Day 1…Minnesota family visit…Settling in…

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Today, the staff is bringing us another chair, so we can sit at this large desk for dining.

The final stretch from Tea, South Dakota, to Eden Prairie, Minnesota, felt longer than it should have, not in miles but in the way our bodies carried the weight of the past few days. Hours on the road can feel manageable at the beginning of a trip, but by this point, we were both worn down in ways that are hard to ignore. We had settled into a pattern of only stopping when necessary, quick breaks for petrol and restrooms, just enough time to step out of the car, stretch our legs, and remind ourselves what it felt like to stand upright.

Even with those small pauses, the discomfort lingered. My body seemed to protest the most. Sitting had become a challenge, and by the last hour, I found myself shifting constantly, trying to find a position that offered even a little relief. Tom, on the other hand, carried his discomfort differently, though I could see it in the way he moved. His ribs were still tender from days of coughing, each breath a reminder that he had a way to go before he recovered.

He is getting better, which is something we both hold onto. Still, he is not himself. There is a heaviness to him, a fatigue that does not lift, paired with that deep, lingering congestion that seems to come with RSV. It is the kind of illness that takes its time, requiring patience whether you are ready to give it or not. I recognize it because I was there not long ago, moving through the same exhaustion, the same slow climb back to feeling normal.

Despite it all, we are in good spirits. There is comfort in knowing we are on the mend, that each day brings a little more energy, a little less discomfort. We have no sense that medical care is needed, just time, rest, and the willingness to let our bodies recover at their own pace. What we are most looking forward to now is seeing our family, though even that comes with a layer of caution. I have been sick for over two weeks and feel confident I am no longer contagious, but Tom will need a few more days. It is the responsible choice, even if it requires a bit more patience.

By the time we pulled into the hotel, the need to stop was immediate. There is a certain urgency that comes after hours on the road, when all you want is a door to close behind you and a moment to exhale. Even that simple process tested us slightly. The keys to our first-floor room refused to cooperate, leaving us standing in the hallway, tired and waiting. The front desk staff handled it quickly, calling maintenance, and before long, the issue was resolved.

The man living area in the hotel, works fine for us.

When we finally stepped inside, the room felt familiar in the best possible way. Without hesitation, I made a quick dash to the spacious bathroom, grateful for the comfort of something so ordinary and so necessary. It is funny how travel reshapes your appreciation for the smallest things.

The staff, recognizing the inconvenience, added 5,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to our account, a gesture we genuinely appreciated. It was a simple act, but one that made us feel cared for, a reminder that even small disruptions can be softened by kindness.

Once settled, we moved into our usual routine. Bags opened, clothes put away, everything finding its place. Within forty-five minutes, we had transformed the space into something that felt, temporarily, like home. There is satisfaction in that process, in creating order after a day that has felt long and somewhat taxing.

A few hours later, neither of us had the energy to go out, so we turned to what has become an easy solution. We ordered dinner through Grubhub, choosing comfort over effort. I went with steamed chicken and vegetables, and shrimp egg foo yong, something light but satisfying. Tom chose his usual favorite, sweet and sour pork, a dish that always seems to bring him a bit of comfort. The portions were generous enough to carry us through another meal, which feels like a small victory.

We intentionally ordered enough for two nights, giving ourselves permission to rest tomorrow without having to think about cooking. Still, I can already feel the balance shifting. While the convenience of delivery is undeniable, the cost adds up quickly. Even with a fee-free service through Amazon Prime, dinner for two on Grubhub comes close to US$ 50 per day. Dining out would easily double that.

Today, I will take some time to put together a small grocery order, something simple that allows us to cook on the evenings when we are not with family. It feels like the right middle ground, a way to care for ourselves while also being mindful.

Before settling in for the night, we reached out to the family to let them know we had arrived safely. There is comfort in that message, in knowing that soon, when the timing is right, we will be together again. For now, rest is what we need most.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 17, 2016:

In Bali, Gede, our houseman, explained that this outdoor stand is for church donations, comparable to a bake sale. Passersby purchase products to be donated to the church for low-income families. For more photos, please click here.

Day 4…On the road…Made an early stop for the night in Tea, South Dakota, since Tom is so sick…Bison!!!…

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There were four bison that we could see.

