Apr – Jun 2017

Road Trip West With Jill

A 44-day adventure by Bill Read more

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Trip start
April 28, 2017
Bill Kirschner Road Trip West With Jill
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- Day 1
- Friday, April 28, 2017 at 9:00 AM
- ☀️ 37 °F
- Altitude: 853 ft
- United States Saint Paul, City of 44.95081, -93.0969644°57’3” N 93°5’49” W
Preparing to go
April 28, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 37 °F
Jill and I are really excited to embark on the longest trip of our lives. It is to cellebrate our 30th anniversary. We leave in 19 days! Very excited.

But Jill is beyond excited. She is going crazy waiting for our day to arrive. If we have even half of the fun she thinks we will, it will be a blastRead more
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- Day 18
- Monday, May 15, 2017 at 10:57 AM
- ⛅ 66 °F
- Altitude: 853 ft
- United States Saint Paul, City of 44.95088, -93.0970444°57’3” N 93°5’49” W
2 more days!
May 15, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F
Im all packed and Jill will work on it tonight. Almost there
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- Day 20
- Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 7:44 AM
- ☁️ 61 °F
- Altitude: 853 ft
- United States Saint Paul, City of 44.9507, -93.0969244°57’3” N 93°5’49” W
Almost time
May 17, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F
8 hours and counting.
Paul LindemannSure you didn't forget anything?
5/17/17Reply
Bill KirschnerActually 2 things. Maybe 3
5/18/17Reply
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- Day 20
- Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 5:19 PM
- 🌧 64 °F
- Altitude: 846 ft
- United States Yale Gardens Park 44.93156, -93.3501144°55’54” N 93°21’0” W
We're off......sort of
May 17, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 64 °F
Lovely rush hour....but we are on our way!

First stop Decatur City IA
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Bill Kirschner Road Trip West With Jill
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- Day 20
- Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 7:00 PM
- ☀️ 64 °F
- Altitude: 1,161 ft
- United States Owatonna Degner Regional Airport 44.13854, -93.2531844°8’19” N 93°15’11” W
First stop
May 17, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F
Owatona MN
Dinner at Timberlodge
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- Day 20
- Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 11:42 PM
- ⛅ 63 °F
- Altitude: 1,063 ft
- United States Campbell 41.58892, -93.8107741°35’20” N 93°48’39” W
Didn't make Decatur City
May 17, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
Got a nice room in Des Moines. We have been up since 4:00 am, and this is as far as we got. Pretty easy drive, but that's easy for me to say. Tomorrow, is another day.
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- Day 21
- Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 9:57 AM
- ☁️ 59 °F
- Altitude: 968 ft
- United States Corydon (historical)41.735454, -93.676341°44’8” N 93°40’35” W
Missouri
May 18, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F
On our way to Nellie Sweet Shop in Smithville MO. One of my Scoutmasters is there. After a brief visit, we're off to dinner with Jenny Minsberg in Oklahoma City
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- Day 21
- Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 3:55 PM
- ⛅ 82 °F
- Altitude: 1,227 ft
- United States Greene Township 37.13237, -97.3389837°7’57” N 97°20’20” W
Really?
May 18, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F
When I was a kid, my dad use to let me throw the 35 cents into the hopper in the chicago toll booths.

