After two weeks of great fun and great experiences, 'chelle and I arrived home late yesterday afternoon.
We are still speaking to each other, even.... ;)
Monday, June 25, 2007
Saturday, June 23, 2007
The Last Hotel
Michigan City, Indiana. Home tomorrow. We will be stopping off at the home of 'chelle's daughter for a quick visit and possibly a visit to Steinmart.
Today was just a drive day. Illinois is one very boring state coming across from Iowa. We drove under leaden clouds all day, but little rain. I-80, the Eisenhower interstate highway. We heard all about that the day we had to wait for the brush fire to be put out. An older gentleman was telling us all about it while we sat there. He was an engineer on the thing, doncha know.
This morning 'chelle was talking to some storm chasers who had been following yesterday's weather. Actually, they helped her make her waffle. But don't tell her I told you that. They were headed for Des Moines today to check out the night life there....apparently the bad weather was gone, huh? I am telling you, that girl can talk to anyone and get interesting info. And in case you were wondering, she chats with women also. Its just that the women don't have the interesting stories.
Did I tell you all about her parallel parking? At the canyon. Parking was at a premium and we had to park along the road. She did a perfect job of parallel parking, first try. I was most impressed.
There is someone, somewhere in this country, who will not be getting their pre-built home. Half of it got blown off the road last night from the storms. We saw it sitting on the side of the road this am. A little later we saw a semi that was blown off. The weather was really bad. Worse than what we saw.
I think that is about it, kids. We are both kind of tired.
Today was just a drive day. Illinois is one very boring state coming across from Iowa. We drove under leaden clouds all day, but little rain. I-80, the Eisenhower interstate highway. We heard all about that the day we had to wait for the brush fire to be put out. An older gentleman was telling us all about it while we sat there. He was an engineer on the thing, doncha know.
This morning 'chelle was talking to some storm chasers who had been following yesterday's weather. Actually, they helped her make her waffle. But don't tell her I told you that. They were headed for Des Moines today to check out the night life there....apparently the bad weather was gone, huh? I am telling you, that girl can talk to anyone and get interesting info. And in case you were wondering, she chats with women also. Its just that the women don't have the interesting stories.
Did I tell you all about her parallel parking? At the canyon. Parking was at a premium and we had to park along the road. She did a perfect job of parallel parking, first try. I was most impressed.
There is someone, somewhere in this country, who will not be getting their pre-built home. Half of it got blown off the road last night from the storms. We saw it sitting on the side of the road this am. A little later we saw a semi that was blown off. The weather was really bad. Worse than what we saw.
I think that is about it, kids. We are both kind of tired.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Iowa Excitement
Lots of excitement today. 'chelle got a new bag of m & m's. We stopped in Antique City...one of them...Walnut, IA. Roamed around looking at overpriced old stuff like our mother's tossed out years ago.
Perhaps we should not have stayed there so long. About 20 miles west of Des Moines we had to pull off the highway due to .....BAD WEATHER. Severe storms, tornados, torrential rains. Sat at McDonalds for several hours and finally figured we'd best get a room at that Super 8 across the parking lots. The worst part was we had no coupon and had to pay full price. sigh
While sitting at Mickey D's we started chatting to a bicyclist who had come in out of the rain. Quite an interesting man, was he. You know, if you are open to things, you can meet some interesting people along the road. We all sat in the kids play area because the restaurant was freezing....so....we have met some interesting peeps along the road...the TV guys, the group of classic car buffs we ran into in Green River...one a dentist who studied at U of D...they were all from Paradise CA. And today the bicyclist. Somehow the pony tail, the pierced tongue and the tats didn't seem to go with the bicycle outfit....you know that stuff the serious riders wear. But he was funny and helpful with the weather (he knew people to call regarding the storm situation) and helped pass the time. Gave us some places we should see tomorrow, but they are all out of the way. Oh...he was a criminal defense attorney and had been on a day trip about 140 miles.
Iowa is prettier than Nebraska. Gently rolling hills and lots of corn. Not so many cows. One thing I should have mentioned about Nebraska is that with the incessant winds, it would always be a bad hair day.
We had thought we would be home on Saturday, but this storm set us back by several hours, so instead it will be Sunday. Assuming we don't run into any more antiques, flea markets, or bad weather.
This has been our earliest night....but its probably good. We can get a good night's sleep and beat all the kids down to the free breakfast and make the waffles before the kids go through all the batter.
