It's finally time to go! During the following weeks we will have an adventure across the United States with our trustworthy pineapple bag packed with necessities. Come join us as we see this beautiful country of ours as senior citizens not the 20 year olds we were many years ago.
What an amazing journey all of us have had and are still having…
No we’re not advertising Big Lots. I couldn’t get the hills without that sign. Pocatello, Idaho is set in a valley and it is so beautiful around it. One has to but go but a short distance to find fresh mountain rainbow trout in abundance. The Navigator used to sit and read on the banks of the creek while the captain cast his line for some beautiful fresh trout. Then, she would spring into action, cooking those beautiful fish in their cast iron frying pan. Iron Bog Creek in Arco, Idaho was the place. The Rockies were our hiking grounds, and we once spent two weeks hiking in the Sawtooth.The green of the fields where the potato is King. Leader in the potato industry. Spudnut Donuts are the best ever. Especially the devil’s food with the fudge frosting!
Can’t leave Mother’s day without showing you the beautiful Jalapeno poppers I got at Coyote Creek. They were in a blueberry vinaigrette reduction. A definite upgrade of these delectable treats. The captain’s meal as a very lean steak, asparagus with balsamic reduction, and a roasted garlic. Homemade bread with butter also. The Navigator had a beautiful chicken dish with angel hair spaghetti on the side. As we leave Rock Springs WyomingIt’s like they’re just going on down the road… Check out the Rock Springs, Wyoming environment as we head on to Idaho.Just before Soda Springs, IdahoWe returned to this Arctic Circle that we visited one month ago on our Journeys.Soda SpringsIt began here 47 years agoShe was the Beloved chairman of the nursing department when I attended Idaho State University.
We heard someone was engaged and getting married… Congrats C and F!!!We heard that there were many friends and family willing to help you, but not to overwhelm you all… These two moms are so excited about Mother’s Day and good news!!! Happy Mother’s Day treat! The Navigator and Captain had a guilt-free, no added sugar raspberry yogurt with fresh strawberries, fresh blueberries, and a little guilt with mini chocolate chips, a few pieces of Oreos, and for Captain, a little chocolate sauce.
AND IN AN HOUR… The Navigator and Captain will go to a special Mother’s Day meal and menu at Coyote Creek restaurant here in Rock Springs.
Temperature dropped to 32 last night, but now up to 65 in Rock Springs. We can see snow on the hills in the background.
…left Rawlins with the sun shining beautifully. Lesa waved good-bye again to us for the second time; the first was in April when we came across the country, now we’re headed back. Rawlins Wyoming Hampton Inn still holds the title of number one Hampton Inn we have stayed in going across the United States almost twice now. Corydon, Indiana was first runner-up, along with the Hampton Inn in Travelers Rest South, Carolina. Pineapple Bag and Grande got fresh hot chocolate at the beverage bar before we left. They are now seasoned Travelers and take a nap when they can. They said goodbye to Lesa also. This Hampton Inn has some of the happiest employees that Navigator and the Captain have seen across the nation, back and forth.
The scenery is so beautiful! The captain informed me that these are mesa’s in the distance, flat-topped formations with steep sides. You know Navigator, I validated by looking it up in Webster’s. Lots of sagebrush.
…Still finding snow here in Rock Springs. Sunny and nice 65-69 degrees down here, but I’m sure a little colder up in those hills! Wind 28 miles per hour here. 6,388 feet elevation. DRY.On the way here between Rawlins and Rock Springs, we passed the Continental Divide at elevations of 7000 feet and 6800.
.The Hampton Inn in Rock Springs, Wyoming honored the mother’s staying here today with fresh flowers.To all of you who nurture and provide for others! Have a great day!
We stopped early on the trail today to have a nice, quiet, mid-afternoon Mother’s Day lunch. Another reason is that there are no Hampton Inns in between Rock Springs and Pocatello, Idaho, a long drive. You readers and followers will also get to see the Geyser again at Soda Springs, Idaho.
The Captain, Navigator, Pineapple Bag and Grande will also get to eat again at that special Arctic Circle in Soda Springs, Idaho.
Well, we got here to Sidney, Nebraska and found out that they had snow 2 days before; it was 47 % humidity now, 20 miles per hour winds, and 56 degrees. Upper 30s forecasted for the night.
