Katrina and the Waves

I had trouble getting to sleep last night (I've reached the point where I wonder whether I should keep trying to get on local time, or start moving back to home time), so I turned on the TV. Sky TV was showing the CBS Evening News, and the news was, of course, almost entirely about Hurricane Katrina. The scenes of devastation were just jaw-dropping.

The news reminded me of a scene from Kim Stanley Robinson's book Forty Signs of Rain, where large parts of the Washington, DC metro area are underwater after
hurricane. The book meandered through a bunch of global warming policy stuff that was mildly interesting, but not gripping, until it got to the last 50 or so pages, which was a really fascinating story of a disastrous flood hitting DC.

Only...as far as I can tell, Katrina is worse. It's been a while since I've read the book, but I don't remember the death, the lack of clean water, and all the other horrors we're hearing about on the news. You know things are bad when a disaster outdoes science fiction.

On a literary note, if you're looking for weather-related science fiction, I definitely recommend Forty Signs of Rain over Mother of Storms, which to me was just ridiculous. It started out kinda interesting, but then blundered down a "nanotech is magic" path that (in my mind) ruins so many promising books. Forty Signs of Rain was much more realistic...I'm almost afraid to read the sequel, Fifty Degrees Below. It's coming out right before winter sets in.

Edinburgh

Well, I'm in Edinburgh right now, waiting for the conference dinner to start. First of all, I've got an excellent view from my hotel room.
I really like the castle, and it's great to just glance out at it.

Yesterday was my "free" day, so I decided to head to a pair of modern art museums. I actually just enjoyed an excuse to wander through the streets of Edinburgh. First up was the Dean Gallery. Mostly the usual gang of surrealists.

The one "find" of the day was Yves Tanguy, whose work I enjoyed more than most of the surrealists. I can't find web versions the paintings I saw, but this one gives the general feeling.
Then it was across the street to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Here my favorite piece is actually visible in the picture. It's Jencks' Landform...a beautiful green spiral-ly landscape feature in front of the museum. I particularly liked how it evoked the green hills of the Scottish Highlands, while it rose to a perch from which you could view the museum, just like you can view Edinburgh from Arthur's Seat.

Fitzpatrick's War

Tomorrow, I head into the actual city of Edinburgh, which I recall (it's been 10 years) as one of the cooler cities I've visited. For today, however, I'm safely ensconced in Hilton-land. I'm ordering room service, going to the hotel pool, surfing the Internet -- I could be practically anywhere (well, I did order fish and chips). Part of me feels like I should be off sight-seeing, but I really need a day to relax and get adjusted.



On the plane ride over, I finished Fitzpatrick's War. Lately I've been choosing my reading a bit more carefully than I used to -- there's only so much time for reading, after all. With this book, however, I picked it up because I became intrigued by the cover while we were waiting in line at Mysterious Galaxy last month for the Jasper Fforde book signing.



It turned out to be "future history" book about a 25th century where electricity was unusable due to the machinations of an elite technocratic secret society. In fact, the elite secret society schtick gets a bit tiring in SF novels, and it's probably the weakest point of this book. Fortunately, the society is not the primary focus of this book. Instead, it tells the story of one of Fitzpatrick's compatriots, Robert Bruce. Fitzpatrick is a latter-day Alexander the Great, conquering the world at a young age (and dying before he gets to enjoy his rule). Lest you think I am giving away too much, this is all revealed in the prologue, which is written by a 26th-century historian. The historian's frequent footnotes attempting to discredit Bruce's story add a bit of levity to the book.

The book takes place in a well-imagined future world -- probably the best part of the book. The plot is mildly interesting (maybe more so for Alexander devotees), and the characters are well-drawn enough. The ending doesn't really leave room for a sequel, which is probably just as well...the author could probably do a better job in his second SF novel setting things up.

