Big Daddy Has Returned from Summer Road Trip

We made it. 8 days, 3660 miles and the best false start ever to commemorate our very own "Vacation" Chevy Chase style....
We picked up the rental car friday night, and drove it home to pack. After loading our "loaner Grand Am" we bedded down early in anticipation of a glorious 464 mile drive from Seattle to Missoula Montana...our first stop. Waking at 5am, smiles on our faces, we bade goodbye to our two worried looking cats, and headed out the door. My wife cozied into the passenger seat...arranged her lotion, cameras,"VooDoo Vic, the travelling doll, and various other trinkets, and with satisfied look in her eyes, motioned her readiness to go. I (being the geek of the family) took one walk around the car to inspect as if a pilot preflighting for a transcontinental flight in an experimental aircraft....the tire, right rear, was as flat as it could possibly be. I stood there looking at it, as if my disapointment would somehow fill the tire miraculously. Even my hardest sigh didnt inflate it so much as one psi.
Wife out of the car, into the house to further confuse the cats who know when a trip is much too short. A quick call to the "texas landmark" rental agency yields the following information: "Sir, we can send someone to put the spare on for you, it will be two hours...or you can repair the tire, and save your receipts. Or, sir, just bring the car back and exchange it." Luckily, I had some fix a flat in the garage and figured that would get me to a gas station where I would have the tire fixed.
Jamming the fix a flat into the dead tire gave just enough pressure to go the 1/4 mile to the 50 cent air machine at the local 7-11. Filled her right up, and she held! In spite of the now visible roofing nail that was in the tire, we headed for the garage. "Wait a minute" it was 5:30 am. No self respecting garage would be open yet, so I decided to trust in the "fix-a-flat goddess", and make haste to the start of our trip. Surely, it would hold until Missoula....I restarted the engine and got on 405 headed for 90 to Missoula. Another heart stopper. "Bing bing bing.....red light on, bing bing bing...your oil is low said the horrible message. I almost jumped out of my skin...making the decision right then and there to return the car immediately to Alamo Car rental at SeaTac Airport where we would exchange this little lemon for a better suited car.....My wife nodded in absolute approval, so off to SeaTac we go. Ahh, no problem I thought...a quick exchange at the airport, and we would lose an hour tops off of this glorious trip we had planned. No problemo! "POW...HISSSSSSSSSSSS" Less than three miles into our revised itenerary....the fix-a-flat Goddess changed her mind....no more air for you! The tire returned to its lifeless state at 70 miles per hour, forcing us to a grinding halt at the 124th street offramp in Kirkland...."&%$$##" was my only reaction as we coasted on the rim into the AM PM Minimart parking lot....yes, this is going to be a good trip....
I will post more from our fun trip in a bit. I hope you will all enjoy reading about it and seeing the pics on the website soon.We saw a lot in a little amount of time. Yellowstone, Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devils Tower, Wall Drug, Badlands...and the list goes on. (Note to Moderators Mark and Bob...I did look up Mr. McKinnon in Wallace Idaho....I dont think he is around anymore, but it appears there is a Harvey and Mrs McKinnon who have taken over his house, and made it much less than a work of art....I was sad.)

What an adventure!:-)) We once had to rent a Budget mini-van for a 32 hours trip and it was the worse experience I ever had : brake problems, garage, air in brakes, garage, low oil... I was also stuck with my two teenage cousins, one of them was hyperactive and jumping in the car...just great. But surprisingly enough we ended up having a great trip (when we weren't on the road):-)) Hope you're gonna tell us more about your trip in the next days!:-)

Gen:-)

all in all, it was nice to use soemone elses car for this trip. When we did return the car, the guy at the counter told us we could take any car we wanted. Any upgrade was on them. We ended up staying with the grand Am, because of gas mileage. (although that was my wifes idea...I wanted a convertable cadillac....she wanted less gas bills...she won)

You bet I will tell you more. We saw so many cool things...and had so much fun!

One of the best things about a good road trip -- it is unpredicatable what will happen and what kind of an adventure you can make of it (I remember this one time at Shiprock...)!

I'm also looking forward to hearing more about your trip. Bob

Its going to take a bit, but I have the funnest travelblog on this trip. I'll let everyone know when its posted with the pictures.....loved your London sojourn by the way!

