Delivered As Promised

Where has the time gone? The last 19 days have flown by and today Whitney came to retrieve the Mini. We spent some time this morning getting the Mini cleaned out and up. She looked alot better after a bath! Most of the bugs came off anyway! So now we are Miniless and we're left wondering where all the stuff we pulled out of the car came from! We will spend the last couple of days enjoying the Olympia area via walking and using the excellent (and sometimes free!) transit system. It has been a fun adventure that we will always remember. The Mini is one lucky vehicle to be able to live in the Pacific Northwest!

Another Mountain To Climb!

This little Mini is not going to know how to travel on horizontal roads after this trip! She's spent most of the last 2 weeks either climbing up a mountain or rolling down one! Our friend Ruth drove with us for a day of exploring Mount Rainier. The weather was absolutely perfect and we viewed the mountain from all angles. Our timing was good because another week from now and visitor centers will be closing for the season. We enjoyed lunch at a wonderful restaurant perched on the mountainside in a major ski area. We were also treated to the experience of watching helicopters move giant trees from further towards the mountain top to an area near the restaurant. Great food and entertainment!

Mini Hits The Beach!

Long Beach, WA boasts of having the longest beach in the world so the Mini wanted to see at least part of it for herself. Having the beaches in Florida for comparison, she figured no way could that be true. Roy decided to take the Mini out for a drive on the beach as was permitted this time of year. Never having driven on a beach before, it was an experience. He kept looking for the switch that would slip the Mini into 4 wheel drive! In the end, we all agreed that the claim to fame is true...Long Beach has the longest beach in the world!

Shy Mini

No opportunity to catch the mini on camera today due mostly to weather conditions so just the text will have to do for the moment! The Mini took us north along the coast on highway 101 and we enjoyed incredible vistas. The fog rolling over water a distance off shore contributed to an even greater scene. The northwestern picturesque California coast is different from the rugged Oregon coast. We haven't seem much of the Washington coast yet but we'll see more tomorrow and will be able to compare further. Made a stop in Oregon at one of the world's largest sea cave and sea lion habitats. It was foggy but we descended in an elevator and was up close and personal to the sea cave at water level so the fog wasn't a problem. It was impressive. There was only one sea lion sitting on a boulder as the others had decided to hit the water. We were told that at times there can be 200-500 sea lions in the cave at one time. It was fun and interesting even if there was only one sea lion. The Mini will be driving into Olympia tomorrow and is looking forward to a bath! Time to get some of the road grime, bugs and sea salt off the girl. Nothing like a little freshening up!

Mini Goes Coastal!

The Mini experienced the difference between the northwest California coastline and the rugged Oregon coast. We were fortunate to have more opportunities for viewing Redwood forests as we enjoyed our continued driving trip on hwy 101 north. Stopped for the obligatory cheezy tourist trap and visited for a couple moments with Paul Bunyan and Babe! Our overnight stay is in Coos Bay, OR. Had very good dinners of salmon and halibut at a favorite place of the locals. After eating we drove to a viewing spot to watch the large colony of sea lions gathered on huge boulders surrounding sea caves. The barking sounds were deafening! It was also exciting to see a pair of whales and thousands of sea otters frolicking in the water. We don't see that in Wisconsin!

Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!

The Mini experienced beauty and excitement today as she motored us around a wonderous scenic byway. We began our adventure in Ferndale, CA starting the epic drive by immediately downshifting into low and climbing the mountain side. We enjoyed a variety of vistas that were all breathtaking! The mighty Mini negotiated 10 mph hour switchback, hairpin turns as though she was made for this trip. We experienced the beauty of fertile farm valleys, mountain sides of trees and an incredible ocean drive. The drive continued through the Humboldt Redwood State Forest and we were awestruck by the majesty of these trees. We were able to take advantage of photo ops and some hiking. It was almost surreal walking amongst the Redwoods. It was quiet, peaceful and powerful. The Mini escorted us through the Avenue of Giants to finish this awesome day!

California or Bust!