Scottish Fire Drill

I know I'm not supposed to be napping right after I cross the pond. Not the way to adjust to jet lag, and all that. But did they have to set off the fire alarms in the middle of my nap? Just what I need, to be standing in front of the Hilton Edinburgh Airport in my pajamas and bare feet. (I did have time and the sense to put a shirt on.) You know, it may say summer on the calendar, but it's not that warm here in Scotland.

Oh, well. Besides this and the security breach at Dulles that caused them to evacuate the terminal (doesn't even make the news any more, does it?), it's been an uneventful trip. The last time I flew anywhere and connected through Heathrow was December 1993. This was much the same -- same airlines, same riding around in shuttle buses. My luggage made it this time, though.

Greetings from Albany

New York is the 9th state in which I've spent the night in the last two weeks. Tonight I'm in Albany, at the Hampton Inn, where I'm burning some hard-earned Hilton points. I had a nice time visiting Christina's writing conference. She goes to many conferences I attend -- I think both of us enjoyed turning the tables so she could share with me some of her professional life.

The Matter with Kansas

After thinking about it, Ben and I definitely stayed in Kansas in '92. We drove through Kansas to get to Colorado. We ended up at Boulder in the afternoon. In the days of 55 miles/hour speed limits, there's no way we made it all the way across Kansas to Boulder before 4 in the afternoon.

Greetings from Vermont

It just doesn't feel like a normal day if I don't drive hundreds of miles in one direction or another, so yesterday I loaded up the car and headed up to Vermont to visit Christina at the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference. This time, however, I dropped Teddy off at the kennel.

I got in at 7:30 last night. I was delayed somewhat by a 9/11 motorcycle ride taking place from DC to New York the same day. I hope this isn't callous, but is disrupting the nation's transportation system really the right way to commemorate September 11th? Then again, I'm not sure the wet T-shirt contest is the right way, either -- though in a strange way, maybe it is.


Anyway, after checking in to the Blue Spruce Motel, we went to the staff reading, where members of this year's conference staff, including Christina, read 4-minute selections. Christina read a selection from her novel in progress and a poem. Both were well-received.

Home Sweet Home

Well, after all that, I made it home. Now I just need to unload the car, convince the cat to come downstairs...maybe after a good night's sleep.

Images from the Road

Here are a couple more pictures I took.

Here is Teddy in Nebraska. In my list of states I've stayed overnight in, I get to add Nebraska. I'm not sure whether Kansas should be on the list...Ben and I can't remember if we stopped there going cross-country in '92. If you don't remember it, does it count?

My plan originally called for adding Wyoming and South Dakota. That would have been a reasonable way to get to Minnesota, except for one thing...Sturgis. Even 540 miles away in Albert Lea, the motorcycles were in evidence. I can only imagine how crowded it would have been close up. It might have been fine...but if it wasn't, it would have been a really stupid reason to be late for my grandmother's funeral.

Funeral Service

Greetings from Woodstock, Illinois -- possibly my last Super 8 on this trip. I left Albert Lea around 4 and got in around 11 (Central).



We had a very dignified, elegant service for Grandma today. (By the way, here is a corrected obituary.) It was held at the First Presbyterian Church, where my parents were married, and I was baptized. I won't attempt to do it justice by describing it right now, but my mother gave a very nice eulogy that she will perhaps give me permission to post here. Afterwards, we headed to the cemetery where she was interred next to Grandpa.



Then the family went to Cafe Don'l for a lunch and reminiscences of Grandma. It was nice getting to spend time with my cousins.

Greetings from Albert Lea

I'm using the Internet access in my mother's hotel room while she walks Teddy. (Albert Lea hotels make you choose -- Internet or pets.) I got in around 7, and we had dinner at Perkins. She showed me the church where services will be tomorrow. I have to get up early and drop Teddy off at the kennel first.

Images of Colorado

Greetings from the Super 8 in Ogallala, Nebraska. Part of Nebraska is in the Mountain Time Zone -- who knew? I don't have cell phone service out here, but I do have Internet.