We spent the night at a Quality Inn in Rapid City, South Dakota, a first for us and, unfortunately, not one we are likely to repeat. It is always a bit of a gamble when you pull off the road after a long day and try somewhere new, hoping for that small sense of comfort that comes with a decent room and a reliable connection to the outside world. In this case, the room itself met the basic expectations. It was clean, which always matters most, and the bed was comfortable enough to invite a good night’s sleep after hours on the road.

But the WiFi, or lack of it, quickly became the underlying theme of the evening. It is funny how something so seemingly minor has become such an essential part of our daily routine. Posting, staying connected, even just looking up the next stretch of the journey, all depend on it. When we realized it was not working, I resorted to using my phone as a hotspot to upload yesterday’s post. It worked, but slowly, and with a level of patience that felt hard to summon after a full day of travel.

The real frustration came when we tried to resolve it. The hotel had advertised free WiFi, yet there we were, disconnected and improvising. When we mentioned the issue at the front desk, they handed us a phone number for their provider, as though we were expected to sort it out ourselves. We called, hopeful that it might be a quick fix, only to be told they had no record of that hotel at all. It felt like we had stepped into a strange little loop where no one quite knew what was going on. After spending far too much time chasing a solution, we gave up and settled back into our makeshift hotspot connection, shaking our heads at the absurdity.

We were excited to see some bison, although it would have been more exciting to see them in the wild than on a farm.

Thankfully, the evening improved once we left the hotel for dinner. We went to the Colonial Inn Restaurant, and from the moment we sat down, everything shifted. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, the kind that invites you to relax without even realizing it. I ordered a shell-free taco salad that turned out to be one of the best I can remember. It was fresh, flavorful, and exactly what I did not know I had been craving. Tom chose a burger along with chicken and wild rice soup, a comforting combination that seemed to suit him perfectly.

What stood out most, though, was the service. It was impeccable in a way that feels increasingly rare. Attentive without being intrusive, friendly without feeling forced. We left feeling genuinely cared for and made sure to reward our server accordingly. It is those small human interactions that linger long after the meal is over.

Back at the hotel, we settled in to watch the NHL playoffs, focusing on the Vegas Golden Knights. I have followed them for years now, ever since our son Richard, who lives in Nevada, first got me interested. There is something comforting about that connection, watching a game hundreds of miles away and feeling just a little closer to him in the process. For a while, we forgot about the WiFi and the earlier frustrations and simply enjoyed the game.

The night itself was uneven. We slept, but not deeply, and we both woke at different times, coughing uncontrollably. It is an unpleasant reminder that this lingering virus is not quite done with us yet. Tom, in particular, does not feel as well today as he did yesterday. There is a heaviness to it, the kind that makes even simple things feel like an effort. Still, we are hanging in there, doing what needs to be done.

The terrain in this part of South Dakota is uninteresting.

We were back on the road by 9:00 in the morning, determined to keep moving forward. There is something about travel that encourages that mindset. You adjust, you adapt, and you continue.

Halfway into the day, somewhere along the long stretch of highway that seems to define this part of the country, Tom suggested we stop for the night. There was no drama in his voice, no sense of defeat, just an acknowledgment that his body had reached its limit. We had been aiming for Eden Prairie, Minnesota, still holding onto the idea that we might make it in one long push, but neither of us had booked a hotel. We had left it open, as we often do, trusting the day to tell us what it needed.

The logistics made it easier to say yes. Our rental car isn’t due back until Sunday, when we’ll pick up another in Minneapolis at a better rate. We’ve learned over time that dropping a car off at a different location comes at a cost, and swapping vehicles mid-journey has become one of those small, practical decisions that shape how we travel. It made sense to stretch this drive into one more day.

We found a hotel in the little town of Tea, South Dakota, a place we might never have noticed if not for this moment. After checking in, it became clear just how unwell Tom was feeling. There’s a look that comes over him when he’s sick, a kind of deep exhaustion that no amount of determination can mask. As soon as we carried in our few bags and plugged in our equipment and chargers, which now feel as essential as anything else we travel with, he slipped under the covers and fell into a much-needed sleep.

It is mostly farmland.

Next door, there’s a restaurant where we may have dinner tonight. It feels comforting to know it’s there, simple and close. If he’s up to it, we’ll go together. If not, I’ll walk over and bring something back. For now, I’m sitting in the lobby, hoping rest will do what it can, and that tomorrow will feel just a little bit easier for him.