TIME TO GET FOOD…
Maybe of interest to you: All of us wanted to go to a place where there was lots of atmosphere and people happy to be there!We found such a place, and actually made some new friends. All of us were in a Mother’s Day celebrating mood😁
Navigator is in her element when she makes new friends and talks about her Pineapple Bag blog! The Captain lends his help, and is a partner in choreography. The Famous Ones are also all for togetherness😊
Dude’s Steak House, established 1952 and 3rd Generation family’operated, met our requirements for great atmosphere and friendly folks!
ALSO, Great Food!One of the great offerings was the lighter side meal with a 8 oz. Club steak, which is a top-quality sirloin, served with steamed broccoli, mushrooms, au jus, and wonderful salad. I could even opt for a nice glass of tomato juice, instead of the roll and butter. The heavier meal was a larger steak. Our new friends were in the booth to our right, and came over to tell us how good the club steak was. One of the new friends has lived here for 25 years! She was quite a resource of knowledge and her friend down from a town nearby was here to have a celebration with her at the Dude’s Steakhouse.
We even talked about the old days of cruising and the current practice of still cruising in some small towns.Colorful cartoon dancing cows decorate the front windows of Dude’s.The family-oriented atmosphere does have a whole block of activity going on; including, a nice bar, entertainment, and restaurant. A 3rd generation young lady served us, and definitely had pride in their family business. NOTE: There are also murals and paintings by Aaron Pyle, a family relative or acquaintance, who is well-known.
A little trivia here: Navigator in her curiosity also found a young lady working at the local hotel, who had been a student of one of our new friends.
NEXT, CABELA’S Headquarters is here in Sidney Nebraska. Cabela’s has merged with Bass Pro, but still maintains the same beautiful exterior and interior, now offering more Bass Pro products, it appears. Cabela’s has assisted the town with new growth, and we hope they will not be a lot of changes made for these dear folks in this town. Population around 7,000.
ACCOMMODATIONS HERE: Hampton Inn has become our home away from home, and they have a really welcoming one here in Sidney, Nebraska. As Veterans, we also receive a discount at the hotel. Thank you Hilton Hotels!
Wide open spaces and a long train, as we leave Sidney on our way to Rock Springs, Wyoming. Thank you Sidney for our Western Hospitality and good food, plus new friends! Captain and I love the open spaces. Pineapple Bag and Grande’ are taking this opportunity to get a nap.
MORE TO COME! Happy Mother’s Day tomorrow to all you Moms; plus, all of those who nurture folks around you…
Headed towards Rawlins, Wyoming to stay in the Hampton Inn on Airport Road.
The Travelers have returned to Rawlins.
Have some beautiful scenery on the way.
Passed around to the side of these. Still snow scattered over the fields and the snow fences in the Hills.Located at the summit and Wyoming over 8600 feet elevation.Cheyenne was a wonderful town and the Toyota dealer checked the light that came on dashboard. Just indicated mileage check and we are fine.
47 degrees with 55 to 77% humidity is definitely a little different than 87° in the South!
Endless, beautifully kept fields, getting ready for planting of corn and other crops.
We started our morning with oatmeal, fruit, and eggs, plus an assortment of protein dishes.
Anticipation of moving on to beautiful scenery.
But first, our great breakfast at Hampton Inn in Lincoln, Nebraska.A Sunshiny way to start our day! Then down to the fitness room for all of us!Pineapple Bag and Grande were so full of Navigator’s items that we had to load both of them on the luggage cart. Another great hotel from Hilton!Don’t they look sweet😁
But lo, before they would get into the pickup, they had to pose in their Burger King crowns!
Up quite late reconstructing what went “poof” yesterday…no, not in draft. Luckily, I have the same pictures available in my gallery, but my eloquence maybe had waxed and waned a bit’.
The beauty of Missouri azaleas to make up for words lost. Nice surprise traveling down the road especially like the purple roof!
NOW, for purple flowers…Such beauty… Columbia, Missouri Holiday Inn Express
MORE LATER…
Back Again…
All of us went to the state-of-the-art fitness room last evening at the Holiday Inn Express in Columbia Missouri.
ON the road again..