Howdy all! I have posted only about 125 photos from this road trip so far. Use the link below. As soon as the really cool photos are developed, we will add them along with the whole crazy story from this trip! ALSO, YOU NOW GET TO MEET VOODOO VIC, OUR TRAVELING DOLL!
http://groups.msn.com/NorthwestTravelandDining/summerroadtrip.msnw

Okay, about 100 or so of the photos of the road trip are up on the site, along with most of the descriptions...feel free to peer into Big Daddys Yellowstone trip, meet the wife, and of course........VooDoo Vic!
http://groups.msn.com/NorthwestTravelandDining/shoebox.msnw

Cut and paste this, and enjoy.....the whole story, plus photos of all of the "ugliest souvineers" from all of the tourist hot spots is coming soon!

Hey Big Daddy,
I surfed through a couple of pages of your pictures, your story about the motel room splattered with blood made me laugh:-) You sure have great pictures, but...where are you??? We don't want to see your doll, we want to see you!!:o) Just kidding!

Have a great day!
Gen:-)

I have some shots of me coming this weekend. they are the photos my wife shot! Then all will be revealed.weeeeeeeee.

I just checked out your pictures and comments... you went to some of the same places I'll be hitting at the beginning of September. Mt. Rushmore, West Yellowstone, Devil's Tower, Crazy Horse Memorial, Deadeawood, etc. Plus, my destination is Seattle for 5 days. I'm anxious to hear more about your trip - and any must-sees you have for the Seattle area.

Thanks for sharing!

Well how much fun you are going to have....and, yes, there will be a whole bunch more photos coming, and they will be better than the ones I have up.
Must sees for seattle.yes, there are many. There is of course, Seattle itself. Visit the Space Needle, and go to the top. Pike Place market, all of the piers with stuff to do for the whole family. Dont miss the underground tour of Seattle, as it is a city built on an older city...(not too many people know about the underground city) All of these items are in walking distance in Seattle. Outside the city...there are a few really neat scenic drives: One is to the town of leavenworth, a Bavarian town high up in the cascades off HWAY 2, its about a two hour drive from Seattle. One of our favorite day trips is a ferry ride from Mukilteo (about 20 minutes North of Seattle) to Whidbey Island. This 27 mile long Island has a lot of neat sights. A winery, and the artist town of Langley. (The best meal in the state of Washington is dinner at the Inn at Langley reservations a must.) from there, you can continue North through Deception Pass State Park, whith the highest bridge in Washington, and views to die for. That bridge brings you off the island, and into Skagit County, a farming community with alot of charm.
If you want a few more details, or want some really coo specific places to go, let me know what kind of stuff interests you, and I will tell you ALL of the must sees!
I am excited you are making a visit here...we have loved this states treasures!

Dave

After the car exchange, and a few breakfast sandwiches at McDonalds, we headed to Route 90, East...Once passed Issaquah, we were doing 80 miles and hour. The car was in great shape. A new 2004 Grand Am, with 200 miles on it. over Snoqualmie Pass, we noticed it was getting warmer, and by the time we hit Spokane, the temp was around 95 degrees. Our first stop on the trip was Wallace Idaho, just a few miles east of CoeurD'Alene Idaho. We buzzed into town, noticing there wasnt anyone walking, or moving for that matter. it was hot. After taking a few photos, and having a burger at the local burger stand, we located a visitor center with details about the history of this area. Known for three things, its rich mining history, its legal unfettered brothels, and its location use for the movie "Volcano", Wallace has been, and will always be one of my favorite stops. Did you know Lana Turner was born here? Asked a toothless man outside the mining museum..."No sir, I did not..." I said nervously looking at my historical pamphlets as if to prove him wrong. Well, she was, he retorted. We walked along for a short while when my wife asked..."who is Lana Turner?" "Dunno" I said..."lets get some ice cream"...
We spent some time in the town, walking, joking, and feeling like locals. When visiting Wallace, there are a few must sees...The mining museum on the main street, and the Oasis Brothel, which remained open and working until 1988, when all of the prostitues, for some unknown reason, simply left. Disappeared. They left dishes in the sink, perfume on the dressers, and clothes on the floor. Wierd huh? To visit this brothell online, try this fun link: http://www.imbris.net/~mrmayfield/
Finally having our fill of one tooth Jackson watching us walk, and some three legged dog stalking us, we headed east again. Missoula Montana was our first nights destination. Arriving around 5pm was perfect. And the perfect end to a 460 mile drive....some more food! We checked in to our hotel, the Best Western Grant Creek Inn...right off the highway. After throwing our bags in the room, we headed off to find food! I was really hungry, so when my wife saw a Fudruckers, she suggested I stop. Having never experienced Fudruckers, I ordered a one pound burger and fries...wholly moly! It looked more like ten pounds of beef between two frisbees! Man! Oh, I tried, I cried, but I couldnt finish this behemith! My wife laughed as I sat back in the car, and teared up on our way back to the hotel. As with any fun trip, its the people you meet who make the journey fun, and we met her. She was perhaps in her 60's, a jolly woman with a dynamite smile. She worked in the hotel gift shop, and greeted us with a sincere "howdy". I stepped over to talk with her, as Suzi was busy looking for an ugly souvenier or a postcard. "how are you doing?" I asked. "Oh much better than this morning" She said. I knew a story was coming whether or not I wanted to hear it, so I bucked up to the counter, winced a bit and said..."oh?, what happened?".......More to follow! This lady was a hoot! I really enjoy sharing our trip with all of you!