It is a strange balance, this life on the road. There are moments of frustration, unexpected detours, and nights that do not go as planned. But there are also small joys, a good meal, a shared conversation in the comfort of moving forward together. And for now, that is enough.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 15, 2016:

Even this gate in Bali caught our eye as we peered through it to see the exquisite grounds of this temple. For more photos, please click here.

Day 2…On the road…Made it to Evanston, Wyoming…

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Interesting rock formations as we neared Wyoming.

We are on the road again today, leaving Boise, Idaho, behind us under a pale morning sky that seems to understand exactly how we are feeling. There is something about beginning a long drive when one of us is unwell that changes everything. The excitement softens, the sense of adventure dulls, and all that really matters is getting safely to the next stop.

Unfortunately, Tom is very sick. Somewhere along the way, he picked up the same virus I brought with me from the ship almost two weeks ago. It feels unfair, like a lingering souvenir neither of us wanted. He is exhausted, achy, and coughing in that deep, persistent way that makes it impossible to rest. I remember those first few days all too well, and watching him go through it now tugs at my heart.

I offered to drive, more than once, but he insists on staying behind the wheel. There is a certain determination in him, even when he feels awful, that I both admire and worry about. I keep a close eye on him, listening between the stretches of road for any change in his breathing or energy. We still have two long days ahead of us before we reach Minnesota, and it feels longer now than it did when we first mapped it out.

With that in mind, we made the decision, much to our mutual disappointment, to skip Yellowstone this time. We had talked about it with such anticipation, imagining the wide open landscapes, the wildlife, and the wonder of it all. But the reality of traffic, higher elevation, unpredictable weather, and longer driving hours doesn’t change how things are today. It was the right choice, even if I didn’t like it when we said it out loud.

Snow-capped mountains in Utah.

There is comfort, though, in knowing this isn’t an opportunity forever. Next year, after our four back-to-back Azamara cruises, we will make this same drive again from Vancouver to Minnesota. Yellowstone will wait for us. It will be there, unchanged in its grandeur, ready for a time when we can fully appreciate it.

Right now, our only goal is simple. Get to Minnesota by Friday afternoon. Nothing more, nothing less.

Last night, we stayed at a relatively nice Best Western hotel in Boise. It was one of those places that feels welcoming the moment you walk in, even if you know you’re assured. We had dinner at a local spot, Wildwood Grill, and for a little while, everything felt almost normal. A good meal, a quiet table, and the familiar comfort of sitting across from each other at the end of a day.

But the night was long.

Sleep didn’t come easily for either of us. The room was filled with the sound of coughing, mine lingering but manageable, his constant and harsh. There is something especially difficult about being sick away from your own bed, your own space. I could hear the frustration in his breathing, the restlessness of a body that just couldn’t.

Yesterday morning, he started taking Tamiflu. It’s on. It’s those things you hold onto with cautious hope. Is it working? Would he feel worse without it? There’s an answer, only the wish that it will shorten the duration and ease the symptoms, even just a little.

As we’ve done so far, we’ve been listening to the Garage Logic episodes we missed while we were on the cruise. It feels oddly comforting, like catching up with familiar voices. Every so often, as we move deeper into more remote stretches, the signal fades and disappears altogether. The silence that follows is noticeable, but not unwelcome. It gives us space just to be, to watch the road, and to sit with our thoughts.

The road ahead in Idaho.

Today’s is more southerly, less scenic by most standards, but right now, beauty isn’t missed in landscapes. It’s me. It’s steady miles, in manageable traffic, and getting closer to where we need to be. I will try to take a few photos along the way, small glimpses to share with our dear readers, even if they don’t capture sweeping vistas.

More than anything, we are looking forward to Tom feeling better. To the day when the coughing stops, when sleep comes easily again, and when this stretch of the journey becomes just another story we tell.

We just checked into a hotel in Evanston, Wyoming, and soon will go to dinner at the hotel’s popular restaurant.

For now, we keep going.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 13, 2016:

We did a double-take in Bali when we saw these two young guys walking their inner tube-type boats along the beach. Later, we saw them fishing from these tiny watercraft. For more photos, please click here.

We’re on the road..

