This morning I woke up to the sun rising outside of our tent and it was wonderful. After another meal with Nanna we took the free shuttle to Temple Square. A trip to Salt Lake City wouldn't be complete without learning about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Apparently they agree because they go out of their way to attract and shuttle people to their buildings and tours. As a community service, church members drive people from the airport and other areas around Salt Lake to Temple Square for free. Then they offer free tours where they share their beliefs about Jesus and tell about the church. It's all amazingly crafted propaganda. All of the missionary Sisters were very smiley and friendly, but almost to the point where they seemed like Stepford Sisters. My favorite part was the document they handed out at the end of the tour called, "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." You should google it and read it. I'm conflicted about my feelings towards the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They do a lot of amazing humanitarian work, but it bothers me how unaccepting they can be. Overall, it was a very interesting experience to say the least and I'm glad we went.
Leaving Salt Lake City we drove past the Great Salt Lake and stopped to take pictures. The drive to Reno was enjoyable; I like driving around, between, over, and into mountains!
Reno is just plain trashy... the hotels, the casinos, the women, and the men are creepy. I've decided that I generally don't enjoy casinos. I feel like for the most part they attract people who really can't afford to be there, and I hate watching them waste their money. My tastes lie somewhere between the Mormons and Reno. On a positive note, I took another gorgeous picture of the sunset outside of our hotel room here in Reno.
Tomorrow we're getting up early to visit Tahoe, Yosemite, and San Francisco. I can't wait to put my feet in the Pacific Ocean and say we officially crossed the US!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
Salt Lake City, UT
First of all, the Black Hills of South Dakota are spectacular. Last night when we drove in, it was so dark that I couldn't see the surrounding area. I was getting frustrated because I was so tired and the roads were so twisty and full of turns. However, this morning I loved driving through in the daylight. Second, Wyoming was miserable and I definitely never want to live there. There were a few things that I enjoyed seeing, but otherwise I couldn't get out fast enough...too bad it took over 8 hours! I say the only reason I'd really go back is for Yellowstone.
As for Utah, I'm in love! Crossing the Utah line brought on a very drastic change in scenery. Driving on the highway was so amazing; the trees were so green and the mountains were so high. I was in awe of it all.
We got to our next campsite before dark this time. Putting up the tent was much easier in the light! After we put our tent up we went to visit Nana, the campsite cook. She had a wonderful all you can eat dinner for $9.50, and was the friendliest lady ever. We'll probably head back for the all you can eat breakfast in the morning. After dinner we hopped into the hot tub and pool. It was nice to sit in the hot tub after so much driving in the past week.
We found an electrical outlet in our campsite, and it was a great find for using and charging computers! Our campsite neighbors are from New Hampshire. We started talking and told them that we're from Boston. He didn't believe us at first and asked why we'd be here when we could be there. I'd much rather be here, that's for sure!
There's a free shuttle bus that runs from the campsite to downtown Salt Lake. The lady at the registration desk said that it's free, but the only form of payment is a tour. We're both really curious what such a tour will entail. We're thinking it might be a Mormon proselytizing type tour. I think that we're going to go in the morning just to find out exactly what kind of tour it is. Then we'll be off to Reno!
As for Utah, I'm in love! Crossing the Utah line brought on a very drastic change in scenery. Driving on the highway was so amazing; the trees were so green and the mountains were so high. I was in awe of it all.
We got to our next campsite before dark this time. Putting up the tent was much easier in the light! After we put our tent up we went to visit Nana, the campsite cook. She had a wonderful all you can eat dinner for $9.50, and was the friendliest lady ever. We'll probably head back for the all you can eat breakfast in the morning. After dinner we hopped into the hot tub and pool. It was nice to sit in the hot tub after so much driving in the past week.
We found an electrical outlet in our campsite, and it was a great find for using and charging computers! Our campsite neighbors are from New Hampshire. We started talking and told them that we're from Boston. He didn't believe us at first and asked why we'd be here when we could be there. I'd much rather be here, that's for sure!
There's a free shuttle bus that runs from the campsite to downtown Salt Lake. The lady at the registration desk said that it's free, but the only form of payment is a tour. We're both really curious what such a tour will entail. We're thinking it might be a Mormon proselytizing type tour. I think that we're going to go in the morning just to find out exactly what kind of tour it is. Then we'll be off to Reno!
