Here we go again ....

Off we go – 29 days to the west coast and back, 8200 miles – on a coach named Belle.  She may look like an ordinary bus, but don’t be fooled. Belle was custom-made for Carolina Tours, and there is nothing ordinary about this vehicle:

*   Nine seats were removed so there is plenty of legroom for passengers.

*  Remaining seats were upgraded – very comfortable.

* Each seat has cup holder and pocket for book, camera, etc. 

* Two electrical outlets at each seat for charging cameras and other gadgets. 

* Wireless internet, Direct TV, and DVD player.

*  Time and temperature indicator at front of vehicle.

* Big windows on the sides and in the back – so we could see where we’d been.

* On-board restroom.

* Hospitality section at the back – drinks and snacks aplenty.

All that luxury – and only 22 passengers, including the tour director.  Each of us had our own (double) seat, with a couple of empty seats for folks who like to wander around.  Travelling on Belle was no hardship – we’d do it again!

Our route took us through 19 states in 29 days:  South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, and Nebraska.   Here are some of the highlights … mostly in chronological order.

NOTE:  Due to its length, the blog is published in parts - you may have to use these links to see it all.  And remember that you can double-click on any picture to enlarge it for easier viewing.

South Carolina to Idaho: http://atlantictopacific2012.blogspot.com/2012/07/south-carolina-to-utah_04.html

Washington and Oregon: http://atlantictopacific2012.blogspot.com/2012/07/washington-and-oregon_04.html

California: http://atlantictopacific2012.blogspot.com/2012/07/california_04.html

Nevada and Utah: http://atlantictopacific2012.blogspot.com/2012/07/nevada-and-utah_04.html

Wyoming to South Carolina:  http://atlantictopacific2012.blogspot.com/2012/07/wwrtr.html