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Our last dinner together with Rita and Gerhard at Wild Fin.
We are on the road at last, that familiar feeling settling in as the wheels begin to turn and the scenery slowly shifts from the known to the unknown. After four delightful days spent with our dear friends Rita and Gerhard, this morning came with a mix of gratitude and that tug that always accompanies a goodbye. They kindly drove us to the Enterprise location, though not without a bit of a challenge. What should have been a simple twenty-minute drive stretched into over an hour, thanks to the steady pulse of morning rush hour traffic. It felt like the road was reminding us that every journey begins in its own time.

Once we arrived, picked up our rental car, and loaded our bags, it was time to part ways. Hugs lingered just a little longer, smiles held a touch more meaning, and then, just like that, we were off. There is something about that first stretch of highway that always feels significant, as if the road itself is opening up to welcome us forward.

Our goal today is simple: reach Boise, Idaho, by dinner time. It feels both ambitious and entirely doable, the kind of goal that gives structure without pressure. We have yet to book a hotel for the night, something that might have once made us uneasy, but over time has become part of our rhythm. There is a certain freedom in waiting, in allowing the day to unfold before deciding where we will rest our heads. More often than not, those last-minute bookings turn out to be the best finds, both financially and unexpectedly charming.

As we began the drive through the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

About an hour into the drive, I will begin searching for a place to stay, ideally with a nearby restaurant where we can settle in after a long day and reflect on the miles behind us. Until then, we press on, committed to making only the necessary stops for fuel and a quick stretch. There is determination in that kind of travel, a shared understanding that the destination will be all the sweeter for the effort.

As the miles pass beneath us, I find myself reflecting on how much I love this part of the country. The Pacific Northwest has shown us its beauty in ways that feel almost generous. Towering evergreens, distant mountain ranges softened by mist, and rivers that wind alongside the road as if they, too, are traveling somewhere important. It is a landscape that invites you to slow down, even as you move forward.

What makes this journey even more meaningful is sharing it with Tom. He hasn’t traveled this route before, and there is a special kind of joy in watching someone you love experience something new, especially when it is a place you have come to appreciate so deeply. I find myself pointing out small details along the way, the changing colors of the hills, the way the light shifts as clouds drift overhead, and the subtle transitions that signal we are moving from one region to another.

And then, of course, there is what lies ahead. Yellowstone. Just thinking about it brings a sense of anticipation that is hard to put into words. The possibility of seeing bison roaming freely across vast open spaces, of watching while nature carries on uninterrupted, feels like a gift waiting to be unwrapped. The scenery there is said to be extraordinary, layered with textures and colors that shift with every turn.

Once again, the scenery was breathtaking.

If the Pacific Northwest has already left us in awe, it is hard to imagine what Yellowstone will bring. And yet, that is the beauty of travel. When you think you have seen something remarkable, the world gently reveals something even more breathtaking.

For now, we settle into the pace of the road. The hum of the tires, the occasional glance at the map on the rental car’s screen, and the quiet companionship that comes from sharing a journey like this. There is nowhere else we need to be, no rush beyond the one we set for ourselves. Just the open road, the promise of what lies ahead, and the simple joy of being right here, in the middle of it all.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 12, 2016:

This bird appears to be a Blue Kingfisher. For more photos, please click here.

Day 4…Road trip…A memorable stop along the way…

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The Trstar Express Motel is reminiscent of the 1950s or 1960s

I wouldn’t say I like saying it was a podunk town, but in reality, it was…Tucumcari. New Mexico.As we drove down the main road in the old, worn-out town with a population of about 5,000, I was transported back to my youth, when I rode with my parents across the US from California to Massachusetts to visit my grandmother in the summers.

Tom, last night at dinner at Del’s Restaurant in Tucumcari.

Grandma lived in a mansion on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, which I recall as if it was yesterday, with the carved coconut heads hanging from the ceilings in the basement to the huge elegant dining room on the main floor and the no-touch parlor intended for observation rather than use.

I could go on about that magnificent house for hours, but I will return to the seven-day road trips I’ll never forget, including an overnight stay in Tucumcari, which looks the same today as I remembered it 70 years ago.

Fake flower decorations outside the door at Del’s Restaurant. We chuckled.

The difference was the shuttered old businesses that had long since closed on Route 66. When the interstate came through in the 1950s/1960s, the well-known thoroughfare became obsolete due to modern change.

Ironically, time stood still for the little town of Tucumcari and remained as I remembered it many decades ago.

Decorations at Del’s Restaurant.

We made our way down the road to our quaint motel, which was still standing seven decades later. I checked in to meet the owner, Mike, who welcomed us with open arms.