Perhaps we should not have stayed there so long. About 20 miles west of Des Moines we had to pull off the highway due to .....BAD WEATHER. Severe storms, tornados, torrential rains. Sat at McDonalds for several hours and finally figured we'd best get a room at that Super 8 across the parking lots. The worst part was we had no coupon and had to pay full price. sigh
While sitting at Mickey D's we started chatting to a bicyclist who had come in out of the rain. Quite an interesting man, was he. You know, if you are open to things, you can meet some interesting people along the road. We all sat in the kids play area because the restaurant was freezing....so....we have met some interesting peeps along the road...the TV guys, the group of classic car buffs we ran into in Green River...one a dentist who studied at U of D...they were all from Paradise CA. And today the bicyclist. Somehow the pony tail, the pierced tongue and the tats didn't seem to go with the bicycle outfit....you know that stuff the serious riders wear. But he was funny and helpful with the weather (he knew people to call regarding the storm situation) and helped pass the time. Gave us some places we should see tomorrow, but they are all out of the way. Oh...he was a criminal defense attorney and had been on a day trip about 140 miles.
Iowa is prettier than Nebraska. Gently rolling hills and lots of corn. Not so many cows. One thing I should have mentioned about Nebraska is that with the incessant winds, it would always be a bad hair day.
We had thought we would be home on Saturday, but this storm set us back by several hours, so instead it will be Sunday. Assuming we don't run into any more antiques, flea markets, or bad weather.
This has been our earliest night....but its probably good. We can get a good night's sleep and beat all the kids down to the free breakfast and make the waffles before the kids go through all the batter.
NEWS FLASH!
The m & m's are gone...
Thirteen full days, kids. Who'd a thunk it. Might have made it 14, but 'chelle was nice enough to share.
Thirteen full days, kids. Who'd a thunk it. Might have made it 14, but 'chelle was nice enough to share.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Nebraska
No pics kids....chelle was the photographer today and she has managed to lock the pics in her camera somehow. You are not missing a lot. She only took a couple. Nebraska is kind of all the same...almost completely flat...it was more of an olafactory day than a visual day. Lots of cows......
So...these cows have acres of land to roam and graze....but almost always they congregate together in one spot....I mean damn near on top of each other...'chelle says because they are social...and did I never hear the term "herd", but good grief...there is social and there is social.
I did see some who were swimming in the water hole somewhere. Well, more like wading. Probably just cooling their heels....
We stopped at Wild Bill Cody's today. The best part was the gift shop. No matter how many gift shops you see, you can never see enough. There is always something different.
You know...when you spend the day on the road...you sometimes end up having some good philosophical conversations. I addressed the cow issue already...'chelle also informed me that the cows were laying down in the dirt to get cool. Guess that blows the weather forecast theory to pieces. We also had a great discussion on what trucking companies we saw frequently over the course of the trip. 'chelle saw more Fed Ex trucks than anything. Me...I saw mostly independents....
We are in Lincoln Nebraska tonite. 'chelle found more coupon books today when we stopped for lunch. Got yet another good deal tonite. Have to love the coupon books.
Did you ever notice how many shades of green there are. I'll bet the Crayola people travelled I-80 at some point. How else could they have found all those colors. And they probably could have done a 5000 crayon box, too, if they were so minded.
Did you know that if you take your sunglasses off at dusk, you get another hour of daylight. I found that out on this trip. Good think I have 'chelle along. I might have never realized that. Seriously.
Is Nebraska part of the heartland or the plains? I don't know. But for all of you who said it would be boring...nah....because if you have never seen it before, it is still interesting.
later
So...these cows have acres of land to roam and graze....but almost always they congregate together in one spot....I mean damn near on top of each other...'chelle says because they are social...and did I never hear the term "herd", but good grief...there is social and there is social.
I did see some who were swimming in the water hole somewhere. Well, more like wading. Probably just cooling their heels....
We stopped at Wild Bill Cody's today. The best part was the gift shop. No matter how many gift shops you see, you can never see enough. There is always something different.
You know...when you spend the day on the road...you sometimes end up having some good philosophical conversations. I addressed the cow issue already...'chelle also informed me that the cows were laying down in the dirt to get cool. Guess that blows the weather forecast theory to pieces. We also had a great discussion on what trucking companies we saw frequently over the course of the trip. 'chelle saw more Fed Ex trucks than anything. Me...I saw mostly independents....
