Experimentation

I am aware that I've fallen behind on the blogging (oops!) The process of getting all of my pictures into one place is a lot of work so that's my excuse... But I've been inspired by an article I found on Facebook-- http://seanchaidh101.tumblr.com/post/120772534048/onethingconstant-songbirde108

To summarize- usually, when walking through a public place men will assume that you will move "out of their way" and in our travels my mom and I have come across many people (men and women) that will walk right up in front of us when we don't jump right out of their path. 

So being the stubborn person that I am- I wanted to give it a try. Shoulders back, chin up, and stare straight ahead. 

And the Red Sea will part. 

It was fun playing with the balance of *pissed off* and *slightly angry* facial expression. If you go too angry with it people will do double takes. We were in New York City so there were plenty of "victims" to play with. Maybe it was s bit of a power trip.... It was a power trip... But being just a small town girl livin' in a lonely world (wait, what?) anyway- having men in suits part before you is a pretty cool feeling. 

Brenda tried it and after her first victory she cheered... "Mom, stop! You're ruining it!"

New York was pretty cool. It seems like around every corner was another famous landmark. We saw Mamma Mia on Broadway and LOVED it! The scene with the bachelor party-goers in the flippers is my favorite and it's even better live. Times Square is chaotic, overwhelming, and a bit magical all at the same time. We stayed in the garment district and our window had a view into a couple different workshops. 5th avenue had great people watching and just touching all of the clothes was a fun experience. 

And Then Found

I found my memory card. It somehow ended up in the very back of the car under (?) my duffle. It will remain a mystery, but I have the pictures of Colorado now! Aaand I'm not going to bother posting any of them because eh? They aren't fantastic.
From Colorado it was on to Kansas!

Lots of fields 

Like, lots.

Our night of camping in Kansas was windy. Very windy. And the flashing of lightning on the horizon was entertaining to Brenda. She also found humor in the gusts of wind that made the tent collapse onto my face. Ha. Ha. It was a very nice KOA though.

We went to Dodge City the next morning to Boot Hill museum. The whole thing was pretty weird, the people were nice and the displays were informative, but it felt wrong? Part of the tour has you walking up Boot Hill on a paved side walk (probably on top of lots of bodies? They'd just gotten done telling us how many people got buried there so....) I don't know, if you like cowboy history and can get over how terrible of a place Dodge City started out as maybe it's cool? I did enjoy the period clothing on display and the "artifacts" (Is that the correct term here?) like a quilt from the 1800's. Where has that been all this time? Who saved that?

Ooooooklahoma where the wind comes whipping down the plain!

Oh you can bet your left shoe that we sang that on our way into the state.

I don't know if you can tell, but these are pictures of a tarantula. I got as close as I was able to get to take a picture because it's name is Rosie. Right next to that? A snake. Ugh. Thanks Don Harrington museum. I liked the rest of you!

It actually was pretty cool, almost everything in the museum was to play with (my favorite type of institution) because it's catered towards children (or Cassie?) 

This was the brand of bathroom stall door at one of the KOA's in Texas. I lol'd in the public bathroom. It was awkward. I think this was Abilene? 

We got a meal (it may have been a late breakfast of an early lunch, I've forgotten) at Texas Roadhouse. I had steak, it was scrumptious. Way too much food, but delicious. 

From there we headed off to Prime Time Family Center. Remember the name.

Prime Time Family Center

 Abilene, Texas 

When we got there we saw a school bus outside, expected during the last few weeks of school.

We wanted to bowl, mini golf, race go carts, and maybe use the batting cages.

The group of children were bowling so we asked to do the go carts- they don't open until 5pm. Ok.

We got the putters and golf balls and headed out to their course. I guess some work was being done because about half of the holes were missing their obstacles and grass. The water features were not on and the sitting water was green in hue and very dirty. I went to block the water while Brenda took her shot and looked into the "pond" and saw a dead bird. Bird carcass. 

This place was DIRTY.

So we returned the putters and left.

Ulta was next on the agenda because my sunscreen and foundation were running out. So shopping! Yay! I picked out a new foundation and for the first time in my life(!) I'm not "Light Ivory", "Porcelain",  or "Light Beige" 

Guys, I'm "Vanilla" now. The real world is really changing me.