Hill City, SD
I'm currently posting from inside a tent 5 miles away from Mt. Rushmore; it's a little strange to be on the internet while camping in the Black Hills of South Dakota! I've started to keep notes while we're driving so that I don't forget anything. The days are long and we see so much that I'm bound to forget by the time I get to post.
Yesterday morning I woke up and had no idea what day of the week it was; it was a nice feeling. We did indeed visit the Mall of America and IKEA for breakfast. I couldn't believe it, but there was a line at the door of IKEA with people waiting for breakfast. The store didn't even open until half an hour after breakfast started. I was going to take a picture of that, but I refrained. Eric also showed us the Minnehaha Falls and they were really pretty. I think what I really like might be the name. I saw a car parked on the Minnehaha Parkway with the license plate, "Hahah20." I got a good chuckle out of it! Minnesota reminds me of the NPR show, Prairie Home Companion; just because it takes place in Minnesota, no other reason.
As we were driving yesterday, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of gas mileage a huge camper pulling a car behind it must get. I wouldn't want that gas bill!! I accidentally ran over some type of bird yesterday that was running across the road. I heard a thump and looked back to see feathers everywhere! There are remnants on one of the side mirrors. We saw our first sign for Wall Drug 355 miles away, and of course we eventually stopped 355 miles later. We also stopped at a place called The Corn Palace. I was disappointed because it really wasn't a corn palace, but it's okay because it was free.
The Badlands were incredible! Pictures really don't do them justice at all (don't worry mom, I still took pictures anyway). I loved driving in them! After visiting the Badlands and Wall Drug we ended up driving off into the sunset. It was absolutely gorgeous, and I hope to be one of many more to come. We arrived in Hill City around 9:45, and as we were driving to the campground we drove past Mt.Rushmore all lit up. It's definitely smaller than I was expecting, but we're going to head back this morning to investigate in day light.
After we finally arrived at the campsite we had to put the tent up in the dark. It was very comical to say the least since it's a brand new tent and I had never put it up before! You can use your imagination.
I'm off for the $2.50, all you can eat pancake breakfast that they have here at the campground. By the way, it's the nicest campground I've ever seen! I'll leave you with my next question. Why are there an abundance of SEA food restaurants in the midwest? Seems strange to me!
Yesterday morning I woke up and had no idea what day of the week it was; it was a nice feeling. We did indeed visit the Mall of America and IKEA for breakfast. I couldn't believe it, but there was a line at the door of IKEA with people waiting for breakfast. The store didn't even open until half an hour after breakfast started. I was going to take a picture of that, but I refrained. Eric also showed us the Minnehaha Falls and they were really pretty. I think what I really like might be the name. I saw a car parked on the Minnehaha Parkway with the license plate, "Hahah20." I got a good chuckle out of it! Minnesota reminds me of the NPR show, Prairie Home Companion; just because it takes place in Minnesota, no other reason.
As we were driving yesterday, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of gas mileage a huge camper pulling a car behind it must get. I wouldn't want that gas bill!! I accidentally ran over some type of bird yesterday that was running across the road. I heard a thump and looked back to see feathers everywhere! There are remnants on one of the side mirrors. We saw our first sign for Wall Drug 355 miles away, and of course we eventually stopped 355 miles later. We also stopped at a place called The Corn Palace. I was disappointed because it really wasn't a corn palace, but it's okay because it was free.
The Badlands were incredible! Pictures really don't do them justice at all (don't worry mom, I still took pictures anyway). I loved driving in them! After visiting the Badlands and Wall Drug we ended up driving off into the sunset. It was absolutely gorgeous, and I hope to be one of many more to come. We arrived in Hill City around 9:45, and as we were driving to the campground we drove past Mt.Rushmore all lit up. It's definitely smaller than I was expecting, but we're going to head back this morning to investigate in day light.
After we finally arrived at the campsite we had to put the tent up in the dark. It was very comical to say the least since it's a brand new tent and I had never put it up before! You can use your imagination.
