This is my first posting on conquering my fears.
I have come to know that to conquer fears, one has to expose them, face them and extinguish them with truth - God's word -and action.
The fears that I am facing now are the fear of height and fear of riding my bike in traffic.
I am facing the fear of height by learing how to fly an airplane with my father in law. I am planning on riding my bike daily this summer as well to conquer the fear of biking.
To some people these fears seem silly, even to me. The silliest fear I ever had was the fear of descending an escalator. My heart would beat so fast 15 feet from the escalator, that I ended up taking the elevator. Now I have conquered that fear and laugh when I remember the fear. It seemed so real at the time, but now so irrational.
More later...
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Back to the basics.
Hello everyone, you haven't heard anything for a while since we got back from our trip. In fact, a couple of people mentioned that we left you hangin' in Redding. Well just for the record, we did make it home the next day, dropping Dad off along the way. It was a good to be home.
Today I'm writing because I'm getting back in the air. I received my medical certificate back in April and its time to put out the ol' logbook and write some entries.
Today dad and I met down at Reid -Hillview (RHV) and got in a plane and got me some stick and rudder time before the day heated up too much. We took off and headed south towards South County Airport (E16) were he had me do some basic standard turns and then more progressively into 45 degree banked turns. I didn't have much difficulty with the right hand turns but the left hand turns (I fly in the left hand seat) I struggled to keep the nose up and each time lost too much altitude. Something I need to work on.
We then headed out to Holister (CHV) and did 3 touch and goes as I worked the rust off. I was talking to someone tonight who has no idea what its like and I related it like this: Let's say you had been a pretty good skier about 10 years ago. You could fluidly move down the mountain taking some ski jumps and performing with grace and style, making everything look effortless. Well, tomorrow you need to go do it again after ten years of not doing it. Do you think you'll be as graceful and as fluid as you were?
Well, that's what today was like for me. I did everything, but was constantly slightly behind the curve, not everything was as grace full as it should have been.
After leaving Hollister, we headed to South County Airport and did another 2 touch and goes before heading back to Reid.
I had a great time, I can hardly wait for next week! I need to cleanup some of my old cheat sheets for frequencies and stuff and order a subscription to the sectional charts, but I'm ready to go.
On Saturdays, keep looking up, it could be me.
Today I'm writing because I'm getting back in the air. I received my medical certificate back in April and its time to put out the ol' logbook and write some entries.
Today dad and I met down at Reid -Hillview (RHV) and got in a plane and got me some stick and rudder time before the day heated up too much. We took off and headed south towards South County Airport (E16) were he had me do some basic standard turns and then more progressively into 45 degree banked turns. I didn't have much difficulty with the right hand turns but the left hand turns (I fly in the left hand seat) I struggled to keep the nose up and each time lost too much altitude. Something I need to work on.
We then headed out to Holister (CHV) and did 3 touch and goes as I worked the rust off. I was talking to someone tonight who has no idea what its like and I related it like this: Let's say you had been a pretty good skier about 10 years ago. You could fluidly move down the mountain taking some ski jumps and performing with grace and style, making everything look effortless. Well, tomorrow you need to go do it again after ten years of not doing it. Do you think you'll be as graceful and as fluid as you were?
Well, that's what today was like for me. I did everything, but was constantly slightly behind the curve, not everything was as grace full as it should have been.
After leaving Hollister, we headed to South County Airport and did another 2 touch and goes before heading back to Reid.
I had a great time, I can hardly wait for next week! I need to cleanup some of my old cheat sheets for frequencies and stuff and order a subscription to the sectional charts, but I'm ready to go.
On Saturdays, keep looking up, it could be me.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
In Redding, Ca tonight
We're at the Redding hotel tonight. Had a wonderfull dip in the pool and spa. It was 112 degrees when we rolled into town today, man that is hot. Looking forward to getting home tomorrow.
We'll take off out of here around 8:00am tomorrow and head south on hwy 5. We've got about four hours of driving yet to do and then drop dad off at his hous and then head to our own. Man, I wish I had a internet capable thermostat right now so that I could turn on the A/C and have the house cooled off by the time we got there.
Once we home we'll have to unload the car of all of our luggage and misc items and then get the keys to one of the other cars and return the rental as quickly as possible. We need to have the car back before the office closes at 6pm, which should't be a problem since I expect to be at the house around 2pm.
What a trip!
We'll take off out of here around 8:00am tomorrow and head south on hwy 5. We've got about four hours of driving yet to do and then drop dad off at his hous and then head to our own. Man, I wish I had a internet capable thermostat right now so that I could turn on the A/C and have the house cooled off by the time we got there.
Once we home we'll have to unload the car of all of our luggage and misc items and then get the keys to one of the other cars and return the rental as quickly as possible. We need to have the car back before the office closes at 6pm, which should't be a problem since I expect to be at the house around 2pm.
What a trip!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Lack of Posts
For those of you following along you might have noticed a lack of posts the past couple of days.
We've been pushing hard since we left Ohio to get to Oregon to my brothers house. We've been doing 600 or more miles per day working in shifts to get all the driving done. We have some photos, which I'll post when I get a chance. Driving through Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska (we drove through the entire state today) has been amazing. One of these states is called "Big Sky Country" and I can understand why. From Ohio to Nebraska there has been nothing but open plains as far as the eye can see filled with corn, row after row of corn (none of it ready to eat). When we got to Wyoming and got to the top of a small rise in a hill you could see from horizon to horizon of open plain.
There really isn't much to see except the open plains. This part of the country really makes you realize how big the country is. I sometimes imagine what the plains looked like before the land was settled, it must have been amazing openness and maybe a bit daunting and exciting. I keep thinking of the Tom Cruise movie "Far and Away" with the wide open vistas and the wagons and everything. Can you imagine getting 160 acres of free land?
We're hoping to have more than just one evening with Casey and family and pick up my dad. Our gaol is to be there early evening on Friday and leave on Sunday late morning. This way we can get essentially two days with everyone.
On Sunday, we'll leave late morning and head for Reading Ca, to stay the night and then arrive in San Jose early afternoon Monday. we need to return the car on Monday or they will charge us an extra day.
We've been pushing hard since we left Ohio to get to Oregon to my brothers house. We've been doing 600 or more miles per day working in shifts to get all the driving done. We have some photos, which I'll post when I get a chance. Driving through Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska (we drove through the entire state today) has been amazing. One of these states is called "Big Sky Country" and I can understand why. From Ohio to Nebraska there has been nothing but open plains as far as the eye can see filled with corn, row after row of corn (none of it ready to eat). When we got to Wyoming and got to the top of a small rise in a hill you could see from horizon to horizon of open plain.
There really isn't much to see except the open plains. This part of the country really makes you realize how big the country is. I sometimes imagine what the plains looked like before the land was settled, it must have been amazing openness and maybe a bit daunting and exciting. I keep thinking of the Tom Cruise movie "Far and Away" with the wide open vistas and the wagons and everything. Can you imagine getting 160 acres of free land?
We're hoping to have more than just one evening with Casey and family and pick up my dad. Our gaol is to be there early evening on Friday and leave on Sunday late morning. This way we can get essentially two days with everyone.
