C3Q II Daily Dispatches From The Road- 10/3/26

3 States: 22) Idaho, 23) Washington, 24) Oregon

Left Montana around 11 am and crossed into Idaho’s version of a panhandle. We crossed it pretty fast  because it was only about 80 miles across. The drive had lots of curves and beautiful scenery and I was excited when I serendipitously spotted the site that I posted 8 posters on the concrete divider facing out of the forested hills with the “Welcome to Idaho” sign beside it. This time around, the dividers were gone so I would not be able to duplicate the same shot from ten years ago. We made a stop in Cour d’Aline in search of Independence Point to make the first post and to gather signatures for the witness log. However, there was a Rosary Mass on the site so I settled for a shoreline scene along the lake. I positioned the Challenger in full view of the watery spectacle and spray pasted a trashcan by the waters edge. 

Our next stop was in Washington state at a gas station and mini-mart. Zoraya went to get the signatures on the log and she came out with good news and bad news. She humorously recounted that the attendant at the counter was excited and supportive about the 48 state trip, so much so, she enthusiastically signed the witness log. Then she added, “But you’re in Washington. You just crossed the state line already.” So, we had to back track five miles to get two Idaho witness signatures for the log. With the posting and signatures done, we drove for roughly 30 miles through southern Washington and noticed that huge wind turbines seemed to line the horizon almost continuously until we approached the Oregon border. By dusk we stopped at a gas station and we were surprised that yet again we crossed the Washington/Oregon state line. I spray pasted another black pillar sign pole with a spectacular windmill backdrop and positioned the Challenger accordingly in the foreground. An advantage to getting the postings early is that we can get to the hotel sooner. 



When I got to the Hotel in Bend, OR, I was hoping to get a workout to manage my glucose spikes but to no avail. Since being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in July, my wife quickly proceeded to order and read half a dozen books on the subject to educate herself in preparation to become my primary care giver because there was no way in hell that I was going to do everything she has done for me. She has educated herself and me by reading and researching extensively. She created a health protocol, which consists of a rigorous exercise regimen executed every day after each meal, a diet plan that included breaking down the macros to support my glucose levels: High fiber before every meal like chia, carrots and celery, High protein such as eggs, chicken and fish, high fat to satiate hunger like butter and avocado and healthy carbs like zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus. Plus the added challenge of creating  a variety of meals so  the meals aren't  repetitively dull.  Now imagine all that and more while on the road. It has become another part of the challenge: not only crossing the country in record time, but learning to manage my health while doing it.