I'm off for the $2.50, all you can eat pancake breakfast that they have here at the campground. By the way, it's the nicest campground I've ever seen! I'll leave you with my next question. Why are there an abundance of SEA food restaurants in the midwest? Seems strange to me!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Minneapolis, MN
Well well well...day 4. We woke up bright and early again this morning. I've been enjoying the time change. I always like heading West, because I feel like I'm gaining time. Uncle Joe made us scrambled eggs for breakfast (he loves making omeletts!). We spent a little more time with Pepere while he was eating his breakfast and then said good bye. Uncle Joe then gave us a personalized tour of Kenosha. We went to see Lake Michigan, went to the Kenosha Public Museum (to see a Woolly Mammoth), and then we toured my Aunt's horse farm. I saw a coffee shop called Mo's in downtown Kenosha (I took a picture of it for you Momo!). Before we left town and headed towards MN, we stopped at Target and I picked up a $10 headlamp (I know mom, the head lamp....you have no idea how sad I was!) to use the next few days and a neck pillow to make the car a little more comfortable.
After Target we got onto 94 and were on our way around noon. The drive through Wisconsin was pretty boring. There was a lot of corn and flat land. However, I've really been enjoying watching the white fluffy clouds as we drive. Once we started getting closer to Minnesota the scenery became a lot nicer. The only interesting thing to report from the road today is a license plate that read, "STRBUCKS." I'm hoping that they own a Starbucks or something and don't just love the coffee. We arrived in St. Paul and Minneapolis around 6:30ish. I really enjoyed driving in Minneapolis traffic this evening. I've missed driving on Storrow Drive in Boston every day and it was fun to drive in city traffic again. I already know that's weird.
Ilona's friend, Eric, showed us around Minneapolis. I wasn't sure if I liked it at first, but it quickly grew on me. I think that it's another place I would consider living if it didn't get so darn cold. We got to see a lot of the downtown and then went to visit The Spoon Bridge. I guess it's a famous piece of sculpture. It was cool because it's a giant silver spoon with a cherry at the end, and the Minneapolis skyline is in the backround. After taking funny pictures with the spoon we headed to dinner. We ate at a Blues and BBQ place. Who would have thought BBQ in Minnesota? I certainly would have never put the two together. It was good and the I enjoyed listening to the live music.
I've been pretty bad at posting pictures, but Ilona has been keeping up. You can find her pictures in a link from her blog (there's a link on the side of this page to her blog).
Tomorrow morning we're heading to IKEA for the $.99 breakfast and then stopping by the Mall of America. What US Road trip would be complete without a trip there? I feel like by the end of this trip I'm going to need a caffeine IV!
After Target we got onto 94 and were on our way around noon. The drive through Wisconsin was pretty boring. There was a lot of corn and flat land. However, I've really been enjoying watching the white fluffy clouds as we drive. Once we started getting closer to Minnesota the scenery became a lot nicer. The only interesting thing to report from the road today is a license plate that read, "STRBUCKS." I'm hoping that they own a Starbucks or something and don't just love the coffee. We arrived in St. Paul and Minneapolis around 6:30ish. I really enjoyed driving in Minneapolis traffic this evening. I've missed driving on Storrow Drive in Boston every day and it was fun to drive in city traffic again. I already know that's weird.
Ilona's friend, Eric, showed us around Minneapolis. I wasn't sure if I liked it at first, but it quickly grew on me. I think that it's another place I would consider living if it didn't get so darn cold. We got to see a lot of the downtown and then went to visit The Spoon Bridge. I guess it's a famous piece of sculpture. It was cool because it's a giant silver spoon with a cherry at the end, and the Minneapolis skyline is in the backround. After taking funny pictures with the spoon we headed to dinner. We ate at a Blues and BBQ place. Who would have thought BBQ in Minnesota? I certainly would have never put the two together. It was good and the I enjoyed listening to the live music.
I've been pretty bad at posting pictures, but Ilona has been keeping up. You can find her pictures in a link from her blog (there's a link on the side of this page to her blog).
Tomorrow morning we're heading to IKEA for the $.99 breakfast and then stopping by the Mall of America. What US Road trip would be complete without a trip there? I feel like by the end of this trip I'm going to need a caffeine IV!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Pleasant Prairie, WI
This morning we were up and were pulling away from Pete's house at 7:10 Eastern Time. It was a very long day of driving; 14 hours spent in the car. We drove through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. It wasn't until the last 45 minutes or so that I really couldn't wait to get out of the car. We arrived at my Aunt Michelle and Uncle Joe's house around 8pm Central Time where Uncle Joe had pizza and salad waiting for us. Boy did that taste good!