On Sunday, we'll leave late morning and head for Reading Ca, to stay the night and then arrive in San Jose early afternoon Monday. we need to return the car on Monday or they will charge us an extra day.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
In Ohio
Hey,
We're on the road again...at this time I'm in the passengers seat and Sarah is driving. We left this moring from Dubouis PA and now are headed towards one of the suburb towns on Dayton Ohio where a friend of hers lives. We'll stay the night there so she can visit.
After we take off from there were going to set ourselves up from some grueling drives, most will be 12 hours or so so that we can make it accross the country to Casey's house on or around the 16th of July, which happens to be the same day that Dad is supposed to arrive there.
He's going to drive back home with us.
We're on the road again...at this time I'm in the passengers seat and Sarah is driving. We left this moring from Dubouis PA and now are headed towards one of the suburb towns on Dayton Ohio where a friend of hers lives. We'll stay the night there so she can visit.
After we take off from there were going to set ourselves up from some grueling drives, most will be 12 hours or so so that we can make it accross the country to Casey's house on or around the 16th of July, which happens to be the same day that Dad is supposed to arrive there.
He's going to drive back home with us.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Photo Album's - June 26th - July 4th
June 26th -
June 27th -
The files for this day were lost to the hard disk failure
June 28th -
June 29th -
June 30th -
July 1st -
July 2nd -
July 3rd -
July 4th -
June 27th -
The files for this day were lost to the hard disk failure
June 28th -
June 29th -
June 30th -
July 1st -
July 2nd -
July 3rd -
July 4th -
West Point day and more travel
Today was the day to do the West Point tour, which was great. we got to see many famous people's sites and beautiful grounds. We got to see the tomb that we wanted to see and then we got on the road.
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We're in Dubouis, PA tonight.
Tomorrow we're off to Miamisburg, OH
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We're in Dubouis, PA tonight.
Tomorrow we're off to Miamisburg, OH
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July 11th - Travel Day
Today will be mostly a travel day. we're going to head up to West Point Military Acadamy and go to Major General Daniel Butterfield's tomb. See this link to read more about him. Sarah is related to him through the Butterfield family line, so we wanted to get some close up personal time with him.
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Friday, July 10, 2009
Bureau of Printing and Engraving, Farmer’s Market, the Capitol, The Postal Museum, and Dinner at Famous Dave’s.
July 10, 2009
So today we went to mall early so that we could get a tour of the Bureau of Printing and Engraving where our paper money is printed. They gave out tickets from 8 to 8:30am and that was it for the day. We got to the ticket office in time to have a tour at 10:30am which was pretty good. The tour was only 30 minutes long, but very interesting in how the paper is embossed and printed with different colors in different layers, and embossed with seals and serial numbers and cut. We got some uncut $5 bills and quite an inflated rate: 4 five uncut dollar bills for $37- for souvenir purposes only. We know were ripped off, but we did it anyways. You can buy up to 32 uncut bills in any denomination that you want to frame or such.
After printing and engraving we headed to the Capitol building… Can you believe in over a week at Washington DC mall we didn’t get to the Capitol? On the way to the capitol, we smelled delicious kettle corn from a farmers market and had to get some as well as lunch. Yummy!
We headed toward Union Station and the Postal Museum. The postal museum was interesting, but we didn’t spend too much time there. We learned that John Butterfield was the owner of the Butterfield Overland Stage company... they were one of the first official companies hired by congress to deliver mail and was paid $1.3 million in a 3-5 year contract to run stage coaches from the east to the west. He was the father of Major General Daniel Adams Butterfield, who fought in the Civil War and also wrote “Taps.” They are both my relatives – great, great uncle and great, great, great uncle. That was fun to see. On July 12th we will visit West Point Military Academy in New York, to see Daniel’s tomb. More of that later.
We took the Metro home from Union Station early. Tonight was the last night at the Misura home and we wanted to take them for dinner. We went to Famous Dave’s where we feasted on a garbage can lid full of BBQ ribs, chicken, pork, corn, fries, coleslaw and beans. We should’ve taken a picture of the plate – enormous and yummy!
So today we went to mall early so that we could get a tour of the Bureau of Printing and Engraving where our paper money is printed. They gave out tickets from 8 to 8:30am and that was it for the day. We got to the ticket office in time to have a tour at 10:30am which was pretty good. The tour was only 30 minutes long, but very interesting in how the paper is embossed and printed with different colors in different layers, and embossed with seals and serial numbers and cut. We got some uncut $5 bills and quite an inflated rate: 4 five uncut dollar bills for $37- for souvenir purposes only. We know were ripped off, but we did it anyways. You can buy up to 32 uncut bills in any denomination that you want to frame or such.
After printing and engraving we headed to the Capitol building… Can you believe in over a week at Washington DC mall we didn’t get to the Capitol? On the way to the capitol, we smelled delicious kettle corn from a farmers market and had to get some as well as lunch. Yummy!
We headed toward Union Station and the Postal Museum. The postal museum was interesting, but we didn’t spend too much time there. We learned that John Butterfield was the owner of the Butterfield Overland Stage company... they were one of the first official companies hired by congress to deliver mail and was paid $1.3 million in a 3-5 year contract to run stage coaches from the east to the west. He was the father of Major General Daniel Adams Butterfield, who fought in the Civil War and also wrote “Taps.” They are both my relatives – great, great uncle and great, great, great uncle. That was fun to see. On July 12th we will visit West Point Military Academy in New York, to see Daniel’s tomb. More of that later.
We took the Metro home from Union Station early. Tonight was the last night at the Misura home and we wanted to take them for dinner. We went to Famous Dave’s where we feasted on a garbage can lid full of BBQ ribs, chicken, pork, corn, fries, coleslaw and beans. We should’ve taken a picture of the plate – enormous and yummy!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
More museums on the mall
July 9th, 2009
Today we went into the holocaust museum, which was amazing, somber, disquieting, disturbing, and so many other words that make it difficult to describe the events that occurred during that time. The tour was three hours of history of the war, the atrocities that were put upon the not only the Jews but many of the other minorities throughout Germany.
A couple of outstanding items were the pile of shoes that were taken from the prisoners before they were gassed and mounds and mounds of hair that was shorn from their heads prior to their gassing under the pretense that they were going to take showers after their arrival.
These two piles brought to life the just a small number of the people that were exterminated during Hitler's power reign. Seeing real shoes makes it very personal, not only can you see the shoes but smell the leather, it brings more of your senses into the tour.
After that somber tour we had lunch and then headed to National Archives to see if the line was short enough to wait, however the line was very long and we decided to head over to the Air and Space Museum and spend a bit of time touring the huge building.
The Wright brothers exhibit was really good, what a great story of the Wright Brothers outside of aviation.
After going through the A&S Museum we headed over to the archives again. This time the line was very personable and were were able to get in at the last hour that it was open and got in long enough to see the Bill of Rights, which is barely readable, as well as the Constitution. Really very cool.
What a wonderful day. A long day of walking. The Archives and the A&S Museum are across the mall from each other.
After viewing the Archives we headed up the street and had dinner at a Texas Grill not far from the Mall
Today we went into the holocaust museum, which was amazing, somber, disquieting, disturbing, and so many other words that make it difficult to describe the events that occurred during that time. The tour was three hours of history of the war, the atrocities that were put upon the not only the Jews but many of the other minorities throughout Germany.
