We had enjoyed a break in St. Regis, Montana, Rosie and Ben (the English Springer Spaniels), the trout fry in the river and the mule deer doe the dogs spooked from the opposing bank. We paid our "voluntary" fine to the Spokane firemen who had choked all major routes in the city for charity. Every US coin went in the extended boot!

The day closed in Kettle Falls with a tavern dinner of codfish and a brew followed by a drive to the shore of F.D. Roosevelt Lake, behind the Bonneville Dam. We have closed the distance and have only one relatively short leg to Penticton and a visit with Richard.

Hunker down in the "slow" lane with your lights on and regularly scan the rearview mirror for drivers who are going too fast to stay in their lanes or to pass cleanly.  The Mini is more highly and safely maneuverable, so you can vacate dangerous situations quickly.  Do not tailgate!  75 mph means 90 and 100 mph to some idiots.

The most practical parts to carry as spares are ignition bits. They wear at continuous high revs, hour after hour. Points sets, condensers, caps, rotors and plugs (note plurals) are likely to be needed! Pack them!

The most useful part to install before leaving is an oil cooler. There is no question it helped keep oil temps down compared to the I5 run to Vallejo, California in 1997 without one!