Sept 26.....After breakfast we followed the St. Lawrence River from Montreal to Quebec. Took some back roads and when we stopped for gas it was a little difficult to communicate. The small towns and villages are very quaint looking like in Europe. We arrive in the outskirts of Quebec at the Best Western Premier, check in and head for Old Town Quebec. The girl at the front desk was very helpful guiding us to the old town without getting on the freeways. Drove along the St Lawrence River. Long area with parks, bike ways and walking paths. It was a warm beautiful day and all kinds of people were out enjoying the great weather. We found a place to park, where a cruise ship was docked. So beautiful and stately, Arlen says he wishes he was on it.
We spend the next 2 to 3 hours exploring the Old Town of Quebec City. It is like stepping back in time here, This is the oldest neighborhood in North America. The streets are cobblestone and the architecture of the buildings make you feel you are in Europe. The narrow streets are lined with one of a kind boutiques and bistros. We go inside the church of Our Lady of Vitcories.It faces Old Town square and is said to be North America's oldest stone church. Very beautiful and on the outside is a mural of prominent figures in Quebec history. There are several murals painted on the sides of buildings throughout Old Town. We decide to end our day and find a sidewalk cafe to have dinner. We end up having appetizers cause it's not quite time for the dinner menu. We have a pate of smoked salmon on baguettes and wine. Next a salad , we share poutine ala southwest and pig on a poke sausage which is a fancy corn dog. It wasn't French onion soup or steak frites but at least we weren't hungry anymore. It isvery expensive to eat in Quebec as remember it is French and everything you order is separate. Our bill was over 80.00. We return to our room via downtown so we get to see a little more of the city. Tomorrow will be an extensive walking tour.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Squirrels, Skunks and Falafals
Sept 25.....As we left Pembroke we discovered an unusual animal as we drove along this park.Black squirrels. Like prairie dogs these little creatures were busy scampering in and out of their holes. It was quite a site to experience as we had never seen a black squirrel before.
Another unusual road attraction was the numerous skunks and raccoons dead on the road. We now know why Pepe La Pew is so famous, they smell worse than our skunks.
Finally arriving in St Jerome, checked into a Best Western on the outskirts of Montreal. We are trying to stay out of large city's. Found a mall and walked around looking at the different stores. Went into a bookstore but left quickly as everything is in FRENCH. At the food court they had such things as Thai Express and Lebanese that, way were different. We kept seeing Labanese restaurants traveling through Canada. Arlen say the Lebanese and the French have a relationship based on the French Foreign Legion and Lebanon like they were colonized.
Anyway, we had Lebanese food for dinner which is like eating Armenian food. Stuffed grape leaves, beef and chicken kabobs,and a ground meat sausage like lula kabobs. The only difference was you got hummus and falafals. All very mall and delicious. After dinner we walked more of the mall and ended up at Target. Walked through the store to see if anything was different, Oh yeah, EVERYTHING IS IN FRENCH.
Another unusual road attraction was the numerous skunks and raccoons dead on the road. We now know why Pepe La Pew is so famous, they smell worse than our skunks.
Finally arriving in St Jerome, checked into a Best Western on the outskirts of Montreal. We are trying to stay out of large city's. Found a mall and walked around looking at the different stores. Went into a bookstore but left quickly as everything is in FRENCH. At the food court they had such things as Thai Express and Lebanese that, way were different. We kept seeing Labanese restaurants traveling through Canada. Arlen say the Lebanese and the French have a relationship based on the French Foreign Legion and Lebanon like they were colonized.
Anyway, we had Lebanese food for dinner which is like eating Armenian food. Stuffed grape leaves, beef and chicken kabobs,and a ground meat sausage like lula kabobs. The only difference was you got hummus and falafals. All very mall and delicious. After dinner we walked more of the mall and ended up at Target. Walked through the store to see if anything was different, Oh yeah, EVERYTHING IS IN FRENCH.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Ted Horton to Pembroke Poutine
September 24......Happy Birthday Cady and Cassandra! Headed for Pembroke, Ontario Canada today. It is foggy this morning but not wet, strange. Driving is a bit of a challenge we cant see our surroundings for about an hour.. That is tough when you are on unfamiliar roads in a foreign country. Stopped for lunch at the town of North Bay. Walked around the town a bit then bought a sandwich and drove down to the water to eat by the Lake. Lots of road construction trying their and even blasting with dynamite. Stopped at Ted Horton, Canada's answer to Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts and Krispie Kream all rolled into one. We stopped to use the restrooms and ended up trying their famous coffee. We also chose to try their sweet selections which Arlen had a caramel apple fritter and I had the pumpkin pie donut. YUM!