A couple of outstanding items were the pile of shoes that were taken from the prisoners before they were gassed and mounds and mounds of hair that was shorn from their heads prior to their gassing under the pretense that they were going to take showers after their arrival.
These two piles brought to life the just a small number of the people that were exterminated during Hitler's power reign. Seeing real shoes makes it very personal, not only can you see the shoes but smell the leather, it brings more of your senses into the tour.
After that somber tour we had lunch and then headed to National Archives to see if the line was short enough to wait, however the line was very long and we decided to head over to the Air and Space Museum and spend a bit of time touring the huge building.
The Wright brothers exhibit was really good, what a great story of the Wright Brothers outside of aviation.
After going through the A&S Museum we headed over to the archives again. This time the line was very personable and were were able to get in at the last hour that it was open and got in long enough to see the Bill of Rights, which is barely readable, as well as the Constitution. Really very cool.
What a wonderful day. A long day of walking. The Archives and the A&S Museum are across the mall from each other.
After viewing the Archives we headed up the street and had dinner at a Texas Grill not far from the Mall
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
July 8, 2009
Today we went to visit Mt. Vernon to see the home of George Washington. We got there around 10am and had breakfast in the café and soon after saw a short introductory film in one of the theaters about Washington hosted by Pat Sajak!
After the film we headed out for a tour of the house. The line for the house tour was long and it took us about 45 to an hour in line. The wait was well worth it. The home was beautifully restored and painted with beautiful furnishings and house wares. The walls were painted an emerald green as Martha Washington would have had it, which was surprising to me. Few pieces that stuck out, and were Washington’s chair, harpsichord and the bed Washington died in. The house has three floors, but we only were able to visit two floors.
When we were finished with the tour we were able to roam the grounds, but before that we sat in the chairs in the back of the house that overlooked the Potomac River and enjoyed the view. The grounds have costumed workers such as a blacksmith to demonstrate life in those days. We visited the blacksmith house and watched him work before heading for lunch.
Next we went to visit Washington’s tomb. On the way we visited the fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, and pens for sheep, chickens and pigs. We visited the sheep and pigs on the way out again. The grounds were beautifully laid out and very peaceful. What a wonderful place to live!!!
To end our visit we went to the visitor center to look through the museum. We were very impressed by the furnishings, house wares, jewelry, clothing, paintings, guns, swords, buckle jewels, etc … everything was of the best quality. I believe they were a very wealthy couple and could afford the best that money could buy.
Today we went to visit Mt. Vernon to see the home of George Washington. We got there around 10am and had breakfast in the café and soon after saw a short introductory film in one of the theaters about Washington hosted by Pat Sajak!
After the film we headed out for a tour of the house. The line for the house tour was long and it took us about 45 to an hour in line. The wait was well worth it. The home was beautifully restored and painted with beautiful furnishings and house wares. The walls were painted an emerald green as Martha Washington would have had it, which was surprising to me. Few pieces that stuck out, and were Washington’s chair, harpsichord and the bed Washington died in. The house has three floors, but we only were able to visit two floors.
When we were finished with the tour we were able to roam the grounds, but before that we sat in the chairs in the back of the house that overlooked the Potomac River and enjoyed the view. The grounds have costumed workers such as a blacksmith to demonstrate life in those days. We visited the blacksmith house and watched him work before heading for lunch.
Next we went to visit Washington’s tomb. On the way we visited the fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, and pens for sheep, chickens and pigs. We visited the sheep and pigs on the way out again. The grounds were beautifully laid out and very peaceful. What a wonderful place to live!!!
To end our visit we went to the visitor center to look through the museum. We were very impressed by the furnishings, house wares, jewelry, clothing, paintings, guns, swords, buckle jewels, etc … everything was of the best quality. I believe they were a very wealthy couple and could afford the best that money could buy.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Museums of American History and Natural History
July 7th, 2009 Post Dated
Today we had 3 museums to take a look through, at least that’s what we thought we might get through. We headed off to the Metro station around 9:00 and got on the mall around 9:40 or so. We had been feeling really tired the last couple of days in the morning, partly due to the all the activity and maybe lack of sleep, but I thing mostly because we were crashing due to not having the right kind of energy on board (in our stomachs).
We delayed having breakfast until we got on the mall and quickly found a small McDonalds so that we could have an egg McMuffin each, and believe it or not a diet coke. The sandwich gave us protein and carbs and the diet coke gave us much needed hydration and some caffeine. It ended up working our perfectly, because we felt like we had plenty of energy until lunch time. I’m not sure if this was the real answer but at least the two of us were not as tired as we were the day before where we just dragged through the morning.
After eating we headed off to the Museum of American history where there is plenty to see. We walked through countless exhibits of American war history from the revolution to the current battles going on in Afghanistan and Iraq. The uniforms and weapons of each battle were interesting to look and examine. This first exhibit took us approximately 2 hours to go through. We had to really be specific about what exhibits to see because seeing all of them would take days. Next we went to see to see the original flag that our national anthem “Star Spangled Banner” was written about. It was in a large darkened room on a tilted ground and we could see it through a glass wall.
I, Sarah, was very exited to visit a string quartet of Stradivarius in the instrument room, along with Amati and Guarnerius instruments. We visited Julia Child’s kitchen on the bottom floor. She had donated her kitchen to the Smithsonian and they had the exact layout of her kitchen with all of her pots and pans, gadgets and knives. She said that she had never met a gadget that she didn’t like and loved to collect knives. After that we looked at exhibits of a famous black photographer that were taken before WWII and after which were of excellent quality and poise.
The next museum we visited was the Museum of Natural History. I, Sarah, was interested in the butterfly exhibit, but we arrived too late to get a ticket to enter. We looked at a cool and interesting exhibit on Forensic Science, although we didn’t expect to see it in a museum of natural history. We enjoyed the amazing crystals, tried to see the hope diamond, but the crowds were too great. The life size displays of mammals was very interesting, bats and birds, monkeys, giraffe, lions, tigers, bears, ha ha!!
Today would be a long day: A visit to the White house and WWII, Lincoln, Vietnam and Washington monuments at night. We went to the White house and take pictures – and walked back to the Washington monument, had something to eat and waited for about 30 minutes until dark. Pictures are difficult to do at night without a tripod, but we made it work!
Little did we realize that we walked close to 10 miles. A very busy, interesting and satisfying day!
Today we had 3 museums to take a look through, at least that’s what we thought we might get through. We headed off to the Metro station around 9:00 and got on the mall around 9:40 or so. We had been feeling really tired the last couple of days in the morning, partly due to the all the activity and maybe lack of sleep, but I thing mostly because we were crashing due to not having the right kind of energy on board (in our stomachs).
We delayed having breakfast until we got on the mall and quickly found a small McDonalds so that we could have an egg McMuffin each, and believe it or not a diet coke. The sandwich gave us protein and carbs and the diet coke gave us much needed hydration and some caffeine. It ended up working our perfectly, because we felt like we had plenty of energy until lunch time. I’m not sure if this was the real answer but at least the two of us were not as tired as we were the day before where we just dragged through the morning.
After eating we headed off to the Museum of American history where there is plenty to see. We walked through countless exhibits of American war history from the revolution to the current battles going on in Afghanistan and Iraq. The uniforms and weapons of each battle were interesting to look and examine. This first exhibit took us approximately 2 hours to go through. We had to really be specific about what exhibits to see because seeing all of them would take days. Next we went to see to see the original flag that our national anthem “Star Spangled Banner” was written about. It was in a large darkened room on a tilted ground and we could see it through a glass wall.
