2 weeks exactly, and finally home. Stayed last night in Truckee (just outside Tahoe) due to snow and chain control. Headed home this morning, and got to Mom's around noon. Got my car unpacked, 3 loads of laundry done, and went to the car wash to get all the driving residue gone. Mom's a GREAT car detailer!
Nice, relaxing evening. Tomorrow I'll start working on my lists (taxes, bank, etc) and hopefully start working out again.
Sunny but breezy here today--cool. Tomorrow's supposed to be 65--NICE!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Almost home
Sunday afternoon, and we planned to be home today. Drove as far as Reno last night, went out for Martini's and dinner, and spent the night. The weather was ok in Reno, but snowing over the Donner Summit.
We drove from Reno to Truckee this morning, but there was chain control on I-80, so we stopped for lunch (yay, great Mexican again!) and spent the afternoon with M's friend who lives outside of Truckee. Went cross country skiing, and played Scrabble all afternoon. Have decided to stay the night here and attempt the road in the morning. Funny how we thought we'd have bad weather on the East Coast and we're about 70 miles from home and are stuck!
All in all, I'm glad to prolong the trip one more day.
We drove from Reno to Truckee this morning, but there was chain control on I-80, so we stopped for lunch (yay, great Mexican again!) and spent the afternoon with M's friend who lives outside of Truckee. Went cross country skiing, and played Scrabble all afternoon. Have decided to stay the night here and attempt the road in the morning. Funny how we thought we'd have bad weather on the East Coast and we're about 70 miles from home and are stuck!
All in all, I'm glad to prolong the trip one more day.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The days start to run together
I was doing so well keeping up with where we were each day, and really dropped the ball for the last few.
Tuesday we drove from Hays Kansas to Colorado Springs, Colorado (we didn't take the detour to see the worlds largest ball of twine--shoot!) We got to Co. Springs in the late afternoon, with time to do a short hike in the Garden of the Gods (beautiful, red rocks in interesting shapes). Stayed Tuesday night in Colorado Springs.
Got up early Wednesday morning and toured the Helen Hunt Falls and the 7 Falls in Cheyenne Mountain Park (or something like that) in Colorado Springs (lots of stairs, and pretty, though still snowy). From Colorado Springs, we headed to Vail. Took a short stop in Breckenridge (cute and still lots of ski activity) then drove on to Vail where we spent the night with a friend of M's.
Thursday morning, we left Vail, and headed further into Colorado, and stayed at Ouray (pronounced You-ray) Colorado, a tiny town nestled in in a beautiful alpine gorge. Most of the hotels had their own hot springs, and the town even had a pool open daily fed by the hot springs. On the way there, we took a short side trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The admission was free in the winter (love that) and the scenic overlooks (some visible from the car, some a short hike) were stunning and breathtaking. I would by far rate this higher and more scenic than Grand Canyon (smaller scale, of course). It was truly a highlight.
Friday morning, we left Ouray (about 15 miles out of the way but worth it!) and headed west toward Utah. We took a mid-day break in Telluride, my personal favorite of the Colorado ski towns we saw (Breckenridge, Vail, Telluride). We took the free Gondola ride from Telluride to the top fo the mountain, and then down to Mountian Village. Had a great lunch at the base of the mountain (warm enough to eat outside and watch folks end their ski runs), and even got to stop in at a yarn store. Fun day.
Friday late afternoon we drove through Moab, and into Arches National Park--got there with an hour before sunset and saw most of the park. Took a short hike and scampered up into the double arch (not for folks who are afraid of heights!). Was amazing, and accessible, and a real highlight. Spent Friday night in Green River, Utah, just about 50 miles from Moab (tried to stay in Moab, but the half marathon runners had booked all the rooms). Today we're on through the rest of Utah, and into Nevada. I think it's going to be a long driving day.
Our estimated date of arrival home in California is late Sunday. I am looking forward to not lugging a suitcase in every night, but I could easily go for another week of this. It's the trip of a lifetime.