While signing up for my rewards card (I'm taking up a collection) the cashier (as all people that see my ID do) had to comment on the Alaska part. 

Most conversations go like this:

"Alaska?? What're you doing here?"

or

"You're a long way from home"

or

"Alaska? *confused look*

*side note: we had to spell out "Halibut" for a cashier in Kansas... like um, sorry? You don't know how to spell the name of the main road in Sitka? It was humorous, ok back to Ulta*

So blah blah blah "Yeah, we're on a road trip" blah blah

And this is a first, she says:

"Well I'm sorry that you're in Abilene!"

And I laughed and then cried... just kidding. But I believed her because of the bird bones floating at their "family center"

That green sign says Gillespie.

There is a Gillespie County in Texas and it was very exciting.

We got into San Antonio pretty early with enough time to go see a movie!

Pitch Perfect 2 in fact. I loved it. The Guatemalan chick's one liners seemed like they were trying too hard, but the music was awesome and the rest of the cast was just as good as the first movie. 

And our Kia is in it! That was probably the highlight of the film.

A quick dinner at some fast food Italian place in the mall (sometimes you just need spaghetti) then back to the KOA to set up shop (house? tent?) It was humid. I wanted to go shower, but just walking from the shower back to the tent would have defeated the purpose. It cooled off the later it got though.

We started the morning with IHOP! MM! They still have the white chocolate raspberry pancakes that I thought were a Christmas thing so I was very happy. Also, they have a new cook that messed up and gave me 4 pancakes instead of 2 so they were bogo for the day.

Then to the River Walk to wander around! And the Alamo. <-I forgot that part

We were stopped by some sales person that was offering us a free meal and it felt very scammy. But we said that we'd go see the presentation just for the American Express gift card. I was skeptical, like ready to run if we have to kind of skeptical.

We listened to the presentation and it was still seemed too good to be true.

We got a tour of Wyndham's newest hotel on the Riverwalk. This was the view

Two master bedrooms and a room with two queens. And a kitchen. And in suite laundry.

So long story short we have a time share now... but it's a "Vacation Rentals Club" because we have access to all of the Wyndham properties around the world.

They gave us champagne flutes (with Martinelli's) to celebrate joining the family. It's pretty exciting. Lot's of vacations to come :)

Aaand Texas without barbeque? Nope!

County Line at the river walk was the most recommended from the folks we talked too. Our plates were empty in hardly any time at all. 

Good night from Courtyard Marriot :)

And all was lost

So somewhere in Colorado (I think...it's been a few days) I lost one of my memory cards from my camera. I pulled it out thinking that's I'd upload them and blog (ha!) and when we got down the road the next morning I pulled my camera out to take pictures aaaaand oops. So I don't have pictures of Durango or the Lowell observatory. 

Breakfast at the Pueblo Riverwalk. Very friendly town. French bread from a bakery in Durango

Just a heads up: don't try to walk up the "Grand Staircase" it's a dirty lie and you'll look silly if you get startled by spouting water. I'm not gonna name any names.... But Cassie... 

We found the Ikea on our way to Colorado Springs. IKEA= playing house for "grown ups" And we got Swedish meatballs. What more could you ask for in a day?

The weather gods were smiling down on me that evening and sent gusts and rain through Colorado. Wait what? Yeah. Storms mean hotel rooms and well rested Gillespies. Thanks Colorado :)

Brenda mentioned in one of her recent posts that comments are appreciated. Same here! Blogger tells me how many views there (and other information like browser type and country, cough -Egypt-) so stop creeping! If you don't know what to say here are some suggestions: 

"Cassie, how can I too become as absent minded as you?"

"Wow! Those things are so awesome!"

"Dude, I am totes jelly of the great noshing you do"

Or "Cassie, why do you get so behind on blogging?" 

And if the last option is the one you choose you can get off my case because I'm homeless and time gets away from me frequently.... 

Up next on the blogging marathon is... Wait while I go check Brenda's blog for reference.... Denver! I'll get right onto writing that.

Four States- One Day

We started off early just before 6 am this morning and went north to Wupatki Trail to see some Indian ruins.