I, Sarah, was very exited to visit a string quartet of Stradivarius in the instrument room, along with Amati and Guarnerius instruments. We visited Julia Child’s kitchen on the bottom floor. She had donated her kitchen to the Smithsonian and they had the exact layout of her kitchen with all of her pots and pans, gadgets and knives. She said that she had never met a gadget that she didn’t like and loved to collect knives. After that we looked at exhibits of a famous black photographer that were taken before WWII and after which were of excellent quality and poise.
The next museum we visited was the Museum of Natural History. I, Sarah, was interested in the butterfly exhibit, but we arrived too late to get a ticket to enter. We looked at a cool and interesting exhibit on Forensic Science, although we didn’t expect to see it in a museum of natural history. We enjoyed the amazing crystals, tried to see the hope diamond, but the crowds were too great. The life size displays of mammals was very interesting, bats and birds, monkeys, giraffe, lions, tigers, bears, ha ha!!
Today would be a long day: A visit to the White house and WWII, Lincoln, Vietnam and Washington monuments at night. We went to the White house and take pictures – and walked back to the Washington monument, had something to eat and waited for about 30 minutes until dark. Pictures are difficult to do at night without a tripod, but we made it work!
Little did we realize that we walked close to 10 miles. A very busy, interesting and satisfying day!
Monday, July 6, 2009
The Air and Space Museum at Udvar-Hazy
We took off early to see this museum, it has a SR-71 blackbird, the Enterprise space shuttle and tons of other aircraft.
Amazingly, I was disappointed with the place. Maybe it was too new and things weren't complete maybe because it was waaay too cold. In any case I was disappointed. They has some neat stuff but no explanations about them, what they were used for etc... You really had to know alot about the things you were going to see before you went in or have one of the docent tours, which we missed.
The last tour was at 1:00 pm and we wanted to see the IMAX move "The Blue Planet" at the same time.
After walking around and freezing we left and went to Legal Seafood's in Arlington, near the Dulles airport. MMM...more delicious seafood.
Amazingly, I was disappointed with the place. Maybe it was too new and things weren't complete maybe because it was waaay too cold. In any case I was disappointed. They has some neat stuff but no explanations about them, what they were used for etc... You really had to know alot about the things you were going to see before you went in or have one of the docent tours, which we missed.
The last tour was at 1:00 pm and we wanted to see the IMAX move "The Blue Planet" at the same time.
After walking around and freezing we left and went to Legal Seafood's in Arlington, near the Dulles airport. MMM...more delicious seafood.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Sunday June 5th - Down day
We took this day as a down day from all the activity from the day before. We got a bit late and spent some time talking with my aunt and uncle who have graciously let us use their home for a home base while we are here.
we later went out and explored a bit of Old Town Alexandria and had some dinner - Seafood. mmm yummy, but a bit on the expensive side even when we shared a plate.
We cam home early and planned our next day...The Air and space museum at the Udvar-Hazy Center at the Dulles airport.
we later went out and explored a bit of Old Town Alexandria and had some dinner - Seafood. mmm yummy, but a bit on the expensive side even when we shared a plate.
We cam home early and planned our next day...The Air and space museum at the Udvar-Hazy Center at the Dulles airport.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
July 4th 2009
Today we knew what we would face. 500,000 of our closest new friends would converge on the Washington DC mall all to do the same thing as us. Watch the fireworks show at 9:10pm from the reflecting pool between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial and celebrate our Nation’s 233rd birthday. We thought we would know what we would face at the end as well: All 500,000 of us would say our goodbyes and leave at the same time going in the same direction… Hmmm… That might be interesting.
We took the Metro in from Old Town Alexandria around 10:30am and arrived in time for the parade at 11am. The parade started impressively with the military bands, followed by fun and silly floats and selected high school bands. We took pictures of the colorful pageantry. The parade lasted over an hour and a half. By that time we were hungry so we sat in the shade of a tree had one of the sandwiches we bought that morning at Safeway.
It was about 2:30pm after lunch and we sort of wandered around aimlessly trying to figure out what to do for 6+ hours before the fireworks show. We had to figure out if we wanted to go with the part of the group that wanted to crowd on the capitol steps to see the concert with Barry Manilow and Aretha Franklin… (an awesome spectacle)… or camp out between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial where we could see and hear the fireworks better. Seeing the concert would be awesome, but to get any kind of good seat would mean that we would have to camp out there for at least 5 hours. We couldn’t make a good decision without caffeine -- diet Cokes…it turned out we headed toward the Washington Monument.
We walked that way and found a spot center stage and put down our blanket, our stuff and ourselves. It was about 4:30pm by this time… only 4+ hours to wait. We snacked, napped, and took turns going to the restroom. We treated ourselves to the most wonderful ice cream in the world… Dove bars!! Mmmm.
We were able to use our cell phones OK until the hordes or herds of people arrived, filling in every spot on the grass. With so many people trying to use their cell phones, the cell service was overloaded. Around 6:30pm we could no longer get any service. I have never been is such a large crowd. To walk anywhere you had to be careful of hands, heads or feet.
There was a stage set up to the front/left of us. The Army Band played patriotic music and a new Army Pop Band played. Some country music artist played as well - John Willets?? (We weren’t familiar with his name, ‘cause we ain’t knowin’ no country music)
At 9:10pm precisely the fireworks started. It was a loud and amazing 20 minutes of colorful fireworks and we had both of our mouths open in awe. We may have swallowed some. Beautiful!!
At the end of the fireworks, all of us got up, packed up and herded out. Moo!. That was an event in itself. The worst part was walking to the metro in a mass herd and stopping in the middle of the street not being able to move for about 30 minutes…Maybe moving one step every minute. We started toward the Metro at about 9:30pm and got to the train at 10:30. Normally that would take us 20 minutes.
Well, I guess, now, we’ve been there, done that!!! Headed to the Misura’s home, and crashed!
Today we knew what we would face. 500,000 of our closest new friends would converge on the Washington DC mall all to do the same thing as us. Watch the fireworks show at 9:10pm from the reflecting pool between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial and celebrate our Nation’s 233rd birthday. We thought we would know what we would face at the end as well: All 500,000 of us would say our goodbyes and leave at the same time going in the same direction… Hmmm… That might be interesting.
We took the Metro in from Old Town Alexandria around 10:30am and arrived in time for the parade at 11am. The parade started impressively with the military bands, followed by fun and silly floats and selected high school bands. We took pictures of the colorful pageantry. The parade lasted over an hour and a half. By that time we were hungry so we sat in the shade of a tree had one of the sandwiches we bought that morning at Safeway.
It was about 2:30pm after lunch and we sort of wandered around aimlessly trying to figure out what to do for 6+ hours before the fireworks show. We had to figure out if we wanted to go with the part of the group that wanted to crowd on the capitol steps to see the concert with Barry Manilow and Aretha Franklin… (an awesome spectacle)… or camp out between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial where we could see and hear the fireworks better. Seeing the concert would be awesome, but to get any kind of good seat would mean that we would have to camp out there for at least 5 hours. We couldn’t make a good decision without caffeine -- diet Cokes…it turned out we headed toward the Washington Monument.