We are in Lincoln Nebraska tonite. 'chelle found more coupon books today when we stopped for lunch. Got yet another good deal tonite. Have to love the coupon books.
Did you ever notice how many shades of green there are. I'll bet the Crayola people travelled I-80 at some point. How else could they have found all those colors. And they probably could have done a 5000 crayon box, too, if they were so minded.
Did you know that if you take your sunglasses off at dusk, you get another hour of daylight. I found that out on this trip. Good think I have 'chelle along. I might have never realized that. Seriously.
Is Nebraska part of the heartland or the plains? I don't know. But for all of you who said it would be boring...nah....because if you have never seen it before, it is still interesting.
later
The Road to Denver
Ok...so today we get off the road to check out the Arches National Park...you know...the one where there are all those neat arches and things out of the rock. We were going to check it out since it is supposed to be awesome. The thing is, you had to crawl around the mountain or plateau or whatever and we didn't get very far before we chickened out. It was a wee bit scary...for both of us...instead we left and took the scenic route back to the highway...travelled along the Colorado through the canyons. Exceptionally good scenery....but hey....those mapmakers lie.....the Colorado is not blue, like on the map. It is muddy brown...
Anyway...that area was gorgeous with all the red rocks...just like in the old westerns (which were black and white, but you know what I mean). It got to the point that you simply did not know where to look.
We finally hit the Colorado Rockies today. Well....they are massive, and how fun to see the snow still on them in places, but they have no character. After seeing all the color striations and the different shapes of the plateaus and canyons, the Rockies were sort of dull. They have real pines instead of the chapparel and juniper and scrub brush we got used to. But imagine how big they must be. At one point we were over 10 thou feet high. Needless to say, 'chelle drove again today, but I must admit I certainly helped her in several places. Those downgrades can be scary. And the Johnson tunnel outside Denver....well....I really don't like tunnels. And that was long. 'chelle thought it somewhat amusing when she realized how nervous I was.
Some things we have learned along the way:
It is not a real gas station unless it has a store attached
Less adventurous people make reservations
Some national parks are just drive throughs
Those coupon books you find in restaurants come in handy when trying for a cheap room
The roads in Colorado suck...we thought we were back in Detroit
The Continental Divide really works....the rivers on the west side of the Divide do run west and the ones on the east side run to the east. We know because we saw it happen today.
And that is it for the day
Anyway...that area was gorgeous with all the red rocks...just like in the old westerns (which were black and white, but you know what I mean). It got to the point that you simply did not know where to look.
We finally hit the Colorado Rockies today. Well....they are massive, and how fun to see the snow still on them in places, but they have no character. After seeing all the color striations and the different shapes of the plateaus and canyons, the Rockies were sort of dull. They have real pines instead of the chapparel and juniper and scrub brush we got used to. But imagine how big they must be. At one point we were over 10 thou feet high. Needless to say, 'chelle drove again today, but I must admit I certainly helped her in several places. Those downgrades can be scary. And the Johnson tunnel outside Denver....well....I really don't like tunnels. And that was long. 'chelle thought it somewhat amusing when she realized how nervous I was.
Some things we have learned along the way:
It is not a real gas station unless it has a store attached
Less adventurous people make reservations
Some national parks are just drive throughs
Those coupon books you find in restaurants come in handy when trying for a cheap room
The roads in Colorado suck...we thought we were back in Detroit
The Continental Divide really works....the rivers on the west side of the Divide do run west and the ones on the east side run to the east. We know because we saw it happen today.
And that is it for the day
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
On the road again
Left Vegas this morning...no big wins, left them some money to give someone else....but we had a super time and we both have money left.
I have to tell you all...the scenery just keeps getting better. 'chelle drove today. I am the less nervous passenger, I wanted to rubberneck with all that fabulous scenery, and if she is going to spend the day with her foot on the brake, it might as well be for real. We were up and down mountains, and the road was curvy in places. Heck, we saw at least three runaway truck lanes within about an hour. Luckily, we had no runaway trucks behind us. Six percent doesn't sound like much until you are going down a 6% grade at 65 - 75 mph. Then it seems pretty steep.
Today we hit our first real traffic jam. Driving through Utah on Rte 15 and we had to come to a complete stop. There had been roadwork signs and we were trying to figure out why both lanes were stopped. Seems there was a brush fire and it was pretty close to 15 so they stopped the traffic til they could get it under contral. We had to sit for about 20 minutes. Ok...that wasn't that long, but hey...it was about 100 degrees out there.