There was a nice path to walk around the area, it's pretty big.

An ancient Indian symbol for "Keep your grubby feet off my rocks"

They were growing pencils by the visitors center! (Just kidding?)

Next was the Navajo National Monument 

The cave in the middle has more dwellings, but you can't hike down to them (without breaking any rules) but the view was awesome and there was a pair of binoculars to get a closer look.

 Then to Four Corners!

When we got there it was full of people and I was being self conscious about my planned pose, but while I was procrastinating taking center stage a huge HUGE sand storm started blowing through. It was raining sideways and sand was flying all around so it cleared out within seconds. So no one was around to witness this...(thank goodness) but you get the photo evidence!

Brenda and I switched-

Then got out of there as fast as we could. I've got sand in my ears and nose and mouth and eyes and hair and stuck to every surface pretty much... My camera got a nice cleaning once we got back into the car.

Welcome! Have some sideways rain, thunder and lightning!

I saw my first tumble weed today and (just maybe) was a bit too excited. Is cheering a natural reation?

Driving got scary for a bit... We really should have gotten those new windshield wiper blades...

But we made it through to Durango! The lightning means that we get a hotel for the night :)

So thanks weather! A shower was much needed after the dust bath this afternoon.

Dinner at The Diamond Belle Saloon. "Siri who has the best burger in Durango Colorado?" Well Siri, you done good kid. The waitresses were dressed in saloon attire (corsets and garters galore) and my burger was pretty delicious.

We plan to explore downtown Durango tomorrow morning, it looked pretty cute through the rain so we'll poke around before we head..... North!

What? Cassie, I thought the roadtrip was going in backwards order now? And I am very carefully following along with the list from Brenda's Blog and northern Colorado is not on the list.

Well, I'm glad you can pay such close attention, but the original "plan" has turned into more of a say... guideline? As we were discussing tomorrows plans this evening Brenda asked "Is there anything that you really wanted to see in New Mexico?" and there really wasn't.

As we were talking a weather advisory popped up on the tv about flash flooding in New Mexico-- So! North we go and at some point we'll make it back down through Texas.

Muy Bonito

Sunday night was a dessert gathering at Uncle Mike's house. We counted 35(?) Gillespies. Lots of hugging, pretty people, and cute babies :)

Monday morning off we went! We said adios to Marlon and Lori (Thank you for letting us sleep in your house and use your kitchen) We headed north through Payson and found a cute park to eat breakfast in. Our little picnic table had a colony of ants living under it so breakfast was a walk-about occasion. We got some extra steps in on our fitbits though.

Next was Tonto Natural Bridge. If you'd like to see me looking fabulous under a natural bridge-- look for Brenda's post.

We drove up to Flagstaff and had another picnic in a park! That seems to be a thing... Lowell Observatory is just up the hill so we headed up for a tour. There are huge climbable looking structures everywhere! And all of them say "Please refrain from climbing" Seriously? It looks like a ladder, I don't care if it's a super expensive telescope... We did the "Galaxy Walk" and the "Universe Walk" it was a surprisingly short walk.

The walk is lined with busts of science-y people. Here's me and my boy Newton.

And at the end---- There is a challenge course!! Ropes and boards and a giant see-saw all for your feet! You can climb! It was very exciting.

Our Deep Space tour took us around a few of the telescopes and to see the old fire water pump. All very exciting things. 

These super attractive glasses made for some pretty cool views.

Rainbow lights!

We wandered around Target for a while to kill time before dinner.

I sadly did not get the plush (No room in the car, Steve) But I did get the makeup remover wipes in the other hand. When I opened them later they smelled like nail polish remover so.... They did not burn like I expected them to, so that was nice.

Dinner was at Black Bart's Steakhouse, Saloon, and Musical Revue. The waiters all sing. It's very musical

That's our waitress up there! She came, set our food down, then headed on stage to sing her solo.

We set up at Bonito Campground for the evening. It is located right below Sunset Crater so the dirt is all volcanic rock, very cushy. There was no service however, so we walked back towards the highway so we could say goodnight to the internet and phone friends. It got pretty chilly at night! Off to Four Corners in the morning!

Disney Days!