95% of my driving today, however, was in Colorado. Colorado has many scenic vistas along I-80. More imposing than Utah; each has its own attractions.

I-76 through Colorado was where my journey veered off to a path I had not crossed in 1992. Not too exciting...the eastern part of Colorado definitely consists of "Great Plains" boredom.

Denver

Three Hours To Nebraska.

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Images of Utah

Greetings from Fruita, Colorado! I have made it through the Beehive State, and I now have Internet access. Allow me to share with you some of what I've seen.

First up is the Cedar City, Utah Super 8 at around 2 AM.

We follow that with a scenic vista or two off I-70.

I last was in Utah in May 1993, visiting Martin, who was living out there then. I had forgotten how pretty -- I can't think of a better word -- the scenery is.

Internet

I Never Did Get The Laptop Connected. Oh Well. Maybe I
Will Have Better Luck In Colorado.

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Utah

In Motel. Trying To Connect Laptop.

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Barstow

At In N Out Burger. Traffic Was Awful. I Will Be Very
Late Getting To Utah Tonight.

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On The Road Again

I Hate Southern California Traffic.

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Weenie Roast

As the summer draws to a close, I can think of many things we meant to do that we never did, but also many things we did. One of the things I meant to do was chronicle the things we did more closely. In that spirit, I want to share some pictures we took this summer of the various fun we had out here in Southern California. About four weeks ago, we went to a hot dog roast one evening with people from work. Despite the overcast day, we had a good time, cooked hot dogs, and then followed them up with marshmallows.

Grandma's Obituary

Here is Grandma's obituary from today's Albert Lea Tribune.

Ethel Cairns, 1910-2005

My grandmother passed away last Saturday at the age of 94. I last saw Grandma in May...she was the most amazing mix of clarity and confusion I have ever seen. At one minute she was speaking beautifully about her gratitude for the years of marriage with my grandfather, and another moment she was telling me a garbled story about myself, obviously unclear to whom she was speaking. I think the experience can be best summed up by her statement, "I'm not sure who these people are who are sending me cards and letters, but it is wonderful that they remember and care about me."

In her earlier days, Grandma was, of course, clearer. She did many things in her life...raised two successful daughters, learned to invest in the stock market, and was very generous with her family. When someone reaches 94, you almost expect them to be around forever, and it's hard to believe she's gone.

I'm leaving California Thursday afternoon. The funeral is Monday in Albert Lea, Minnesota, where she spent the last sixty-some years.

The Rendevous and Its Evil Twin

A couple of weeks ago, I got a call from Avis asking me to call them back and tell them the mileage on my Buick Rendevous. When I called them back and told them the mileage (about 3200 more than when I rented it), they asked me to come into the office. This was going to be a problem, since I am all the way across the country from the office. Fortunately, they said I could go to any Avis location and trade in the car. I was somewhat disconcerted, since the Rendevous was larger than the car I had reserved (a Pontiac Vibe). We worried about how to make sure I got an appropriate car from Avis.

The worrying was all for naught, because the Avis representative said, "Would you like another Buick Rendevous?" The new car appeared identical, save for its California plates, low mileage and lack of a lingering cigarette smell. After looking at it for a while, we came to the conclusion that it might be a shade or two darker than the original, so we turned to photographic evidence.

In the picture above, the original is on the right. It is, in fact, slightly lighter than the car I currently have. How boring is the Rendevous is those are considered two different colors to choose from? Or are those from two different model years?

Independence Day

Well, I've been somewhat slack in posting lately. Here's a recap of what we did when we got back to La Jolla after visiting Dateland. We walked down to the shore, watching the sun set along the way.



Then we settled down to wait for the La Jolla fireworks. We were a couple of miles north of the Cove, but this figured to be a good place to see the show when it started at 9. Around 8:30, fireworks started in a different location.



We soon figured out that our vantage point along the shore enabled us to see a number of fireworks shows up and down the coast. That was pretty cool. The La Jolla show ended up being the most enjoyable, and proved a memorable close to the Fourth.

