That's the question everybody asks. To get a flavor, read this New York Times piece: Twenty-Five Square Miles Surrounded by Reality.
On June 25th we close on our house and start driving west!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
The Week's End
Friday morning we decided to go on a short hike...hah! We walked to the back of the lodge's property onto the Betasso Preserve. We followed game paths up to the loop trail which as about 3 miles. It was a fun hike, but it wasn't a quick one. After three hours we finally were able to navigate our way back to the lodge. Those deer really need to mark their trails a bit better, let me tell you!
For lunch it was off to one of Boulder's main tourist attractions: The Dashanbe Tea House. Not only was it absolutely gorgeous, but we got to sit at a cool table where we needed to take off our shoes and sit cross-legged and the food was outstanding! This is definitely one of our new Boulder favorites. After dessert it was off to the movies to see In Bruges. We loved it!
Before heading back to the lodge for a quiet evening, we browsed the shops of Pearl Street and stopped in the chocolate and wine bar for some goodies.
On Saturday Laurel started the morning off with a run while Dan adjusted our flight and car rental plans. Before heading to the Denver Airport we hit Chatauqua Park for a quick hike at the base of the Flatirons. They were still awe-inspiring even after tackling one this summer. Our flight was uneventful and we arrived in Boston to lots of snow on the ground (and the car).
For lunch it was off to one of Boulder's main tourist attractions: The Dashanbe Tea House. Not only was it absolutely gorgeous, but we got to sit at a cool table where we needed to take off our shoes and sit cross-legged and the food was outstanding! This is definitely one of our new Boulder favorites. After dessert it was off to the movies to see In Bruges. We loved it!
Before heading back to the lodge for a quiet evening, we browsed the shops of Pearl Street and stopped in the chocolate and wine bar for some goodies.
On Saturday Laurel started the morning off with a run while Dan adjusted our flight and car rental plans. Before heading to the Denver Airport we hit Chatauqua Park for a quick hike at the base of the Flatirons. They were still awe-inspiring even after tackling one this summer. Our flight was uneventful and we arrived in Boston to lots of snow on the ground (and the car).
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Hiking in Eldorado State Park
Gallery
We tried hiking the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail but it was too icy. We stayed on the Fowler Trail instead and kept going when it ended. Check out our path. We saw a train and an aqueduct on Eldorado Mountain. Saw some deer along the way too.
Dinner tonight was at Tandoori Grill, then we walked over to Neptune to hear Evan Ravitz talk about a gigante canyon in Mexico.
We tried hiking the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail but it was too icy. We stayed on the Fowler Trail instead and kept going when it ended. Check out our path. We saw a train and an aqueduct on Eldorado Mountain. Saw some deer along the way too.
Dinner tonight was at Tandoori Grill, then we walked over to Neptune to hear Evan Ravitz talk about a gigante canyon in Mexico.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Monarch
Thankfully, Dan was feeling better today so we got to ski in true alpine country. After a morning swim and a dip in the outdoor hot tub (What is it with outdoor hot tubs? I just don't get it.) we headed back up to Monarch Pass to ski. Now, the Pass is at nearly 11,000ft and can be treacherous to drive through. The mountain goes up from the Pass to 12,000ft. Fortunately, the weather was good this morning and actually quite warm--perfect for skiing.
Typically Monarch sees 350" of snow annually. We were told by several locals that they've already seen twice as much as normal for this time of year. There are no snow making machines and packed powder everywhere. Dan was skiing through the trees and making his own trails. However, the coolest part about this mountain was that the top of it, reached by the Panorama Lift, was on the Continental Divide. The views were breathtaking. We skied for almost 5 hours before we decided to call it quits.
Then we were back on the road, headed for Boulder. The drive took over three hours through more beautiful terrain. We checked into the Boulder Mountain Lodge and were assigned to the same room we stayed in this summer! Quelle coincidence! For dinner we went into town and tried Cafe Gondolier for homemade spaghetti and thin crust pizza. Tomorrow is Dan's pick for grub...
Typically Monarch sees 350" of snow annually. We were told by several locals that they've already seen twice as much as normal for this time of year. There are no snow making machines and packed powder everywhere. Dan was skiing through the trees and making his own trails. However, the coolest part about this mountain was that the top of it, reached by the Panorama Lift, was on the Continental Divide. The views were breathtaking. We skied for almost 5 hours before we decided to call it quits.