We walked that way and found a spot center stage and put down our blanket, our stuff and ourselves. It was about 4:30pm by this time… only 4+ hours to wait. We snacked, napped, and took turns going to the restroom. We treated ourselves to the most wonderful ice cream in the world… Dove bars!! Mmmm.
We were able to use our cell phones OK until the hordes or herds of people arrived, filling in every spot on the grass. With so many people trying to use their cell phones, the cell service was overloaded. Around 6:30pm we could no longer get any service. I have never been is such a large crowd. To walk anywhere you had to be careful of hands, heads or feet.
There was a stage set up to the front/left of us. The Army Band played patriotic music and a new Army Pop Band played. Some country music artist played as well - John Willets?? (We weren’t familiar with his name, ‘cause we ain’t knowin’ no country music)
At 9:10pm precisely the fireworks started. It was a loud and amazing 20 minutes of colorful fireworks and we had both of our mouths open in awe. We may have swallowed some. Beautiful!!
At the end of the fireworks, all of us got up, packed up and herded out. Moo!. That was an event in itself. The worst part was walking to the metro in a mass herd and stopping in the middle of the street not being able to move for about 30 minutes…Maybe moving one step every minute. We started toward the Metro at about 9:30pm and got to the train at 10:30. Normally that would take us 20 minutes.
Well, I guess, now, we’ve been there, done that!!! Headed to the Misura’s home, and crashed!
Friday, July 3, 2009
July 3, 2009
What a busy day. We got up our usual time around 7:30 and every thing just kept moving after that. We had some breakfast, and basically kept on moving. Loading just the bear essentials into the car (Us, water, maps, money, cameras,) we headed off ot the metro station that is not far from my cousins house in downtown Alexandria where se is able to give us guest parking permits for the next week so that we don’t have to part at the metro station.
While we headed out to the metro station I began to feel light headed. This is the sensation that I’m familiar with when my blood pressure is low. So we stopped at a Safeway supermarket and purchased a bag of pretzels and some more water. The pretzels worked great and I felt better within a couple of hours.
We took the yellow line from Braddock station to La’Enfant plaza and walked out on to the mall. We had discussed yesterday that our primary objective today was to get the “lay of the land” and ride one of the ever present Tour Mobiles that give you hop on and hop off privileges.
It was a beautiful day with light winds, not too hot not too windy. Everything was perfect.
So out side the Air and space museum we caught the tourmobile and headed around the mall out to the capital and then eventually down to Arlington cemetery, where we got off for a while.
Walking through the cemetery is beautiful. What a scenic and sobering area. It seems like miles and miles of headstones (which there are). There are approximately 360,000 military and families entombed at the site, with about 21 new entombments everyday.
After seeing the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watching the amazing changing of the guard we headed down the path to the Kennedy gravesite.
Since the tour mobile will be closed for the 4th of July we were able to get the tour of the Arlington in for free (basically).
Leaving Arlington we caught another tour mobile and headed east back into the Mall, our next stop was the Lincoln Memorial.
What a amazing place, huge beyond your initial impressions from afar, with the masses of people all along the memorial.
We viewed the Korean and Vietnam memorials as well each amazing. When we arrived at the Vietnam memorial we got there just as one of the park volunteers what giving a 30 minute talk on the memorial which was extremely moving as well as infor4mitive. If you haven’t been to the wall, you should go.
We left the wall and headed towards the capital to see the rehearsal of the performances on the lawn of the capital for the 4th of July walking through the World War II memeorial and past the Washington monument.
We never got into the area where we would be able to see the rehearsal because of the lines for security but by that time we were in need of some food and it was getting late.
And frankly we were both tired and getting a bit grumpy.
After we ate we headed back to the Metro and back to the Misura’s to unwind and relax a bit (it was 10:00 by the time we actually got back).
When I finally let my eyes closed I crashed hard. A great ending to a wonderful day.
What a busy day. We got up our usual time around 7:30 and every thing just kept moving after that. We had some breakfast, and basically kept on moving. Loading just the bear essentials into the car (Us, water, maps, money, cameras,) we headed off ot the metro station that is not far from my cousins house in downtown Alexandria where se is able to give us guest parking permits for the next week so that we don’t have to part at the metro station.
While we headed out to the metro station I began to feel light headed. This is the sensation that I’m familiar with when my blood pressure is low. So we stopped at a Safeway supermarket and purchased a bag of pretzels and some more water. The pretzels worked great and I felt better within a couple of hours.
We took the yellow line from Braddock station to La’Enfant plaza and walked out on to the mall. We had discussed yesterday that our primary objective today was to get the “lay of the land” and ride one of the ever present Tour Mobiles that give you hop on and hop off privileges.
It was a beautiful day with light winds, not too hot not too windy. Everything was perfect.
So out side the Air and space museum we caught the tourmobile and headed around the mall out to the capital and then eventually down to Arlington cemetery, where we got off for a while.
Walking through the cemetery is beautiful. What a scenic and sobering area. It seems like miles and miles of headstones (which there are). There are approximately 360,000 military and families entombed at the site, with about 21 new entombments everyday.
After seeing the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watching the amazing changing of the guard we headed down the path to the Kennedy gravesite.
Since the tour mobile will be closed for the 4th of July we were able to get the tour of the Arlington in for free (basically).
Leaving Arlington we caught another tour mobile and headed east back into the Mall, our next stop was the Lincoln Memorial.
What a amazing place, huge beyond your initial impressions from afar, with the masses of people all along the memorial.
We viewed the Korean and Vietnam memorials as well each amazing. When we arrived at the Vietnam memorial we got there just as one of the park volunteers what giving a 30 minute talk on the memorial which was extremely moving as well as infor4mitive. If you haven’t been to the wall, you should go.
We left the wall and headed towards the capital to see the rehearsal of the performances on the lawn of the capital for the 4th of July walking through the World War II memeorial and past the Washington monument.
We never got into the area where we would be able to see the rehearsal because of the lines for security but by that time we were in need of some food and it was getting late.
And frankly we were both tired and getting a bit grumpy.
After we ate we headed back to the Metro and back to the Misura’s to unwind and relax a bit (it was 10:00 by the time we actually got back).
When I finally let my eyes closed I crashed hard. A great ending to a wonderful day.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Traveling To the Misura's
July 2, 2009
We said goodbye to one set of aunt and uncle and headed off for a two hour drive to another set. The two only live a couple of hours apart, so we stopped at a mall and boght some different sandals for me and few other miscellaneous items.
We arrived at the Misura’s around 3:00 and spent the next few hours getting re-acquainted and settled in.
Pretty uneventful really.
We said goodbye to one set of aunt and uncle and headed off for a two hour drive to another set. The two only live a couple of hours apart, so we stopped at a mall and boght some different sandals for me and few other miscellaneous items.
We arrived at the Misura’s around 3:00 and spent the next few hours getting re-acquainted and settled in.
Pretty uneventful really.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
A day at Monticello
What a beautiful day on the mount. The day was absolutly wonderful with just enough cloud cover to keep the direct sunlight from burning us. We walked around the house with a great tour guide. The views from the mount were beautiful, I highly recommend a visit if you are in Virginia.
Suprize phone call
So, we're sitting here having lunch at Mr. Jeffersons's house here on the hill at Monticello and my phone rings. It's the guy from The University of Phoenix calls me and tells me my degree has officially been conferred!
