When I left Ellensburg, Washington, ground fog was just lifting, and Colleen told me that should mean the roads will be okay around there. Sometimes the ground fog can create slick roads until it lifts and the sun shines. All was well, however, and with a big hug to all, I left and Matilda and I were back on the road. This was one week ago. As I went up the mountain from Ellensburg, as I looked to my left, it appeared that there was a huge lake there - it was ground fog.

Other than pee runs and gassing up, I stayed on Highway 97 down into Oregon, and that is when the fun began. As I got into the mountains, road conditions were poor and snow covered. Traffic was down to 40 Mph, and one lane in each direction. It continued this way through much of Oregon. There were at least three tractor-trailers over on their sides off the highway. In one case, they were off-loading the contents of one of them. There were multiple cars off the road, and of course, the usual road jockeys in their big trucks and four wheel drive, barreling down the road and passing everyone. I hoped I would pass one or two of them off the road and into a ditch - unhurt of course. It was pitch black out now, and finally I started going down into California, and the roads were dry. I left 97 and crossed over to the 5, and then went north for about 10 miles to my motel in Yreka (why-reka). I was very happy to get there and fell into bed. It was a long slow trip!

Heading down the 5 the next day, I watched Mount Shasta come and go through scudding clouds, its crown covered with a cloud right at the top. The 5 in this part of Northern California is curving and running through forests and Shasta Lake, much bigger than I thought, followed me on my left for a while. Finally I had to stop and take a picture of Mount Shasta, such a beautiful scene.

I was driving the 5 to get around San Francisco, and then taking the 101 to Morro Bay, my next stop. I could tell that I was getting something, since I was sneezing and blowing my nose all the time. By the time I got to Morro Bay, it was dark, and the road down to the town was long and winding. But get there I did. The next day I had breakfast, checked out, and then drove around the town and took pictures of Morro Rock, and the bay. It looked like a fun place to stay for several days, but I was trying to get to LA, and I was sick!

Actually getting to my hotel was a piece of cake, thankfully. I called Phil and told him I was there, not far from where he lived. I also told him that I wouldn't be going out to dinner with everyone, since I felt like hell. That darling came over with orange juice, Oriental chicken soup, cough drops, and hugs. A perfect combination. We had a good talk, and then I went to bed and to sleep. I slept so long the next day that I missed breakfast, but I put the rest of my chicken soup in the coffee pot, heated and ate it, and went back to bed for the day. I felt better about four o'clock, and called Phil. He and I and Dr. Salem's wife, Maha, went to dinner. Dr. Salem was not feeling well, and Gihan was working the music awards.
We had a great time, the three of us, and afterwards, we picked up Phil's car, and I followed him back to my hotel.

The next morning I was off again, to San Diego, feeling much better, but not sounding better. Matilda and I got here around 2PM, I think, Will and Marty out to greet the traveler home again from the hills...

A side note: Phil's wife, Gihan, has been diagnosed with colon cancer, and needs all the good thoughts and prayers you have to give. She will be getting surgery first before going through chemo and radiation. And that will be sooner than later. Keep her in your thoughts, please.

Adieu, Adios, Mahalo!
I love you all very much,
Sally