Our Last Day in the Lower 48

After a big breakfast at The Timberline in West Yellowstone, we got on the road with today's goal being to cross the Canadian border.

However, before crossing the Canadian border we had a very special and important stop to make--Fairfield, MT!

Back in '98/'99 we were blessed to make friends with a wonderful family with 7 children. Craig and Marla Holmquist moved, from MT, into the neighborhood and lived next door to Ray's parents. Their children at the time included: Chelsea, Rigdon, Emma, Jacob, Sadie, and twins--Honore & Olivia. Erika, Ray's mom, immediately set out to "adopt" the family. We had such great times--Emma and I shared American Girl books and Nic and Rigdon ran around the neighborhood and Salado Creek! Jake became "Texified" when he donned a holster and cowboy boots. Sadie was a little pixie and the twins didn't know what was going on...Fast forward eight years and Chelsea is now attending BYU, Rigdon graduated in May and tomorrow morning heads out to help in (Dallas) TX with Hurricane Ike evacuees and well, all the other children are older and there are three new additions--Quincy Erika (yep--Erika Torres' namesake) and additional twins--Golden & Presley.

We drove up this evening and time and distance melted away! We were treated to homemade pizza and shown around the "farm." In addition to 10 children, the family consists of chickens, chicks, cats, kittens, two dogs, two cows and a 4-week-old calf. Regretably, our reunion was short-lived. After a couple of hours we had to get back on the road in order to make it to the Canadian border tonight.

The rest of the drive thru Montana was uneventful, although once again we were witnesses to God's beauty--a majestic sunset! It was just what we needed to close our last day in the lower 48.

After filling up the Explorer and the two spare 5 gallon gas containers, we crossed the Canadian border at Sweetgrass, MT about 9:30 this evening!! After answering questions and showing our passports, we were asked to pull over, park and come in to the Immigration Office. After about 45 minutes, and additional questions ("How long do you plan to be in Canada?") we were allowed entry. I'd been so preoccupied in getting Wendell (our Siberian Husky) across with the correct documents (which I actually misplaced in the move) I wasn't expecting the delay and questions to be about us. I have to admit, sitting in that office is a bit unsettling and unnerving. I can only imagine what those who face deportation or refusal of entry must feel like!

We're spending the night in Lethbridge (pop. 80,000) only because we weren't sure what accomodations we'd find in Raymond! Banff here we come!!

Praise God for safe travel, a sweet reunion, great weather and wonderful traveling companions!! Much love, YT

The Adventure Continues...

Since we weren't able to ride the train in Durango, we decided not to let the trip up this way be a waste so we drove out to the "Four Corners, USA."


For five minutes we were in NM, AZ, CO and UT all at the same time!



We left Durango--taking what else but THE SCENIC ROUTE--it took two hours to get thru the mountains (50 miles), but it was sure worth the drive! We were so high up the mountain on our descent we actually drove thru the clouds.



Our next destination was Salt Lake City, UT. God and time were on our side! We actually got all the way to Bear Lake, UT/ID (the area is also known as Garden City, UT). Bear Lake is a beautiful rural, historical and recreational paradise shared by Idaho and Utah. It is one of the largest natural lakes in the Western United States. Some call it the "Caribbean of the Rockies" for its intense turquoise blue water. The area is spectacular and one that Ray & I definitely plan to come back to visit.


The drive onward (north) took us to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park. But first we stopped in for a burger at Rulon Gardner's Burger Barn in Afton, WY. For $16.99 one could enjoy a 1.5 lb burger and get their name on the "Wall of Fame." I had no clue as to who Rulon Gardner is/was, but I gained much knowledge reading the newpaper clippings, postings and articles on the walls. (You might want to Google if you don't know who he is.) Too bad I wasn't able to talk Nic or Ray into trying the Rulon Burger!


We made it to the Old Faithful Education Center in time for the 7 PM Ranger Talk and about 7:10 Old Faithful faithfully spewed!! (Sorry, I'd hoped to post a video of the eruption but couldn't.)



We're at the West Yellowstone KOA for the night--which is actually in Montana!! Tomorrow we hope to stop in for a quick visit with former San Antonio neighbors, the Holmquist's, before we head on in to Canada.