The Captain Navigator, Pineapple Bag and Grande’ all wonder “What can be over that next Hill for us?”Roads and more roads and unlimited sightseeing on the scenic route we have chosen, Hwy 36 West.We are still observing some flooding on lowlands and around Rivers.Seeing some Native American names such as Chillicothe and Hiawatha.Such beautiful pastoral scenes! Right out of a picture book, as we call it in the South…The Pony Express started in St Joseph, Missouri where Jesse James ended… Lovely! Taken with my reliable Samsung 8😁Windmills reaching towards the sky only on one section of land it appeared. The naturalness of the Agricultural setting is somehow affected by the electric company and governmental windmills. That is not to say that they are not wanted. Kansas There is actually a Salem, Missouri that is located in a Marion County, just like Oregon.Nebraska. Storage towers for grains. Beef and corn are king in Nebraska. It went on and on… 2 engines pulling and 3 engined pushing the coal train…HEAVY Stuff!
We have now arrived at the Hampton Inn in Lincoln, Nebraska at the Lincoln Airport, after sustenance for all of us at Hardee’s, one of our favorites!
MORE TO COME…STAY TUNED! Our bunch of folks are having loads of fun, are you? It is really exciting to go back a little different route this time, but still across the USA!! This land of ours is wonderful and, of course: …This Land is Our Land…Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness! …In God We Trust…
Yesterday was such a beautiful day in the high 70s and 80s with humidity just about right in the 40s and 50s.
Navigator and the Captain are actually enjoying the humidity because we hear we’re going back to really dry and hot weather in Oregon…fire danger weather.
Another beautiful rest area in Kentucky. The front of the rest stop as seen from the road.Beautiful horse farms and they even have a reconstructed Castle in Versailles, Kentucky and it has the Castle + two Manor Homes.Bourbon glazed pork loin, plus wonderful Southern buttered vegetables, including fried cabbage. Keto friendly except for the cornbread. More of the glaze would have been nice and, of course, the spirits cook out when it bakes.
Berea is one of the several artisan centers of Kentucky. A visitor center houses many Appalachian crafts. They may be purchased.
A former nursing instructor is from Berea.7 She taught me Pediatrics and excellent techniques for giving injections to babies and toddlers. My first injection was a skin test on an 18 month old with her observing.
Next Stop, IndianaBridge over Ohio River, and then to Corydon, Indiana, the southernmost part of Indiana close to Kentucky.A wonderful Stir Fry at Beef O Grady’s in Corydon, Indiana.One of many wildflowers along the road.Getting on down the road…Beautiful farmland.The Captain pointed this out to me along the way.. A great big smile for the front desk! Thank you folks. A+ is the grade for Corydon, Indiana Hampton Inn. Great service, friendly staff! Keep up the good work you all! The breakfast was attractively served and plentiful also… Employee satisfaction and longevity of service.We did feel welcome at the Hampton Inn in Corydon, Indiana… Excellent housekeeping.
CONTINUING.. Grande’ and Pineapple Bag are hoping that our family will one day have Diamond status for Hilton. Sorry, we cannot park here. Before we leave Corydon, Navigator must show you a picture I took of railroad tracks inside the forest. They came out of the forest across from a manufacturing steel business. Can you see the tracks? The Captain discovered them.The famous Arch; The Gateway to the West. Read more about history online.
Majestic Missouri River Bridge… The Missouri River
HOW ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI MASCOT…WANNA MEET HIM?The University of Missouri Truman the Tiger and a promoter of the school who works at local grill. Mizzou is University nick name acronym. The Cheerleader Pub and Grill promotes the State University also.Go Truman! University of Missouri Mascot.. The grand columns for the University of Missouri building that burned…
COMING…GREAT FOOD AND DEALS!!!Cheerleader Pub and GrillSpinach Artichoke Parmesan appetizer at grill. Yummy!Tasty Tex Mex chicken salad at the Cheerleader Pub and Grill beside the Holiday Inn Express in Columbia, Missouri. One can get the Tex-Mex with barbecue chicken also. Beautiful and delicious food! The dessert menu for the Cheerleader Pub and Grill is Yummy!
NEXT, DESSERTS..The calories have been removed:)
NEXT, we have the Pride of Missouri..Cardinal who?
The St. Louis Cardinals…Go Team!
Way to go!