Dateland

The first time I passed Dateland, Arizona, a couple of weeks ago, I resisted the sign advertising the "World Famous Date Shakes". The second time, last Friday, Christina and I did not feel compelled to stop. Yesterday, however, my resistance was broken down, and Christina and I stopped there for lunch.



We got burgers, which were very good (though the gravy with which mine was soaked probably clogged my arteries then and there). I had a date shake, which wasn't bad. Not great, not terrible. Christina tried a sip, though, and pronounced it awful.

Teddy Makes Another...Acquaintance?

I took this picture to show Teddy's continuing social skills, but that was before he and Rudy got into a fight. At one point I grabbed Teddy and lifted him out of the fight, but Rudy continued to clamp down on Teddy's neck with his teeth for another minute or two. Teddy was fine, however.

Teddy Makes Friends

Saturday evening, we arrived at Aunt Pam's in Phoenix, for a much more comfortable evening than the previous three.

Teddy seemed vaguely curious about Higgins, Aunt Pam's parrot. Higgins seemed positively disturbed by Teddy.



Teddy got along with Maxie...most of the time.

New Mexico Road Signs

All I can say is I'm glad the Catholic Church finally came to its senses...



This is my failed attempt to take a picture of the sign for McGaffey, New Mexico. McGaffey is my grandmother's family name. It is a unique name in the sense that anyone with that name is related to us -- so this town must have been named after some relative.

Cadillac Ranch

Late Friday, Teddy and I found ourselves in Amarillo, Texas, looking for the Cadillac Ranch, another attraction selected from Roadside America.

My copy of Roadside America dates to my previous drives across the country in 1992 and 1993. I used it to get directions to Cadillac Ranch. This turned out to me a mistake, as after a few miles on an unpaved road, I was calling around to find someone who could Google the location. Finally, my mother was able to tell me that the Ranch had been moved a couple of miles to the west.

After stopping at a truck stop to get further directions, I pulled off the side of the road (old Route 66), and went through a cattle gate on the side of the road, to the Cadillac Ranch, which is set a couple hundred feet off the road.







Fantastic. This is a much better henge than Stubby Stonehenge.

Jobe's Drive-In

Another idea I got from Roadfood was to stop at Jobe's Drive-In in El Reno, OK. I pulled into the parking space...



I figured the right thing to order at a drive-in restaurant was burgers, fries and a shake. But they were out of ice cream, so no shake. Sigh. Well, at least I'd have the drive-in experience of having a tray on my car to eat from.

Teddy and I waited patiently for my food...



When it came, it was delivered to me by a guy who handed me a bag. So basically, this was a somewhat less efficient version of a drive-through. The burger was somewhat better than a fast-food burger, I suppose. Fairly disappointing.

Worst. Henge. Ever.

Another book I consulted before planning my trip was Roadside America. One of the sites it pointed me towards was Stubby Stonehenge in Rolla, Missouri. To quote the RA web site,

This half-sized Stonehenge replica was built by the high-pressure water lab at University of Missouri's Rolla campus as a way to showcase their stone carving skills.

The result, pictured below, is a testament to what you can create when you have no artistic vision...it looks so soul-less.

King Ribs Bar-B-Q

I didn't have much time for stops on my cross-country trek. I did look up a couple of places to get a decent meal at Roadfood -- actually, the book, not the web site, which does not have the restaurant featured in this post.

My first stop was King Ribs Bar-B-Q in Indianapolis. I ordered my food to go (the only option) and drove to a nearby rest stop.



There, I enjoyed some very tasty ribs, some reasonable potato salad (not as good as Oma's of course), and some baked beans.