I'm offically a graduate!
The next question will be what date will be on the degree, 2009 or 2000. We'll see when we get home.
I'm offically a graduate!
The next question will be what date will be on the degree, 2009 or 2000. We'll see when we get home.
Tuesday June 30th
We spent a wonderful morning talking with my aunt and uncle in the morning before heading off to Colonial Williamsburg to see the sights.
However, we had to spend a few hours before we took off seeing if we could find a computer place to help us with the boot problem. We ended up going to three places until we could find someone who would just burn me CD of the OS disk. And it stll cost 25 bucks just for that.
Anyway, we got to Williamsburg and toured the lttle town having lunch and then some ice cream within the town.
The drive from where we are staying wasn't very great, just a hour so over all a pleasent day. It was hit however in the direct sunlight but in the shade vey comfortable,
after getting back I've tried to work on the computer and get it back up and running but it my be gone. The hard drive may be shot as it won't pass a check disk. I may be able to another shipped to me from my brother and get the data off to a USB memory stick. We' ll see later today.
We spent a wonderful morning talking with my aunt and uncle in the morning before heading off to Colonial Williamsburg to see the sights.
However, we had to spend a few hours before we took off seeing if we could find a computer place to help us with the boot problem. We ended up going to three places until we could find someone who would just burn me CD of the OS disk. And it stll cost 25 bucks just for that.
Anyway, we got to Williamsburg and toured the lttle town having lunch and then some ice cream within the town.
The drive from where we are staying wasn't very great, just a hour so over all a pleasent day. It was hit however in the direct sunlight but in the shade vey comfortable,
after getting back I've tried to work on the computer and get it back up and running but it my be gone. The hard drive may be shot as it won't pass a check disk. I may be able to another shipped to me from my brother and get the data off to a USB memory stick. We' ll see later today.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Computer issues
We've run into a bit of computer issues and I'll have to find computer repair place. We tried to use the "geek squad" but they were no help at all. They could only offer to reload the OS and I would lose all my stuff such as pictures and my whole lightroom database.
I'm using my iPhone for this update.
We're at my aunt and uncle's house for the next few days.
We'll give a more comprehesive update when we can.
I'm using my iPhone for this update.
We're at my aunt and uncle's house for the next few days.
We'll give a more comprehesive update when we can.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Nashville
Saturday June 27th
Last night we made some quick arrangements with one of the travel tours and booked a tour that would give us a tour of the Nashville area and all the sights. The places the we went to are too numerous to mention but needless to say we went to the Grand Ol' Opry the Ryman and other famous Country Music locations.
After the first part of the tour the guide dropped us off at a "Shoney's" restaurant which turned out to be terrible. The place was greasy and the portions of fries that they served was incredibly small. Not that we wanted too much but, you know it's the principle...and fries are cheap.
Later in the tour we transferred to another bus with a gruff older man as our driver and tour guide. He wasn't very talkative...for a tour guide.
Tomorrow we're off to someplace in between Richmond and Nashville so that we don't have to drive to far on the day we arrive at the Howard's (my aunt and uncle).
Last night we made some quick arrangements with one of the travel tours and booked a tour that would give us a tour of the Nashville area and all the sights. The places the we went to are too numerous to mention but needless to say we went to the Grand Ol' Opry the Ryman and other famous Country Music locations.
After the first part of the tour the guide dropped us off at a "Shoney's" restaurant which turned out to be terrible. The place was greasy and the portions of fries that they served was incredibly small. Not that we wanted too much but, you know it's the principle...and fries are cheap.
Later in the tour we transferred to another bus with a gruff older man as our driver and tour guide. He wasn't very talkative...for a tour guide.
Tomorrow we're off to someplace in between Richmond and Nashville so that we don't have to drive to far on the day we arrive at the Howard's (my aunt and uncle).
Friday, June 26, 2009
The Rock, Rocks and Nashville
Little Rock to Memphis (Blues Rock) to Nashville (Country Rock)
God is our Rock!
During our road trip I am reading out loud a book called “Crazy Love,” by Francis Chan.
It speaks of God’s amazing love toward us and the amazing fact that the creator of the universe (creator of the vastness of all we can see and infinite vastness of all we cannot see) loves us “with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love.” The book essentially reminds us that God is in control, not us, and that we should live our short lives (which are as a vapor), to God’s glory not our glory. HE is the star of the show, not us. As we travel on this trip we are both reminded how small we are and how big this small earth is and how infinite God is.
Today we woke up to 98 degrees and humidity. We are both feeling the effects of the heat in being dehydrated, so we drank a couple bottles of water and filled our ice chest with 20 lbs of ice before heading towards Memphis. Our first stop in Memphis was Graceland. We didn’t visit the mansion, but walked around the “mall” where there were many museums and souvenirs shops selling Elvis craziness. A bear wearing a leather jacket, purses, t-shirts, mugs, music, books, plaques, night lights… if you want anything with Elvis on it you could find it. We didn’t stay long or buy anything- just got some pictures of all the hype.
We decided to eat in downtown Memphis for lunch. We walked along Beale Street where there are many shops and restaurants featuring the Blues/Rock era. We had our eye on BB Kings Club Restaurant. Our guide book writes that Memphis is famous for BBQ even hosting the World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest in May. We wanted to sample tastes that were authentic to the area. Our host suggested the a sample platter of ribs, buffalo wings, fried pickles, potato skins, and a dessert of banana bread pudding. The ribs were the best we have ever tasted, tender and very flavorful, the fried pickles were very sour and salty, and the banana bread pudding, oh my, yummy deliciousness! The only things left were potatoes skins and fried pickles.
We visited the Gibson Guitar Showcase where Gibson guitars are made. They say only 35 guitars are made every day and that the Gibson Guitar factory give tours which detail the various stages of making a guitar.
About 3:30pm we left and were on our way to Nashville.
God is our Rock!
During our road trip I am reading out loud a book called “Crazy Love,” by Francis Chan.
It speaks of God’s amazing love toward us and the amazing fact that the creator of the universe (creator of the vastness of all we can see and infinite vastness of all we cannot see) loves us “with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love.” The book essentially reminds us that God is in control, not us, and that we should live our short lives (which are as a vapor), to God’s glory not our glory. HE is the star of the show, not us. As we travel on this trip we are both reminded how small we are and how big this small earth is and how infinite God is.
Today we woke up to 98 degrees and humidity. We are both feeling the effects of the heat in being dehydrated, so we drank a couple bottles of water and filled our ice chest with 20 lbs of ice before heading towards Memphis. Our first stop in Memphis was Graceland. We didn’t visit the mansion, but walked around the “mall” where there were many museums and souvenirs shops selling Elvis craziness. A bear wearing a leather jacket, purses, t-shirts, mugs, music, books, plaques, night lights… if you want anything with Elvis on it you could find it. We didn’t stay long or buy anything- just got some pictures of all the hype.
We decided to eat in downtown Memphis for lunch. We walked along Beale Street where there are many shops and restaurants featuring the Blues/Rock era. We had our eye on BB Kings Club Restaurant. Our guide book writes that Memphis is famous for BBQ even hosting the World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest in May. We wanted to sample tastes that were authentic to the area. Our host suggested the a sample platter of ribs, buffalo wings, fried pickles, potato skins, and a dessert of banana bread pudding. The ribs were the best we have ever tasted, tender and very flavorful, the fried pickles were very sour and salty, and the banana bread pudding, oh my, yummy deliciousness! The only things left were potatoes skins and fried pickles.