We arrive at Pembroke at about 4:30, remember now we are 3 hours ahead of you in time. The new Holiday Inn Express is our home for the night. Dinner includes the chance to try a regional Canadian favorite called "Poutine"(poo-tin). That is french fries covered with a light brown gravy and then sprinkled with cheese curds on top.At first I was not impressed but after eating more it became addictive. The cheese curds are like chewy bits of mozzerella cheese.
We arrive at Pembroke at about 4:30, remember now we are 3 hours ahead of you in time. The new Holiday Inn Express is our home for the night. Dinner includes the chance to try a regional Canadian favorite called "Poutine"(poo-tin). That is french fries covered with a light brown gravy and then sprinkled with cheese curds on top.At first I was not impressed but after eating more it became addictive. The cheese curds are like chewy bits of mozzerella cheese.
Michigan to Espanol
Sept 22......Left today for Munising, Michigan, it is located in the upper peninsula of Michigan. We drove through roads of autumnal trees mixed with pine, very beautiful. Munising is on Lake Superior so we stopped along the way and also walked down to the shore from our motel. You would think you are at a the ocean not a lake, really beautiful. The area has many waterfalls and lighthouses. We saw Warner Falls, took pictures, very beautiful picture postcard setting. We also got to try a traditional food of the area called pasty pronounced pass-tee. turnnover shaped pie filled with beef, potatoes and onion and baked. you eat it with Catsup or a new found favorite Catsupeno (Catsup and jalapeno) yummy!
Sept23.......Left Munising today to enter into Canada. Stayed in Espanol. When we entered the town we saw a big factory and then the aroma hit. It smelled like they were cooking sauerkraut. The smell was very strong. When we asked at the motel we were told that it i was a pulp paper plant and the chemical fumes make it smell like cabbage is cooking. Stayed in a very unassuming motel strange but clean on the outside and a maze to find your room but when you did it was a sanctuary. The room was spacious and beside the bed, it had a comfy sofa and side chair, big flat screen TV with high definition screen, a Keurig coffee maker and a really nice bathroom which even had a magnification mirror attached to wall. Had a nice italian dinner.
Sept23.......Left Munising today to enter into Canada. Stayed in Espanol. When we entered the town we saw a big factory and then the aroma hit. It smelled like they were cooking sauerkraut. The smell was very strong. When we asked at the motel we were told that it i was a pulp paper plant and the chemical fumes make it smell like cabbage is cooking. Stayed in a very unassuming motel strange but clean on the outside and a maze to find your room but when you did it was a sanctuary. The room was spacious and beside the bed, it had a comfy sofa and side chair, big flat screen TV with high definition screen, a Keurig coffee maker and a really nice bathroom which even had a magnification mirror attached to wall. Had a nice italian dinner.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Mall of America to Wisconsin Octoberfest
Sept 19......Left New Ulm, MN on our way to Bloomfield, MN to experience the Mall of America. Arrived about 11:20 so were able to get early check in at hotel and ride the shuttle to the Mall. Stayed until 7:15. What a day,WALK, WALK, WALK, instead of Drive, Drive Drive. The brochure says that if you spent 10min in each shop it would take 86 hours to see the mall.. The mall is such a gigantic place to explore. It is a shoppers paradise, a parents answer to a family outing and a foodies paradise. There are 520 shops to enjoy.
Sept 20........Day 2 at Bloomington and the Mall of America. We decide to make a trip to Target. because Minnesota is where Target headquarters are. After our excursion at Target we ran in to the famous Chick-fil-A. Had lunch there, Arlen's first time there. Also came upon Bloomington's town event called Heritage days. Walked around to explore this event. It was a sunny perfect day. Came back to room to get ready to go back to Mall to see a show at the House of Comedy when a severe thunder/wind/rain/warning came on the TV. Not knowing what might happen, we decided to stay at hotel for the rest of the evening. Oh, well, we did get to experience the Mall and Minnesota weather and perhaps just kick back instead of go, go, go.
