Washington State

After getting a $1.25 Mexican Pepsi-Cola (made with cane sugar, not HFCS) at a gas station in Idaho, I took a quick zig over to Spokane, WA. Nothing much to report from there, as I was visiting a long time internet friend from the old AOL Chat room era. We chatted up and had dinner twice...my first baby steps into authentic Indo-Chinese delicacies.

I won't get into the details, as I am a complete novice, but the Vietnamese food (especially the soup) I had was very tasty. I also had a "Vietnamese Coffee": a glass of cold coffee, sweetened and with cream and ice. Where have I seen that before?

We also visited a so-so exhibition of Leonardo DaVinci stuff, in Spokane. I say "so-so" because it wasn't even close to what I saw at the Museum of Science and Technology in Milan, Italy. (MUSEO NAZIONALE DELLA SCIENZA E DELLA TECNOLOGIA LEONARDO DA VINCI). That was awesome. But I suppose for folks not so lucky to visit Italy, this traveling show was good enough. Perhaps its enough to get those interested to seek out the real thing or at least follow up for further information? On a brighter note, I did get a pamphlet that shows how to make paint from scratch. I always wanted to do that, and use them in a painting.

Anyway, after Spokane, I zagged on over to the Grand Coulee Dam. Like most people, I have heard about it, but never saw it. Hydroelectric dams are not on many people's bucket list of things to see before you die. Its not on mine, either, but since I was close, why not? Isn't that the purpose of this road trip? Well, see the photo at the top. Not too impressive from a distance, but up close...Click on that whopper of a photograph!

It's HUGE! About a mile long from end to end. The largest dam in North America.


I stayed at the Visitor's Center for awhile and read most of the exhibits and stuff. I was surprised that there was so much PC propaganda, and nothing on how the power provided by the dam was instrumental on the production of the atomic bomb during WWII. Anyway, I was almost going to take the tour of one of the electrical power plants, but it was getting warm, and I had to consider Aleksandra in the car. In addition, they also didn't allow firearms. No real biggy, I guess. I just feel so nekkid unarmed.

It is pretty impressive and a testament about what Americans can do. Remember, this was built during the Great Depression (1933-42) and the beginning of WWII. Think we would do that today? I seriously doubt it. This is what "green" energy is all about: NO pollution and it enhances the environment.

Next up: My Journey into the "Forbidden Zone".