Much to our delight, the Wi-Fi was good, the room was clean and comfortable, and we wanted for nothing. I couldn’t stop smiling.

There wasn’t an empty spot for another Christmas decoration. It was adorable!

Tom had never made that route but appreciated the charm and the mystery of this unusual little community, mostly filled with retirees, cowgirls, and cowboys of varying ages—many who had lived there all their lives.

We found a great restaurant that reminded us of an old-fashioned supper club from the 1960s. It had a 10-page menu, smiling staff, and an array of old-fashioned entrees and sides. The ambiance in the supper club was indeed a Christmas wonderland.

My liver and onions with vegetable sides and of course, my one glass of red wine.

I ordered the seldom-seen liver and onions, and Tom had roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, and a couple of squishy buns. I couldn’t resist ordering a glass of red wine, my first since we began this road trip.

Tom’s favorite dinner is roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, and sweet corn. Of course, he has two rolls on the side.

Back at the motel, we watched the Minnesota Vikings game and lay down for the night in the somewhat hard bed, which had insufficient covers to keep us warm. My feet were freezing all night, but the only sox I had was a compression type, unsuitable for sleeping. The water never warmed up for this morning’s showers. Still, we didn’t complain and took off by 8:30 to head to breakfast at Kix, a local diner comparable to those we’ve all seen in many TV shows and movies.

We had breakfast this morning at Kix Diner.

Of course, we sat at the counter with swivel chairs and ordered hearty breakfasts unlike any other we’d had during this road trip.

The seats at the counter in Kix Diner.

Before we knew it, breakfast was over, and we headed back down Old Route 66 to a rundown petrol station to top off the tank and be on our way.

Tom was perusing the giant menu at Kix Diner this morning.

Today’s photos illustrate the incredible scenes we encountered in our short time in Tucumcari, New Mexico.

Myriad license plates are on the wall at Kix Diner.

The other stops along the way on this 4½ day road trip have already begun to fade from our minds, but our time and Tucumcari will be a fond memory, always putting a smile on our faces.

My breakfast at Kix Diner.

Soon, we’ll arrive at another interesting hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona, where we’ll spend the night and see what delightful story we can add to share our experience once again.

Rundown classic cars are waiting to be restored at the petrol station. Perhaps they’d been sitting here for decades.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 17, 2014:

Sandy Beach spots for enjoying the tide pools filled with fish and turtles at the Onekahakaha Beach Park in Hilo. For more photos, please click here.
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One day and counting…Will we post during the road trip?…

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A pretty drive on the Big Island.

Finally, we’ll be on our way tomorrow! The packing is almost done except for a few items we’ll use tonight and in the morning. Soon, Tom will leave to pick up the rental car while I continue working on the odds and ends that require packing.

I’ve been contemplating whether we’ll post each day while on the road trip and have decided to do a short blurb without photos of where we are each day, with weather updates and our mileage progression. If we see something interesting, we’ll take pictures and post them.

We expect it will take us five days since our condo in Nevada won’t be ready until the 18th. This way, we can take our time and not feel rushed. By doing so, we’ll have five days requiring that we drive about 460 miles each day. Since we’ll be heading south to avoid snowy weather, it will take us longer than if we took the direct route.

Tom is preparing our iced tea for the trip, putting it into empty 23.5-ounce bottles I saved from my drinking water so we won’t have to stop to buy bottled water. We don’t snack in the car on road trips since neither of us is into snacking between meals.  We’ll stop for breakfast and find a restaurant for dinner near our hotel after we check in for the night.

We’ll only bring our single clothing bag into the hotel each evening, along with my small wheeling bag with medications, the cloth bag with a few toiletries, and the computer bag. That way, packing and unpacking each evening will be a breeze.

Gosh, we’ve done this many times and are good at it. After showering and dressing for the day, we can pack and be out the door in about ten minutes, only carrying the small carry-on-type bags we brought into the room. Neither of us Is pokey at getting ready to head out the door. We rarely need to set an alarm since we both wake up early each morning, although I tend to lounge in bed, reading the news and watching funny videos on my phone.

While on the road trip, I’ll bolt out of bed as soon as I’m awake and get ready for the day. We won’t drink coffee on road trips to avoid stopping so often for bathroom breaks. We’ll stop at rest stops and petrol stations as needed, get out, and walk around.