Tuesday we drove from Hays Kansas to Colorado Springs, Colorado (we didn't take the detour to see the worlds largest ball of twine--shoot!) We got to Co. Springs in the late afternoon, with time to do a short hike in the Garden of the Gods (beautiful, red rocks in interesting shapes). Stayed Tuesday night in Colorado Springs.
Got up early Wednesday morning and toured the Helen Hunt Falls and the 7 Falls in Cheyenne Mountain Park (or something like that) in Colorado Springs (lots of stairs, and pretty, though still snowy). From Colorado Springs, we headed to Vail. Took a short stop in Breckenridge (cute and still lots of ski activity) then drove on to Vail where we spent the night with a friend of M's.
Thursday morning, we left Vail, and headed further into Colorado, and stayed at Ouray (pronounced You-ray) Colorado, a tiny town nestled in in a beautiful alpine gorge. Most of the hotels had their own hot springs, and the town even had a pool open daily fed by the hot springs. On the way there, we took a short side trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The admission was free in the winter (love that) and the scenic overlooks (some visible from the car, some a short hike) were stunning and breathtaking. I would by far rate this higher and more scenic than Grand Canyon (smaller scale, of course). It was truly a highlight.
Friday morning, we left Ouray (about 15 miles out of the way but worth it!) and headed west toward Utah. We took a mid-day break in Telluride, my personal favorite of the Colorado ski towns we saw (Breckenridge, Vail, Telluride). We took the free Gondola ride from Telluride to the top fo the mountain, and then down to Mountian Village. Had a great lunch at the base of the mountain (warm enough to eat outside and watch folks end their ski runs), and even got to stop in at a yarn store. Fun day.
Friday late afternoon we drove through Moab, and into Arches National Park--got there with an hour before sunset and saw most of the park. Took a short hike and scampered up into the double arch (not for folks who are afraid of heights!). Was amazing, and accessible, and a real highlight. Spent Friday night in Green River, Utah, just about 50 miles from Moab (tried to stay in Moab, but the half marathon runners had booked all the rooms). Today we're on through the rest of Utah, and into Nevada. I think it's going to be a long driving day.
Our estimated date of arrival home in California is late Sunday. I am looking forward to not lugging a suitcase in every night, but I could easily go for another week of this. It's the trip of a lifetime.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Thoughts on Kansas
Kansas is a large state. It's somewhat flat, very brown and dry. Even the "big" towns seem sleepy. The hotels here seem to (for some unfathomable reason) be among the most expensive. Strange.
We left KC yesterday afternoon, and drove straight through to Hayes, KS, over half way through the width of Kansas. Had dinner in a cute brew pub last night (the ONLY game in town). The weather yesterday was lovely--above 70, and sunny. Wide open blue skies. Looks like more of the same today--perhaps up to 80. There's a Walmart across the street from the hotel, and I'm thinking we'll stop in before leaving. I have so many cold weather clothes with me, but nearly none for warmer weather. Would like to supplement what I've got if they have something cheap and attractive. Would prefer Target, but those have been few and far between.
As a treat for breaking up the driving, I started a new knitting project yesterday--a bear for the Mother Bear Project: I know I'll miss the Lake Street Irregulars deadline (tomorrow?) but I needed a change and it's a quick knit.
Today we're heading for Colorado. May try to go skiing again (tomorrow?) weather permitting. May spend a couple nights in Colorado--I've never been there (except to the Denver airport) and would like to get to see more than the highways.
We left KC yesterday afternoon, and drove straight through to Hayes, KS, over half way through the width of Kansas. Had dinner in a cute brew pub last night (the ONLY game in town). The weather yesterday was lovely--above 70, and sunny. Wide open blue skies. Looks like more of the same today--perhaps up to 80. There's a Walmart across the street from the hotel, and I'm thinking we'll stop in before leaving. I have so many cold weather clothes with me, but nearly none for warmer weather. Would like to supplement what I've got if they have something cheap and attractive. Would prefer Target, but those have been few and far between.
As a treat for breaking up the driving, I started a new knitting project yesterday--a bear for the Mother Bear Project: I know I'll miss the Lake Street Irregulars deadline (tomorrow?) but I needed a change and it's a quick knit.
