Mel writes about birds and posts a few pics.

Eric is also writing a post at this moment. I'm just annoyed at IP providers and should be sewing. I recently got a commission for 10-20 plush daggers-- they have to be there by the 8th. I just got a sewing machine. I accidentally named it The Raven.



Speaking of ravens. I didn't take any photos of them (this is Eric pic), but they are all over the place. On the Alaska Highway norther BC or southern Yukon we saw two of them on the side of the road and after hitting a bird in North Dakota we were a little nervous of the birds there. It looked like one of them was fumbling with trash. When they flew away we saw that it had a plastic bag in its bill-- filled with crackers. "humans, get the loot let's get out of here."


(above)This is my first sighting of a magpie. They are related to crows, but I think they are adorable.

Oh, on the Alaska Highway in Yukon I saw a bald eagle. I know, though Alaska has the most bald eagles in the States. It's too bad though that the Chickadees in Alaska are having problems now. (probably a contaminant.)





(above) Cleveland has some neat things.


(above)Gary- chief export-- pollution.


(above) Chicago line.


(above) Min's Bud plant. I thought Merrimack's was the ugliest.


(above)Kluane Lake-- Yukon's largest


(above) LONDON DRUGS?! I have a comic about that. Will post later.

Seems Eric finished first.

The Road Ahead

As we get ready to make the drive out, I thought I'd share the route we'll be taking. I've included a map of the overall trip. It might not match our exact route but it gives you a sense of the general areas we'll be in. The A-B trip is the pre-trip trip so to speak. We'll be traveling from Mel's parents' house in Merrimack, NH over to my mother's house in East Nassau, NY. From there we spend a few days making the last few arrangements, maintenance to my car and bit of packing before we head out on the main adventure.

We haven't set specific markers the road ahead but we're anticipating the overall journey should take about a week. If I summon enough caffeine induced moxie to drive longer shifts, it may end up being quicker. The possibility of burning out or hitting some kind of technical snag could also throw us off by a day or two. Still, I'll make sure (and Mel will enforce) that I pace myself well enough.

Will we make it in a week? Beat the clock? Get held up? Who knows. Just check back here often and watch as the ride begins.