We won’t need to use the wheelchair at the rest stops this time. I will be able to walk to the distant buildings. That’s a far cry from where I was in August when we drove from Minneapolis to Cleveland. It’s been a long 3½ months, and we’re thrilled to be on our way.

That’s it for today, folks. Tomorrow afternoon, we’ll update you on our progress after our first day of travel. A special thanks to our readers for sticking with us during this dry spell of limited activity with no new photos. Just think—in 2½ months, we’ll be back in Africa, sharing the joy of life in the wild. Please continue sticking with us during our quiet time in Nevada, where we will share any photo ops as they occur.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 13, 2014:

A perfect Hibiscus begs for a photo. For more photos, please click here.

Part 2…Traveling with pets…Potty breaks…Two days and counting…

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While standing on a dock on the Big Island, we spotted a sea turtle.

Yes, we will begin our road trip to Nevada in two days. Yesterday, I packed my clothes, and today and tomorrow, I will pack the leftover non-perishables and our various kitchen gadgets. Tom will do laundry in the morning and then head to the airport to pick up the rental car.

To finish the topic of traveling with pets/support animals, please review the following:

If your pet needs to go potty during a flight, it can be a bit tricky, but there are some strategies you can use to handle the situation:

“Before the Flight

Plan Ahead:

Ensure your pet can relieve themselves before heading to the airport and boarding.

Some airports have designated pet relief areas—use these before your flight.

Limit Food and Water:

Feed your pet several hours before the flight, and limit water intake to reduce the need for bathroom breaks during travel.

Training:

If possible, train your pet to use pee pads or disposable litter boxes in advance.

Select the Right Carrier:

For longer flights, consider carriers with absorbent liners or those designed for in-flight bathroom needs.

During the Flight

Use Pee Pads:

Bring a few pee pads and line the carrier with one. If your pet seems distressed or signals that it needs to go, place a pad on the floor of the airplane restroom (if allowed) or in a discreet spot.

Communicate with Cabin Crew:

Explain the situation if you’re traveling with a small pet in a cabin. The flight crew might allow you to use the restroom for privacy.

Cleanup Supplies:

Pack pet-safe wet wipes, sealable plastic bags, and extra pee pads or absorbent materials for accidents.

For Service Animals:

Service animals may relieve themselves on a pee pad in the cabin. Check airline policies in advance.

Post-Flight

As soon as you land and exit the airport, find a pet relief area or green space where your pet can comfortably relieve itself.

Staying calm and prepared can help you and your pet navigate this situation with minimal stress. Safe travels!”

We’re wrapping up today’s short post since we have plenty to do to prepare for our departure in less than 48 hours.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, December 12, 2014:

Tom and Jayden walked to a secluded scenic spot we stumbled upon on the Big Island. For more photos, please click here.

Why aren’t we flying to Nevada…What weather can we expect while in Cleveland until December 14?…And, on our upcoming 2000+ mile road trip across the US?

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There are numerous varieties of palm trees in Maui that produce red berries such as these.

We contemplated flying to Nevada rather than driving across the US in winter weather. For our non-US readers, here’s a map of the US.

Usa map states hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy

We will be driving from Ohio (OH on the map) to Nevada (NV), taking the southern route based on weather conditions to avoid snowy travel as much as possible. Of course, in December, it’s unavoidable. We could easily encounter snow in New Mexico (NM), especially in the mountains. In 1969, I lived in New Mexico, and although it didn’t snow a lot, it did occasionally.

So, the question becomes, why drive when we could fly? It’s not much about the cost since we already rented a car for a week and will pay for hotels and meals along the way. It could take us four or five days to get to Nevada since we prefer not to drive more than 400 miles daily.

One primary reason is that we don’t care about flying domestically in the US if we can avoid it. We are not interested in the cost of heavy bags, delayed flights, or airport confusion. Sure, we may spend a little more time driving, but it’s fun to travel through the US. Also, we’re always paying for a place to stay overnight in our nomadic lifestyle and for meals wherever we may be.

Flights from Cleveland to Las Vegas cost the same as the rental car for a week. Based on the prices for our extra luggage if we fly, any additional driving costs are a “wash.” We only eat breakfast and dinner and will look for hotels with breakfasts included during the trip.