My Pepere (my grandfather) was doing well tonight. He reached into his pocket and handed me a little money and said, "Here, either for putting gas in the car or in your belly." I thought it was really funny. We got to do a little laundry tonight; that was nice! Uncle Joe and Ilona were comparing mini cars, because he has a Mazda Miata. I guess he's really been wanting to get a Mini Cooper, so I took both my aunt and uncle for a short ride around the block.
Anyway, we saw a lot of funny things in the car and the time went by fairly quickly. Here are some highlights from today's journey:
- We started listening to the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The story takes place in Savannah, and it's one of our last stops of the trip.
- We've been waiving to other Mini Cooper drivers to see how many wave back. So far we're up to 2 or 3.
- In Ohio we passed a car full of Amish people. Are they really allowed to drive?
- The Grateful Dead song Truckin' came on, and I thought it was very appropriate since we were making the longest leg of our journey.
- In Indiana we passed the RV and Motor Home Hall of Fame.
- We also passed a license plate with the following plate, "GoBoSox." We stalked that car like we did the one yesterday to take a picture. I think he noticed us because he changed lanes a few times, slowed down all of a sudden, and then drove off quickly. It was worth it for the picture.
_ Trying to take pictures of the Chicago skyline with Eastie (our mascot) as we drove past.
Driving with the GPS system reminds me of using cardio equipment at the gym. You look over and can see exactly how many miles you have left to travel and how long it's going to take you. It's really kind of strange. I'm also getting used to driving the Mini, and it was much more comfortable for me today.
Ilona's brother emailed us and Ilona forgot her sneakers in Ithaca and I forgot my head lamp. We were both so excited about these things and spent awhile talking about them....and then we both forgot our respective items. Soon we're going to have an empty car if we keep forgetting things! We already have a Target list started, and now it looks like we have a few more items to add to the list. Hopefully we won't forget anything else along the way!
I'm starting to lose track of time completely. I only know what day it is based on where I'm heading. I can only imagine what it's going to be like by the end of my trip.
My Pepere (my grandfather) was doing well tonight. He reached into his pocket and handed me a little money and said, "Here, either for putting gas in the car or in your belly." I thought it was really funny. We got to do a little laundry tonight; that was nice! Uncle Joe and Ilona were comparing mini cars, because he has a Mazda Miata. I guess he's really been wanting to get a Mini Cooper, so I took both my aunt and uncle for a short ride around the block.
Anyway, we saw a lot of funny things in the car and the time went by fairly quickly. Here are some highlights from today's journey:
- We started listening to the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The story takes place in Savannah, and it's one of our last stops of the trip.
- We've been waiving to other Mini Cooper drivers to see how many wave back. So far we're up to 2 or 3.
- In Ohio we passed a car full of Amish people. Are they really allowed to drive?
- The Grateful Dead song Truckin' came on, and I thought it was very appropriate since we were making the longest leg of our journey.
- In Indiana we passed the RV and Motor Home Hall of Fame.
- We also passed a license plate with the following plate, "GoBoSox." We stalked that car like we did the one yesterday to take a picture. I think he noticed us because he changed lanes a few times, slowed down all of a sudden, and then drove off quickly. It was worth it for the picture.
_ Trying to take pictures of the Chicago skyline with Eastie (our mascot) as we drove past.
Driving with the GPS system reminds me of using cardio equipment at the gym. You look over and can see exactly how many miles you have left to travel and how long it's going to take you. It's really kind of strange. I'm also getting used to driving the Mini, and it was much more comfortable for me today.
Ilona's brother emailed us and Ilona forgot her sneakers in Ithaca and I forgot my head lamp. We were both so excited about these things and spent awhile talking about them....and then we both forgot our respective items. Soon we're going to have an empty car if we keep forgetting things! We already have a Target list started, and now it looks like we have a few more items to add to the list. Hopefully we won't forget anything else along the way!
I'm starting to lose track of time completely. I only know what day it is based on where I'm heading. I can only imagine what it's going to be like by the end of my trip.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Ithaca, NY
This morning we woke up, re-packed the Mini (we're getting better at it), and headed to a local hole in the wall for breakfast. The minute we walked in the door all eyes were on us, because we were clearly the outsiders. After breakfast we hit the road to Ithaca to visit with Ilona's brother and his family.
