Sunday, September 5
It’s been a long time since we’ve done anything worth blogging about but this week we set off for a new adventure. We’re driving across country (again) to attend our niece’s wedding in Virginia. We plan many stops along the way and will try to have some fun while staying safe.
Our original plan was to drive East along the Northern route and West along the Southern route with an extended stay in New Orleans. The hurricane changed all that. We still plan to drive East along the Northern route but we have no idea what route we’re going to take on the return trip. We cancelled all of our reservations along the Southern route. We’ve decided to put off any further decisions until after the wedding.
This morning we set out early. Deborah decided that our first stop should be Starbucks. She’s used to drinking several cups of coffee every morning and she desperately needed her fix.
We wended our way North from Las Vegas and stopped at Grind Coffee Shop in Cedar City, UT. Our intent was to make a quick stop, use the facilities and get some more coffee. As we walked in we were greeted by the wonderful smell of roasting coffee. I had a light breakfast and thought I might get one of their breakfast sandwiches but the place was mobbed and the wait for any food items was 35 minutes. Instead we opted for a couple of danish. We shared an almond danish and another filled with apple and berries. Both of the pastries were excellent and tasted as though they were made with lots of butter. We asked the barista if they were in house and she said, “No”. She had no idea where they got them. We also got two iced mochas. They were ok but, because of the flavoring, it was really hard to judge the quality of the coffee. Rookie mistake!
After fueling up we headed East on I-70. This was new territory for us. We went through some absolutely gorgeous country that reminded us of pictures we’d seen of Monument Valley. We drove through miles of interesting sandstone cliffs that were carved by many years of wind and rain. This area is actually the beginning of the huge area that ends in the Grand Canyon.
We stopped for lunch in the town of Green River, UT. We had chosen a well reviewed place called Ray’s Tavern, which specializes in burgers and bar food. When we got there we had second thoughts. The place looked rather rough and reminded us of places where biker gangs come to rumble. We decided to go in and if we didn’t like what we saw to choose another place.
Inside the place with busy with a typical lunch crowd. We ordered two cheeseburgers: one with fries and one with cole slaw. The half pound burgers were made from fresh beef and the fries were freshly cut with skin on. Both were excellent. We were glad we stayed.
Before departing Town we had one more stop to make. We had to see the world’s largest watermelon! Green River is a well known place where premium watermelons are grown. Just outside of the John Wesley Powell River History Museum there is a large watermelon made from wooden planks. Who wouldn’t drive out of their way to see that!
Our last stop for the day was in Grand Junction, CO. We’re just planning a quick overnight on our way to Denver.
- Mileage Today: 529.0
- Total Mileage: 529.0
- Total Miles Per Gallon: 35.0
So glad you’re on the road again. We in Laramie, WY visiting Kevin, safe travels!
It’s surprising that after all this time we could be just a short ride from one another. It’s a shame we won’t be able to get together. It’s likely we’ll be on the East coast next year. I hope we’ll get together then.
Hello Travelers ,
Good to read your really great travel
Blog again; Greetings to you from S.A., TX.