Wrap Up

The trip is over and we have been back home for two weeks and enjoying every moment of being on familiar ground.
Here are some basic truths we discovered on this trip.
Regional food still exists. For example Applebees has the same menu but food is prepared differently in other parts of the country.
Some small towns in America seem to be doing very well, Ankeny,IA, Rapid City,SD, Bozeman, MT, while big cities not so well, Memphis, TN.
The further west we traveled the healthier the people appear. Seems like fruits and vegetables are scarce in the Eastern half of the country.
Red wine in New York was served in a aperitif glass. No red wine glass was available.
Roads in general are not in great shape, lots of construction going on in the East.
More RV's in the west.
Lots of wind farms in Iowa. In 2008 8% of electricity used in Iowa was provided by wind farms. Saw lots of wind turbine blades being transported on the interstate, 124' long by 11' at the rotor end so you can imagine how big the transport trucks are.
No problems with iPhone GPS or connectivity.
The devastation from the Missouri River flooding is still present. Driving Route I-29 (N/S) was like driving on a causeway. Sandbags on both sides of the interstate.
Poverty in the Native American Nations appears to be the same whether its in the Navajo Nation or the Sioux Nation.

MOST INTERESTING STOPS, SIGHTS OR EVENTS.

Ford Rouge Plant in Dearborn, MI
Bikers on Beale Street Memphis, TN
Civil Rights Museum Memphis, TN
Grace Land Memphis, TN
Portland, Maine Art Museum and its use of iPods and cell phone technology
Rapid City, SD with lifesize statues of the Presidents on street corners, 39 in all.
Santa Fe, NM revisited after many years. Still a great place for a long weekend trip.
Worlds best fish tacos in Flagstaff, AZ
Sleeping in a Tipi at KOA campground in Flagstaff, AZ.
Monument Valley and Canyon DeChelly.
Two Harley riders from Staten Island, NY touring the country in only 2 weeks. Met them in Flagstaff, AZ.
All the Harley riders around Rapid City and the Black Hills. It was the week for the Sturgis Motorcycle gathering.
The McKenzie wedge in Bozeman MT. Iceberg lettuce with 1000 island dressing, a balsamic vinegar dressing, Roquefort cheese, bacon, nuts, cranberries. YUM with a great pizza!
Vashon Island with Joe and Denise in Seattle, WA and
Last but not least was Patty and Doug's wedding.

There was one constant that seemed to appear throughout the whole trip and that was motorcycles. It started in CA when I talked the Harley rider who joked about traveling with his laptop and cell phone. Campgrounds have WIFI (can you believe it?)Then on RT 66 at Rays Motel and group of riders from Germany appeared. The guys from Staten Island in Flagstaff. Memphis and Beale Street. Then all the Sturgis riders both going to and coming from SD.
That's it for now until we leave for Italy on October 7th. Gary and Karen