We visited the Gibson Guitar Showcase where Gibson guitars are made. They say only 35 guitars are made every day and that the Gibson Guitar factory give tours which detail the various stages of making a guitar.
About 3:30pm we left and were on our way to Nashville.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thursday June 25th
I love Cruise Control!
This morning we took off from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and drove to a friend of Sarah’s who lives in Arkansas and visited with her for a while. Leaving Sarah’s friend’s house we drove to Little Rock to stay the night. The day’s drive wasn’t all that long but we were both tired today. I think the time changes have caught up to us. When we left California we really didn’t recognize any time changes until we were in Oklahoma City which is in the central time zone which means we essentially lost two hours.
Man, with out cruise control the trip would not be as easy as it is. Air conditioning too. The temperatures have been in the 80’s, 90’s and 100’s since we left Arizona and the humidity has been increasing as we move east.
Tonight we’re going to go to bed on local time and sleep in a extra hour to get caught up. We have another relatively short drive tomorrow to Nashville where we’re going to stay two nights so that we can see the sight or take a tour. We should be in Nashville around 3:00 local time.
No pictures from today…I’ll process them and post them tomorrow. It takes about hour to process and post both mine and Sarah’s each night and I’m tired.
See ya tomorrow in Nashville.
I love Cruise Control!
This morning we took off from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and drove to a friend of Sarah’s who lives in Arkansas and visited with her for a while. Leaving Sarah’s friend’s house we drove to Little Rock to stay the night. The day’s drive wasn’t all that long but we were both tired today. I think the time changes have caught up to us. When we left California we really didn’t recognize any time changes until we were in Oklahoma City which is in the central time zone which means we essentially lost two hours.
Man, with out cruise control the trip would not be as easy as it is. Air conditioning too. The temperatures have been in the 80’s, 90’s and 100’s since we left Arizona and the humidity has been increasing as we move east.
Tonight we’re going to go to bed on local time and sleep in a extra hour to get caught up. We have another relatively short drive tomorrow to Nashville where we’re going to stay two nights so that we can see the sight or take a tour. We should be in Nashville around 3:00 local time.
No pictures from today…I’ll process them and post them tomorrow. It takes about hour to process and post both mine and Sarah’s each night and I’m tired.
See ya tomorrow in Nashville.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
To Amarillo, TX for lunch and Oklahoma City, OK for dinner and a sleep over
On June 24th, 2009 we lost 2 hours, passed one time zone and drove through three states in temperatures of 90-100 degrees. We lost 2 hours because our watches were still in Pacific time this morning and we passed into the Central time zone as we entered Texas.
About 9am we set off from Albuquerque No 1963M for Amarillo TX as our halfway point. Just as we entered Amarillo TX we saw 10 Cadillacs diving into a plot of land. We were informed that this was a bit of interactive art. A man by the name of Stanley Marsh III planted the ten Cadillacs (years 1948 to 1963) in his wheat field in 1974. In 1997 Marsh was forced to move his ten cars two miles west due to new developments in the area. Visitors are encouraged to visit 24/7 and add their own graffiti art to the cars. Ones we could identify with were “Roadtrip 2009” and “June 24, 2009.” I should have a photo of this posted.
After we were finished visiting the “ranch” we decided to try a Texas BBQ at Dyer’s BBQ in Amarillo. Our guide book mentioned it, so we gave it a try. We split 3 ribs and 3 greasy onion rings, a small mound of mashed potatoes that tasted like devilled eggs. The ribs were tender, but not as tasty as the place smelled. Overall we weren’t impressed with the place or the plate, but at least we were able to eat Texas BBQ in Texas, I guess.
After lunch we started off toward Oklahoma City.
Finally we arrived at 7:40pm
Tomorrow: Arkansas Here We Come
About 9am we set off from Albuquerque No 1963M for Amarillo TX as our halfway point. Just as we entered Amarillo TX we saw 10 Cadillacs diving into a plot of land. We were informed that this was a bit of interactive art. A man by the name of Stanley Marsh III planted the ten Cadillacs (years 1948 to 1963) in his wheat field in 1974. In 1997 Marsh was forced to move his ten cars two miles west due to new developments in the area. Visitors are encouraged to visit 24/7 and add their own graffiti art to the cars. Ones we could identify with were “Roadtrip 2009” and “June 24, 2009.” I should have a photo of this posted.
After we were finished visiting the “ranch” we decided to try a Texas BBQ at Dyer’s BBQ in Amarillo. Our guide book mentioned it, so we gave it a try. We split 3 ribs and 3 greasy onion rings, a small mound of mashed potatoes that tasted like devilled eggs. The ribs were tender, but not as tasty as the place smelled. Overall we weren’t impressed with the place or the plate, but at least we were able to eat Texas BBQ in Texas, I guess.
After lunch we started off toward Oklahoma City.
Finally we arrived at 7:40pm
Tomorrow: Arkansas Here We Come
To Albuquerque, not Amarillo!!
Today, June 23, 2009, we left Flagstaff intending to drive about 600 miles to Amarillo, TX. We changed our minds and decided to visit some sights on the way and stay in Albuquerque tonight.
What did we visit? Our first stop was Meteor Crater about 40 miles east of Flagstaff. We paid the entrance fee, looked through the museum and then to the crater. Like the Grand Canyon, it was difficult to fathom the depth and width of the crater. The crater’s diameter is 2.5 miles wide and its depth is around 500 feet.
After visiting Meteor Crater we drove about 100 miles on I-40 east to the Petrified Forest.
We watched a short movie about it in the visitor center, poked around a bit and left. We didn’t drive the 28 mile loop due to the time it would take. Basically it is not a forest as we know it in California. It was a forest that was flooded long ago buried in silt, high in silicone. Over time the silicone replaced the cellulose in the wood. Combined with minerals in the water and the wood, it produced the beautiful colors in the petrified wood we see today. (See, we were listening to the movie)
Next we headed to Albuquerque. We had dinner at “Sadie’s” a Mexican food restaurant and split an enormous burrito. After dinner we went to the hotel and soaked in the hot tub. Bliss! (Which we have done every night at our homes away from home- Holiday Inn Express)
Tomorrow: To Amarillo, TX for lunch and Oklahoma City, OK for dinner and a sleep over.
What did we visit? Our first stop was Meteor Crater about 40 miles east of Flagstaff. We paid the entrance fee, looked through the museum and then to the crater. Like the Grand Canyon, it was difficult to fathom the depth and width of the crater. The crater’s diameter is 2.5 miles wide and its depth is around 500 feet.
After visiting Meteor Crater we drove about 100 miles on I-40 east to the Petrified Forest.