Tent Life

The first three nights of my trip, I camped at KOA campgrounds. (Or is that "kamped"?) I picked them because they were convenient to the Interstate, gave me a bunch of info on their web site, and had a uniform dogs-allowed policy. As I probably could have predicted, they were a mixed bag. The one in Ohio was OK...not many people were there, so I had a section of the campground to myself. Still, it was near a hospital or something, because I kept hearing ambulances all night. The one in Missouri was dreadful...I felt like I was right up against my fellow campers. And there was the aforementioned train crossing. In New Mexico, I had the best of the three. It wasn't very crowded, and the tent sites were set back from the road (Route 66) a bit.

Here you can see some key features of tent life...



I brought a bottle of Knob Creek along but did not get very far into it...getting in relatively late will do that.

I also brought a copy of John Steinbeck's Travels with Charley about his drive across the country with his French poodle. I'm really enjoying it, but I have not gotten much further into it than into the bottle of Knob Creek.

You can also see other crucial features such as my backpack, battery-powered lamp, breath mints, and of course, the cell phone I posted from.

In the foreground is part of the eggshell foam pad (very important...I wouldn't have been able to sleep on the unmediated ground) and my sleeping bag.



Teddy adapted to tent life fairly well...though soon after this picture was taken the first night, he discovered the comfort of the eggshell crate and insisted on bunking there the rest of the trip. He would look at me as if to say, "Hey, I'm almost 13, and you're dragging me across the country. Give me a break." Or perhaps I imagined it.

Traffic Jam Redux

Well, I promised you pictures, and I don't want to start with the absolute best pictures...so here's a picture I took during the traffic jam I found myself in on Wednesday.

California

Well, I made it. More details (and pictures!) to follow. Apologies for the web site downtime yesterday; I'll have to find a new hosting service at some point.

Flagstaff

I Just Got Backfrom Buying Postcards To Find Teddy In
The Front Seat Going Through The Trash. I Had On Idea
He Could Reach.

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Arizona

I Just Crossed Over Into Arizona. At This Point I Am
Mostly Interested In Driving To Aunt Pams. Maybe I
Will Only Stop For Gas.

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Albuquerque

Perhaps I Should Make A Left Turn Here... Getting My
Kicks On What Replaced Route Sixty Six...

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New Mexico

I Am Waiting For My Chinese Food. Texas Was Ok.
Finally Found Cadillac Ranci After Calling Mom For Directions.

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Texas

The Sink At Mcdonalds Was In The Shape Of Texas. They
Had Two Prints Of Dogs Playing Poker. Help. Under A
Thousand Miles To Go...as The Army Flies.

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OK

I Got Up Relatively Early Today. A Campground Next To
A Train Crossing Will Do That. I Am In Oklahoma For
The First Time. Seems Nice Enough. First Toll Roads Of
The Trip.

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Ozarks

What A Long Day. No More Setting Up Tents In The Dark.
I Would Rather Sleep In A Car. I Did Manage To Stop
For Some Good Ribs And A Bad Replica Of Stonehenge.
Pictures Of Both Later.

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Indiana

I Got To Sleep Late And Woke Up Late. I Have To Go
Over 650 Miles Today So I Am A Bit Rushed. I Am An
Hour East Of Indianapolis. I Plan To Stop There For Lunch.

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4 States One Day

Coming To You From A Tent In Ohio... I Made It Thru
Maryland Wva...twice...penn And Into Oh... Got In A
Little Late And Had To Put The Tent Up In Almost
Dark...g Wonder How Bad It Looks.

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traffic jam

I Am Stuck In Traffic Near Washington Pennsylvania.
Sigh. The Drive Had Been Nice So Far. The V6 Helps In
The Mountains.

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Ron-Day-Voo

Well, I'm heading out on my big cross-country trek today. I went to pick up the Pontiac Vibe I had reserved. Of course, that's not what I got. Fortunately for me (from an ease of packing standpoint, not a gas mileage standpoint), I ended up with a Buick Rendezvous.







More posts from my phone on the road; more pictures when I get to the other side.

Rehearsal

In preparation for this week's grand trek across the country, I had to remind myself how to put together the tent...




Of course, I'm not quite in the great outdoors yet...