Sept 21......On to Wisconsin. Rolling hills of farms and crops with red barns and multiple silos for storing their bounty. Looked up Oktoberfest and found one in Chippewa Falls so we decided to find it. Spent a couple of hours listening to the German bands and having a nice lunch of German food. We also tried the Wisconsin favorite"cheese curds" These little bites of deliciousness are like a grilled cheese sandwich without the bread. Yummy! Drove on to Rhinelander ,WI to spend the night.
Sept 20........Day 2 at Bloomington and the Mall of America. We decide to make a trip to Target. because Minnesota is where Target headquarters are. After our excursion at Target we ran in to the famous Chick-fil-A. Had lunch there, Arlen's first time there. Also came upon Bloomington's town event called Heritage days. Walked around to explore this event. It was a sunny perfect day. Came back to room to get ready to go back to Mall to see a show at the House of Comedy when a severe thunder/wind/rain/warning came on the TV. Not knowing what might happen, we decided to stay at hotel for the rest of the evening. Oh, well, we did get to experience the Mall and Minnesota weather and perhaps just kick back instead of go, go, go.
Sept 21......On to Wisconsin. Rolling hills of farms and crops with red barns and multiple silos for storing their bounty. Looked up Oktoberfest and found one in Chippewa Falls so we decided to find it. Spent a couple of hours listening to the German bands and having a nice lunch of German food. We also tried the Wisconsin favorite"cheese curds" These little bites of deliciousness are like a grilled cheese sandwich without the bread. Yummy! Drove on to Rhinelander ,WI to spend the night.
Corn Palace and Minnesota
Sept 18..............Leaving Mitchell, South Dakota we decided to stop at the World's only Corn Palace. Built in 1892 early settlers would display their agriculture bounty on the buildings exterior to prove the fertility of the soil and to attract immigrant farmers to settle there. Every year a new decorating theme is chosen and the outside is stripped and redecorated with new corn and grains. We were lucky enough to be there to see how they create the murals. It is definitely worth stopping to see if you are ever in South Dakota.
On the road again we enter Minnesota . The first town is Jasper
Arlen comments: Jasper Motors had 3vehicles a pickup a boat and a quad.
CORN,CORN,CORN owee whats that smell.....CORN, CORN, CORN, and soybeans too!
Field of crops with a house surrounded by trees. All open land so the farms really stood out. Spending the night in New Ulm, MN. Its a town with much German influence. We walked downtown to watch the Glockenspiel . Tried to go to Schell's Brewery but they only have tours on Fri andSat.
All the buildings in town are brick, very different. Ate at a German restaurant, pretty good but I can make better German food. :-) Farms have acreage with massive well groomed lawns like its required or necessary. Have not seen such well groomed green grass around homes, buildings and even mowed grass along roadways. Someone told us that Minnesotans love their lawns and are a must.
On the road again we enter Minnesota . The first town is Jasper
Arlen comments: Jasper Motors had 3vehicles a pickup a boat and a quad.
CORN,CORN,CORN owee whats that smell.....CORN, CORN, CORN, and soybeans too!
Field of crops with a house surrounded by trees. All open land so the farms really stood out. Spending the night in New Ulm, MN. Its a town with much German influence. We walked downtown to watch the Glockenspiel . Tried to go to Schell's Brewery but they only have tours on Fri andSat.
All the buildings in town are brick, very different. Ate at a German restaurant, pretty good but I can make better German food. :-) Farms have acreage with massive well groomed lawns like its required or necessary. Have not seen such well groomed green grass around homes, buildings and even mowed grass along roadways. Someone told us that Minnesotans love their lawns and are a must.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Custer State Park to the Badlands
Sept 15 cont.....Custer Stat Park was amazing. Acres and acres of open land with camping and fishing but the most impressive was the herds of buffalo we saw grazing . It was unbelievable to see these animals just in the open free to roam. Arlen read that there are 3000 head of buffalo roaming the park. We also saw prong horned sheep and wild burros. One came right up to our car window.
Sept 16.....Today we left Hill City and traveled to the National Monument called Devils
Tower. It is one of the most unique rock formations in the world. The tower of volcanic rock is 865 ft high and is the first National Monument in the United States. Well worth the stop to see.
We stopped to see this on the way to Wall Drug in Wall ND. Big hype but I was not impressed. Too, much to look at. It is like many souvenir shops together. There is a pharmacy with a fountain, like in the olden days and 5 cent coffee with free refills and free ice water other than that I would not go back or recommend it.
