May 4, 2012.  The bridge spans the Monongahela River and links the Westmoreland and Washington Counties via the Vance DeiCas Highway.  I really like the yellow color!

First Photographs From Space

This picture of a picture from space was taken at the John and Annie Glenn Historic Site on Main Street in New Concord, Ohio.  A tour of the home identified many exhibits including the one in the photo.  Seems John Glenn, Jr wanted to be able to take a photo during his four (4) hours and fifty-five (55) minute flight in Friendship 7 on February 20, 1962 of which the Flight Director said No!  As one can read in the inscription however, John did get his wish!

A Three State Day - Day 30

The low temperature today was 82F and high temperature was 94F, continuing the mid western heat conditions. Gasoline purchased today came in at $3.699/gallon, quite a bit different than the $0.24/gallon that was paid by the two friends in the 1922 Model T Ford in the 1948 trip.  The trip today included driving across the entire states of Illinois and Indiana and part of Ohio stopping in Richmond to tour the Model T Museum.  I know the Model T was not exactly the most luxurious auto in the world but they were affordable to almost anyone.  Thanks to the curator for being so informative on the different Model T's in the Museum.
Tomorrow includes revisiting some of the former places as the scheduled date of returning home gets closer to the September 1 deadline.
Take Care!

The Traveller

1927 Ford Coupe

This picture of a 1927 Ford Coupe was taken at the Model T Museum on 309 North 8th Street in Richmond, Indiana.  This particular Coupe was built with a January 24th, 1927 date and a serial number of 14,680,091.  The color is Channel Green and it is my favorite of all the Model T's.  The first production Model T was produced on August 12, 1908.  On May 26,1927, Henry Ford watched the 15,000,000th Model T Ford roll off the assembly line at his factory in Highland Park, Michigan.  Pretty neat!

1922 Model T Ford

This picture of a 1922 Model T Ford was taken at the Model T Museum located at 309 North 8th Street in Richmond, Indiana.  This is the vehicle that the two friends decided to take a trip across the U.S.A in 1948.  The trip, originated in Harrison, Ohio, ended up being a three month 10,000 miles trek to the West and East Coast, South, through the American Heartland and as far North as the Dakotas.  Gasoline purchases were recorded and photos were also taken along the way.  I don't know why I haven't thought of that!  By the way the gasoline purchased along the way was $0.24/gallon. 

A Between "M" Rivers State Day - Day 29

Today continued the higher temperatures in the American Heartland, as the low was 78F and the high was 97F.  The sun also continued to shine through some high clouds.  Gasoline purchases included one at $3.599/gallon and one at $3.699/gallon, again these prices were below the average for the trip.  The past few days could bring the average down some, I for one am all for it.  This was an extremely busy day with visits to Van Meter (home of Bob Feller and Museum), Winterset (home of the Bridges of Madison County and John Wayne's birthplace and Museum), West Branch (home of Herbert Hoover and Library), Galesburg, Illinois (home of a Lincoln-Douglass debate and Carl Sandburg's birthplace), and finally taking in a Peoria Chiefs ball game in Peoria, Illinois.  One tidbit about Iowa, it is the only state that has rivers completely bordering the East and West boundaries.
Tomorrow continues the trek East towards home.
Night Folks!

The Traveller

Clinton vs Peoria

This picture of a Jordan Walton single was taken at Dozer Stadium on 730 SW Jefferson Avenue in Peoria , Illinois.  The Peoria Chiefs (St Louis Cardinals) were not so fortunate in the line score though as they succumbed to the Clinton LumberKings (Seattle Mariners) 3-2 dimming their playoff hopes.  I have lost my magic, I think if Mike were here, the results might have been different.

Birthplace Cottage of Herbert Hoover

This picture of Herbert Hoover's Birthplace Cottage was taken at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch, Iowa.  Herbert Hoover's father and grandfather built the 14 by 20 foot cottage in 1871 and sold it in 1878.  There were several owners between 1878 to 1935 when President Hoover and Mrs. Hoover purchased the cottage and had it restored to its present condition.  I find it amazing that a family could live in what could be one room in a house of today.  One tidbit about Herbert Hoover is that he was the first President born West of the Mississippi River.