Then we were back on the road, headed for Boulder. The drive took over three hours through more beautiful terrain. We checked into the Boulder Mountain Lodge and were assigned to the same room we stayed in this summer! Quelle coincidence! For dinner we went into town and tried Cafe Gondolier for homemade spaghetti and thin crust pizza. Tomorrow is Dan's pick for grub...
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Hip, hip, Ouray!
Gallery
Day two of our ice climbing adventure started a little later this morning. We met Melanie and Ryan for a leisurely breakfast and then headed out for the ice park. Today we stuck to moderate, but long, climbs at the School House section and then below the lower bridge. The climbs were all a good 100 feet, my guess would be WI4 or so. We climbed until we couldn't climb any more and returned the gear around 3:30.
This picture shows the last two climbs we did (where the rope is and the climb to the left):
Back on the road we saw some amazing landscapes with the sun setting on the snow and the full moon lighting the white mountainsides. We finally got into Monarch at around 7:00. The Monarch Pass is the highest point on highway 50 at over 11,000ft. On the way out Sunday there was a veritable snow storm as we drove through. Tonight, though, it was clear and much easier to drive. We're saying at the Monarch Mountain Lodge and hope to get some swimming and skiing (downhill) in tomorrow based on how Dan feels. Poor guy is still fighting bronchitis and a wicked head cold.
We will post more pictures when we get a better wireless connection!
Day two of our ice climbing adventure started a little later this morning. We met Melanie and Ryan for a leisurely breakfast and then headed out for the ice park. Today we stuck to moderate, but long, climbs at the School House section and then below the lower bridge. The climbs were all a good 100 feet, my guess would be WI4 or so. We climbed until we couldn't climb any more and returned the gear around 3:30.
This picture shows the last two climbs we did (where the rope is and the climb to the left):
Back on the road we saw some amazing landscapes with the sun setting on the snow and the full moon lighting the white mountainsides. We finally got into Monarch at around 7:00. The Monarch Pass is the highest point on highway 50 at over 11,000ft. On the way out Sunday there was a veritable snow storm as we drove through. Tonight, though, it was clear and much easier to drive. We're saying at the Monarch Mountain Lodge and hope to get some swimming and skiing (downhill) in tomorrow based on how Dan feels. Poor guy is still fighting bronchitis and a wicked head cold.
We will post more pictures when we get a better wireless connection!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Ice climbing in Ouray!
Gallery
Yeah. Laurel talked me into it :)
So here's the story (for those who care to read it....)
So, we’re back! Colorado sure looks different in the snow (the parts that have snow, that is.) We flew into the Springs late Saturday night and stayed with Melanie and Ryan. Laurel went running in Pinon Park Sunday morning with Pike’s Peak in the background. Dan was sick when we left Saturday, so he spent Sunday morning in bed.
After some TheraFlu, we hit the road west for Ouray. Though it snowed in the Springs Sunday morning, the first half of the drive was dry and the evergreen-spotted hills and valleys looked the same as they did in August. However, once we got up to Monarch Pass (11,000 feet) the scenery changed drastically. Everything leading up to the pass and just about everything (150 miles) past the pass were drenched in white, fluffy snow. The draw to snowshoe or ski or even sled was unbelievable. For hours it looked as though we were driving through a postcard.
We stopped in Gunnison for some lunch at “The Bean.” A fun café that we visited in August en route to Leadville and Mount Elbert. We arrived in Ouray at about 5:00 and walked around the very cute, old West-type Main Street. Ouray has a population of 600 people and is surrounded by mountains. Apparently, it is very popular in the summer with tourists and the winter it is a haven to ice climbers. The best place in town is a chocolate shop called Mouse’s. We’ve sampled a number of their tasty items! Dinner was at a bakery with Ryan and Melanie and some open-mic performers.
Monday
Ice climbing, here we come!
After a quick breakfast we met our guide, Kevin, at the San Juan Mountain Guides office on Main Street. Dan was complaining about how early 7:30 was. We got fit for boots, crampons, and ice axes and headed to the ice park. Ouray Ice Park is a not-for-profit outdoor ice climbing gym. Almost all the routes are bolted for top ropes and the ice is farmed every day. That’s right, ice farmers. There are people who have re-routed part of the river that goes through town and are able to open valves above each climb to create the ice. The ice is farmed almost every afternoon around 4:00 to create optimal conditions.