Sept 17....Back on the road we drove to the Badlands of South Dakota. This area is something you cant miss if you come to this area. The geological landscape is unbelievable and you wonder when you see it how the Indians survived in this area. The erosion has created areas of impassible land. It is hard to describe as you have to see it to believe it. We stayed in Mitchell, SD and ate dinner at Ruby Tuesdays but I wished we had eaten at a place called Culvers. It looked like a nice restaurant but was an upscale fast food known for their butter burgers and frozen custard. They have such unique items. We did have the custard, cherry pecan, YUM.
Sept 16.....Today we left Hill City and traveled to the National Monument called Devils
Tower. It is one of the most unique rock formations in the world. The tower of volcanic rock is 865 ft high and is the first National Monument in the United States. Well worth the stop to see.
We stopped to see this on the way to Wall Drug in Wall ND. Big hype but I was not impressed. Too, much to look at. It is like many souvenir shops together. There is a pharmacy with a fountain, like in the olden days and 5 cent coffee with free refills and free ice water other than that I would not go back or recommend it.
Sept 17....Back on the road we drove to the Badlands of South Dakota. This area is something you cant miss if you come to this area. The geological landscape is unbelievable and you wonder when you see it how the Indians survived in this area. The erosion has created areas of impassible land. It is hard to describe as you have to see it to believe it. We stayed in Mitchell, SD and ate dinner at Ruby Tuesdays but I wished we had eaten at a place called Culvers. It looked like a nice restaurant but was an upscale fast food known for their butter burgers and frozen custard. They have such unique items. We did have the custard, cherry pecan, YUM.
5 days is not a week,but I'm retired now
Sept 13.......Today was another driving day to reach our destination of Mt. Rushmore by Tuesday. Drive, drive, drive, to end up in Gillette, WY. Not impressed,yucky weird Best Western was not the best. Free drink coupon but they allow smoking in bar so turned around and went back to room. Had a late lunch in Sheridan at a place called Frankletons. I had a very delicious take on a cobb salad and Arlen had a cuban sandwich so we just had snacks for dinner.
Memorable Moment on I 90: Wyoming mud splattered pick up pulling a trailer at 80 and a semi the same -grazing antelope
Sept 14............Another drive day to get to Custer, SD. We saw long horned sheep and antelope grazing, very cool. I love seeing the different wild animals. Stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Hill City, SD. Had a great dinner at Desparado's Cowboy Restaurant. Very special dinner. Started with Buffalo Sashimi. A marinated Asian flavored marinated buffalo meat then seared quickly and sliced very thin. Served with pickled ginger and wasabi. Very tasty and unique,even Arlen ate it. I had the house favorite, Walleye fish and Arlen had Chicken Fried Steak #3.
Sept 15 .........Today we experienced the impressive Mt Rushmore. We walked to the viewing area and took many pictures including a selfie. Walked many steps down to the Artists Studio. It is quite amazing how the feat of carving and chiseling these four faces was done. You could hike closer to the rocks but it was a very strenuous so we passed. A couple of hours is all you need there and of course time to shop in the gift shops.
Memorable Moment on I 90: Wyoming mud splattered pick up pulling a trailer at 80 and a semi the same -grazing antelope
Sept 14............Another drive day to get to Custer, SD. We saw long horned sheep and antelope grazing, very cool. I love seeing the different wild animals. Stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Hill City, SD. Had a great dinner at Desparado's Cowboy Restaurant. Very special dinner. Started with Buffalo Sashimi. A marinated Asian flavored marinated buffalo meat then seared quickly and sliced very thin. Served with pickled ginger and wasabi. Very tasty and unique,even Arlen ate it. I had the house favorite, Walleye fish and Arlen had Chicken Fried Steak #3.
Sept 15 .........Today we experienced the impressive Mt Rushmore. We walked to the viewing area and took many pictures including a selfie. Walked many steps down to the Artists Studio. It is quite amazing how the feat of carving and chiseling these four faces was done. You could hike closer to the rocks but it was a very strenuous so we passed. A couple of hours is all you need there and of course time to shop in the gift shops.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Still our first week on the road/ Still learning how this blog works
Sept 9.........Spent the day trying to catch fish, no luck.Road blockage led us to a non paved detour. Called Dr. Mosson to get the results of my tests. All is well except the usual. Spent time a Rite Aid getting medicine. Nice dinner at the Pancake and Christmas Restaurant. Had chicken fettuccine salad with tomato basil bread. Arlen ahad Chicken Fried Steak, his favorite. Remember I am a foodie so you will get food details and pictures once I figure it all out.