Okay, my interests... In Seattle, I already have on my list of things to see: Pike Place Market, the needle, Experience Music Project, the underground tour, Pioneer Historic District, and a day trip to Portland, via Mt. St. Helen's. I've looked into the Argosy cruises - I'd like to see some whales. There was another company in the AAA Tour Book that "guarantees" a whale sighting during their 5-hour day trip. It cost about $70. Worth it?

I've seen some of the houseboats on Lake Union on the Internet, so I definitely want to see those in person.

A friend of mine is flying in to meet me my first couple days there, so we'll probably stay in a hotel, but the rest of the time, I was planning on staying in the Green Tortoise Hostel. According to the map, it's just a few blocks from the Pike's Place. Do you know anything about the hostels in Seattle (or anywhere for that matter)?

I love architecture - heard the glass museum (?) is cool - I love bridges, and I loooove the water. As a writer, I also love to people-watch. Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of seafood. I'll probably be packing most of my food with me - PB sandwiches, veggies, Cheerios, etc. - but cheap, character-filled places to eat would also be fun.

Another strange thing - and this is for my whole trip (Ohio to Seattle and back again)... my mom, who died last year, had a charm bracelet full of charms from her travels in her youth, so I was hoping to find charms in the places I visit to carry on the tradition. When I went through Arizona and the southwest years ago, there were all sorts of roadside jewelry stands - mostly Native American in nature. Is there anything like that in the northern part of the country? I'd rather not get too tourist-y. Or too expensive.

Also, weather. Again, the AAA books offer average temperatures for various parts of the year, but what's it really like in Seattle/northwest states the first week of September? Jeans? Shorts? Umbrella? Slicker and waders?

Thanks again for your insight!

Yes indeedy, Sarah, the AAA books have served you well!
You got the biggies there, with Pike Place, EMP, Underground Tour, all the way up to the Whale Tour. Save your money on that one. September isnt the best month for spotting the whales, but we have several local pods in the area. Mostly orcas, which are beautiful to watch right off the shore from almost anywhere in the Puget Sound. Almost any ferry ride, will also get you up close and personal with the whales, so ride the ferries as much as you can. I suggest just taking the Seattle to Bainbridge run as a walk on passenger (about 4.00 dollars) because on the return trip gives you the best view of Seattle you can ever imagine. Well worth the cost, and like a grand tour of Elliot Bay, without paying Argosy the tour prices. Trust me when I say "ferries are our friends".
The houseboats on Lake Union are neat, and look like regular houses floating on upside down bathtubs. While looking around Lake Union, please do not miss the town of Fremont! That is a Seattle Insider Secret! This ecclectic community of free thinkers, artists, and naked bike riders is the best day trip near Seattle you will find. From the fantastic antique, retro, and thrift shops, to the giant statue of Lenin, to the Sunday Flea Market ( a super must see), to the free movies shown on a painted screen in the parking lot, this place has it all! By the way, this city has proclaimed itself to be the "known Center of the Universe" by special proclimation from the city government. Special note here.....locate the Fremont Troll under the giant bridge (Aurora Ave Bridge) You will be Seattle De-Virginized after that! Here is a link to a short story CNN did on Fremont. http://www.cnn.com/TRAVEL/DESTINATIONS/9711/fremont/