Bridges of Madison County

These pictures of the Bridges of Madison County were taken on Roseman Bridge Road (Top photo) and Holliwell Bridge Road (Bottom photo) near Winterset, Iowa.  Roseman Bridge spans the Middle River and was built in 1883 by H. Benton Jones.  Holliwell Bridge was built in 1880 by H. Benton Jones and C. K. Foster.  These bridges along with Cedar Bridge (not shown) were the three bridges used in the 1994 movie "Bridges of Madison County" starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep.  One gets to these bridges by driving on what I call "white" dirt roads.  They are pretty cool though!

A Lazy Hazy Day of Summer Day - Day 28

The low and high temperatures for today were not much different than yesterday as the low was 80F and the high reached triple digits again topping off at 100F.  The sun was out in full force once again.  Gasoline purchases included one at $3.459/gallon and one at $3699/gallon, both lower than the average.  It was one of those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer as Nat King Cole sang.  I spent a great deal of time at Omaha today visiting Werner Park where a new statue of Bob Gibson was unveiled this year as well as visiting Boys Town where Father Flanagan founded a home and school for homeless,abandoned, neglected, or underprivileged boys, regardless of color or creed in 1917.  It has now expanded to where there are now girls as well.
My plans tomorrow will be day three crossing our heartland and to maybe take in a ballgame.
Night everyone!

The Traveller

Bob Gibson Statue

This picture of the Bob Gibson Statue was taken just outside Werner Park on 12356 Ball Park Way, Papillion, Nebraska.  Werner Park is home to the Kansas City Royals Triple A franchise Omaha Storm Chasers.  Born in Omaha, Bob Gibson overcame childhood illnesses to play 17 seasons in the Major Leagues for the St Louis Cardinals and as a pitcher tallied 251 wins, 3117 strikeouts, and a 2.91 earned run average during his career.  in 1981, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.  On April 11, 2013 this statue was unveiled with an estimated of 300 in attendance including Joe Torre, Bill White, and Tim McCarver (Teammates of Gibson), Bud Selig (Commissioner of MLB), Warren Buffett (Omaha investor), and Bill DeWitt,Jr. (St Louis President).  He was one of the best pitchers of all time.

A Mid America Journey - Day 27

The temperature when I left Fort Collins, Colorado this morning was 84F, which turned out to be the low temperature of the day, by the late afternoon the temperature rose to 103F while driving along I-80 in Nebraska.  Needless to say it was extremely hot with the sun shining the entire day.  Gasoline purchased today was $3.559/gallon, well below the average on the trip.  One must really stay sharp driving across mid America as it is straight and flat.  The speed limit of 75 mph does make it a little less foreboding, however.  In addition The Our Lady of Peace Shrine, Golden Spike Tower, and the Pony Express Station sites helped break up the trip.
Tomorrow continues the journey across mid America!
Night folks!

The Traveller

Pony Express Station

This picture of a Pony Express Station was taken at Ehmen Park, one (1) mile North of I-80 at 15th and Lake Avenue, Gothenburg, Nebraska.  This building was originally erected in 1854 on the Oregon Trail, four miles East of Fort McPherson, Lincoln County, Nebraska, and used as a Fur Trading and Ranch House.  In the years 1860-1861 this building became the Pony Express Station by Sam Macchette.  From 1861-1931  this Station was used by the Overland Trail Stage where it was used as a dwelling, bunk house, and storage house on the Upper '96' Ranch.  It wasn't until 1931 that the Station was moved from its original site and rebuilt in Ehmen Park.  The Pony Express trail from St Joseph, Missouri to San Francisco, California, a 1,943 mile trip, took a total of ten (10) days.  Since 1978 the National Pony Express Association rides the trail in a 10 day, round the clock, non-stop event.  Need I say this is history folks!

Bailey Yard

This picture of Bailey Yard was taken from the seventh floor of the Golden Spike Tower on 1249 North Homestead Road in North Platte, Nebraska.  Bailey Yard covers 2,850 acres with over eight (8) miles in length and two (2) miles in width making it the largest railroad classification yard in the world.  Every 24 hour time period, 10,000 railroad cars move through Bailey Yard utilizing the 315 miles of track.  It would be nice to be able to tour this facility!

Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center

This picture of the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center was taken on 1249 North Homestead Road in North Platte, Nebraska.  The Golden Spike Tower rises eight (8) stories above the Union Pacific Railroad Bailey Yard.  One can witness a 360 degree panoramic view from the enclosed eighth floor viewing area.  One floor below, there is an open air platform viewing area of Bailey Yard only.

Our Lady of Peace Shrine

This picture of Our Lady of Peace Shrine was taken off Old Highway 30 on 300 Shrine Road in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming.  One takes exit 401 from I-80 to get onto Old Highway 30.  The concrete Shrine, erected in 1998, stands 30 feet tall and weighs 180 tons.  It is one of the largest Marian Statues in the United States.  Additional statues have been added to the area since then.

A Rocky Mountain High Day - Day 26

The high and low temperatures varied a great deal today as one travels to the top and back of the Rocky Mountains, the low coming in at 50F at the top of the mountains and the high rose to 88F at Fort Collins, Colorado.  The elevation is the main factor for these differences in temperature as it is near 1200 feet at the top of the Rocky Mountains and around 5000 feet in Fort Collins.  For the most part the sun shown brightly between a partially cloudy sky.  Gasoline purchases were twice again, one at $3.889/gallon and the other at $3.669/gallon.  This was a great day as I traveled the entire Route 34 through the Park from Grand Lake to Estes Park a distance of 48 miles.  Awesome is the only way to describe it.  I will have to say it was quite chilly at the top as the temperature sank to 50F and the winds try to take one away.
Tomorrow starts the journey across mid America.
Take care!

The Traveller

Rocky Mountains

This picture of the Rocky Mountains was taken off Route 34 from the Forest Canyon Overlook in the Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.  I believe the two mountains shown in the photo are Stones Peak on the left and Terra Tomah on the right.  These mountains form the Southern part of Continental Divide within the Park.  From this viewpoint one can imagine just how cold it gets here as the temperatures plummet below zero for at least five (5) months of the year and the winds can exceed 100 miles per hour.  Because of these harsh conditions and short growing season, tundra plant communities requires centuries to mature.  One has to love it though!

Never Summer Mountains

This picture of the Never Summer Mountains was taken off Route 34 near Fairview Curve in the Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.  The Never Summer Mountains are just one of the many mountain ranges in the Rocky Mountains.  One is looking at Mount Nimbus on the left and Mount Cumulus on the right, both of which are above 12000 feet in elevation.  The Never Summer Mountains form the Continental Divide between the headwaters of the Colorado River to the East and the Upper Basin of the North Platte River to the West.  Funny, mountains were named after clouds!

Lake Granby

This picture of the Western end of Lake Granby was taken off Route 34 near Stillwater, Colorado.  Lake Granby was created by the completion of the Granby Dam in 1950 and contains approximately forty (40) miles of shoreline making it the third largest Lake in Colorado.  Looks very calm and peaceful to me!

Byers Canyon

This picture of Byers Canyon was taken off Route 40 between Kremmling and Hot Sulfur Springs, Colorado.  The canyon is a short gorge of approximately eight (8) miles long on the Upper Colorado River. Notice the poles (mountain side) adjacent to the railroad tracks, they carry alarm wires that will stop train traffic in the event of a landslide.  I for one learn something new everyday on these trips!

Cobra AH-1F Helicopter

This picture of a Cobra Helicopter was taken at West Grand Community Park off Route 40 in Kremmling, Colorado.  This retired helicopter was given by the U.S. Armed Forces is on display for the Veterans Memorial in Kremmling, Colorado.

A Jurassic Park Day - Day 25

Temperatures varied very little today as the low temperature was 64F and the high temperature was 74F, but throughout the day the temperature hovered around 70F.  The skies were cloudy and around three (3) in the afternoon rains came.  Gasoline was purchases twice today, one at $3.939/gallon and the other at $3.869/gallon, both higher than the average.  The Dinosaur National Monument visit was very interesting.  The idea of preserving the Dinosaur fossils as they were found was a great idea.
My plans tomorrow include visiting a place that John Denver immortalized in a song.
Be Safe!

