On the road ...

   Fall is a great time to get away and there's nothing pressing in our schedule for another month, so when I mentioned to Mary that I've always wanted to do a cross country road trip, she said; "Let's go!"

   I hope to make it across to the west coast; we'll take northern routes out and come back probably in the south where the weather might be easier. But we'll also try to be flexible enough for a detour into Canada if we hear moose calls.

   We'll start heading west toward the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, then continue on the slower roads from there. The plan for the six day western trip has our toes in the water a few times in the western Great Lakes, then driving not far from the Canadian border through a couple of national parks on our way eventually to Seattle (if we make it that far).

   The trip seems easy compared to flying overseas; no airport security, connecting flights, foreign languages and advance reservations to worry about. I have to admit I get a little nervous when I look at maps of Montana and Wyoming, but it should be ok. We have plenty of time and a good car so if the long haul driving gets tough, we can always stop for a couple of days where the scenery invites us. There's even room in the trunk for golf clubs in case of emergency.

   I'll try to check in to the blog most nights with pictures of the scenery and some animals more interesting than our neighborhood squirrels (no offense intended). Our cell phones should be available for the whole trip in case anyone needs to text or talk with us.

   Have a great September, everyone !