Kevin showed us the basics of ice climbing and set up a number of climbs. We started on what’s called WI3 (water ice 3, or say a 5.6 in rock climbing terms—beginner stuff). It was cold in the canyon in the morning but when the sun hit us, the temperature easily rose 15-20 degrees and warm us right up. We progressed to WI4s and moved into another part of the South Park region of the park. Laurel got to climb a mixed climb which means ice and rock in one route. The ice axe fits in rock crevices and offers amazing leverage, even with crampons attached to one’s boots.
At the end of the afternoon Kevin put us on a WI4+ and then Laurel successfully, but not cleanly, ascended a WI5 (5.10 equivalent) that had a number of overhanging sections. On the way out, we ran into Malcolm Daly (owner of Trango) before hitting the road. When we got back to the hotel we were brave enough to venture to the outdoor hot tubs for a dip. Crazy Dan ran barefoot back to the room when we were done.
Dinner with Melanie and Ryan was at an Irish Pub and then Mouse’s, of course! On the way back to the Vic we saw two deer on the sidewalk right in town. Then, they actually followed the cross walk signs and crossed the road at the crosswalk! What smart deer! It was an early night for all four of us.
Yeah. Laurel talked me into it :)
So here's the story (for those who care to read it....)
So, we’re back! Colorado sure looks different in the snow (the parts that have snow, that is.) We flew into the Springs late Saturday night and stayed with Melanie and Ryan. Laurel went running in Pinon Park Sunday morning with Pike’s Peak in the background. Dan was sick when we left Saturday, so he spent Sunday morning in bed.
After some TheraFlu, we hit the road west for Ouray. Though it snowed in the Springs Sunday morning, the first half of the drive was dry and the evergreen-spotted hills and valleys looked the same as they did in August. However, once we got up to Monarch Pass (11,000 feet) the scenery changed drastically. Everything leading up to the pass and just about everything (150 miles) past the pass were drenched in white, fluffy snow. The draw to snowshoe or ski or even sled was unbelievable. For hours it looked as though we were driving through a postcard.
We stopped in Gunnison for some lunch at “The Bean.” A fun café that we visited in August en route to Leadville and Mount Elbert. We arrived in Ouray at about 5:00 and walked around the very cute, old West-type Main Street. Ouray has a population of 600 people and is surrounded by mountains. Apparently, it is very popular in the summer with tourists and the winter it is a haven to ice climbers. The best place in town is a chocolate shop called Mouse’s. We’ve sampled a number of their tasty items! Dinner was at a bakery with Ryan and Melanie and some open-mic performers.
Monday
Ice climbing, here we come!
After a quick breakfast we met our guide, Kevin, at the San Juan Mountain Guides office on Main Street. Dan was complaining about how early 7:30 was. We got fit for boots, crampons, and ice axes and headed to the ice park. Ouray Ice Park is a not-for-profit outdoor ice climbing gym. Almost all the routes are bolted for top ropes and the ice is farmed every day. That’s right, ice farmers. There are people who have re-routed part of the river that goes through town and are able to open valves above each climb to create the ice. The ice is farmed almost every afternoon around 4:00 to create optimal conditions.
Kevin showed us the basics of ice climbing and set up a number of climbs. We started on what’s called WI3 (water ice 3, or say a 5.6 in rock climbing terms—beginner stuff). It was cold in the canyon in the morning but when the sun hit us, the temperature easily rose 15-20 degrees and warm us right up. We progressed to WI4s and moved into another part of the South Park region of the park. Laurel got to climb a mixed climb which means ice and rock in one route. The ice axe fits in rock crevices and offers amazing leverage, even with crampons attached to one’s boots.
At the end of the afternoon Kevin put us on a WI4+ and then Laurel successfully, but not cleanly, ascended a WI5 (5.10 equivalent) that had a number of overhanging sections. On the way out, we ran into Malcolm Daly (owner of Trango) before hitting the road. When we got back to the hotel we were brave enough to venture to the outdoor hot tubs for a dip. Crazy Dan ran barefoot back to the room when we were done.
