Hello out yonder, again!
Warning, step in with caution-
I said I was almost back and look at me now, with a post so long, you'll just want to sigh and hit delete! That is okay, quite acceptable and totally understandable!
This is my travel log that will be printed, as you know, I was a closet blogger, then was encouraged to come on out! I have to say, I am happy I did, so many wonderful bloggers out yonder! But there are some things I blog about, you may want to skip~
Pssst, I mean, really, this is only part one, but part two is easy, no reading, just photographs- Yes, 1, 561 photographs, oh don't worry, I won't do it!
Sit down a bit, if you dare and let me tell you about our little road trip out west.
Are you ready?
Coffee in hand?
Sitting down?
Well, our road trips don't take much planning. We can pack and skedaddle in a heartbeat!
We knew we wanted to get away and we have always enjoyed road trips, one of a kind, with yours truly, my husband. So, we decided one evening, after he arrived home, from his appointment with his Doc, we had a couple of weeks time before he had to be back to see his Doc, again. We were loaded up and in his truck by 7:30 a.m., the following morning. Yes, in his truck. Excuse me, it's his Ford truck, a 4X4, why sure, I'd love to go on our road trip in your truck, what a grand idea! Why did I not think of that? Shh... it would break his heart if he thought I was not in heaven, like he was, driving his truck. (in a bit, you'll understand, a bump here and there, a slight problem, camera related. )
We had four stops before we left town and we headed out west, (on our almost 2 week vacation.) Walgreens, Bank, Service Station and Whataburger, the necessary coffee and biscuit intake.
We were set, anticipation and excitement, so satisfying.
Now, our road trips, be it a long one or short one, listening to music is of most importance! Of course, volume turned up, an octave higher than really necessary. I know you have stared at people at stoplights, heard that boom sound in the vehicle next to you, ahem, could be us. What can I say, he's an old rocker, I call him Mic! (you know, Mic Jagger) I have to admit, we both love to listen to music loud. I love to sing, usually, off key, but just a tad. Hmm, you think that is why he likes it set so loud? He'll never tell! Oh, we take turns being DJ.
Anyhow, this is the picture, he's driving along, I'm as happy as a lark, in the passenger seat, iphone, camera, map nearby. I'm looking to see what river, lake or mountain range we are in. Why of course! I'm the inquisitive one that likes to stop at all monuments, him, not so much.
Can you understand why I love brochures? They were made for people like me. I'm one of those that picks up every one of them in the restaurants and hotels. True. Oh and I really love to look at maps-
Okay, part two is what is most important, more so than this travel log. Fast photos. I'll get them posted at some point. It will take time, I am totally sincere when I tell you that I can't show you all of them, you will be thankful, like I mentioned earlier, yes, there are 1, 561 photographs- some look the same, but I promise, there is an extra mountain peak, tree, cow, horse, cloud or something that is a bit different. I know, you would just have a fit if I shared all of them with you, so, I won't. No worries. I'll be good and post a few...
You ask, why so many photos? Because, everywhere I looked, it was truly beautiful! The views are not the same from out of an airplane window. The United States of America is truly beautiful, in every sense of the word. You see the beauty of all, in the landscape and in the people you meet.
God Bless the USA~
Anyhow, do you know that I am surprisingly proficient at taking photographs while we are barreling down the road, in a pick-up truck? Tip-if you want photographs to look half way decent while flying down the road, it's imperative to have clean windows and a windshield. Paper towels and Windex, easy enough. If it's raining, oh well.
There is a new meaning to "fast photos!'
So, as we are soaring down the road in his truck, remember now, we stop twice, to eat and to sleep, and yes, anywhere our hearts desire! It's usually not for long!
When we left home and while we were settled into our seats and talking away, excitement was in the air, he said, seriously, "now, let me know when and where you want to stop and we will stop." I about lost it right then, burst out laughing! He did too!
Yes, our road trips are beyond fun! We thoroughly enjoy ourselves. You'll hear arousing laughter, sometimes constant chatter from me, unless I'm singing. You'll see us pointing out the window, in different directions, of course and at the same time, each of us saying, " look, look!" Yes, I had to "look" at every one of the those modern wind turbines all the way out west and back! (shh, don't tell him they all look exactly alike) And of course I pointed out every cow, horse and windmill, oh and of course, all the antique stores, flowers along side the road and each and every mountain stream! I did.
We would reminisce...the best-
Anyhow, I'll not keep you wondering about our stops along the way. Okay, this is the way it goes. Each morning we would take a look at the map, he's holding out his thumb and has his pinky outstretched. I hear this- hum, hum, oh yes, I think we will make it this far, I look and I agree, we can make it that far.
We did, at times use the GPS system, but, do you find her irritating? The interruptions during a favorite song- hate that. She's known to make mistakes too.
Anyhow, when we would get close to our destination, I'd call and make reservations. After a day of him driving, me riding and being the designated photographer, when we were ready to stop, we did! Always interesting, we would stop in and dine and just seep in the charming local flavor! Don't you love small towns and the people in them? We ate lunch in a Saloon one day! It was the only place open that mid afternoon, we were hungry, would have eaten anywhere! This old and quaint saloon was in this very small, I mean, little town in Utah. It ended up being perfect. First off, we were the only ones there! The food was delicious, the waitress recommended I get the cheeseburger and fries, she was right, "downright the best in the country," her words.