Imagine my shock when the toll lady today in Kansas said "$13.25 please". I almost fainted!
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- Day 21
- Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 8:09 PM
- 🌧 70 °F
- Altitude: 1,224 ft
- United States Bricktown 35.46853, -97.5140435°28’7” N 97°30’51” W
Day 2: Slight change of plans
May 18, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 70 °F
From Jill: We woke at 6:30a and hit the road by 7:30a. It was overcast which makes driving great...no sun in the eyes. We drove to Smithville, MO to see Bill's Scout Master Harley Morlock and stop by Nellie's Sweet Shop! Best fudge in the world! We were on the road again by 11:30a. Next stop was to see our niece Jenny for dinner in Oklahoma City. Then we planned on staying in Weatherford, OK. On our way to see Jenny, the weather got bad. She told us to check on our hotel before heading over there. Make a long story short, there was a huge tornado that did extensive damage to Weatherford and they recommend we not come there and canceled our reservation. Oklahoma was still having severe weather and I drove in torrential rains. Needless to say, dinner plans for tonight were rescheduled until breakfast in the morning. We checked into a cute Hilton downtown Oklahoma City. The hotel is 102 years old, lots of personality and has a piano bar. Just like 30 years ago on our honeymoon. I haven't slept much in the past couple days but tonight i hope to get some sleep! Another early day tomorrow as we meet Jenny at 8:00a then off to Albuquerque.Read more
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- Day 21
- Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 8:22 PM
- 🌧 70 °F
- Altitude: 1,250 ft
- United States Bricktown 35.46885, -97.5137735°28’8” N 97°30’50” W
Day 2. Bill's addition
May 18, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 70 °F
The most hilarious thing happened at dinner tonight.
We had these large water glasses (See pic) Jill went to take a drink. (This all happened in slow motion) the water glass was full of ice and was sweating on the outside because it was so cold. So her Hand slipped down from the top of the glass to the stem, the ice exploded out of the glass, drenching her with ice and cold water. If there was some way to share the surprised look on her face............it was priceless! Hahaha.Read more
Michelle CrandallLol
5/19/17Reply
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- Day 22
- Friday, May 19, 2017 at 2:53 PM
- ⛅ 63 °F
- Altitude: 3,566 ft
- United States Pullman 35.19188, -101.7433735°11’31” N 101°44’36” W
You're never too old to learn new tricks
May 19, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
So, i'm doing all the driving (this is Jill) and this so far has been an easy drive. For the first time I'm actually learning to drive using cruise control. Thank you Bill for talking me into using cruise control. I'm actually getting the hang of it. I might have to start using it when we get back home. Saving on gas at the same time!Read more
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- Day 22
- Friday, May 19, 2017 at 10:04 PM
- 🌙 54 °F
- Altitude: 5,020 ft
- United States Arroyo del Embudo 35.11026, -106.6286835°6’37” N 106°37’43” W
Mostly driving day
May 19, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 54 °F
We started out our morning with a wonderful breakfast at Beverly's Pancakes with our neice, Jenny Minsberg. Other than that, we spent most of the day driving today. Very scenic.

Found a trading post in Geary OK. We had fun looking at all of the cool things. We passed a long motorcade and saw people on bridge decks with flags honoring war p.o. veterans.