We covet your continued prayers for safe travel, good health and great weather.

Gina (the HR gal in Fairbanks) tells us rumor has it--it may possibly snow this weekend! If it does, it will go on record for the earliest snowfall in Fairbanks. (The record holds now at Oct. 7)

We've finally left Texas!

Can you believe it?! Some folks still can't--heck!--we still can't!. I think for us it feels as though "we're on vacation." Having frequented KOA's from TX to CO, SD, OH, KY, TN (and points in between), this doesn't feel particulary any different. With Nic along, it definitely feels like any other family trip. And THANK GOD Nic was able to come along. There is no way I'd be able to help Ray get suitcases off the roof of the Explorer! or get this blog done right!!!!!

We pulled out of SA at 9:40 AM Monday, Sept 8. I hear Stacie Rodriguez (at FPC) won the prediction pool. She'd estimated a 10:00 AMdeparture! Your prize is in the mail, Stacie!!

We got as far as Lubbock, found a Best Western that is "pet-friendly" and bedded down for the evening.

Our plans for Tuesday included reaching Durango, CO. We fell short about an hour's drive due to the guys deciding to ride the "Sandia Peak" Tramway. It's

billed as the "longest tram in the world." It was a chilly 44 degrees up on the mountain, but the ride was enjoyed anyway! We drove to Bloomfield, NM and called it a night at midnight. We found a small room at the Bloomfield Inn. Take my advice--if you ever find yourself in these parts, you can skip this wonderful establishment! We're just grateful they accepted Wendell and only charged $5 for him. [I guess that's a fair exchange seeing how he had his own bed with him!]

As we drove to Albuquerque, on the way to the tram, it began to hail. Not large-size hail, but nevertheless we decided not to take any chances and found an overpass to wait it out. It was worth the wait as we were greeted by a beautiful rainbow.
In fact, a double rainbow! God's amazing!

The good news is we arrived safely in Durango this morning, the bad news is we'd missed the train (from Durango to Silverton) as it had 8 & 9 AM departure times. The KOA is quite adequate, the Kamping Kabin is cozy and now we're off to explore the town.

We did just get word that our friend, Kathy Lewis, passed away this morning. We were expecting the news and we're grateful that she is now free from the pain and ravaging effects of cancer! Please keep her daughter, Amy, and her sister, Linda in your prayers.

Share a hug and a smile with someone today!

With our love,

R, Y & N (and Wendell, too)

What's the hold up?!!

I've noticed for weeks something peculiar going on in my house. Lots of coming and going. Lots of boxes. Strange people coming and taking things. My family said we would be leaving a week ago. We're still here! (I hear they're taking "predictions" on the departure day/time down at the church. Call Phyllis if you'd like to get in on the action.) My human dad has been doing things to the Explorer. My human mom keeps coming in and out of the garage with bundles of clothes. My human brother is prepping the den for new packmates. I will wait patiently--in the car. Maybe they'll take the hint?! [Sigh] I can smell the snow, hope we get going sooooon!!

Hugs and Licks,
Wendell

The Day Arrives!

I can't believe it's finally here. It seems like we've been preparing for so long and yet, we're not ready. There are still so many "little" things to do.
What a glorious day the Lord has made! It's absolutely beautiful outside...and HOT!
Ray recruited himself and Nic when the van driver called to say he was shorthanded. This is going to be fun, ha!

2 Days to the Moving Sale

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus' first words about treasure were a warning.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matt. 6:19-21.
Geez, I knew decluttering 18 years of married life would be a job, I just didn't think it would take this long. The good news is we see the light at the end of the tunnel. The purging has been a spiritual upliftment (I know, "upliftment" isn't a word, but I heard it on K-Love last week and thought it great!). At least, the second tunnel. We still have the actual move to face.
If anyone's looking for a bargain--head on over to the casa, Saturday, August 16, 8 AM!! We've got everything from a 1999 Ford F-150 to dining room furniture and lots of Christmas items.

More and More Official Every Day!

Today brought the news of our temporary mailing address.

Take note--and drop us a note! (But not until after September 1, please.)

1623 22ND AVE APT E
FAIRBANKS AK 99701-6453

Stay tuned...