Almost Home

Day #5 Wednesday, heading HOME
· We were at the Starbucks when they opened at 5:30 am to pick up our first caffeine of the day.
· But I must digress… I think I mentioned that FJ forgot to pack a map… J purchased one somewhere around Yakima on the way out here. Thank God we had the map. FJ had instructions from mapquest. Well, J was trying to figure out just how Mapquest was going to get us home. It had us going over the Rockies on these little winding road (did you know that FJ gets carsick?) Craig mentioned to me that there were some folks using Mapquest directions and got lost and died somewhere in Oregon. Well, J called her trusty know it all about Colorado – Tim Murphy. He gave us some much needed advice like STAY ON THE INTERSTATE!! Good advice, thus far. We cruised through Denver. Stopped in Cheyenne at the state capital for the Starbucks J found on Google via txt msg on the phone. Got gas – thank God we did that – there was NOTHING (and I do mean nothing) for about 200 miles. We are now breakfasting at Perkins in Casper – a tiny (population wise) town in the middle of nowhere (literally) but has lots of stuff to offer – I am looking at a Bed, Bath and Beyond and Sam’s Club is right next door. Will change drivers and hopefully the scenery. BTW, perkins caters to a bit older sect..those of us without oxygen tanks on wheels were in the minority!
· Drive seems long, and BORING. Janice, where is that lovely scenery you promised? At least things are still green, for that we are grateful.
· We have become crossword puzzle experts, if we don’t know the answers we make them up, and frankly, we prefer ours anyway!
· Pulled into Belgrade, and the exquisite La Quinta Inn, after 800 miles. It is 7:00pm, and we are done for the day! This is definitely a prime facility, we can tell by the 58 semi trucks parked outside (beside the weigh station). We know we are amongst fellow Road Warriors.
· Where to eat that can possibly compare to Perkins? Ah, J finds a great article in the local paper called the Bozeman Magazine. A spot called Starkey’s Authentic Americana has a fun sounding write-up, unfortunately we must backtrack 10 miles and head into Bozeman. Hey, 10 miles is nothing for us……off we go.
o Not sure where this is as the newspaper has one address, the website has another. Yep, we do love adventures.
o Address #1 is under construction, so obviously not that one….#2 is only about a block away and master navigator/drive J finds it quickly. GREAT CHOICE, this is a happening place J
o Live music is featuring blue grass trio, Jawbone Railroad. One gal on the base (bigger than her) and 2 guys.
o We noticed a couple taking pictures, and then quickly recognized them as Kathy & Josh, the photographers from Mandy’s wedding last summer. REUNION TIME, hugs abound. Small world
o Fun music, great dinner, time for bed