If you have archetecture fever, there is always Queen Anne Hill, and Capitol Hill, where lovely old Victorian Homes abound. Old churches, and buildings, as well as the Volunteer Park structures are archetectural wonders. The Glass Museum in Tacoma is interesting, but I really wasnt totally blown away by it. (no pun intended) There is some fantastic turn of the century archetecture in the town of Port Townsend, which is also a moderate ferry ride from Keystone on Whidbey Island. Look at the citys Historical roots here

http://www.porttownsend.org/history/

You mentioned the charm bracelet. Seattle has a rich Native American, and Eskimo heritage. You can find charms at the Pike Place Market, and the surrounding stores, or visit any of the local Tribal reservations for Local artistry. There are several Tribal areas close to Seattle such as the Tulalip, Stillaguamish, Skykomish, and Lummi Tribes. Each have a very unique artistry usually whale oriented.

The trip to Portland via St Helens will be fun for you. Portland is another great city, and talk about architecture.wow. If your trip has you in Portland on the weekend, a must see is the local marketplace along the waterfront. Here you will find a richly ecclectic array of goods from all over the Northwest. Local artists here are very nature oriented, making some of the neatest local crafts you have ever seen. Ceramics and glass seem to be the favorites, but metal sculptures, hemp clothing, and natural foods abound. Take in the largest used book store in the country in downtown Portland, and have a latte fun! (hehehehe)

Should you take a full day returning to Seattle, may I suggest taking the turn off from Interstae 5 in Olympia, and head to Ocean shores, on the Olympic Penninsula. Long sandy beaches, and probably nice weather in September. head north from there to Quinnault, home of the Quinnault Lodge for some fantastic lunch! Continue North to Klaloch and the HOH rain forest. This is washington States crown jewel of an authentic rain forest. The dramatic ocean beaches in this area are stunning. High cliffs, and waves large enough to carry entire ceder trees crashing to the shoreline. My favorite stop here, is Ruby beach....just a short hike to the water down the cliff, and you will see why this area is some of Washingtons best coastline. Still headed North, then west, you arrive at Lake Crescent which I think is the prettiest Lake in the state! Following the road will take you through Port Angeles and Port Townsend again to where you can catch the Ferry Back to Seattle, or continue the drive to Port Gamble (this town looks like a movie set for a Steven King Movie!) through the Hood Canal, and Tacoma. The drive around the penninsula, as you can tell, makes a very long day (perhpas 10 hours or more) but you will be rewarded with the best Washington State has to offer.

Well, as you might have guessed, I start spouting off like a hyperactive mouth breathing child when it comes to things to see and do around here. Seriously, there is so much here. I think you will fall in love with this area as I do every time I explore a new road, town, or area. As for what to wear?...September is almost always the warmest month for us! Shorts, T-shirt, with sweats for the evening time should do just fine. Leave the umbrella home. Seattleites have a saying, that I just made up, which states: "you arent water soluable!" The rain we get is soft, clean, and will lift your spirit over being a nuisance! let it touch your hair, and your heart...and be sure to breathe deeply. If it rains harder than a mist, I will be surprised. A light waterproof windbreaker should serve you well should there be rain.

I hope I at least got you a little more excited about your stay here. There is so much more I could tell you, depending on how long you stay, and how far you are willing to go. Seattle nightlife is also some of the best in the land, but use caution venturing out from the Hostel (which by the way you have chosen the best and cleanest with the Green Tortoise) by yourself. This is a big city, and we do have some big city issues. All in all, it is a safe place, but as with any city caution is advised!

PS, I swear, this is my last must see.....try a meal at the Crocodile Cafe at 3rd and Bell St. And possibly see a band while there. Food is cheap, and verrrrrry interesting. http://www.thecrocodile.com/

Happy Travels!

Big Daddy

I'm so freaking excited for my trip I can barely sit still! I really appreciate all your suggestions - and can't wait to get out there to do as many of them as I can! One note about the weather - I love rain... downpours, thunderstorms, mists, whatever! Geez, I can't wait!

Thanks again!

Sarah, I am so excited for your trip too! I almost fell over! We moved here for the forgiving rain, clean air , green trees, and everywhere water! Be sure to send pictures! I am again, so excited for you I almost drooled in my soup!
hehehehe weeeee!