The Traveller

Wall of Bones

This picture of the what they call the "Wall of Bones" was taken inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall at the Dinosaur National Monument off Route 149 about seven (7) miles North of Jensen, Utah.  As was reported in the The Vernal Express on August 20, 1909 and I quote verbatim "On August 17, 1909, Earl Douglass found eight (8) tailbones at the top of a nearby hill" which was later to be identified as a river bed known as the Morrison Formation from the Jurassic time period.  The Dinosaurs and other ancient animals were washed into the area and buried presumably during flooding events.  One of the Dinosaurs discovered was the Allosaurus which means different lizard. It was a large bipedal predator which measured in  length of 28-39 feet.  These bones shown in the photo are just how Earl found them over 100 years ago, amazing! 

Quarry Exhibit Hall

This picture of the Quarry Exhibit Hall was taken at Dinosaur National Monument off Route 149 about seven miles North of Jensen, Utah.  The Dinosaur National Monument actually overlaps two different states, Utah where the Quarry Exhibit Hall resides and the scenic ride of the Colorado Plateau where the Green and Yampa Rivers deeply cut into rocks that reveal sheer cliffs and mysterious canyons on the Colorado side.  The actual bones are still preserved and protected on the Mountain face inside the Hall.  I still find it hard that for over 150 million years ago, these fossils of bones can still be recovered much less actually exist.

Moab Madness Day - Day 24

Temperature variation for the low and high today were 58F low temperature and 94F high temperature.  The sun shown brightly for most of the day with a few showers at the end of the day in Green River.  Gasoline clocked in at $3.889/gallon, higher than average, probably because of high tourist attractions in the area.  I can definitely understand why John Ford loved to direct his movies here.  The area is a photographers paradise.
I am going to travel back in time tomorrow, possibly to the Jurassic Age.
Time for some sleep!

The Traveller

Canyonlands National Park

This picture of Island in the Sky area was taken from the Grand View Point Overlook in Canyonlands National Park off Route 313 approximately 44 miles from Moab, Utah.  The photo shows part of the mesa that is wedged between the Green and Colorado Rivers.  President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 signed the public law establishing Canyonlands as a National Park.

Dead Horse Point

This picture of Dead Horse Point was taken in Dead Horse Point State Park off Route 313 approximately 32 miles from Moab, Utah.  Dead Horse Point State Park towers some 2,000 feet above the Colorado River providing a panoramic view of the Canyonlands' sculptured pinnacles and buttes.  One legend has it that this point was used as a corral of wild mustangs roaming the mesa.  The cowboys then chose the horses they wanted and left the others.  Does this place remind one of any other place that has been seen on any of the other blogs?  I might add that this area was used as the final scene of the movie Thelma and Louise! 

Kane Creek Tombstones

This picture of the Kane Creek Tombstones was taken approximately one mile beyond where the pavement ends on Kane Creek Boulevard, Moab, Utah.  It is my understanding that individuals BASE Jump from these.  BASE (Base, Antenna, Span, and Earth) Jumping is the sport? of using a parachute to jump from fixed objects.  I don't know about you but I am satisfied for just admiring their beauty.  This is beauty folks!

Colorado River at Moab

This picture of the Colorado River was taken on Kane Creek Boulevard in Moab, Utah.  The river gets its reddish color from the red sediment (clay) in the area.  It was such a beautiful day for one of the most  beautiful areas on Earth.

A Rainy Day - Day 23

The Temperatures did not vary as much as the past few days as the low temperature of the day was 58F and the high temperature only rose to 74F.  It rained almost all day with a deluge occurring near the Emery Exit on Interstate 70.  It rained so hard that the Interstate Highway 70 had so much water on it that it caused the car to hydroplane.  I pulled off to a rest stop until the deluge passed.  Two cars were not so fortunate as they hydroplaned right off the road.  The last 50 miles or so on Interstate 70, the sun appeared to show just how beautiful Southern Utah is.  I also enjoyed the tour of  Utah Olympic Park, to me those Ski Jumps look scary.  Gasoline purchased today was at $3.749/gallon.
My plans are to take a drive down to Canyonlands National Park tomorrow and to maybe revisit Moab.
Until then, take care!

