The Journey of a Lifetime

The Journey of a Lifetime

Journeys with EileenDiane

Should someone ask you if you have been on or are planning your “journey of a lifetime”

Smile broadly and proclaim, “YES, I AM ON IT”

  • Your journey of a lifetime is not checking off places or things to do on a “bucket list”
  • Rather, it is every moment of YOUR life, from birth to passing on … 
  • Always remember that it is YOUR journey… do what makes you happy, gives  you fulfillment.. fall madly in love, travel the world or not, dream, walk sandy beaches, dine & laugh with friends, be a hermit, read, write, teach, dance to music others do not hear, gaze at the stars in wonder, encourage others on their journey  … 
  • Be in awe of the universe …
  • Create your destiny …
  • Each of us is on a different journey with different experiences … 
  • Savor each moment of YOUR journey of a lifetime

There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.  – J. Krishnamurti

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IOP 45
Leaving Orcas
near Cannon Beach
near dusk …
Travel ~ Favorite Quotes & Photos

Travel ~ Favorite Quotes & Photos

Journeys with EileenDiane

Many a trip continues long after movement in time and space have ceased. John Steinbeck

I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it. Rosalia de Castro

A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find that after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us. John Steinbeck

For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return. Leonardo da Vinci

Travel is a new experience that can transport you out of your everyday routine to create memories with the ones you love. Brian Chesky

We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time. T. S. Eliot

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. Saint Augustine

I have wandered all my life, and I have also traveled; the difference between the two being this, that we wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment. Hilaire Belloc

Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness. All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter. John Muir

Savor your journeys ….

Paris in the Fall
Fontainebleau Chateau
The Louvre Museum
EXIF_HDL_ID_1
Venice
Venice
Rome
Rome
Rome
Rome
Central Park
Entering Central Park
Central Park
Central Park
Central Park
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Looking south to Palos Verdes Peninsula
Chamonix, France
Ocean Grove, NJ
Denali National Park, Alaska
Glacier National Park, MT
Great Smoky Natl Park, TN
Katmandu, Nepal
Japan
Oregon Coast
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Recap ~ Road Trip Western Washington ~ Mt Rushmore

Recap ~ Road Trip Western Washington ~ Mt Rushmore

Journeys with EileenDiane
  • Interstate 90 from Western Washington to Rapid City, South Dakota
    • East bound, stop in Missoula and Billings
    • West bound, stop in Billings, Missoula, Coeur d’Alene
    • Total road trip mileage: 2,713 miles
  • Mountain passes on I-90 include
    • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, Cascade Range, 3,105 feet
    • Fourth of July Summit, Idaho, Coeur d’Alene Mountains, 3,173 feet
    • Lookout Pass, Idaho-Montana border, Bitterroot Range, 4,710 feet
    • Homestake Pass, Montana, Continental Divide, 6,375 feet
    • Bozeman Pass, Montana, 5,760 feet
  • Montana is truly “Big Sky” country; gorgeous area; friendly people. Highlights include:
    • Missoula ~ great place to explore (good restaurants, parks & book stores)
    • Billings ~ neat area; Gateway to Yellowstone (have to plan another road-trip)
    • Little Big Horn Battlefield and National Monument ~ a must visit
  • Mt Rushmore and the surrounding area are definitely worth the drive
    • Mt Rushmore ~ spectacular, awe-inspiring
    • The Badlands ~ fascinating and mysterious
    • South Dakota Air & Space Museum ~ a must see museum
  • Coeur d’Alene, Idaho ~ a favorite spot which I love to re-visit
    • Beautiful scenery, good restaurants and my favorite book store
  • I planned to travel prior to Memorial weekend to avoid summer traffic
    • Encountered snow in Wyoming
    • Be flexible with your travel plans
      • Leave time to explore and perhaps re-arrange itinerary
    • Have fun and savor your journeys
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State Flags
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Air Force 1, flying over Mt Rushmore
US Air Force Thunderbirds at Mt Rushmore
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Afternoon break
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Delicious Pork Chops, Champs, Soda bread
A Moscow Mule
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Marvelous Bailey’s Mousse
on Centennial Trail
Riverstone Park
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Coeur d’Alene, Idaho ~ Photos

