In the Great National Parks

Hi,

Just a quick message. I am in the National Parks. TR Park, Yellowstone, and now the Tetons.

Very poor internet, can't upload pictures. Car is fine, no problems , at 10,000 feet. Good tuning and engine rebuild. I am going to need a place for some maintenance. Park City, Utah. Gary, I will see you 27th or 28th.

Ride has been spectacular. Crossed the Continental Divide , three times yesterday . Off into mountains today.

Here is a map of my trip so far. Just click on the link.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en...bd16c50594&z=5

Here is a map of projected route

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en...,86.572266&z=4


I will have pictures when I get to Park City. Northwest members, leave the light on and I need a lift to check out strange sounds from steering.

Jack

Happy Trails

Two of my dearest friends are memorializing their Fathers this week. Having bid my Dad a final farewell a few years ago, it's important to know your friends are there for support and understanding. To Bob, somehow fittingly a salute from the wild west and the Grand Tetons. To John, your family knows you'll be there smiling with the rainbows and will be ever present in their daily lives, as always. A hug to Pat and Elizabeth from many miles away...

Douglas County Fair - Minn.

I have spent a nice day at the Douglas County Fair in Alexandria Minn.  Lots of animals, 4H Club exhibits and just good old country living.  Rest is good and on Sunday, I head to Fargo ND to meet with some  Corvette Forum Members.  Then it is off to High Plains Country.  Camping in the National Parks including Yellowstone.

Longest Day on the Road

A beautiful ride through the Mid-West.  It is late 12 midnight,  I will write more tomorrow after some rest.

Route 66

You can get your kicks on Route 66.    The ride  from St. Louis to Kansas City MO, was the best yet.  I took Route 66/100 for more than 100 miles along the Missouri River.  No cars,  fast speeds, winding road.  Iowa, Nebraska on my schedule for today.  Special thanks to Jerry Craig in St. Louis and Jason Lowe in KC for their hospitality and good company.

Long Day today on the road

Today was a long ride day.  Great ride along the Mississippi for about 100 miles.  Car is running great, a little rain, no traffic and a soft bed waiting in Ellisville MO.  Many small towns along the river , some with vitality and others that time had passed by many years ago.

The towns and hamlets are starting to be farther apart, and people fewer and fewer.  Prosperity and wealth seem to diminish as you leave Ohio and Indiana and move into southern Illinois and northern Missouri.   Staying with Jerry Craig,  who raced and still races corvettes.  One of the last of the original of  gang of corvette racers.  He bought his first Corvette in 1958, brand new , and has had over 14 corvettes over the years.  Great hosts , he and his wife  Armynta.

Off to KC , Kansas tomorrow and then on to Iowa and Minnesota.  Will take a few days off to visit my nephew Ross and his wife and 3 children in Northern Minnesota.

I have been fortunate not to have to tent so far,  hope that continues until big sky country next week

Week Two

Car Info   Oil pressure  60,  Temp 190,  mpg 13-14.5  (3.70 rear) Third latch works like a charm.  No leaks from front of top. Thank you Carl Hinkson (Blockman) for such a great engine rebuild.  Only state and county roads.  No traffic, speeds about 55 to 70  all day.  It is a dream ride.

The Ride   I have stayed on blue highways about 80% of the time.  Small hamlets, Main Streets,  corn and beans in the fields.  Sometimes I can go 10 min. without seeing a car.  Small town USA.  I love to drive and this drive is a Corvette owners dream.  I feel very privileged to have the time, the car and family support to under take such a trip.  Strangers have opened their homes to me and I hope that my visit gives them back as much as they give me.

I am still waiting for Harvey to show up in the passenger seat,  part of this trip was to be self examination and spiritual growth.  I guess it has been too hot .  I will keep you posted if Harvey shows.   I am sorry for the delay in writing this blog , thanks for your patience.

I am staying tonight in a small town called Battle Ground, IN. It was where the battle of Tippecanoe was fought during the war of 1812.   Off to Grafton WI on Sunday.  Keep the light on.