The Traveller

Salt Wash View Area

This picture of the Salt Wash View Area was taken along Interstate 70 between Salina and Green River, Utah.  The Roadside Look-Out has a spectacular view of the San Rafael Swell and the rock formation for which the area is famous.  It is becoming obvious to me that Southern Utah is one of the most beautiful areas in The United States. 

Olympic Ski Jump

This picture of the K90 and K120 Ski Jumps was taken at Utah Olympic Park in Park City, Utah.  These Ski Jumps were used in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.  It wasn't until 1964 when the the present two Ski Jumps format were used in the Olympics.  These two jumps are today designated as K90 (90 meters) and K120 (120 meters).  A team competition was added in 1988, which now brings the total medal count of Ski Jumping to nine (9).  This facility is presently being used as an Olympic Training Site.  I would also like to add that starting in 2014 there will be women Ski Jumpers competing for medals!

Water! Water! Water! Day - Day 22

Temperatures were very similar to the day before, except the low was 57F, the high temperature again was 93F.  It was mostly sunny all day with a brief shower as I neared Salt Lake City.  It also was a very busy day with all the driving that was done and the places I wanted to see.  The odometer at the end of the day read 470 miles so gasoline was a real must today, two purchases, one at $3.799/gallon and one at $3.559/gallon.
The California Trail, Bonneville Salt Flats Speedway, and The Great Salt Lake made it one of busiest days of the trip.  Needless to say it is always interesting!
I would like tomorrow be a light day to help rest up from today's busy day.  I am sure there will be some surprises though, there always is.
Night everyone!

The Traveller

Great Salt Lake 2

This picture of the Great Salt Lake was taken from Buffalo Point in Antelope Island State Park, Utah.  The photo was taken in the late afternoon and as one can see it shows both reflections of the sky as well as sunlight radiating through the clouds.  Almost looks like one is a time warp?

Great Salt Lake

This picture of the Great Salt Lake was taken just past the entrance of The Antelope Island State Park on Antelope Island Road in Syracuse, Utah.  Antelope Island is the largest island located within the Great Salt Lake.  Just notice the water in the photo, eerie!

Bonneville Salt Flats International Speedway

This picture of The Bonneville Salt Flats International Speedway was taken in an area of the Bonneville Salt Flats near Wendover, Utah.  If the photo is enlarged, one can see the cones that are being used to mark the track for racing.  Speed trials are schedules throughout the summer and fall.  They are discontinued when the rains come in the late fall as water will cover the track.  Any other time, one can drive right out on the track.  While I was growing up, I remember the name of Craig Breedlove setting records for both 400mph and  600mph.  The track surface of salt seems a bit unstable for me to race on, but it sure is flat!

California Trail's Roadometer

This picture of a wagon wheel and its odometer was taken at the California Trail Interpretive Center in Elko, Nevada.  It seems that in 1847 Orson Pratt designed what he called a roadometer to log the miles they were to travel during their Wagon Train trek to California.  When the wagon wheel goes around six (six) times, the peg on the inner-hub turns the worm gear shaft one full revolution.  Each full revolution of this worm gear shaft advances the sixty (60) tooth one-mile gear wheel by one tooth.  This translates into for every 360 rotations of the wagon wheel, one full mile has been traveled.  This can be repeated for ten (10) miles.  After the ten miles, it has to be reset by removing the lynch pin and manually turning it back to zero.  Rather crude I would say, but better than having to count how many times a handkerchief tied to the wheel goes around.  I am not volunteering for that job.

No Internet Day - Day 21

I would first like to apologize to my readers and family for not posting yesterday's Blog.  It seems that a lightning storm went through Winnemucca, Nevada last evening and as a result the internet was lost at the HIE.  The Blog is just to difficult and tedious to do using a cell phone.  I also am not exactly sure how to get the photos to the cell to post them on the Blog?
The temperatures varied 30 degrees as the low was 63F and the high temperatures reached 93F.  Gasoline purchased today came in at $3.769/gallon, a wee bit higher than the norm I am going to guess.  The drive on Route 80, Donner Pass and the stop in Reno made for a somewhat busy and interesting day.
Day 22 escapades shall also be posted this evening as well so my plans are not needed at this time.
Stay tuned folks, they are coming right up!

