Friday, November 5, 2010

The Epic Expedition: The Home Stretch

The 4Runner wagon train pointed westward once again as the sun came up over Colorado on Day 14. 

A pit stop at The Great Salt Lake marked halfway for that day. 


Driving west from Salt Lake City, we traversed 100 miles of desolation. It was flat and literally possessed no life. Not one animal, tree, town, tumbleweed, bird, or bush could be seen for miles. Interestingly, mountains in the distance bordered the desert but leading up to those mountains was nothing. It was the most intriguing terrain that we had driven through so far. In west Texas, New Mexico, parts of Colorado and even east Utah, the desolate spots still had sage brush and prairie grass, birds and prairie dogs, but this was a different kind of desert; completely lifeless.


Every town in Nevada that's big enough to have a gas station and hotel was dotted with casinos, some of which were sun bleached and had seen better days. In Nevada, the sun beats down on all who take a risk whether big or small; but it sets with a spectacle to rival blinking lights and ringing slot machines. 



Crossing into California, we took another lakeside detour. Lake Tahoe was well worth roving 45 minutes off course.




 The skies were filled with sunshine for 2 weeks and 2/3 of the states we passed through. Then, northern California spoke up and reminded us that we were nearing the Pacific Northwest. It rained for the next five days.


Redding, California is home to the sundial bridge. A unique sight to see but slippery when wet.


Up, over Mt. Shasta, we dropped into Oregon, driving from south to north.



Then, Portland and on to Seattle.






Finally, to Whidbey Island.




Of all the diversity that is offered by these United States, the final destination of this trip brought the pay-off.



The grandeur of jagged peaks rising from sea level is breathtaking.




Sitting on the peaceful shores of this island, I could let time pass without a care. 
The beauty is that enchanting.  

2 comments:

Unknown said...

What a journey, and I couldn't think of anyone I would have rather traversed the land with for three weeks. Such a great country we live in, and this trip was a much-needed reminder of the blessings of family, friends, and going back to your roots.

beth said...

yippee....another "the big c" lover !!!

and that was a beautiful trip !!