'chelle is hating the heat. It doesn't bother me as much as it does her. We spent some time today trying to figure out what I could do to support myself so that I could live out here amid the beauty.
Tonight we are sleeping in Green River. Main Street is 2 miles long and pretty much everything is along it. Population, 993 or so. We should make Denver tomorrow, depending on if we go to Moab to see the arches and how long we stay there.
'chelle is almost sleeping and I should think about doing the same.
I have to tell you all...the scenery just keeps getting better. 'chelle drove today. I am the less nervous passenger, I wanted to rubberneck with all that fabulous scenery, and if she is going to spend the day with her foot on the brake, it might as well be for real. We were up and down mountains, and the road was curvy in places. Heck, we saw at least three runaway truck lanes within about an hour. Luckily, we had no runaway trucks behind us. Six percent doesn't sound like much until you are going down a 6% grade at 65 - 75 mph. Then it seems pretty steep.
Today we hit our first real traffic jam. Driving through Utah on Rte 15 and we had to come to a complete stop. There had been roadwork signs and we were trying to figure out why both lanes were stopped. Seems there was a brush fire and it was pretty close to 15 so they stopped the traffic til they could get it under contral. We had to sit for about 20 minutes. Ok...that wasn't that long, but hey...it was about 100 degrees out there.
'chelle is hating the heat. It doesn't bother me as much as it does her. We spent some time today trying to figure out what I could do to support myself so that I could live out here amid the beauty.
Tonight we are sleeping in Green River. Main Street is 2 miles long and pretty much everything is along it. Population, 993 or so. We should make Denver tomorrow, depending on if we go to Moab to see the arches and how long we stay there.
'chelle is almost sleeping and I should think about doing the same.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Send Money
here we are in Vegas. My first time here. Please note I am being a good girl and am sitting in the room blogging while 'chelle is down in the casino. OK....she was doing lots better than me...I spent my quota for the day. But what fun. And I love the people watching.
Was a beaut ride over today from Kingman. I am a sucker for scenery. It is so cool out here. One minute you are on flat roads through desert and next you are in the mountains. We stopped at a scenic overlook just before we hit Hoover dam. I wanted to get some pics...and darn if there wasn't yet another "jewelry store" there. I darn near tripped over the blankets with the jewelry laid out because I was looking at the scenery. Not to worry, though. 'chelle sure didn't miss it.
I cannot say enough how beautiful it is out here. So different from what I have ever seen. Y'all will be sick to death of me rhapsodising about the scenery by the time I get home.
I find it amazing that at the el cheapo motels all across the nation, one can get free wi-fi, but the big name casinos charge. It's a LAN connection tho. Maybe that is why
I have been a picture taking fool. I shoot through the window, in front of 'chelle's nose, out the back window, whatever. Ain't this digital stuff grand? Out of every 50 I get maybe 5 or 6 keepers, but what the hey, we love the delete key. Oh...Debbi P. It's Ya Ta Hey I saw it on a sign at one of the "jewelry stores". Now we just have to translate it.
You will notice that the infamous M & M bag still has about a quarter of the candy in the bag. My understanding is that this would be an all time record.
I was surprised at the color of Lake Mead. Never saw a lake that color.....unless it was near a papermill and they were making blue paper that day.
I know it has been hot...and heat is heat....but it is far easier to tolerate when you don't have that stinkin' humidity. The downsize is, my hands are drier than they were in the middle of the winter. And all my nails broke. I worked on those babies for ages so they would look nice...hah!
We have been listening to country radio since somewhere in Oklahoma. 'chelle has actually sung along with a few and gotten in the groove now and again.
And speaking of 'chelle. Either she is doing REALLY well down there or she is sitting talking to someone or other. Unlike me, she finds it easy to strike up a conversation with people. I think I will end this for now and get some sleep. Tomorrow is another day.
Maybe my money will clone itself whilst I sleep.
Was a beaut ride over today from Kingman. I am a sucker for scenery. It is so cool out here. One minute you are on flat roads through desert and next you are in the mountains. We stopped at a scenic overlook just before we hit Hoover dam. I wanted to get some pics...and darn if there wasn't yet another "jewelry store" there. I darn near tripped over the blankets with the jewelry laid out because I was looking at the scenery. Not to worry, though. 'chelle sure didn't miss it.
I cannot say enough how beautiful it is out here. So different from what I have ever seen. Y'all will be sick to death of me rhapsodising about the scenery by the time I get home.