The Traveller

Reno

This picture was taken at the Reno Arch in downtown Reno, Nevada.  As is identified in the photo the city is named "The Biggest Little City in the World" because of its famous casinos such as Circus Circus, El Dorado, and Virginian to name a few.  Reno is also the birthplace of Caesars Entertainment Corporation.  This one is for the boys on Thursday.  We are going to make some monies here! 

Donner Pass

This picture was taken from Donner Pass overlooking Donner Lake on Lincoln Highway (old Route 40) about nine (9) miles West of Truckee, California.  The Pass is located in the Northern Sierra Mountain Range and has been used for many transportation escapades including California Trail, First Transcontinental Railroad and Overland Route.  Today the area is home to Ski Resorts such as Sugar Bowl, Donner Ski Ranch, and the Boreal.  One is looking Westward in the photo. 

South Yuba River?

This picture of the South Yuba River was taken on Hampshire Rocks Road off Interstate 80 at Soda Springs, California.  The South Yuba River is a 65 mile long tributary of the Yuba River along the Interstate 80 Highway.  One would think it is a watering hole from the photo.  When someone named the road Hampshire Rocks Road, I would say it was an understatement.

A Triple Digits Day - Day 20

There was a good sign of how high the temperatures were going to be when I started out this morning from  Medford, Oregon and the temperatures was already 78F.  That turned out to be the low temperature for the day as my car thermometer hit 103F in the late afternoon while driving on Route 65 between Yuba City and Lincoln, California. Gasoline was purchased twice once in Oregon for $3.589/gallon and once in California for $3.879/gallon.  I wonder!  I was glad that I stopped at Castle Crags State Park today, Castle Crags  does show that the landscape in the Northwest is not all volcanic formed.  The stop at Shasta Lake was also interesting in that it showed just how different the water levels can be from season to season.  If I would venture a guess it would be close to a 100 feet different, that's a lot of water folks!
The trip now takes an Easternly direction into the state of Nevada.
Take care!

The Traveller

Shasta Lake Revisited

 

These pictures of Shasta Lake were taken from Route 5 about 10 miles North of Redding, California.  As been stated before Shasta Lake is an artificial Lake which was formed in 1948 as a result of the construction of Shasta Dam across the Sacramento River between the years 1935-1945.  The main difference between the photos is the season when they were taken.  The top photo was taken on May 4, 2012, the bottom was taken August 20, 2013.  One can see an obvious difference in the water level in the photos.  Besides the seasons, I am thinking that the Southern Cities in California are also contributing to this.

Castle Crags

This picture of the Castle Crags was taken off Interstate 5 at Castle Crags State Park near Castella, California.  The Castle Crags are made from granite that cooled slowly deep within the Earth.  Over time, this granitic pluton (igneous rock that solidified below Earth's surface) was lifted and the rock above it wore away.  Once the granite was exposed to the elements, water and ice have taken over as the main sculpting tools.  I was thinking that the Crags look a little like the back of a large dinosaur!

A Crater(ized) Day - Day 19

The temperatures started out as typical lows and highs for this area, 68F to 77F.   By late afternoon, however the high temperature rose to 97F just as I pulled into Medford, Oregon.  Needless to say, there was a great deal of sun.  Gasoline purchased today stood at $3.779/gallon and they pump it for you.  Just a remember, Oregon and New Jersey are the only two states that do that today.  Today can only be described as AWESOME!  Crater Lake is one of the most beautiful areas in the world.  As one can see no single photo could take in all of Crater Lake.  When the trip concludes there are going to be more photos posted of Crater Lake, only they will be of the panoramic kind.
On trips to the West, one has to stop into that state that has the bear on its state flag, and this will be no exception.
So until tomorrow folks!

The Traveller

Crater Lake # 2

This picture of Crater Lake was taken at Rim Village at Crater Lake, Oregon.  Crater Lake was once a 12,000 foot growing mountain called Mount Mazama.  This was a result of repeated eruptions of the Volcano 400,000 years ago.  A massive explosion then occurred 7,700 years ago that blasted a huge column of ash skyward, similar of what happened to Mt St Helens in May of 1980, only on a more massive scale.  Pyroclastic (rock fragments) flowed from vents from beneath the explosion area which in turn emptied the magma chamber beneath the mountain causing it to collapse.  Centuries of rain and snowmelt have since filled the sealed basin forming Crater Lake.  One of nature's best work resides here, I'd say!

