THE LAST WORD...

AS we traveled across the United States we discovered some very unexpected things, considering the political climate and mainstream media's take on our country...

We found, without exception, that the people we met in every single place we stopped were upbeat, friendly, helpful, and above all, wonderfully considerate.  From the young Ensign at Barksdale AFB who provided some pretty tasty microwave dinners when we arrived too late for local eateries, to the couple who helped me get Mom (riding ON her walker) down, and more importantly back UP the ramp at the marina in Juneau, to the young man who advised us of available ADA staterooms on the Alaska Ferry, and the young ladies at the convenience store in Williams, AZ who offered to wash my travel cup before I refilled with coffee, EVERY SINGLE PERSON we met was kind and thoughtful.

We also found, contrary to the doom-saying antagonists of the "green" movement, that nearly every place we went, people were recycling on a large scale, reducing the use of plastics, and practicing basic water conservation and pollution control.  We also saw endless small, large, and gigantic wind farms and solar arrays right across the country powering private homes, farms, towns, cities, and major industrial facilities.

Don't believe the negativity being fostered by Social Media, Network News, and "Mainstream" Print Media.  They are reporting the exceptions, not the norm.  The mood of the country is positive.  The effort to conserve and use renewable energy and recyclable products is growing in leaps and bounds.  People are still basically kind and considerate.  In short, the country is NOT going to hell in a hand-basket.  If you don't believe me, go drive 6,619 miles of this wonderful country of ours and see for yourself!

RECOMMENDATIONS, AS PROMISED

WE CAN RECOMMEND...

>Military Lodging -- it's always clean and cost-effective, and the personnel are always accommodating.  Just make sure to book in advance!

>The Alaska Marine Highway System --  An amazing way to travel the Inside Passage and see Alaska on your own terms!  The crews were, without exception, friendly and helpful in meeting our every need.

>Air BnB -- a GREAT way to stay, especially in heavy tourist locales.  I can particularly recommend Kathleen & Jeremy's apartment on Douglas Island in Juneau.  They've attained "Superhost" status for a reason!

>Wayside Lodge in Yachat, Oregon -- these cottages, each with a private deck and direct access to the Pacific, are cozy, comfortable, clean, and extremely reasonably priced.

>Motel Trees and Trees of Mystery Forest in Klamath, CA -- The Motel offers comfortable lodging at reasonable rates and gives across-the-highway access to the Trees of Mystery attraction where the big trees are the stars of the show!

BUT WE'D AVOID...

>ANY major city at rush-hour!  Unfortunately, in some cities, this is a 24-hour condition.  When you're heading for a big city during rush hour, take the straight-through route because the "bypasses" will have just as much traffic for twice the distance!

>Fueling in Big Sur, California.  Make sure you top up before leaving Monterey or you're going to get hosed!  Prices are jacked up because there are only two stations in a 40 mile stretch.  For that matter, avoid buying anything in Big Sur!  Highway 1 souvenirs can be had anywhere along the route, and unless you just have to have that wood plaque/ carving/painting by that artist, you can probably find one just like it online for a more reasonable price!

>Choosing fast food over a local eatery.  Although there are times when you need to eat while you drive (and only fast food will let you do that), when you've got the time, check out a local diner or restaurant.  You'll get a better feel for the town or city you're seeing and might just discover amazing cuisine you'd never tried before!