The Mini did great on the scenic mountain drive today. We left south central Oregon and headed southwest for highway 101 on the California coastline. As per our normal traveling, we chose the scenic route and what a display we saw! Mountain roads with 10 mph switchback curves through Pondersoa Pine stands, tiny mountain hamlets and breathtaking Redwood state forests. What an amazing day! The Mini loved the zigzagging, down shifting, braking, accelerating and the drive even kept Roy awake while I drove! The Mini was made for this road! We stopped for a photo op near Mt. Shasta, CA. If you squint, you can make out Roy's V-sign sticking out the roof of the Mini. Lots of snow still on Mt. Shasta. The weather today went from 90+ degrees to somewhere in the 60's the closer we got to the coast line. We enjoyed a few pints at the local brew pub down the road from the hotel we're staying at in Fortuna, CA. Looking forward to more of the Redwoods tomorrow!

Road Hard and Wet!

The Mini encountered high desert terrain today mixed with fertile agricultural valleys and twisty, windy mountain roads. She got a look at alkaline flats and drove for 20+ minutes around half of a huge alkaline lake (guard rails are not common but she didn't look down!) It was a little daunting when you could plainly see iron black boulders that had rolled down the side of the mountain, across the road and ended up sitting along the lakeshore or sticking weirdly out of the water. The Mini was very attentive watching for fallen rocks, game and stock on the road! Pulled in for the night at a Holiday Inn Express in Kalmath Falls, OR. We just missed the gully washer that had blown through but we did not escape the mud puddles. A couple layers of dried on bugs did slough off though! Sorry Mike, but it's hard to see the detailing work on the Mini's exterior right now!

Go South to Get West?

Had another great dinner with friends, Ira & Betsy, while staying in Couer d'Alene, Idaho last night. The restaurant's name is "The Wine Cellar" and came highly recommended. We weren't disappointed. We were all members of the clean plate club! Looks like Mike Eden missed this one too. Guess he'll just have to make another trip!
The Mini traversed many different landscapes today as she carried us south from Couer d'Alene and followed Idaho's western border. Fantastic mountain drives, deep gorges, swiftly moving wide rivers, high desert areas, dense forests and tiny western towns kept our attention. The Mini wanted to stop for a quick geocache pick-up while still in Idaho so we drove right up to one! It was located along the Salmon River in a deep valley. Stopped in a cafe, out in the middle of nowhere on the side of a mountain, and read this sign: "Unattended children will be given espresso and a free puppy". Got the message across!

The Restaurant The Edens Missed

This restaurant is on highway 89 between St. Mary Lodge at Glacier and Many Glacier. The outside looks very eclectic as though it really belongs in Key West! It is out in the middle of nowhere and the last meal we enjoyed at Two Sisters came complete with free ranging horses in their "backyard". The food was great, the service good (the waiter was from Neenah, Wisconsin, a city close to our home) and Ira, Betsy, Roy and I enjoyed the fact that Mike Eden actually missed this eatery on his trip! Excellent sweet potato fries Mike!

Mini Takes Glacier Park!

The Mini rolled into Glacier Park on August 23rd and found the scenery spectacular! No high tech access available so adding this info and photos on August 27th having returned to civilization. We had a great time hiking (until the black bear on the last trail changed Sue's mind about hiking), driving (seemed liked mostly uphill and always at the edge of some bottomless gorge) and learning about this awesome national park. The Mini was super negotiating the mountain curves and switchbacks. Had a wonderful time visiting with Ira and Betsy and spent some memorable moments sight seeing with them. What wonderful food we shared at the infamous Park Cafe. Did Mike eat there? Had great weather. The lows were in the 40's and the highs in the low 70's. Dodged the wildfires all around the area. Luck was on our side this trip. Must have been because of the Mini!

Old McCheesehead

Yes, folks, this is Mr. Cheesehead just as he finished making a presentation to a statewide group of accountants. Appropriately, the topic concerned farm related tax matters, but the outfit was of his own creation. At least the tie coordinates with the overalls! Those of you who have never seen this side of him, may not know that his favorite pass time while I was growing up was embarrassing us anyway that he could. Now a days, he has to try pretty hard to get under our skin, but this outfit definitely made us laugh out loud. But I think that was the point all along....