I find it amazing that at the el cheapo motels all across the nation, one can get free wi-fi, but the big name casinos charge. It's a LAN connection tho. Maybe that is why
I have been a picture taking fool. I shoot through the window, in front of 'chelle's nose, out the back window, whatever. Ain't this digital stuff grand? Out of every 50 I get maybe 5 or 6 keepers, but what the hey, we love the delete key. Oh...Debbi P. It's Ya Ta Hey I saw it on a sign at one of the "jewelry stores". Now we just have to translate it.
You will notice that the infamous M & M bag still has about a quarter of the candy in the bag. My understanding is that this would be an all time record.
I was surprised at the color of Lake Mead. Never saw a lake that color.....unless it was near a papermill and they were making blue paper that day.
I know it has been hot...and heat is heat....but it is far easier to tolerate when you don't have that stinkin' humidity. The downsize is, my hands are drier than they were in the middle of the winter. And all my nails broke. I worked on those babies for ages so they would look nice...hah!
We have been listening to country radio since somewhere in Oklahoma. 'chelle has actually sung along with a few and gotten in the groove now and again.
And speaking of 'chelle. Either she is doing REALLY well down there or she is sitting talking to someone or other. Unlike me, she finds it easy to strike up a conversation with people. I think I will end this for now and get some sleep. Tomorrow is another day.
Maybe my money will clone itself whilst I sleep.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
AWESOME!!!
Nothing you have ever seen or read can prepare for the absolutely awesome experience of your first sight of the canyon. We took a ton of pics, but they are nothing compared to the reality. An ever changing beauty.
I even got kind of close to the edge....well...for me. I was very proud of me for being so brave.
The scenery is kicka*s. I am beginning to see real mountains....like...real...big.
'chelle wasn't liking coming down from the canyon. We had a couple of really long downgrades. She really helped me drive today...that is the truth.
In Kingman tonite. Vegas tomorrow. 'chelle got us a really good deal at Bally's. Oh and today she got us into the park for $12 and she now has lifetime admittance to any National park. Sometimes its a good thing being...um....how shall I say this....older than me.
Been trying to get some pics up, but the connection here is kind of slow. Heck, I am surprised we even have wi-fi. I will get some up from Vegas tomorrow.
annie
I even got kind of close to the edge....well...for me. I was very proud of me for being so brave.
The scenery is kicka*s. I am beginning to see real mountains....like...real...big.
'chelle wasn't liking coming down from the canyon. We had a couple of really long downgrades. She really helped me drive today...that is the truth.
In Kingman tonite. Vegas tomorrow. 'chelle got us a really good deal at Bally's. Oh and today she got us into the park for $12 and she now has lifetime admittance to any National park. Sometimes its a good thing being...um....how shall I say this....older than me.
Been trying to get some pics up, but the connection here is kind of slow. Heck, I am surprised we even have wi-fi. I will get some up from Vegas tomorrow.
annie
Saturday, June 16, 2007
New Mexico
Yesterday we went across New Mexico and Arizona. Hit a few places of interest along the way. Old town Amarillo and Winslow being a few.
Today should find us at the canyon.
Today should find us at the canyon.
Friday, June 15, 2007
We're gonna be Big Stars
Yesterday was quite a day. One adventure after the other. More wicked rain early into the trip, but we didn't float away. So we're cruising along the highway and come into this little town called Chandler (if the memory serves me right) and we see this building and we can't quite figure it out so 'chelle goes in to check it out and decides it something we want to check out. It was a new exhibit, an interpretive look at the Mother Road from its early days on. And there was a film crew there doing an episode of a program that shows interesting sights to see in the state of OK. So those of you who know 'chelle won't be surprised to know that she walked on over and asked what was going on. Next thing you know we are talking what to see in OKC (lunch at Toby's was really good, Ron. Thanks for the suggestion) and from that we end up ON TV!! Unless we end up on the cutting room floor...sigh. "Our" episode won't be seen for probably another couple of months, but check out http://www.discoverok.com/ to see what they do. I got to wear a mic and everything!!! ('chelle told them I was the talker...can you imagine?). So far, no one has asked for our autographs, but then, no one knows but us.