Dinner with Melanie and Ryan was at an Irish Pub and then Mouse’s, of course! On the way back to the Vic we saw two deer on the sidewalk right in town. Then, they actually followed the cross walk signs and crossed the road at the crosswalk! What smart deer! It was an early night for all four of us.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
What's new? White Mountains!
Gallery
Laurel has been running and biking a lot in the past months. Dan hasn't been doing much of anything. We haven't climbed in weeks. So it was about time for a big hiking/climbing weekend.
On Saturday we hiked in the White Mountains with John. The plan was to climb Sunday at Rumney but the rain sent us home early. We still had a fantastic hike though!
We parked at the Flume Visitor Center and around 9:15 started our hike. We headed up to the Flume Slide Trail. The trail was fairly flat but then got super steep -- 1500' elevation gain in half a mile. That's steeper than Gunnison in CO! After 3-4 miles of hiking we summited Mt. Flume and could see the peaks of Lincoln and Lafayette in the distance, 5 miles away. Had lunch and checked out the topo.
Next stop was Liberty where we had great views back of Flume:
and views across the valley to the great cliffs of Cannon Mountain:
From Liberty it was a few miles to Little Haystack and then Lincoln. It was neat hiking along the ridge, the views and exposure were spectacular. We started to see some rain in the west but it looked pretty light so we decided to continue on towards Lafayette.
Lafayette was the high point of the day (literally) at 5260'. From the top we could see most of the peaks we had traversed. In the other direction the Cannon ski slopes were visible.
3:20 PM was earlier than we expected to summit but there was still a long way to go so we continued down the shoulder of the mountain towards the Greenleaf hut. You can see it in the picture below, with the massive Cannon cliff behind.
Pretty soon on our descent it started to rain so we put away the camera and pulled out the rain gear. It wasn't that bad except we got stuck behind a line of 50 people all being held up by some oblivious people in front. Clearly the kind of people that drive really slow in the ultrafast lane. Finally we got to pass and could make some progress. We made it to the campground by dusk but at that point still had 3 miles to go. Luckily the trail was a paved bike trail that was fairly flat. Around 7:15 we were back at the car. 15 miles in 10 hours, not too bad!
John took us to this great local restaurant for dinner and then we headed home. It was raining heavily as we drove by Rumney, so camping and climbing would not have been any fun.
Laurel has been running and biking a lot in the past months. Dan hasn't been doing much of anything. We haven't climbed in weeks. So it was about time for a big hiking/climbing weekend.
On Saturday we hiked in the White Mountains with John. The plan was to climb Sunday at Rumney but the rain sent us home early. We still had a fantastic hike though!
We parked at the Flume Visitor Center and around 9:15 started our hike. We headed up to the Flume Slide Trail. The trail was fairly flat but then got super steep -- 1500' elevation gain in half a mile. That's steeper than Gunnison in CO! After 3-4 miles of hiking we summited Mt. Flume and could see the peaks of Lincoln and Lafayette in the distance, 5 miles away. Had lunch and checked out the topo.
Next stop was Liberty where we had great views back of Flume:
and views across the valley to the great cliffs of Cannon Mountain:
From Liberty it was a few miles to Little Haystack and then Lincoln. It was neat hiking along the ridge, the views and exposure were spectacular. We started to see some rain in the west but it looked pretty light so we decided to continue on towards Lafayette.
Lafayette was the high point of the day (literally) at 5260'. From the top we could see most of the peaks we had traversed. In the other direction the Cannon ski slopes were visible.
3:20 PM was earlier than we expected to summit but there was still a long way to go so we continued down the shoulder of the mountain towards the Greenleaf hut. You can see it in the picture below, with the massive Cannon cliff behind.
Pretty soon on our descent it started to rain so we put away the camera and pulled out the rain gear. It wasn't that bad except we got stuck behind a line of 50 people all being held up by some oblivious people in front. Clearly the kind of people that drive really slow in the ultrafast lane. Finally we got to pass and could make some progress. We made it to the campground by dusk but at that point still had 3 miles to go. Luckily the trail was a paved bike trail that was fairly flat. Around 7:15 we were back at the car. 15 miles in 10 hours, not too bad!
John took us to this great local restaurant for dinner and then we headed home. It was raining heavily as we drove by Rumney, so camping and climbing would not have been any fun.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
One week later...
Not on vacation anymore but we're making do. Laurel ran last Sunday, Dan joined her for some running on Monday, Friday, and Saturday mornings. Rode bikes and got ice cream on Saturday morning too.
