Just Some Post-Trip Observations

Some thoughts on "rest stops".   The quality of facilities varies greatly from state to state and varies with the climate also.  Some stops are hardly more than a port-a-potty with permanent walls.  In areas with low availability of water, there are chemical toilets.  And big signs on the sinks to not drink the water.  Some states go all out and have nicely landscaped areas and some have large statues.  Some have covered pavilions for picnics.  We stopped at several that were large buildings that had individual bathrooms with locking doors.  There were usually five or six for men and five or six for women and one in the  middle for anyone who couldn't decide.  :)  Some places just had one unisex bathroom.  Take it or leave it.

Evidently there has been a lot of stealing from the vending machines at rest stops.  We saw quite a few that had locked cages built around them.  Big, heavy metal bars, with just a small opening to stick your hand through.

And on the topic of locking things up, when you get out into bear country, the trash cans all have big, heavy lids, some with latches, so the wildlife cannot get into the trash.  Do the people in charge really think that the bears and other critters can't figure out how to open these sooner or later?  Animals are smart!

Unless you are fond of fast-food breakfasts, you are out of luck in some parts of the country.  We ate what was offered at our hotels if available most mornings, but several mornings we had Starbucks for breakfast. Fortunately, we love Starbucks!  Can anyone tell me what is the purpose of saying you serve breakfast if you don't open your restaurant until 11:00 a.m.???  That happened to us once after our GPS found the place.

Ah, yes, our GPS.  We are definitely having a talk with our Acura "guy" about the GPS.  It was rather incompetent at times.  And we had even updated all the maps before starting on our trip.

I have probably mentioned this in the past, but it is worth repeating.  Why in the name of all that is good, does a trucker pull out into the left lane and then not go fast enough to pass anything???  That happened many times.  I still believe we should go back to trucks staying in the right side lane all the time.  But then I have a personal prejudice where trucks are concerned.  One state we were in was advertising a new law going into effect.  If you drive in the left lane and are not actively passing someone, you can be ticketed.  I am curious to see how that goes.

As you can tell, we are still thinking about our trip.  It was a wonderful time.  And things are almost all caught up here at home!

Stay safe and God Bless America!