"OUR" episode (added 3/31/10) http://www.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.1201
After our intro to stardom, we headed off to the Bricktown area of OKC. We even did it with no turn arounds. (when you overshoot the destination or exit and have to go back..or..when you go the wrong way and have to "turn around") Went to lunch at Toby Keith's restaurant. 'chelle was disappointed that Toby wasn't there, but the food was pretty good. After that, we hopped on a trolley and went to the OKC memorial. Peaceful, but sad.
Our next destination was Clinton OK and the OK Route 66 museum. We were riding I40 at this point. Stopped at the Cherokee Trading Post (we are suckers for souvenier traps). Made a few purchases, got an early start on Christmas and back on the road. To the next Cherokee Trading Post. (Hey...they could have had different stuff!) Remind me never to move down here, folks.
We walked out of that place and the sky was black as black could be...we had 5 miles to go and almost beat the rain. Pulled up to a motel and the wind and the rain were wicked awful. The funnel clouds/tornados hit northeast of us. whew. I have to say I was a wee bit concerned. Well..maybe more than a wee bit. OK...a LOT more than a wee bit. It was really scary for a bit there. And the worst part was the storm interfered with the wireless signal and I couldn't even tell you the part about being STARS!
Today we hit the museum in Clinton, hopped on the highway and hauled. We are sitting in Albuquerque tonight. Today was a scenery day. We finally saw some mesas? buttes? whatever. And finally just before we got here I got to see some mountains. 'chelle said they were nothing compared to what we will see, but they are still cool for me. Totally different from the Berkshire's in Massachusetts, where I grew up. Of course, we had to stop at a few gift shops (read tourist traps)...you never know what you might find. Had lunch in a little cafe along the way and had a great burger. The waitress was called Dixie and I think she learned makeup techniques from Tammy Faye. But she was nice enough to warn us that the grill had just been used to cook liver YUK so we didn't order breakfast.
You know...we have been having so many moments here...but they would never make sense to y'all. Sometimes, you just have to be there.
Random thoughts:
I was always told that if the cows were laying down, it was going to rain. I have to say, the Oklahoma cows are the best weather forecasters. So far, the Texas cows are the worst.
The bag of M&M's that 'chelle opened last Saturday is still 1/4 full
If you have one of those little cooler areas above your dashboard, its ok to travel with chocolate.
Walmart is everwhere....and today we shopped at one in Amarillo
Prairie dogs look like rats until they stand up on their hind legs
Those people that we have been fortunate enough to meet along the way are friendly, kind, polite, and genuine. Everyone is extremely helpful
You are never to old to be silly
From Albuquerque.. annie signing off
PS: We seem to have gotten beyond the low that has been stuck down here dumping rain.
"OUR" episode (added 3/31/10) http://www.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.1201
After our intro to stardom, we headed off to the Bricktown area of OKC. We even did it with no turn arounds. (when you overshoot the destination or exit and have to go back..or..when you go the wrong way and have to "turn around") Went to lunch at Toby Keith's restaurant. 'chelle was disappointed that Toby wasn't there, but the food was pretty good. After that, we hopped on a trolley and went to the OKC memorial. Peaceful, but sad.
Our next destination was Clinton OK and the OK Route 66 museum. We were riding I40 at this point. Stopped at the Cherokee Trading Post (we are suckers for souvenier traps). Made a few purchases, got an early start on Christmas and back on the road. To the next Cherokee Trading Post. (Hey...they could have had different stuff!) Remind me never to move down here, folks.
We walked out of that place and the sky was black as black could be...we had 5 miles to go and almost beat the rain. Pulled up to a motel and the wind and the rain were wicked awful. The funnel clouds/tornados hit northeast of us. whew. I have to say I was a wee bit concerned. Well..maybe more than a wee bit. OK...a LOT more than a wee bit. It was really scary for a bit there. And the worst part was the storm interfered with the wireless signal and I couldn't even tell you the part about being STARS!
Today we hit the museum in Clinton, hopped on the highway and hauled. We are sitting in Albuquerque tonight. Today was a scenery day. We finally saw some mesas? buttes? whatever. And finally just before we got here I got to see some mountains. 'chelle said they were nothing compared to what we will see, but they are still cool for me. Totally different from the Berkshire's in Massachusetts, where I grew up. Of course, we had to stop at a few gift shops (read tourist traps)...you never know what you might find. Had lunch in a little cafe along the way and had a great burger. The waitress was called Dixie and I think she learned makeup techniques from Tammy Faye. But she was nice enough to warn us that the grill had just been used to cook liver YUK so we didn't order breakfast.
