SIDE TRIPS part one--THE PURPOSE

A transparent watercolor by Mr. WBL graces the cover of one of my favorite instruction books. I own, and have studied, one of his training videos and one of his teaching books. So when I learned he was traveling from New England to conduct a watercolor workshop in the Puget Sound area I was certainly interested. Here was an opportunity to see him in action, ask questions and be taught. I sent in my deposit, made reservations for accommodations and began preparations to go. Since I would be spending the five days at the workshop, Hubby offered to take care of things at home. I would go alone. There were two basic ways to travel to my destination. The more scenic route went along Interstate 15 into Montana to connect with I-90, the east-west artery where traffic flows across the northern part of the U.S. Then to I-5 which channels travel from Canada to Mexico along the West Coast. There would be a lot of driving seventy miles per hour between semi trucks and a good view of the center line of four-lane highways. I decided speed was not the priority on this expedition and made plans to take roads less traveled when possible. There were side trips that would get me there and still provide opportunities to see more countryside and points of interest. Saturday, August eighth, I filled my little blue Subaru with my painting gear, a couple of suitcases, said goodbye to Hubby and Son, and left.