Spent a not so lovely day in Taos from my point of view, sites I couldn't see, shops I couldn't go in. We saw a pretty cool old Catholic church (me sadly from the car), but the girls went in, lit a candle, said some prayers. Then a little shopping, and while to be honest I did begrudge them a little, we haven't really done any shopping since we left so I suffered in silence. I heard about a fabulous quilting store and another with local "art". They bought some interesting things, but I don't think the car can fit anything else! Off to the pueblo where not only were small dogs not allowed but no pictures either! We had the misfortune of going on a big feast day so rules were plentiful and strict. From what I heard, it was all very interesting.

Finally back to the open road heading west. We saw the Rio Grande and some more excellent foliage, which I think was the point of this particular trip. We also saw a really interesting development called earthship, where the houses were all half buried in the ground. Stopped for the night in Farmington, and I think we are off to see Indian Ruins today--Aztec and Mesa Verde. I think we will actually be in Colorado before days end--the destination for our westward journey.

Shout out to heaven: HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIE

Drove through the Ozarks but was somewhat disappointed—not quite sure what I expected, but at the very least a dip on a hot day. Nothing doing. Stopped at a state park and saw the ruins of some rich guys house in the middle of nowhere. In the state park! Drove more. Ended in Wichita. It was dark—I can’t say much. Got up and after a stop at the starbucks, headed for Greensburg. Kansas was a long state. And hot. Sunny. Flat. Did I mention hot? A lot of small towns that seemed sad. Overall, not my favorite. We stopped in Pratt on our way to Greensburg. A bigger small town, but with the Main Street of old. Greensburg itself was cool if just for the fact that we had seen it all before on the documentary –the art center, the water tower. And yes, the big well! They have the biggest well ever dug by hand. It was pretty big and smelled delicious. No shade there though (all trees gone in tornado). Kansas lasted a long time. Had our first Sonic burger. Not too good. Did I mention it was hot?


We also saw a big round barn, built about a hundred years ago. We got to let ourselves in and I raqn around like a mad dog. I don't think my nose stopped twitching the whole time. An artsy shot: (and who doesn't love a good copola?










On we drove, into Oklahoma. More of the same. I will say this; Clare navigated us on to secondary roads that had virtually no other cars, great pavement and high speed limits. Mostly we cut through farms, then ranches. It had its own beauty. Ended up at a lovely Holiday Inn in Raton, New Mexico. This morning we drove through town, and headed for the Enchanted Circle drive on our way to Taos. We saw a couple old towns (one really old), and some lovely foliage.




Tonight we are in Taos—we’ve just returned from walking around the old town square, window shopping—and get this—I actually got to go to a restaurant and sit with the drivers. So what if it was kind of outside, I thought it was very cool and didn’t miss the little morsels I often get when we all share a meal.

Tomorrow, maybe a visit to the pueblo, some old churches, some more foliage. Clare is looking through the stuff she got at the visitor's center. For sure it will be an--you guessed it--adventure!

I was the first one ready to go (okay, I was a little afraid they might leave without me), and I waited patiently while they loaded all their stuff. After what seemed like seven hours, we finally pulled away. Two days later, and I am ready for my first roving report. I’d say my not Alaska trip is off to a good start. First stop St. Louis. Driving in we saw the arch, and Beth recalled a previous trip to St. Louis.....something about a Ramada Inn....

The drive wasn’t too long and when we arrived, I made a new friend. How sweet is that? His name is Ty and he lived in a cool spot—lots of trees, near a park with a fountain. . I wanted to swim. Clare wouldn’t let me. Clare got to visit with an old friend who welcomed us all and made us feel at home with our favorite—the baked good! Brownies. Secret family recipe. I already have a call into the Duke, famed golden retreiver and espionage expert. Thanks for the hospitality Marty and Ty.

Our first full day on the road, and wouldn’t you know it—Clare navigated us onto a gravel road. Who would have thought such a thing existed in the lower 48. We saw no bears, but I I did see a lovely stream where I promptly took a dip. Onward we wound, on roads with names like N and Z, hunting for the Big Spring, our destination for today. I don’t think I have ever seen the start of a river, and I wasn’t disappointed. I heard it may be the largest spring in the world, I’m a little skeptical. Not that it wasn’t cool—the water was that weird turquoise (I am beginning to think it is the grayish brown of all the water I see near home that is the anomaly), cold, good to drink (so far). Emboldened by my last dip, I plunged in off a rock into water over my head with no shore to get out! Clare to the rescue—scooping me out without a thought for herself.

Last night we slept in a little cabin (and you know how I love a good cabin) near the springs, which was built in the 30’s by the Civilian Conservation Corp. I’d say it had some craftsman elements—wood beamed ceilings, a big stone fireplace. And I have hardly been on a leash since we left St. Louis, just for my last walk when it was so dark we couldn’t see the road without a flashlight. But the stars… Clare and Beth built a fire, Clare said it smelled like the travelers and then the never settled debate commenced about which was better--the turf fire or the wood fire. I stayed out of it.



Today we mostly drove. Through the Ozarks, stopping at a state park so I could run around and the girls could look at stuff. These were billed as the remnants of a burnt castle. Tonight we are in Witchita, listening to the debate spin. Tomorrow we continue westward, hoping to get to Greensburg and then it's on to New Mexico.

Okay, so it isn't Alaska. They can't all be Alaska, can they? But I've heard much talk of the golden Aspens in the mountains. You know how we love the fall foliage. And the open road. And so I think another adventure awaits--I was suspicious when we went to my favorite store this week and instead of buying a few cans of the delicious Mackrel, we walked out with a bag full. Road food. And then today, when they started pulling stuff out of the storage bin, I caught a wiff of something...bear...snow...north.

For those of you familiar with my previous travels, you will see them above in pink. (There is also a link to the right of my dispatches from the road for any who missed the BIG ADVENTURE) Do you believe we went that far?

Tomorrow we set out for the GREAT PLAINS, and I've been promised a cow sighting or two. I know we are all looking forward to seeing what progress has been made in Greensburg since the tornado--we have been watching the documentary on the Green Network with much interest. Aside from that, aspens in the mountains, and visiting my favorite ex-dog sitter in Denver, I haven't heard much. I guess will go where the road takes us.