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho ~ Photos

Journeys with EileenDiane

The last stop on my road trip to/from western Washington ~ Mt Rushmore is a favorite spot Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Nestled in the mountains of northern Idaho, it’s a neat town to explore. Walk along Centennial Trail, browse the cute shops downtown, visit local parks and take a boat ride on beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene. Have dinner on the lake, enjoying a gorgeous sunset.

Savor your journeys.

Walking on Centennial Trail
The lake, walking along Centennial Trail
On Centennial Trail, near downtown
on Centennial Trail
Centennial Trail
Centennial Trail, near Riverstone Park
Riverstone Park
Riverstone Park
Riverstone Park
Riverstone Park
Riverstone Park
Riverstone Park
Riverstone Park
Riverstone Park
Johnson Mill River Park
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Johnson Mill River Park
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Near Le Peep Cafe
View from Le Peep Cafe
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Coeur d’Alene, Idaho ~ Photos  — from a previous visit — Enjoy the photos!

Favorite Restaurants ~ Road Trip ~ Western Washington to Mt Rushmore

Favorite Restaurants ~ Road Trip ~ Western Washington to Mt Rushmore

Journeys with EileenDiane

When on a road trip, I prefer to dine close by my hotel, i.e., walking distance. I lucked out as there were several very good restaurants on my recent road trip from Western Washington to Mt Rushmore close to where I was staying. I would definitely go back to each of them.

 

The Stone of Accord, Missoula Montana

An Irish Pub serving fabulous comfort food (including pork chops, meatloaf, fish n chips), soups, salads, desserts (including Guinness Chocolate Cake, Irish White Chocolate Cheesecake). The staff have terrific customer service skills. I highly recommend the Peppercorn Pork Chops (served with delicious champs (best mashed potatoes, with scallions!) and vegetables) and the cheesecake is superb. As expected, there is a terrific bar menu, including Moscow Mule or an Irish Mule. Check out their menu on-line for ideas.

http://thestoneofaccord.com/

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A Moscow Mule
Delicious Pork Chops, Champs, Soda bread

Montana’s Rib and Chop House, Billings Montana

Terrific place for either a quiet dinner or the sports bar area. I chose the latter and enjoyed a fabulous meal (champagne plus a delicious Caesar salad, salmon & baked potato). Great customer service skills. It is a chain (other locations are shown on their web site) and I would highly recommend.

https://ribandchophouse.com/

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Terrific Caesar salad with anchovies
A Vodka Mule
Delicious Salmon & baked potato

Anthony’s at Coeur D’Alene, Idaho

I’ve eaten at Anthony’s prior to this trip and always enjoyed it. This time I ate in the bar area and loved it. The drinks and food are very good, terrific customer service and the view is lovely (overlooking a pond in Riverstone Park). The salmon was excellent as was the marvelous dessert (a Baily’s Mousse). Plus, there were some uninvited guests: ducks had somehow managed to enter. The staff immediately escorted them out and put up a stuffed animal which is supposed to keep the ducks at bay. We all had a hearty laugh and enjoyed the show.

https://www.anthonys.com/restaurants/detail/anthonys-at-coeur-dalene

 

Savor your journeys!

Anthony’s Coeur d’Alene
Uninvited guests
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Checking out the surroundings
where to go?
Time to leave
staff showing ducks how to get back to the pond
Fabulous salmon dinner
Marvelous Bailey’s Mousse
Supposed to scare the ducks
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Addendum: The Well~Read Moose Bookshop, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Addendum: The Well~Read Moose Bookshop, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Journeys with EileenDiane

The last stop on my road trip (Western Washington to Mt Rushmore) was a favorite spot: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I’ve visited several times and each time I enjoy re-visiting favorite places plus discovering new spots to explore.