We watched a short movie about it in the visitor center, poked around a bit and left. We didn’t drive the 28 mile loop due to the time it would take. Basically it is not a forest as we know it in California. It was a forest that was flooded long ago buried in silt, high in silicone. Over time the silicone replaced the cellulose in the wood. Combined with minerals in the water and the wood, it produced the beautiful colors in the petrified wood we see today. (See, we were listening to the movie)
Next we headed to Albuquerque. We had dinner at “Sadie’s” a Mexican food restaurant and split an enormous burrito. After dinner we went to the hotel and soaked in the hot tub. Bliss! (Which we have done every night at our homes away from home- Holiday Inn Express)
Tomorrow: To Amarillo, TX for lunch and Oklahoma City, OK for dinner and a sleep over.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Williams AZ last night after a day of traveling from my aunt’s house in Torrance CA. Last night we were figuring out how we wanted to visit the Grand Canyon, by car or train. We were able to book a round trip train ticket to the Grand Canyon as well as a guided tour bus and a buffet lunch… (More about that later)
Today at 7am we got up and showered and headed downstairs for a buffet breakfast. We are both watching what we eat, so it was quite difficult for us with pancakes, French toast, buttermilk biscuits, bacon, sausages, eggs, bagels and oatmeal or cream of wheat for the people who’d rather have a bland nonfat breakfast … Wow! Anyways we weren’t too bad and got through that.
After breakfast we packed our bags and stored everything in our rental car except for our cameras for the train trip out. Before the train trip to the Grand Canyon, the locals put on a cowboy shooting show… we weren’t impressed with the World Famous William’s Railway cowboy show at the beginning, (but we got a train robbery on the way back with the robbers stealing or bribing dollars from children.)
The train ride out was from 9:30am to 11:45am. On the ride out and back we were entertained by a banjo player and knowledgeable coachman. As we got closer to the Grand Canyon, I got more excited because I have never seen it before. My first view was breathtaking. I got all choked up. Both Russ and I were trying to put it all into perspective: Its depth-- 5000-6000 feet from where we were to the Colorado River and its width-- about ten miles across at its widest point. It is difficult to fathom. Looking halfway down we saw travelers on mules which looked like ants.
We took about 160 photos and we will have some of those posted later. After our tour, we had a lunch—another buffet. After lunch we stayed for about 40 minutes to wander around and then got on back on the train at 3:30. We arrive back in Williams around 7pm due to repairs on the track and the train stopping about 5 times. We then drove to Flagstaff to stay the night.
Tomorrow: Driving to Albuquerque, NM.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Williams AZ last night after a day of traveling from my aunt’s house in Torrance CA. Last night we were figuring out how we wanted to visit the Grand Canyon, by car or train. We were able to book a round trip train ticket to the Grand Canyon as well as a guided tour bus and a buffet lunch… (More about that later)
Today at 7am we got up and showered and headed downstairs for a buffet breakfast. We are both watching what we eat, so it was quite difficult for us with pancakes, French toast, buttermilk biscuits, bacon, sausages, eggs, bagels and oatmeal or cream of wheat for the people who’d rather have a bland nonfat breakfast … Wow! Anyways we weren’t too bad and got through that.
After breakfast we packed our bags and stored everything in our rental car except for our cameras for the train trip out. Before the train trip to the Grand Canyon, the locals put on a cowboy shooting show… we weren’t impressed with the World Famous William’s Railway cowboy show at the beginning, (but we got a train robbery on the way back with the robbers stealing or bribing dollars from children.)
The train ride out was from 9:30am to 11:45am. On the ride out and back we were entertained by a banjo player and knowledgeable coachman. As we got closer to the Grand Canyon, I got more excited because I have never seen it before. My first view was breathtaking. I got all choked up. Both Russ and I were trying to put it all into perspective: Its depth-- 5000-6000 feet from where we were to the Colorado River and its width-- about ten miles across at its widest point. It is difficult to fathom. Looking halfway down we saw travelers on mules which looked like ants.
We took about 160 photos and we will have some of those posted later. After our tour, we had a lunch—another buffet. After lunch we stayed for about 40 minutes to wander around and then got on back on the train at 3:30. We arrive back in Williams around 7pm due to repairs on the track and the train stopping about 5 times. We then drove to Flagstaff to stay the night.
Tomorrow: Driving to Albuquerque, NM.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sunday June 21, 2009
We took off from Torrance, Ca from Ginger’s house at about 8:30 this morning and went over to Carl’s Jr. again for breakfast. Then leaving about 10:30 after some morning goodbyes and pictures.
On the way we got off the road onto the route 66 highway that parallels Highway 40 most of our trip. We were looking for some old signs of the route that was used in the early years of motoring across the states from Ohio to LA. We found this cool paint job on the road and took time to get our picture.
We traveled the main highway making just a few stops for quick breaks while the car gets about 25MPG.
We got checked into our Holiday Inn hotel here in Williams, AZ. The hotel has a indoor pool and we used the hot tub to ease away most of the road tension.
Tomorrow we’re off to the Grand Canyon via the Grand Canyon Railway which we found out about just after we got here.
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Saturday, June 20, 2009
Saturday June 20th
Here we are just before taking off. We weren't able to ge the Rav4 that we really wanted but got a Pontiac Torrent instead. It doesn't get quite the gas mileage as the Rav4 but its within 2 MPG, so we took it.
It was a busy morning as we got all of our things together for a 11:00am take off time. It turns out that we closed up all of the bags and got them in the car at about 10:30 and headed over to Luck's to pick up some last minute grocery's and ended up on the road at about 11:05.
The trip to Torrance was largely uneventful, we made one gas stop and one other break but kept on driving. We thought that we'd arrive ad Ginger's house about 5:00pm but it turned out that the LA traffice was more than we expected and it added a extra 45 minutes to the trip.
After arrive the night was filled with meeting Sarah's extended family of uncles and aunts, we went out to dinner to Carl's Jr.and split a mushroom burger adn then back to the house to reminice some more before heading off to bed.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
I might have my degree after all!
Its been ten years since I attended University of Phoenix working on my BS-IS. Sarah suggested that I give them a call and finish up where I left off and get it done. So, yesterday I called the UOP counselor and talked a bit to him. It turns out that one of the computer system says that I've completed and the other says I've got a bit to do. So he and his manager dug more deeply.
Today he called and it looks like the administration says that I'm complete! All I need to do is submit my application for my diploma and I'm all set. I finished ten years ago and didn't know it!
I've faxed the completed application over to them and they are processing it now. Should take three weeks or so.
I'll come back from sabbatical and have my degree!
Today he called and it looks like the administration says that I'm complete! All I need to do is submit my application for my diploma and I'm all set. I finished ten years ago and didn't know it!
I've faxed the completed application over to them and they are processing it now. Should take three weeks or so.
I'll come back from sabbatical and have my degree!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Embedding Google maps is frustrating
I've spent many hours now trying to get a couple of photos along with a map into the blog with no real success. I've found a blog that indicates how to do it within blogger but even his own examples don't work anymore (his post was from 2005).
I've tried embedding things from both flicker and picassa but I'm not getting the results I want.
Ah well...I'll try again tomorrow.
I've tried embedding things from both flicker and picassa but I'm not getting the results I want.
Ah well...I'll try again tomorrow.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Planning for Our Trip
Last night we got 5 suitcases from our storage. We have no idea how many we will use because we haven't even started packing!!! We will pack for 4 weeks of traveling. Russ plans on bringing a computer, gps logger and camera so that we can post photos as we travel.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
We've Reserved a Vehicle
We're going to rent a Toyota Rav4 for our travel. It gets good gas milage and is big enough to carry all of our stuff that we might need in relative comfort.
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