The end result? We can bring all our remaining non-perishable foods in the rented SUV, which we’ll use in Nevada, saving us a considerable sum based on today’s prices. It’s not huge, but it could be around $200. While we are in Nevada for 2½ months, we will trim what we have in our luggage and get down to the checked weight allowed for international flights. We have yet to book our flight to South Africa but will do so after the holidays.

Driving so close to Christmas may not be too bad since we will be on the road starting on December 14. Our only concern will be the weather; we will do everything possible to avoid snow and ice. After encountering a snowstorm in Utah last May when we left California for Minnesota, we realized we can’t predict what we’ll experience. But we can change our route or take another day or two to get to Nevada if necessary. There’s no worry here.

If we make it to Nevada in five days, we’ll still have the rental car for a few days, so we can do some shopping and dining out. We may not need to head to our mailing service since we’ll receive a shipment from them in the next few days with everything we need from our mailbox.

Today, we just finished watching Sunday Morning and will start watching the Minnesota Vikings game in a few hours. It will be a good day!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 10, 2014:

An old boat was awaiting restoration or a Maui junkyard. For more photos, please click here.

We’re on the road to Cleveland at long last!..

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If we could have cooked our meals in London, we would have purchased some items at this Farmers Market.

Often, we’ve been asked, “Why did we choose to go to the Cleveland Clinic rather than to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, a short 90-minute drive from our current location, which is also highly rated worldwide for heart treatment?”

For me, having already had open heart surgery 5½ years ago and with remaining severe cardiovascular disease (hereditary) and my age, I decided I wanted to go to one of the highest-rated valve disease cardiovascular surgeons in the country, if not in the world, regardless of how long I had to wait to see Dr. Gillinov. It’s been a four-month wait for my appointments, which are upcoming next Wednesday.

If I had to wait another month or two, it wouldn’t have been possible as my condition continues to deteriorate, as evidenced by the necessity of using a wheelchair to get around outside this hotel room, which I can maneuver if I frequently pause when moving about. But any trip outside, even to the car, requires using the wheelchair.

It’s helped make the past few days tolerable and allowed me to see family and friends. They even accommodated me to stay in the wheelchair during Friday’s pedicure.

Following are some of the reasons patients choose Cleveland Clinic for their procedures and surgeries.

  1. Reputation for Excellence: Cleveland Clinic is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the United States and worldwide. Its reputation for high-quality care, particularly in specialties like cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics, draws patients seeking the best possible outcomes.
  2. Expertise and Innovation: The clinic is known for its cutting-edge treatments and surgical techniques. Surgeons at Cleveland Clinic are often leaders in their fields, offering advanced procedures that may not be available elsewhere. This expertise is especially appealing for complex or high-risk surgeries.
  3. Multidisciplinary Approach: Cleveland Clinic offers a collaborative environment where specialists from various fields work together to create personalized treatment plans. This approach ensures comprehensive care, addressing all aspects of a patient’s health, which is particularly important for those with multiple or complex conditions.
  4. Advanced Technology: The clinic invests heavily in the latest medical technology and equipment, allowing for minimally invasive surgeries, robotic surgery, and other advanced techniques leading to faster recovery times and better outcomes.
  5. Patient-Centered Care: Cleveland Clinic is known for its focus on the patient experience. From pre-surgery consultations to post-operative care, the clinic emphasizes clear communication, patient education, and support, helping patients feel more confident and comfortable throughout their surgical journey.
  6. Research and Education: As a major research institution, Cleveland Clinic is involved in numerous clinical trials and studies, offering patients access to the latest medical treatments and innovations. This research-driven approach means patients benefit from the most current and effective surgical options.
  7. Global Accessibility: Cleveland Clinic attracts patients from all over the world, offering specialized international patient services, including translation, travel assistance, and culturally sensitive care. This global reach adds to its appeal for those seeking top-tier medical care.
  8. Positive Outcomes: Cleveland Clinic’s high success rates and positive patient outcomes contribute significantly to its appeal. Patients often choose the clinic based on recommendations from others who have had successful surgeries there and its track record of excellence in complex cases.

These factors combined make Cleveland Clinic a top choice for patients seeking surgical care, particularly those with complex conditions or who want access to the latest medical technology and treatment advancements.

We’re moving along the road to Cleveland and will stop for the night, well before dinnertime.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 25, 2014:

We had no trouble finding the distant Laundromat, Bobo’s Bubbles, in South Kensington, England. For more photos, please click here.