You know...we have been having so many moments here...but they would never make sense to y'all. Sometimes, you just have to be there.
Random thoughts:
I was always told that if the cows were laying down, it was going to rain. I have to say, the Oklahoma cows are the best weather forecasters. So far, the Texas cows are the worst.
The bag of M&M's that 'chelle opened last Saturday is still 1/4 full
If you have one of those little cooler areas above your dashboard, its ok to travel with chocolate.
Walmart is everwhere....and today we shopped at one in Amarillo
Prairie dogs look like rats until they stand up on their hind legs
Those people that we have been fortunate enough to meet along the way are friendly, kind, polite, and genuine. Everyone is extremely helpful
You are never to old to be silly
From Albuquerque.. annie signing off
PS: We seem to have gotten beyond the low that has been stuck down here dumping rain.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Tulsa
Sitting in Tulsa tonite. Started the day in Joplin, watching the rain pour down. They have had horrendous rain and we have seen a lot of flooding. Had to wait until noon to head out, and only had to turn back once because of high water. Managed to sneak across a low spot before the po-lice closed it down.
- Old Riverton Store.."Eisler Bros." open since the '20's.
- Baxter Springs Historical Museum. Fascinating. 'chelle and I keep ending up with personal guided tours somehow and it makes everything come to life. Today we had a docent, the sweetest little ole lady who grew up in the area and knew so much about what we were seeing. They had stuff going back to the 1800's and it was really neat.
- Miami OK...Coleman Theater...undergoing a complete renovation..again a private tour, we just seem to time it right. Really beautiful and almost done. Stewart left us alone though. www.colemantheatre.org
- Totem Pole Park...ok so they aren't all gems. Sculpted by Ed Galloway in the '40's and '50's.
'chelle's in her jammies and I'm headed off to read for a bit. Check back often.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Monday, Monday
Hi...
Did you miss us? Yesterday was one very busy day. We did the Lincoln stuff in Springfield IL. We did the museum and the Old Courthouse, and it was all very cool. We took all the tours that were offered and found it really interesting. The courthouse was really neat. I love all that old stuff. We didn't go to his grave site because we were running out of time and I really wanted to see the Dana Thomas house which is one of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpieces.
At the end of the day we headed to St Louis and checked in at Harrah's. 'chelle had free rooms there (hmmmmm...wonder how much gambling she does), so we spent the night there. They wanted 11 buckaroonies for the wi-fi. I figured that would be better spent on the slots. Nope, didn't win, but we had some fun.
Today we decided to hit the Meramec Caverns. I have to tell you, this is such fun. We may never make it to the canyon.
Did you miss us? Yesterday was one very busy day. We did the Lincoln stuff in Springfield IL. We did the museum and the Old Courthouse, and it was all very cool. We took all the tours that were offered and found it really interesting. The courthouse was really neat. I love all that old stuff. We didn't go to his grave site because we were running out of time and I really wanted to see the Dana Thomas house which is one of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpieces.
At the end of the day we headed to St Louis and checked in at Harrah's. 'chelle had free rooms there (hmmmmm...wonder how much gambling she does), so we spent the night there. They wanted 11 buckaroonies for the wi-fi. I figured that would be better spent on the slots. Nope, didn't win, but we had some fun.
Today we decided to hit the Meramec Caverns. I have to tell you, this is such fun. We may never make it to the canyon.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Day One
What a day! What a day! Planned on leaving about 9am and pulled out about 5 after. Got on the highway and drove till we decided to stop for breakfast. 9:18am. Sure felt good to get out and stretch after that 13 minute drive.
Missed the flea market..didn't read the sign soon enough to know what exit, but we did hit the antique mall...drove til lunch...Cracker Barrel...then headed out...made it to the Chicago area about 4:30...I just don't know how people can drive it in 5 hours.
Today we saw...a cow with some horsies, some llamas, some maybe cow butts, two restored gas stations, lots of trucks, and kjillions of grain silos. Man, they sure do grow a lot of corn in this country.
We ended the day near Springfield IL. By way of Business 55. The long way on B55. But hey, we weren't lost. 'chelle told me to follow the traffic and sure enough we were back on the highway.
Tomorrow Lincoln's Museum, grave, and whatever else we find, then on to St. Louis.
So today, I read the signs and 'chelle did the driving. Of course, I was in the driver's seat and 'chelle was the passenger. It worked well.
From the road, annie signing off.