On the NY Freeway we saw a car with a NY License plate and a Boston Red Sox license plate holder...such irony! We had to have a picture of it so we stalked the car for awhile trying to get a clear picture. After speeding up, slowing down, and changing lanes we finally got a clear picture. People at stop lights like to look over at us, and you know that they're talking about the Mini.
After 4 hrs of driving we arrived in Ithaca. Ilona's brother, Pete, and his son, Daniel, showed us around town all afternoon. I love Ithaca!! It has a very hippiesh feel to it, and we even came across a UU church when we first drove into town. I would definitely consider moving here if it didn't get so cold in the winter. We had a lovely afternoon meeting friends. One lady gave us origami cranes left over from a wedding party the other day for good luck. They can join Eastie, our mascot, in the front window of the Mini.
Once Nancy, Pete's wife, got home from work we went to take a walk to see Taughannock Falls. They are part of the gorges that Ithaca is known for. We then went out to a little bar/restaurant called Glenn Falls where they were voted to have Ithaca's best burger. It certainly was tasty. It was a storybook summer evening with waterfalls, burgers, ice cream, even a summer thunderstorms, and lots of fireflies.
Tomorrow we're getting up early to make the 12 hr treck to Wisconsin. I can't say I'm looking forward to that drive very much!!
On the NY Freeway we saw a car with a NY License plate and a Boston Red Sox license plate holder...such irony! We had to have a picture of it so we stalked the car for awhile trying to get a clear picture. After speeding up, slowing down, and changing lanes we finally got a clear picture. People at stop lights like to look over at us, and you know that they're talking about the Mini.
After 4 hrs of driving we arrived in Ithaca. Ilona's brother, Pete, and his son, Daniel, showed us around town all afternoon. I love Ithaca!! It has a very hippiesh feel to it, and we even came across a UU church when we first drove into town. I would definitely consider moving here if it didn't get so cold in the winter. We had a lovely afternoon meeting friends. One lady gave us origami cranes left over from a wedding party the other day for good luck. They can join Eastie, our mascot, in the front window of the Mini.
Once Nancy, Pete's wife, got home from work we went to take a walk to see Taughannock Falls. They are part of the gorges that Ithaca is known for. We then went out to a little bar/restaurant called Glenn Falls where they were voted to have Ithaca's best burger. It certainly was tasty. It was a storybook summer evening with waterfalls, burgers, ice cream, even a summer thunderstorms, and lots of fireflies.
Tomorrow we're getting up early to make the 12 hr treck to Wisconsin. I can't say I'm looking forward to that drive very much!!
Lake Luzerne, NY
Ilona arrived in CT on Saturday afternoon and we went to the cottage for pizza Saturday with some of my family. Charlie (one of my cousins) took me on motorcycle ride, and I had a blast! Now I definitely want to get my motorcyle license. We had a campfire and made smores. I actually had the patience to roast my marshmellow brown instead of just sticking it directly in the fire and burning it. Very yummy!
Yesterday morning we hit the road around 10:30ish after packing the Mini and having breakfast with my dad. We typed the address for Rachel's cabin in Lake Luzerne into the GPS and we were off. (Rachel is one of Ilona's college roommates.) We drove up RT 44 and RT 7 through the Berkshires; it's all beautiful this time of year. After about 3 1/2 hrs of driving we reached the Adirondacks and I met Rachel's giant family! Everyone was very friendly and I enjoyed spending time with all of them. We spent the afternoon sitting by the lake for awhile and did a little kayaking. After dinner we drove about 15 minutes into the Village of Lake George. It was all very nice.
Did you know that Rachel Ray grew up in Luzerne?
Yesterday morning we hit the road around 10:30ish after packing the Mini and having breakfast with my dad. We typed the address for Rachel's cabin in Lake Luzerne into the GPS and we were off. (Rachel is one of Ilona's college roommates.) We drove up RT 44 and RT 7 through the Berkshires; it's all beautiful this time of year. After about 3 1/2 hrs of driving we reached the Adirondacks and I met Rachel's giant family! Everyone was very friendly and I enjoyed spending time with all of them. We spent the afternoon sitting by the lake for awhile and did a little kayaking. After dinner we drove about 15 minutes into the Village of Lake George. It was all very nice.
Did you know that Rachel Ray grew up in Luzerne?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)