COMING UP… Holiday Inn Express at Columbia, Missouri
Beautiful landscaping as seen from the rear view off the Holiday Inn Express in Columbia, Missouri.A front view of the Holiday Inn Express… What a welcoming entrance! If you visit, please consider the Cheerleader Pub and Grill next door! Great food and atmosphere.These are canola flowers to be made into oil. Seen in several states that we drive by, plus Missouri. Beautiful!!!
LET’S MOSEY TOWARD KANSAS CITY, AND SEE WHAT WE ‘ALL CAN FIND!
We spent two hours in slow-moving traffic, from N.C. into Powell, outside of Knoxville.
We debated taking the Parkway to get out of the slow-moving traffic, but could not remember the route, and if it would take us away from our other destinations.
Road near turn off to Blue Ridge Parkway and those are the Smoky Mountains ahead of us. They get their name from The Blue Mist made by vegetation release of gases.
It’s interesting to read about the Appalachian mountain range that incorporates the Ozarks, the Blue Ridge Mountain range, and several others throughout several states. The Appalachian mountain range is said to be the oldest in the world by some scientists. Honed down by wear and tear from The Towering Heights they had millions of years ago.
Appalachia is not synonymous with poverty as it includes Kentucky and Tennessee, plus several other states with affluent regions. Nashville and the Kentucky Derby for instance. There are still areas located way back in the hills that are still poverty-stricken, but proud. Look up your history of Appalachia for more information and intriguing facts.Gorgeous day near the Smoky Mountains. Temperature in the 80s, humidity not too bad. I’ve had two weeks plus to get used to it though:)
I continue to be intrigued by the beautiful rest stops in North Carolina, Tennessee, and into Kentucky.
These Travelers have to get back into the swing of this continual moving onward. The Captain, Navigator, Pineapple Bag, and Grande’ were exhausted by the time we reached the outskirts of Knoxville.
We went out to eat at Shoney’s in Powell Tennessee late at night, and that made us even more tired by going to bed with a full tummy.
Got to back up and say that Navigator did go to the fitness room.
This restaurant used to be associated with Big Boy restaurants. Wonderful turnip greens which we have eaten just about every day in the south!
Little Texas Grocery will also be discussed AGAIN!
Stopped by Subway to see my favorite Sister!
Subway: Hold the mayo and cheese or calculate it into your diet. That does look healthy, but I think you might have had roast chicken on yours, although there are many lean alternatives.
She started her day by signing up for exercise class at Furman. Subway sandwiches made the healthy way are a part of her diet and exercise. Persevere Mrs. R.!
Next…Why is there a Goat in my blog?
Oh look! What do we have next; it looks like a goat trying to escape!
“Miss Sadie, just what are you trying to do?” Shh-shh, quiet, she speaks so softly🤗
“Miss Sadie says that she’s trying to get out, and go tell everyone about the wonderful food at Little Texas Grocery!”
All are welcome to stop by!
What a great pose, and this is Ruthie of the petting zoo at Little Texas Grocery! Sadie is part also!
There is TuTu the Pig happily eating the grass that was left for them instead of cutting it. She is part of the 3 animals who are the petting zoo for Little Texas Grocery.All are welcome at Little Texas Grocery.
Isn’t there a song about an RC Cola and a Moon Pie? If you haven’t tried them, y’all come! A. pointed out the RC Cola, after I discovered the Moon Pie, and wondered where RC was! RC is acronym for Royal Crown Cola. The humidity is getting to Pineapple Bag and Grande’, so they chose to just have the Moon Pie and the RC Cola instead of the barbecue and hot dogs today.. Of course, their BF Raggy joined them!
The Famous ones chill out, and take it easy 😎😎😎 Next…why is all that food spread all over the table?Look at our spread of food as we enjoyed it at the table with Raggedy Ann again. Pulled pork and hot dogs again “Hold the Buns!”
Coming up…Bee Sweet…I forgot to mention the honey that is produced locally and processed just a short distance away.
Waiting for some hot southern biscuits to serve it with Sally! It was really really busy today, and Raggedy Ann is glad to have a moment to herself! The Navigator and Captain watched people coming and going grabbing hot dogs and BBQ pork, after they pay and tip the excellent attendants, of course!
Coming up next… North Carolina and Tennessee. Did you know that some states are in two time zones, and that Tennessee is one of them?
SEE YOU ‘ALL ON THE BLOG! The Captain, Navigator, Pineapple Bag, and Grande’.
The U.S. travels of the Pineapple Bag 