Missed the flea market..didn't read the sign soon enough to know what exit, but we did hit the antique mall...drove til lunch...Cracker Barrel...then headed out...made it to the Chicago area about 4:30...I just don't know how people can drive it in 5 hours.
Today we saw...a cow with some horsies, some llamas, some maybe cow butts, two restored gas stations, lots of trucks, and kjillions of grain silos. Man, they sure do grow a lot of corn in this country.
We ended the day near Springfield IL. By way of Business 55. The long way on B55. But hey, we weren't lost. 'chelle told me to follow the traffic and sure enough we were back on the highway.
Tomorrow Lincoln's Museum, grave, and whatever else we find, then on to St. Louis.
So today, I read the signs and 'chelle did the driving. Of course, I was in the driver's seat and 'chelle was the passenger. It worked well.
From the road, annie signing off.
Friday, June 8, 2007
The night before...
All that is left to do is pack...I have stuff all over the place in little piles, just have to sort, figure out what I am really taking out of all that stuff I THINK I am taking, find the suitcases...hmmm...where did I store them? The young girl down the street will come in and feed and clean up after the girl cat. The car is clean and waiting to be loaded, and I am off to get all that stuff together. I have a feeling if I am not ready when 'chelle gets here in the am, I will be in bi-i-i-i-i-g trouble.
Later....from the road.
Later....from the road.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Music
I have been practicing listening to one of the country stations on my Sirius. ( I think there are 4...I will have to check them all out.) About the only music 'chelle likes is country. I figure I will be nice and let her listen to what she likes once in a while. And it will be fitting as we cruise through OK and TX, doncha think?
annie...
annie...
Monday, May 7, 2007
Time
Going by slow, but fast....'chelle is in a sunnier state visiting with her mom. Me, I picked up the new specs' today...went for the real sunglasses this time instead of the little clip ons....hey...I figure that desert sun will be bright...and we will be headed west a lot....don't want to add to the frown lines, doncha know.
Getting excited....making my lists...we should run a pool on what we forget....
Keep checking...things should get more interesting soon.
annie
Getting excited....making my lists...we should run a pool on what we forget....
Keep checking...things should get more interesting soon.
annie
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Maps, Maps, and More Maps
'chelle stopped by after work last night....she recently changed over to AAA...talk about timing! So yesterday she hit the local office and with typical 'chelle luck, happened to get the young guy who has made the trip about 5 times. An hour later out she walked with a bunch of maps, a bunch of those cool AAA travel books, and the promise of a "trip tick" closer to our departure date.
Our route is planned, and we will be pouring over the info during the next few weeks, figuring out where we think we want to stop. The focus of the trip is, of course, the canyon, Santa Fe, and Vegas. But hey...who knows what else we might see.
Our route is planned, and we will be pouring over the info during the next few weeks, figuring out where we think we want to stop. The focus of the trip is, of course, the canyon, Santa Fe, and Vegas. But hey...who knows what else we might see.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Bingo Bag
Well, as you can see, 'chelle is worried that I didn't put her Bingo Bag on the checklist. To be quite honest, I figure there is no way she will forget that. She might forget her shoes, or her hair dryer, but no way will she forget the Bingo Bag. You never know when the chance might arise. She has promised I can borrow a dauber if we find a place to play. I will have to sneak my good luck charms into my luggage when no one is looking...just in case.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Non-Plans
'chelle stopped by yesterday....we watched the re-runs of Oprah's trip cross country with her friend Gail....Oprah wasn't overly impressed by the motel with the teepee rooms, but I think it would be kind of cool..we'll see how our timing is on this whole trip...
We have an idea of how we are getting to the canyon, where we want to stop, and know for a fact we will be on an interstate when we cross the mountains out of Colorado...other than that, who knows. This will probably be the most unplanned planned trip ever...
Oh....no driving the desert at noon or at night....
We have an idea of how we are getting to the canyon, where we want to stop, and know for a fact we will be on an interstate when we cross the mountains out of Colorado...other than that, who knows. This will probably be the most unplanned planned trip ever...
Oh....no driving the desert at noon or at night....
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
no trains or planes, just an automobile
After hours of searching, comparing, agonizing, what if's and should I - could I.....
The rental car is reserved. Now we just need to hope that its there when we go to pick it up in June.
Hope to have a snapshot of 'chelle one of these days...
The rental car is reserved. Now we just need to hope that its there when we go to pick it up in June.
Hope to have a snapshot of 'chelle one of these days...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