Wizard Island

This picture of Wizard Island was taken at Rim Village at Crater Lake, Oregon.  Wizard Island is a volcanic cinder cone which formed on the West end of Crater Lake after the original eruption of Mount Mazama.  After that eruption there were smaller eruptions over the next several hundred years which formed these cones.  Wizard Island is the only cone which rises above the Lake surface and rises over 2700 feet above the lowest point in the caldera (basin) floor.  Crater Lake is this nation's deepest Lake at a depth of 1943 feet.

Pinnacles

This picture of the Pinnacles was taken at the end of Pinnacles Road at Crater Lake, Oregon.  The Pinnacles are eerie spires of volcanic ash that since have been sculptured by erosion.  There are not many areas out here that have not been affected by volcanic eruptions at one time or another.

Phantom Ship

This picture of the Phantom Ship Island was taken on the Phantom Ship Overlook on the Eastern Rim Drive at Crater Lake, Oregon.  The Phantom Ship island is a remaining section of conduit which poured many layers of lava to the surface after the initial explosion 7700 years ago.  The island itself is about 500 feet long and reaches a maximum of 200 feet wide on the East end.  The spires tower a total of 170 feet above the water surface.  Who originally coined the Phantom Ship name is unknown?

Crater Lake # 1

This picture of Crater Lake was taken near Skell Head on the Eastern Rim Drive at Crater Lake, Oregon.  This has to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth.  Just notice the deep blue water and the reflections of the rim on the water.  The deep blue color is a result of the longer wavelength colors of red, yellow, and greens being absorbed by the water while the blue light strikes the water and is scattered and redirected back from the lake depths to our eyes.

North Umpqua River

This picture of the North Umpqua River was  taken from the newly constructed Tioga Bridge (2012) along Route 138, approximately 28 miles East of Roseburg, Oregon. The reflections and the deep blue color of the river, the green foliage along the river, and blue sky made it a definite photo opportunity.

A Lewis and Clark Day - Day 18

Temperatures continue to be moderate as the low temperature was 64F and for the most part of the day the temperature was in the mid 70s until late afternoon when it reached 81F while traveling along Interstate 5 in Oregon.  Gasoline was purchased twice, both $3.819/gallon, as over 430 miles were put on the Kia today.  The West Coast was my destination today as there were two lighthouses in Ilwaco, Washington.  As luck would have it, Cape Disappointment State Park, where the lighthouses were located, had an Interpretive Center of Lewis and Clark, which highlighted the last leg of their journey through Washington.  There is also a campsite (Station Camp) of Lewis and Clark on Route 101 near the Astoria Megler Bridge.  In 2005 archeologists found abundant physical evidence to support the importance of the site as a Chinook trade village.  In addition the European artifacts found were from both before and after the Corps' (Lewis and Clark entourage) visit in 1805 to the site.
Crater Lake is my destination tomorrow, let's hope I can find it this time through the mist.
Until then!

The Traveller

North Head Lighthouse

This picture of North Head Lighthouse was taken at Cape Disappointment State Park in Ilwaco, Washington.  The 65 foot tall North Head Lighthouse sits on solid basalt more than 190 feet above sea level.  This lighthouse was constructed in 1898 to aid ships approaching from the North, as the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse could not be seen by ships from that direction.  The North Head Lighthouse was officially transferred to Washington State Parks in 2012.  The U.S. Coast Guard continues to maintain the Light, however.  The water shown to the right middle of the photo is the Pacific Ocean.

Fisherman's Sculptures

This picture of Fishermen's Sculptures was taken at Joe Krupa Wayside Park, Raymond, Washington.  The sculptures are made from metal and are life size.  One sees some unique things on trips across USA!

A Real Glacier Day - Day 17

As a result of driving up to Sunrise Point (elevation 6400 feet) to view Mt Rainier, the low and high temperature delta varied a great deal today.  The low temperature dropped to 54F at Sunrise Point  and the high temperature of 81F peaked at the bottom of Mountain.  Gasoline was purchased today at $3.859/gallon, seems like it is heading North again.  Although the weather was overcast and somewhat hazy today, it did not dampen my spirits for seeing my first real Glacier.  I might add that the Emmons Glacier has a depth of  over 200 feet!  Isn't that just awesome!
A special thank you go out to the Eitners who once again showed just what hospitality and friendship is.  They are two wonderful people.
The plan is to drive further South tomorrow as Crater Lake is now in my headlights!
 Night everyone!

