Hi Gang,

  This is the beginning of a descriptive narrative for my 2 month summer trip back to the midwest ie Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Driving the Teal chevy express van towing the enclosed trailer with the wing strapped inside. Check in when you get a chance to see where and what I'm up to.

Day 1, Monday, June 21.
  

Underway...making way... by 0800. Started off with overcast and a few sprinkles but by the afternoon the sunglasses were glistening through, the windshield. The day was uneventful but pleasant. Daughter, Melissa, is forcing me to listen to alternative rock and coffee house acoustic on the XM Satellite radio. She did watch a movie this AM (I enjoyed the audio).

 Made it to our first night stay in Baker City, OR. Super 8. But had to park the rig in the 18 wheeler lot.....mud and water filled potholes. I'm Not a happy camper in this regard. 

Eastern Oregon is beautiful along interstate 84!

Day 2, Tuesday, June 22.

Today's journey took us through the valley of Boise, Idaho and south to the beautiful Rocky Mountains of eastern Utah on the Great Salt Lake. The trip was uneventful except for the missed Interstate switch...14 miles to the next exit for a turn around (28 miles I would rather forget).

The weather is getting warmer...darn near hot.  When the A/C is switched off the sweat glands switch on. I hear from Diann that the weather is getting better at home too. I can't wait to unload the "Wing" in Michigan and head for a great lake or two.

We will spend the evening at Ogden, UT Comfort Suites.

See you domani.......

Day 3, Wednesday, June 23.

OMG...The remaining trip across Utah today was ok but Colorado along the I-70 corridor is a work of art!!!!!   If you have never done it plan on a future ride. Though we were trapped in our box (van) I could only imagine the thrill of riding the Wing through the twisties. The bluffs, overhangs, buttes, mesas and, of course, the ever present and mighty Colorado River which snaked the highway all day. My first time through...WoW.

The weather is a dream. We left the right day...cloudless deep Blue sky with the temperatures in the 80's.

We are staying the evening in Avon, CO...close to the rich kids of Vail.  And this place is just that...an oasis for the wealthy. 

We will slumber at the Comfort Inn, a place we can afford.

Nighty night everyone

Day 4, Thursday, June 24.

Finished the I-70 run this AM and headed for I-80 to the NW. The W. Denver approach on I-70 was again spectacular. 

The trek into Nebraska was a bit of a return to "Plainsville". The great plains have always been a bit anticlimactic to me though the region was one of the most important parts of western expansion by the U.S. Not sure how the Bike runs would be....a lot of straight-a-ways maybe.

Stayed in Kearney, NE Rodeway Inn and Suites 

Day 5, Friday, June 25.

We finished the trek across Nebraska. I Kept my eyes open for "Omaha Steaks" road ads but alas saw none...you don't suppose they're really shipped from China?

Ahh, Iowa. Beautiful lush rolling green hills with lots of trees and fields. Home of Senator and Mrs. Dole. Should make for an interesting Wing Ding.

It's still part of the great plains but a different flavor. Seems like more people populate the state for one thing. Hot, Hot, Hot...great growing weather for Corn and Cattle.

Arrived earlier than expected at the Coralville, IA Comfort Inn so Melissa took advantage of the amenities....sun and pool. The Univ of Iowa campus is here.

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Take care..
  Dave, Chapter Web Manager and Melissa

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