Other then that Jill and I spent most of the day singing to show tunes.Read more
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- Day 22
- Friday, May 19, 2017 at 10:12 PM
- 🌙 52 °F
- Altitude: 5,020 ft
- United States Arroyo del Embudo 35.11025, -106.6286535°6’37” N 106°37’43” W
Albuquerque NM
May 19, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 52 °F
Had dinner at a Village Inn, then spent the night planning for Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon.
Michelle CrandallDo you think you'll have time to see Tyler & Tayler?
5/20/17Reply
Bill KirschnerWe are sure going to try! ( and don't forget Tyson)
5/20/17Reply
Michelle CrandallNever could forget the little bundle of joy. I really miss him.
5/20/17Reply
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- Day 26
- Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 12:50 AM
- ⛅ 55 °F
- Altitude: 1,381 ft
- United States Cheney Reservoir 37.751, -97.82237°45’4” N 97°49’19” W
So sorry for the delay
May 23, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 55 °F
I spent a bunch of time writing the blog and accidentally deleted it. I promise to update nightly from now on :)
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- Day 25
- Monday, May 22, 2017 at 11:52 PM
- 🌙 63 °F
- Altitude: 5,190 ft
- United States McDuffie Park 35.089979, -106.60396735°5’24” N 106°36’14” W
On the way to Flagstaff
May 22, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 63 °F
We left Albuquerque on the way to Flagstaff and had to stop for gas right away. We were in a town called Pueblo of Laguna. The person next to us filling up said: "you are from God's country!" We looked at his hat and it was a Minnesota Vikings hat! He introduced himself to us as the former lieutenant governor of the city. Folks were extremely friendly there.Read more
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- Day 26
- Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 12:12 AM
- 🌙 48 °F
- Altitude: 6,526 ft
- United States Gallup Historical Marker 35.52644, -108.74554835°31’35” N 108°44’44” W
Next Stop, Lunch at Gallup New mexico
May 23, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 48 °F
After another stop for fuel, we encountered a lonely stage coach of course we had to stop for some pictures.
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- Day 25
- Monday, May 22, 2017 at 11:22 PM
- 🌙 55 °F
- Altitude: 4,875 ft
- United States Winslow 35.023488, -110.69813235°1’25” N 110°41’53” W
Taking it easy! Windslow, AZ
May 22, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 55 °F
Another stop, but a noteworthy one. Being an Eagles fan.
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- Day 25
- Monday, May 22, 2017 at 11:35 PM
- 🌙 46 °F
- Altitude: 6,857 ft
- United States Switzer Canyon 35.191547, -111.61919235°11’30” N 111°37’9” W
Flagstaff, AZ Little America Hotel
May 22, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 46 °F
Before we set off to the Grand Canyon, we stopped at our hotel to get our room and drop off our luggage. This was an amazing hotel. Not only was the room amazing, but the staff were so very friendly and helpful. Even the person in charge of the room service staff, stopped to hold the door for us, and even offered to help with our luggage. (No elevator at this point, but they are renovating and adding them.) Many hotels could learn a lesson or two from this operation. Probably one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in to this point anyway.Read more
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- Day 25
- Monday, May 22, 2017 at 11:49 PM
- 🌙 64 °F
- Altitude: 3,356 ft
- United States Pipe Creek 36.106965, -112.11299736°6’25” N 112°6’47” W
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
May 22, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 64 °F
Even though we knew it was going to be beautiful, we never expected this colossal show. We got there at sunset, and it was absolutely breathtaking. As we were leaving the park, 5 deer came up to the car and were so close we could have touched them.Read more
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- Day 26
- Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 12:14 AM
- 🌙 82 °F
- Altitude: 1,608 ft
- United States Fountain Lake 33.600644, -111.71772433°36’2” N 111°43’4” W
Has anyone seen my glasses?
May 23, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 82 °F
I spent almost 5 minutes looking for my glasses...............I looked at my wife and said: "They are on my head aren't they?" Oh my!
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- Day 26
- Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 12:17 AM
- 🌙 82 °F
- Altitude: 1,608 ft
- United States Fountain Lake 33.600644, -111.71772433°36’2” N 111°43’4” W
On the way to Fountain Hills, AZ
May 23, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 82 °F
On the way to Fountain Hills, we witnessed absolutely beautiful scenery, including many cacti.
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- Day 26
- Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 12:25 AM
- 🌙 82 °F
- Altitude: 1,608 ft
- United States Fountain Lake 33.600644, -111.71772433°36’2” N 111°43’4” W
Finally, Fountain Hills, AZ
May 23, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 82 °F
Our main purpose for visiting Fountain Hills was to visit friends, Jack and Shari Bender.

It was a beautiful city, and after lunch, we also saw the famous fountain. We also were able to get very close to some ducks and birds.Read more
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- Day 26
- Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 10:02 PM
- 🌙 86 °F
- Altitude: 1,135 ft
- United States Central Park 33.576871, -112.23770133°34’37” N 112°14’16” W
Evening with Debi and Ben Koolick
May 23, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 86 °F
Debi and Ben are long time friends (Jill and Debi for over 45 years) and it was great to spend time with them. We went to a restaurant called the Haymaker and had an awesome dinner. They also showed us their beautiful home and their puppies.

Extra treat, their son Brandon was there so we got to say "hi" to him.Read more
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- Day 26
- Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 10:17 PM
- 🌙 86 °F
- Altitude: 1,122 ft
- United States Patriot Square 33.448058, -112.07565333°26’53” N 112°4’32” W
Breakfast with Rob and Linda
May 23, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 86 °F
We have known Rob for over 24 years. He and Linda just moved from Illinois to Arizona and we had a wonderful visit. We talked for hours till the staff kicked us out! The restaurant was called the Sunrise Cafe. Linda's son Mike and his friend joined us as well.Read more
Robert UhrineWas a wonderful day. Dear friends, food and alot of catching up! Bless you both and safe passage home!
5/24/17Reply
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- Day 26
- Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 10:24 PM
- 🌙 84 °F
- Altitude: 1,148 ft
- United States Dry Wash 33.287609, -111.97349133°17’15” N 111°58’25” W
Outlet Mall Maricopa Az
May 23, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 84 °F
By the time we left Rob and Linda, it didn't make sense to go back to the hotel, so what better way to use up time? SHOP! (Neither of us spent a penny.)
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