St. Louis

Went to the Truman Library and home. As with all of the presidential libraries, we are fascinated to learn of all of the things they did in their administrations. The house tour and learning about he Bess and Margaret were also very interesting.

We weren't originally going to go up in the Gateway Arch, but after entering to go to the free museum, we wanted to see the documentary on building it, so we bought a combo ticket for the ride up as well and are so glad we did. The Arch is an amazing engineering marvel and there were no construction fatalities in the 3 yr construction. The ride up in the little pod (with windows, thank goodness, because it was really small and fit 5 people)was interesting to see the inerds of the arch. We went to the St. Louis Basilica which has the most mosaic pictures in the world. We have been in several Basilica's in Europe and this one trumps them all. It was gorgeous.

Missouri

We did what we we're supposed to do in Missouri, had an amazing fried chicken dinner in Abilene and had GREAT barbeque in Kansas City last night. On our way from Abilene, where we also enjoyed The Eisenhower Museum, we traveled to Wamego, MO which apparently is where the Land of Oz now resides. We went to a really good wine tasting at the OZ Winery and bought a couple of bottles. They actually do make the wine there...who knew there was good wine in Missouri, not us. Anyway, we continued down the street to the OZ museum, which houses a great and extensive collection of memorabilia. We are now melting in Kansas City, 99 today. We went to The Steamboat Arabia Museum, a Steamboat that sunk in 1856 with a full load of general merchandise for store's along the Missouri River that wasn't delivered...fascinating. We're on our way to St. Louis...and with the sweltering weather, we are going to the arch and will continue home...We are ready !!!

Montana

Michelle's View

Our View of the Beartooth

Had exquisite weather for our 2 day riding trip. We started in Red Lodge,Montana to ride the Beartooth Hwy. Overnighted in Gardiner, the town at the North end of Yellowstone. Had a great return ride, very green, lots of farms, silos, cows and horses....the country is beautiful. Tomorrow we're on our way toward Kansas City on our way back.

Mammoth Sulfur Springs, Yellowstone

Lewiston, ID Snake River

Had a relaxing couple of days in Lewiston, ID. Got into town, walked around(not much of a walking town, did a little antiquing, then dinner. Turned Eddie on to Indian Food and amazingly he liked it ! Next day movie and Thai Food, YUM. Went on the Snake River cruise today into the gorge. We were able to see Idaho, Oregon and Washington all at the same time (well the mountains of those states) as we were traveling the river. Hit some rapids (it was an aluminum boat not raft)and had a little rain and got a little wet! Had a great time. Off to Missoula, MT and making our way home.

Walla Walla, WA

Drove through the Washington state wine country into more wine country in Walla Walla. Stopped to see "Super 8" at the movies and when we got out people we parked (tailgate style with chairs and popcorn from the theater) ready for the fireworks to begin. We had our essentials available....a chilled bottle of Pinot Grigio (always at least one in the cooler) 1/2 a Reuben sandwich from lunch(which now became dinner) and Paul Newman organic Fig newtons (usual travel/snack food now transformed into tonights 4th of July dessert). GREAT fireworks show, thanx Walla Walla and now resting in our new favorite hotel....Best Western. Wine tasting tomorrow and.....we'll keep you posted.

Mt Rainier

Stayed at the best Best Western last night...great bed, jacuzzi and pool. Had our leftover dinner in the movie theatre and saw Larry Crowne...very cute...not an academy award winner, but entertaining...how can you go wrong with Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts? Will post pics later of our day in Rainier.

Olympic Natl Park

Went to Port Townsend, WA great little town w/lots of good art galleries (didn't buy anything !) and then on to Port Angeles for base camp for motorcycle ride into Olympic Natl Park. Drove up to Hurricane Ridge (that's what's behind me in the picture) and had a great Thai meal that night. Next day Took the motorcycle up another way through the park to the beach and had a nice lunch on the water. Took the bike back to the hotel and did a yummy wine tasting and another yummy dinner.

Seattle

Stayed over in Bremerton, WA in a room with a harbor view. Not much going on here except the Naval shipyard, however the ferry to Seattle is just outside our hotel, so off we went. Spent the day went to Pike Place Market (so much stuff it is fun and overwhelming) and Chinatown for Chinese food, yeah ! and had a blast.