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".

Idaho+

After Montana I zipped up to the Sandpoint, Idaho vicinity on Lake Pend Oreille. I must say, it is quite a beautiful area. Now, as a Minnesota Native, that's easy to understand. I will always prefer fresh water over seawater. Freshwater rarely is home to critters that can eat you and/or sting you to death. Plus, you can drink it without much, if any, processing.

A long time BP colleague, mentor and friend lives up that way, and he was the purpose of the visit. As we are both retired, it was a great opportunity to catch-up and reminisce about the Old Patrol.

The first thing I was treated to was breakfast and a ride on my comrade's boat. Breakfast consisted of a cold bottle of Black Butte Porter. Mmm. Not exactly bacon & eggs, but apropos: I was back in the Pacific Northwest.

It was on this brief morning jaunt to the fuel dock, that I was informed that the lake was the former home of the Farragut Naval Training Station during World War II, and is one of the largest and deepest lakes in the Northwest. As I was helping my buddy moor his boat, I witnessed an overflight of two V-22 Osprey aircraft. What they were doing there is anyone's guess, but it was pretty cool. No photos because I had my hands tied up with some boat lines. (Wait, that doesn't look right. I meant, "my hands were occupied with handling the boat's lines...")

One of the high points of my visit was a side-trip to Spokane, WA for dinner with more former comrades in arms. We all swapped stories, but I mostly listened to the dirt and gossip of things far removed from my experience. I guess I am still just an innocent "Boy Scout" when it comes to such things. In any event, we all had a good time.

Group photo is courtesy of my buddy.

Another treat of my visit was a dinner at Slates Prime Time Grill & Sports Bar, with my old BP partner. He suggested the place, and said he was a regular. I had misgivings because sports bars tend to have the usual finger fodder for beer drinking and perhaps one signature offering of some repute. However, I was on a quest for new discoveries and put my doubts aside. In addition, my buddy has rarely led me astray, on or off the field. Trust is earned for a reason.

The menu was quite extensive for a sports bar. Also, my buddy knew all the cute waitresses by name, so he was indeed a regular customer. This bolstered my courage and I bravely ordered the Mussels Marinara. The menu listing looked scrumptious, but I would see for myself soon enough. Oh, the Mojito I ordered was perfect! A good omen.

Now, I was banking on my theory that great seafood is often found far away from the sea. The reasoning is that it costs the same to ship quality sea food to the interior as it does the crap. Therefore, they may as well just ship and offer the good quality stuff as the difference in price would be marginal, after shipping costs are combined. I have had very bad seafood on the coast. Some of it has been just awful. I figure this is the crap they keep, when they ship the good stuff out. Now there is a good mountain range or three between Idaho and the closest seacoast, so this would be a good test. It should also be noted that I have had Mussels Marinara several times in Italy, where I was introduced to the little sea critters and the dish. My taste buds had been calibrated by the best. It wasn't long before the still steaming entrée arrived.

OMG! It was heaven! It was as good as any I have tasted, and in a decent portion: at least a full half pound (I think a bit more than that). And none of them were "dead". That is, unopened shells. You never eat those, if you are served them. A closed shell is a sign the mussel is flawed in some manner and not to be consumed. A good restaurant will never allow them to be served. Sometimes they are. The seasoning was perfect, as was the linguini...Al dente. Wow. It was a magnificent experience. The second Mojito was as good as the first.

If you ever happen to visit that area of Idaho, I cannot recommend Slates Prime Time Grill & Sports Bar more. Check the link provided above. I will be back there for certain.

Aleksandra had been a good girl. She liked Idaho, too. I mean, how could she complain when the room furniture was made from scratching posts!



Just kidding. She behaved herself like the lady she is.