Something different- the Nevada desert!

We got sent to Phoenix last week and our route took us down the entire length of Nevada. We have come to really appreciate the stark beauty of the desert-- but the long straight stretches can also be boring....

We are glad there were mountain vistas to break up the flat expanses.

Yes, there REALLY IS a Cottontail Ranch in Nevada-- but it doesn't look like it is much of a going concern any more.

The striations on these rocks are beautiful and interesting to see.

OK, I admit- 350 miles of desert wasn't all that exciting- Kurt caught this picture of me napping in the middle of the day!

Spring Flowers

It is still wet and grey in the Pacific northwest-- but the daffodils are blooming- a sure sign that spring is on the way!!

A Modern Marvel in our backyard

A new "Galloping Gertie" is under construction across the Tacoma Narrows over Puget Sound near Tacoma. We cross the Narrows on our trips to Sequim. Here are a couple pictures of the new suspension bridge that has gradually taken shape over the last two years. It was fascinating to watch the suspension cables being strung. Now the road bed is completely in place.

Same-o, same-o

For those of you who have been worried about how we are making out driving in all the wintry weather that has hit the U.S. in the last month..... Well, don't worry! We have been stuck on the same route down and up the Pacific Coast from Tacoma to LA since early February. Four trips in a row! The good news is that we have not had any "winter driving adventures". The down side is that we are very bored of the route and we aren't making much moola.

It takes about 2 days driving time each way and with loading, delivering and laying over to await a new load a usual round trip takes 6 days. Sometimes we go straight down I-5 and sometimes we vary the route by going down route 97 in Oregon or Hwy 99 in the San Joaquin valley of California.

HERE ARE SOME SCENES FROM OUR TRAVELS...

These first two pictures are of the beautiful, towering evergreens that line the Willamette Pass Hiway east of Eugene in Oregon. Willamette Pass to Oregon-97 is our alternate route through Oregon. We like 97 because it is less hilly and a narrower road- so you can really see the countryside.

When you cross the top of Willamette pass you are treated to peek-a-boo views of this pristine mountain lake

After traveling 150+ miles through the high desert of eastern side of the Cascade mountains on Hwy 97 in Oregon you come to this beautiful lake above Klamath Falls.

I took this picture of a jet trail in Northern California. It was amazing to me because it appeared to be going straight up like a rocket ship!?

Here is a picture from old Hiway 99 in the San Joaquin valley in CA. There is always more to see when we travel the older route- like these flowering trees that lined the route for literally one hundred miles. Plus the hiway is still lined with stately old Eucalyptus trees and palm trees which are fun to see.

Please NO MORE SNOW

We arrived back at our home in Kettle Falls on Monday afternoon for a one week break from truck driving. We made it in the driveway just as the last rays of sun were hitting the side of the house. And we were delighted to see that the snow was mostly gone.

Then each of the next three mornings we woke up to fresh new snow falls including this 4" dump. Happily, the snow mostly melts by afternoon.