So somehow we ended up in Disneyland? Oops...

Have you tried the cookie straws with the frappacinos? Amazing.

Lunch at Wine Country Trattoria. Smoked chicken and fig salad, not as good as Brenda's...

Animation Academy! We learned how to draw Sully :)

Brenda LOVES A Bug's Land

We stayed on property and got early entry so... Radiator Springs Racers was easy to get on

Midway Mania. I win. Every time.

And we had the character breakfast. It's awesome hanging out with Stitch for breakfast (with all you can eat bacon!)

From Disneyland it was over to Arizona! 

State number 4

We've been hanging out at Aunt Lori's house. We got to cook! And the price of strawberries in the real world (aka not Sitka) is ridiculous! A pint for 1.50?? Whaaa? So I've been eating lots of berries. 

Mother's Day brunch with Aunt Lori, her daughter Jenna, her boyfriend Mark, and Brenda of course.

Jenna made some awesome french toast, sweet potato hash, and BACON. Followed up with Cards Against Humanity (It really is a great game to play with your mothers for all holidays....)

California Conglomeration

We drove forever trying to find breakfast today. Finally! We came upon the Timber Cove Inn. It was fancy. But in the "We are organic and natural (but we won't shove that down your throat) and super cool" sort of way. I had pancakes (that were probably half butter?) that were delicious. And that coffee? A white mocha, that white stripe at the bottom is liquid white chocolate. While we were eating Brenda was going through all the things she forgot that morning like face cream and mascara.... So I said "You're a wreck!" To which she replied "Ugh, I know, how did you let me walk out of the tent like this?"

Then we were laughing very loudly in this nice quiet restaraunt... Sorry. 

When we arrived you couldn't see past the cliff's edge. While we were eating the sun came up, burned off the morning sea mist and revealed a long stretch of ocean all the way out to the horizon. It was kinda magical.

Was anyone aware of how gigantic vineyards are? I was not. Welcome to wine country.

We went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I didn't take any pictures, the whole place had a vibe I wasn't a fan of. Mostly a "Humans suck! Stop all the bad things you are doing to help these fish!" kinda message. Brenda has pictures of the aquarium. I did get to touch a sting ray though... So that was nasty...

We got pinkberry after though, that was fun. Pomegranate fro-yo!

We spent a lot of time driving this day. And the campground we had planned on staying at was fully booked. So we tried another one. And another one. And got lost for a bit and very stressed. It was getting really late and dark so we decided on a hotel for the night. I booked us a room on my phone from the car and got an amazing deal! On this room...

Can you see Brenda over there?? Holy-big-room-batman! There was a kitchenette around the corner, the bathroom was huge, Captain America was on tv, we had a patio with a view of the pool and there was a C shaped lamp.

After the very long day of driving that we'd had (and a few nights of tent camping in a row) it was amazing to walk into such a nice room

And if any of you are like "Wait, I thought California was last..." Well look at you! Paying attention and all... Well the car needed some work and we have a Kia connection in Arizona so--- The road trip plan is now going to happen in reverse order! So for that to happen we had to go through California

And what's in California?

My boy :)

Chris is currently in Air Force technical school in California so we stopped by for the weekend so I could visit with him. Brenda went off on her own adventures. Chris and I walked.

A lot.

But it was awesome to see him (two months earlier than we'd been expecting!) Sunday evening Brenda and I headed south some more to.... Disneyland!!

Trees of Mystery

And welcome to state number 3!

My mom is learning how to dress herself (this is usually my job) She is also improving in this aspect. 

There were billboards for this place for a long time leading up to it. We enjoyed reading them in mysterious voices.

A thank you to John and Renee for helping us get a picture with this giant redwood tree.

There were signs all down the 101 warning about the elk and we had yet to see any. Then boom! There was a whole herd in this campground just hanging out.

And we drove through a tree! Oops!

We found a pizza place called Frankie's for dinner. It was alright, but I was starving so all of it disappeared.

We spent the night at the Vann Dam campground in California. No cell service, no soap or paper towels in the bathroom, and some very loud drunk old neighbors. There were hitching posts though! And a nice write up about what to do in a bobcat encounter... We survived though.