Sept 10...Went to McCall, ID Post Office, beautiful mountain architecture outside, normal inside. Very nice lady waited on me. Off to see what is wrong with my eye. Got medicine and spent more time at Rite Aid, Now we are on our way to Grangeville with stops along the way for fishing. Spent the night at Grangeville at Super 8. :-( Ate dinner at a cute restaurant called Seasons. Had a Ceasar salad with salmon and a delicious cup of Taco Soup. Arlen had a chicken fried Steak (#2). So the gravy was brown not white but was still good.
Sept 11....Another day of driving stopping along the way so Arlen could fish. Stopped at Kooskia Post office to mail postcards. I think that is where Kayla Swenson's family moved to. Arlen did get one fish but it got away before we could take a picture. Made it all the way to Missoula, MT. Stayed at Holiday Inn Express, trying to earn Reward points, Had an interesting pizza for dinner. It was a prime rib pizza with carmelized onions, horseradish and smokey cheddar cheese. Interesting!
Sept 12...Today we headed to West Yellowstone to spend the day exploring the park. We saw bison,elk, Old Faithful geyser and many other geysers, the Grand Canyon Of Wyoming, and many beautiful lakes. Amazing! Spent the night at Best Western ( Points) but I think I prefer Holiday Inn express. Spent the night in Cody,Wyoming. Ate dinner at our first fast food restaurant thatwehadnever heard of, Taco John's. Tacos were O.K. but the Mexican Donut Bites are to die for. Fresh hot pillows of light like a Portugese donuts(filhos) with powdered sugar frosting. What a treat!
Sept 10...Went to McCall, ID Post Office, beautiful mountain architecture outside, normal inside. Very nice lady waited on me. Off to see what is wrong with my eye. Got medicine and spent more time at Rite Aid, Now we are on our way to Grangeville with stops along the way for fishing. Spent the night at Grangeville at Super 8. :-( Ate dinner at a cute restaurant called Seasons. Had a Ceasar salad with salmon and a delicious cup of Taco Soup. Arlen had a chicken fried Steak (#2). So the gravy was brown not white but was still good.
Sept 11....Another day of driving stopping along the way so Arlen could fish. Stopped at Kooskia Post office to mail postcards. I think that is where Kayla Swenson's family moved to. Arlen did get one fish but it got away before we could take a picture. Made it all the way to Missoula, MT. Stayed at Holiday Inn Express, trying to earn Reward points, Had an interesting pizza for dinner. It was a prime rib pizza with carmelized onions, horseradish and smokey cheddar cheese. Interesting!
Sept 12...Today we headed to West Yellowstone to spend the day exploring the park. We saw bison,elk, Old Faithful geyser and many other geysers, the Grand Canyon Of Wyoming, and many beautiful lakes. Amazing! Spent the night at Best Western ( Points) but I think I prefer Holiday Inn express. Spent the night in Cody,Wyoming. Ate dinner at our first fast food restaurant thatwehadnever heard of, Taco John's. Tacos were O.K. but the Mexican Donut Bites are to die for. Fresh hot pillows of light like a Portugese donuts(filhos) with powdered sugar frosting. What a treat!
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Our first week on the road
On Sept 7, 2 days after I retired from Postal Service, Arlen and I started our cross county trip across America.
The first day we drove to Winnemucca, NV and spent the night at a very nice Holiday Inn Express.
Sept 8... cloudy with sprinkles but glad we are not in Phoenix, heavy rainfall. Are you O.K. George?
Lots of single wide mobiles with dead cars and long straight roads to Boise. Have you ever heard of Chicken Dinner Rd? Well there is one in Idaho.
The first day we drove to Winnemucca, NV and spent the night at a very nice Holiday Inn Express.
Sept 8... cloudy with sprinkles but glad we are not in Phoenix, heavy rainfall. Are you O.K. George?
Lots of single wide mobiles with dead cars and long straight roads to Boise. Have you ever heard of Chicken Dinner Rd? Well there is one in Idaho.
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