Day 61 -- Wednesday, August 25

Again, I have to apologize for not writing but I just can't tear myself away from the things I'm not doing to drop you a line. I am in good health, and after a good meal and with clothes on, I weigh almost 115 pounds. I don't think I've grown any taller and neither my personality nor my countenance has changed. I have seen many wonderful things, learned much, and have gained a lot of needed experience.

The trip is just about fading. Al can't wait to get home to get set for Virginia (he doesn't say definitely but I think we all know) and Tom can't wait to see his sister married. Bob doesn't care -- Bill would like to take his time and I -- well I would like to get away from these mosquitoes and get to sleep on a good bed with a steak dinner in my stomach. I've really enjoyed my trip however and I am really thrilled that I was fortunate to come.

Lake Louise was nice -- Canadian roads on the way back were terrible. Glacier National Park wasn't too "hot," but Yellowstone was nice. (I guess you've noticed that the explanations have been shorter in my letters, but I'd rather talk). Right now I'm in a bar with ginger ale on the table, writing to you.

From Yellowstone and it's sulfur or rotten egg smelling geysers we made our trip cross-country. Mount Rushmore in South Dakota (heads of Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Jefferson were very realistic).

You would really be surprised how barren the west was. South Dakota and Wyoming were barren. The only states in the far west that weren't deserts were the mountain regions, California and regions fed by dams.

In Deadwood, South Dakota we saw the reenactment of the shooting of Bill Hickock. It was swell and we had a night's fun. It was a play and about 300 were present. Jurymen were needed and Al was called up -- we gave him a good round of applause -- they found out he was too young and they sent him back to us.

After that, at 10:00, we headed east, without stopping to sleep, until now. That meant we drove one night -- I slept about 6 or 7 hours so I can't complain. We drove about 900 miles in one stretch -- 600 last night and 300 today -- we got into Minneapolis this morning at 6 and continued driving.

Give this to the folks (grandma and pa), Carl, or anyone else crazy enough to read it.

Take care of yourself and make sure you get a good buy on the Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, house. We'll be home August 30th late at night or the next day.

Love to all, Paul