Today we're heading for Colorado. May try to go skiing again (tomorrow?) weather permitting. May spend a couple nights in Colorado--I've never been there (except to the Denver airport) and would like to get to see more than the highways.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Mission: Kansas City
Yesterday we drove from just east of St. Louis to just east of Kansas City. We stopped in at the Arch in St. Louis (very cool, though didn't love the city itself) and then drove on to St. Charles, Missouri. We rented bikes there, and rode along the Missouri river. It was a great stopping point--a really cute town, with a well maintained, brick paved historic district. Cute shops, outdoor restaurants, etc.
From there we headed to Columbia, MO, thinking we'd find a brewpub or some local dinner place in the college town. No luck. We stayed in Independence MO, just outside of KC. Today's plan is to check out KC, eat some more BBQ (didn't realize I was the fan I seem to be!) and maybe try to get through a bunch of Kansas. The states are getting bigger with fewer highlights (which may mean more knitting!).
From there we headed to Columbia, MO, thinking we'd find a brewpub or some local dinner place in the college town. No luck. We stayed in Independence MO, just outside of KC. Today's plan is to check out KC, eat some more BBQ (didn't realize I was the fan I seem to be!) and maybe try to get through a bunch of Kansas. The states are getting bigger with fewer highlights (which may mean more knitting!).
Sunday, March 15, 2009
St. Louis here we come
Did a Tri-State day yesterday: Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois. Had BBQ for lunch in Lexington Ky (a highlight was the Kentucky Bourbon Ale (beer aged in Bourbon casks), saw the beautiful horse farms with white and black fences around Lexington, and tried to take a Bourbon Distillery tour, but our timing was way off, and we missed the open hours.
Drove to Mt. Vernon, IL last night. Lots of rain and overcast and mist, but today looks a bit more promising. Plan to tour around St. Louis today, and maybe spend the night nearby. On a continued quest for the best BBQ. Stay tuned!
Drove to Mt. Vernon, IL last night. Lots of rain and overcast and mist, but today looks a bit more promising. Plan to tour around St. Louis today, and maybe spend the night nearby. On a continued quest for the best BBQ. Stay tuned!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
In search of BBQ
Friday we hit another eating high: found a place called The Tavern in Charlottesville, VA and had the best breakfast (and by breakfast, I mean at lunchtime). Biscuits, gravy, grits--YUMMY.
Did more driving on Friday, crossing through West VA, and into Kentucky. Stayed about an hour outside of Lexington KY Friday night, and today plan to see the Lexington (and maybe Louisville) areas. We're in search of BBQ for lunch or dinner. So far, we've had at least one AMAZING regional meal a day, and are hoping to keep it up.
The weather has been iffy--snow and rain showers on Friday prevented views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We tried to see something called the Natural Bridge ("One of the 7 wonders of the world!") but decided not to pay the entrance fee. The slight detour took us by "Foamhenge" though, which was pretty funny.
Made a short stop at the Greenbriar in West Virginia--a beautiful old Hotel and Resort (golf course, clay tennis courts, spa, etc). Would have loved to see it in the spring or summer (or when there wasn't snow on the ground!)
Knitting progress: minimal, but have been enjoying the drive, sights and journey.
Did more driving on Friday, crossing through West VA, and into Kentucky. Stayed about an hour outside of Lexington KY Friday night, and today plan to see the Lexington (and maybe Louisville) areas. We're in search of BBQ for lunch or dinner. So far, we've had at least one AMAZING regional meal a day, and are hoping to keep it up.
The weather has been iffy--snow and rain showers on Friday prevented views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We tried to see something called the Natural Bridge ("One of the 7 wonders of the world!") but decided not to pay the entrance fee. The slight detour took us by "Foamhenge" though, which was pretty funny.
Made a short stop at the Greenbriar in West Virginia--a beautiful old Hotel and Resort (golf course, clay tennis courts, spa, etc). Would have loved to see it in the spring or summer (or when there wasn't snow on the ground!)
Knitting progress: minimal, but have been enjoying the drive, sights and journey.
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