I visited my favorite bookstore several times. What a great way to start the day: sipping a delicious latte while browsing their marvelous selection of books, cards, coasters, socks, stuffed animals, etc. I always find a book that is intriguing and which I know I will enjoy.

The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. Visiting this bookstore is like seeing a dear friend after a year’s absence.

A special treat is returning in the afternoon to enjoy a glass of Prosecco while deciding which books to purchase. Could not resist several books and I look forward to my next visit.

Savor your journeys.

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Afternoon break
Look to be great reads
Great coffee, wraps, etc
terrific selections …
super collection of coasters
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Marvelous Coasters ..

Two Favorite Bookstores ~ Idaho

https://www.wellreadmoose.com/

 

Favorite Bookstores: Missoula, Montana

Favorite Bookstores: Missoula, Montana

Journeys with EileenDiane

On my road trip from western Washington to Mt. Rushmore, I stopped in Missoula for several days. I love browsing and supporting local, independent bookstores, and found two bookstores to add to my “favorite bookstore” list.

In addition to a fabulous book selection, Shakespeare & Company has cards, t-shirts, journals and gifts plus very friendly, helpful staff. Check out the “staff picks” for ideas. I bought two books that look fascinating (one a staff pick).

My finds at Shakespears & Co
My finds at Shakespears & Co

As you peruse the titles, you will discover many books to whet your appetite. There is a small sitting area, music playing in the background and it is well worth a visit.

Link http://www.shakespeareandco.com/

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How could I resist “The Guest Cat”
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neat bookmark

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Another terrific independent bookstore to explore is Fact and Fiction. They have a terrific selection in their small shop plus very friendly, knowledgeable staff. Located in the downtown area, they specialize in local authors and will gladly order books for you. I found a mystery by a local author which looks to be a good read.

Both stores also have readings and special events.

Savor your journeys.

https://www.factandfictionbooks.com/

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South Dakota Air & Space Museum – Interior Exhibits

South Dakota Air & Space Museum – Interior Exhibits

Journeys with EileenDiane

While you are exploring the Mt Rushmore / Black Hills / Badlands area, make certain to visit the SD Air & Space Museum. Located next to Ellsworth Air Force Base, this museum is a must see.

Interior exhibits will take you from the early beginnings of aviation to aerospace displays, including “Exploring Mars” information. The fascinating exhibits include The Doolittle Raiders, the Berlin War Memorial, the Korean War, B-1B cockpit display, gorgeous “Earth as Art” photos, photos of aircraft flying near Mt. Rushmore and so much more.

You can easily spend several hours inspecting the outstanding interior and exterior exhibits. Take your time as you walk about to read the descriptions and feel the magnificence of aviation history.

Savor your journeys.

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B-1B Cockpit Display
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Bomb Disposal Suit
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The Doolittle Raiders
The Doolittle Raid
Doolittle Raid info
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Flying over Mt Rushmore
Air Force 1, flying over Mt Rushmore
US Air Force Thunderbirds at Mt Rushmore
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B-52 Stratofortress over Mt Rushmore
Flying over Mt. Rushmore
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1919 US Army Air Services
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Berlin Wall Memorial ~ Pres Kennedy
Berlin Wall Memorial ~ Pres Reagan
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South Dakota Air & Space Museum – Exterior Exhibits

South Dakota Air & Space Museum – Exterior Exhibits

South Dakota Air & Space Museum – Exterior Exhibits

Journeys with EileenDiane

Located 7 miles east of Rapid City, SD, next to Ellsworth Air Force Base, this museum is a must see as you explore the Mt Rushmore area.

There are over 30 outdoor exhibits, including B-1B Lancer, B-29 Superfortress, B-52 Stratofortress, B-25 Mitchell (Eisenhower’s personal WWII transport) plus 3 missiles. There is detailed information about each aircraft.

It was a terrific experience, to walk about the aircraft, absorbing the history, amidst the beauty of the Black Hills.

Next post will be the terrific interior exhibits.

Savor your journeys.

 

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