Interested in knowing where we stopped for the night? Of course, more nights in one place. You guess-
Ft Stockton, Texas
Flagstaff, Arizona
Las Vegas, Nevada
Richfield, Utah
Telluride, Colorado
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Lubbock, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
Home
Our trip was full of unbelievable sights, the views were breathtaking! Oh my heavens, the steep cliffs, narrow canyons and yes, narrow roads, the beautiful mountain streams and lakes, all- I love to photograph. I have to add, the windmills, the fields, the cattle, horses, goats, the best old barns that I've ever seen, and yes, we saw buffalo roam! We saw deer and elk too! The elk, huge antlers -in the back of a truck. Yes, I took pictures!
Each day, an adventure. A trip, we will never forget. I never put my camera down, hence, the number of photographs.
Our evenings, like dating again. We would dress for dinner, while we were in Vegas. We had some really amazing dinners and one evening, since we were staying at the Venetian -Palazzo Hotel, we saw the Broadway musical there, "The Jersey Boy's!" What a night- the show was phenomenal! Frankie Valli and The Four Season's biggest hits! Be still my heart, we heard, Big Girls Don't Cry, Earth Angel, Who Wears Short Shorts, Sherry, Sherry Baby, Walk Like A Man, oh and My Boyfriend's Back! Yes, to say I was in real bliss, is an understatement! I know that Mike enjoyed too! It was a highlight of our - my trip.
After the Jersey Boy's show, we had reservations at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant called, CUT, a super chic little steakhouse at The Venetian/Palazzo Hotel. Other nights, we had dinner at Aquaknox, known for it's great seafood. We had dinner one night at Delmonico's restaurant, you know, it's one of Emeril's! This one has a New Orleans style cuisine, delicious, it was also located at the Venetian.
We usually had a late breakfast on our trip and then a great dinner. We worked off our calories, well, of course singing and looking out from one side to the other, that burns calories, doesn't it? There was never a dull moment, always something awe inspiring to see! Excitement burns calories, I know-
When we left the Vegas, without our shirts, I might add, we headed to the most beautiful part of the country that I've ever seen! I'd seen Utah, but the part of Utah we saw was like no other, it was truly breathtaking! We drove through Zion National Park, it was majestic! Like the Grand Canyon, miles of scenic wonderland! My mom was right, she encouraged us to drive through there and I'm so happy we did. Mom and dad traveled through the park years ago and she said it was unforgettable. So true.
Onward and again, barreling on down the road, we stopped in a little town called Richfield, Utah to spend the night. It was a neat drive into the little town, again the scenery amazing. It was raining and the temperature, omg, cool! Marriott was our host that night. This Fairfield had the best reviews, turned out, they were right on.
Next morning, we were up early, and headed to Telluride! I love Colorado. I could not wait to arrive! Do you know that Telluride has the highest concentration of 14,000 foot peaks in America? The scenery is undeniably the most beautiful I've ever seen in the Rockies. Incredibly breathtaking, everywhere you looked, it was gorgeous! When we arrived, it was 57!
Telluride's main street was so charming and truly enchanting. I can only imagine how beautiful it looks covered in snow! A winter wonderland, I think! In the summer time, they say it's busy with musical events, art shows and they also talked about their famous festivals. Next time, we will plan on staying longer. That evening we stayed at the Hotel Madeline, which is right up in the Mountain Village, way up high where you could catch the gondola down into the town, if you cared too. Oh my, what awesome and truly extraordinary views of the mountains tops and ski slopes from there. Hated leaving there, but we still had miles to go!
FYI. This I uttered often while we were flying down the road, OOOhh, there's ann.. noth...err.....ann...tiqueeeeee shoppp!
Our next destination was Santa Fe, New Mexico! It's one of our favorite places to visit. We stayed at the Inn of the Anasazi, it was close enough to the plaza, walking distance for us to wonder around and enjoy the best of Santa Fe. What a divine place. Loved walking around the square, talking to the Indians, they enjoyed telling us about their crafts. Interesting, some take credit cards now and most had Iphones! It was so interesting talking to the artists and with those that are so gifted! Every step of the way, awesome paintings, crafts, silver and turquoise, could have shopped for hours. Nothing like it. Well, that evening, we did not have to drive anywhere for dinner, we dined at our hotel, The Inn of the Anasazi has a wonderful restaurant. It was as wonderful, as it was the last time we dined there, years ago. Memories of being there before, fun to talk about. After dinner, upstairs to our room, a fire roaring in the adobe style fire place, a treat. (No worries, it did not put out heat, just added ambiance!)
Next leg, heading back to Texas. We left the "Heart of Santa Fe" and left a piece our hearts there too. We arrived in San Antonio that evening. We both decided the trek on home in South Texas was too long to make, so we pulled into the Marriott on the Riverwalk and enjoyed our last enchanted evening~
I love road trips with Mike-
We are home now and we were so happy to see the little ones- oh my heavens, hearing the squealing and giggling sounds of Ellie, Reagan and Garrett when they walked iin the door, "Nana, Pop, you are home!" Ah, the hugs and kisses, made our hearts sing, again and again.
What is better than a great big hug from a grandchild?
Nothing~