By the way, the Cheeseheads are having a great time in Montana and just met up with Ira and Betsy yesterday afternoon. They are having a great time geocaching and taking in the local culture. The mini has enjoyed traveling through some gorgeous country, but she is still trying to figure out what the "hill" things are. They don't have those where she came from and sometimes it is hard for her to drive when they are going up, but they sure are fun when she gets to go down.

We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming...

Hello! This is Sara, one of the Cheesehead offspring, and I wanted to let everyone who has been following this blog know that Roy and Sue are temporarily without internet access. Apparently, broadband and wi-fi have not made it to the-middle-of-nowhere Montana yet so I am filling in for them with a couple of brief updates.

They made it to Glacier National Park safely and are really excited to do some exploring. They will be staying there for a few days before moving westward again. Look for more from them when they reach "civilization" again sometime soon.

In the meantime, I may just have to take this opportunity to share some classic photos and anecdotes while they are unable to defend themselves.....more on that later though!

Montana Scenic Byway

Today finally the Mini was able to leave the interstate behind and explore one of the many scenic byways Montana has to offer. We turned north on Hwy. 89 west of Billings and cruised along enjoying the prairies with grazing antelope and cattle. There were also mountain passes with beautiful vistas and very little traffic. We stopped for a moment for a photo opportunity when the Mini spotted a statue at a historical spot. She thought the statue was waving at her! We rolled into Great Falls, MT mid afternoon and enjoyed the characters we encountered at the visitor's center. The 2 old guys had lived around Great Falls a really long time and had lots of suggestions for sightseeing. No matter what we do, we'll enjoy ourselves!

Big Sky Country

After we spent a couple hours in Deadwood, S.D. this morning, we headed towards Billings, Montana. About an hour before we got to Billings, we made a stop at Hardin, Montana to check out the tourist info stuff. We were pleasantly surprised to find not only a super info spot but also a whole reconstructed prairie village. This is a wonderful place for anyone to take a break because there's plenty for everyone to see AND it is free!

The Mini checked out a wagon and wondered where you put the gas in! We told her that she needed to be on her best behavior or she could end up like the field of old farm equipment! I don't think she's very worried.

Great big spaces in this part of the country. Great weather, good roads that the Mini enjoys driving on!

There's a Mini in Them Thar Hills!

Waited out yet another major nasty thunderstorm in the safety of our hotel room this morning. We finally drove far enough, (and fast enough!), to get past the storm fronts. The Mini just keeps humming west down I-90. Lots of people smile and wave as they pass us. They are probably jealous they aren't having Mini fun! Today the Mini experienced a couple new "firsts". First time she's been in South Dakota and the first time she's done some geocaching! We're trying to expose her to lots of new experiences to broaden her education. Arrived in Rapid City, SD tonight and will take a break before exploring tomorrow.

Day One West

The Mini wrestled with the elements as we crossed states. Tremendous amounts of wind and rain tried to deter the valiant blue car but to no avail. She's just like the postman, nothing stops her! She's staying her first time in Minnesota at the town of Jackson, a short drive from South Dakota. Now that we have all bonded, we're looking forward to better weather tomorrow and a much more scenic drive! Westward Ho!

Are We Ready Yet?

The Mini waits patiently for the time when we can hit the road. Today is filled with preparation chores but by tomorrow morning, we will be as ready to begin the adventure as the Mini is! How much stuff will she hold? Hmmmmm.

Last Inspection

Made time for the most important inspection before the Mini begins her westward travels. Caleb penciled the inspection into his busy schedule and we are happy to relay that he gave the Mini a special smile and a two thumbs (covered in his gold fish cracker crumbs) up! He likes the "little blue car" and had no problem at all taking a quick nap during the on-road inspection. With this last inspection completed, we will now be cleared for travel departure on Sunday, August 19!