The Traveller

Kettle Pond

This picture of a Kettle Pond was taken from just below Sunrise Point, Mt Rainier, Washington.  Notice the greenish color of the lake, this is from all the minerals that were deposited from the melted ice of a glacier. 

Emmons Glacier

This picture of Emmons Glacier was taken at Sunrise Point at the end of the trek up to Mt Rainier, Washington.  The Emmons Glacier is just one of the numerous glaciers that start from the summit of Mt Rainier.  The terminus or front edge of the glacier can best be identified as the blackened area lower middle in the photo.  The black oval shaped area just left of this blackened area is the opening where the melted ice exits the glacier.  One can see the water flow from this area.  The area in the valley, from the terminus back is the Emmons Glacier.  Its 4.3 square miles of surface area makes it the largest glacier in the lower 48 states.  This is truly amazing folks!

A Mountainous Day - Day 16

My kind of low and high temperatures today, as the low temperature was 64F and the high temperature was 74F.  Although still a bit hazy, this was by far the best weather day in sometime.  Gasoline purchased today was at $3.689/gallon, probably about average for the trip so far.  The total mileage from New York to La Conner, Washington read 4238 on the odometer, equating a shy over 302 miles per day  for the 14 days traveled.  The number of states visited is now up to 11 which include New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Washington.
The return trip starts tomorrow as Mount Rainier is in my sights.  If one remembers, the top of the mountain was not seen last year.  Let's hope tomorrow brings nice weather again.
Until then!

The Traveller

Artist Point, Washington

This picture was taken at the Eastern end of Route 542 on top of the the Vista  of Artist Point, Washington.  One can see some of the ice that is melting in the forefront of the picture.  Some of the Cascade Mountain Range can be seen in the background of the photo.

Mt Baker

This picture of Mt Baker (elevation 10,781 feet) was taken at the very end of Route 542 at the Vista of  Artist Point, Washington.  Mt Baker is a thermally active volcano and is estimated to be somewhere between 80,000 to 140,000 years old.  I find it unique in that within a 15-25 mile radius one can find two mountain peaks that are formed totally different.

Mt Shuksan

This picture of Mt Shuksan (elevation 9127 feet) overlooking Picture Lake was taken at Austin Pass near the Eastern end of Route 542, Washington.  Mt Shuksan, created 120 million years ago, is an eroded remnant of a thrust fault formed when the Eastern Plate collided with the North American Plate.  Many years ago, ice age glaciers moved through this area, gouging out hollows in the lava bed as they flowed down the mountain below.  Over time the glaciers retreated to higher cliffs, leaving behind water-filled depressions like Picture Lake.  Pretty awesome, I'd say!

A Lord Stanley Day - Day 15

The falling temperatures continue as the high today was 68F and the low was 61F.  It was again overcast and the rains did come and go while driving through Stanley Park.  Gasoline purchased today clocked in at $3.619/gallon.  It was a very pleasant drive through Stanley Park today.  I only wish I had exchanged some monies to use in the meters downtown to visit other places.  With the traffic the way it was and no Canadian change in my pocket, there was nothing left for me to do after Stanley Park but to head back South.  Just an interesting tidbit, some of the traffic lights in downtown Vancouver blink green, instead of steadily green.  Blinking green traffic lights don't turn red unless a pedestrian  presses the walk button to stop traffic in order to cross the street.
My plans tomorrow include a trek up to see Mt Baker first hand and to revisit Deception Pass for Bro's  photosphere photo.  The drive should be fairly easy from the LaConner residence.
Night all!

The Traveller

Lions Gate Bridge

This picture of the Lions Gate Bridge was taken near Prospect Point in Stanley Park, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  The Bridge, opened in 1938, is a suspension bridge that crosses the Burrard Inlet connecting both the city of Vancouver to the North Shore municipalities.  The term Lions Gate refers to a pair of mountain peaks North of Vancouver.