On Saturday Donna and JJ got married!! Happy day.
Gallery
On Sunday we hiked Mt. Greylock, the highest peak in MA (3491'). We got a late start in the morning, so we intended to go straight to the Cheshire Harbor trailhead but got a little lost and ended up at the visitors' center instead. So finally at 3:40 we started our hike... we were a little concerned about daylight but luckily it only took an hour and a half to reach the summit. We checked out the lighthouse and looked out at neighboring mountains and New England states before starting the hour long hike back. It was a fun hike.
Still not sure why there is a lighthouse on the top of a mountain that is 100s of miles from the ocean.
This Thoreau quote carved in rock is quite apropos to our previous months' adventures:
On Saturday Donna and JJ got married!! Happy day.
Gallery
On Sunday we hiked Mt. Greylock, the highest peak in MA (3491'). We got a late start in the morning, so we intended to go straight to the Cheshire Harbor trailhead but got a little lost and ended up at the visitors' center instead. So finally at 3:40 we started our hike... we were a little concerned about daylight but luckily it only took an hour and a half to reach the summit. We checked out the lighthouse and looked out at neighboring mountains and New England states before starting the hour long hike back. It was a fun hike.
Still not sure why there is a lighthouse on the top of a mountain that is 100s of miles from the ocean.
This Thoreau quote carved in rock is quite apropos to our previous months' adventures:
Monday, August 13, 2007
Map of Return Trip
For those of you who are interested, here is a map of our return trip. We left Salt Lake City for Moab, UT; then Gunnison, CO; Leadville, CO; Colorado Springs, CO. Then is was off to Hayes, KS; Oklahoma City, OK; Little Rock, AR; Memphis, TN; St. Louis, MO; Indianapolis, IN; Columbus, OH; Washington, D.C.; New Jersey; and then home.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Day 44, walstib
This is Really The End, because tomorrow Dan goes back to work. Weird.
Dan's parents came up today to say happy birthday. Dan and his dad fixed the leaky toilet, Laurel and his mom picked blueberries and made a delicious dinner.
We finally got to see the Simpson's movie and got some ice cream afterward.
Here's a short trip tally (yes, I'm ripping off Brian's idea):
Dan's parents came up today to say happy birthday. Dan and his dad fixed the leaky toilet, Laurel and his mom picked blueberries and made a delicious dinner.
We finally got to see the Simpson's movie and got some ice cream afterward.
Here's a short trip tally (yes, I'm ripping off Brian's idea):
- Miles driven: 8677
- Gallons of gas guzzled: 420
- Average MPG: 20.6
- States visited: 28 (+ DC and Ontario)
- License plates seen: all 50 states, DC, 5 Indian nations, 7 Canadian provinces, 1 Mexican, 1 European, Diplomat, US Gov
- Devil's things found: Overlook, Lake, Tower, Garden, Kitchen, Thumb
- Photos taken: 2900+
- Photos put up on photo album: 650+
- Escape top speed: 100 MPH (on a big downhill in UT)
- Escape top elevation: 13185'
- Big Wall Nuts top elevation: 14433'
- Gear left/lost on the rock: 2 nuts, 1 quickdraw, 1 quicklink
Thanks for tuning in and commenting, it made the trip even more fun. Probably won't be posting anymore, but maybe when we do some local climbing.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Day 43, The End.
Had a great pancake breakfast and then headed out to see Laurel's grandmother in NJ. We had a nice visit and lunch and then took off for home.
We've "lived" out west for long enough now that when we saw the "Welcome to Massachusetts" sign we felt homesick for Colorado.
Finally got home and checked out the water damage. It's a little confusing... the spot is nowhere near the supply or drain lines in the bathroom upstairs. My best guess is that the flashing around the chimney leaked, but that doesn't explain how water got into the bathroom or why there's no evidence of water damage in the bathroom.
Update
Here's the problem:
We've "lived" out west for long enough now that when we saw the "Welcome to Massachusetts" sign we felt homesick for Colorado.
Finally got home and checked out the water damage. It's a little confusing... the spot is nowhere near the supply or drain lines in the bathroom upstairs. My best guess is that the flashing around the chimney leaked, but that doesn't explain how water got into the bathroom or why there's no evidence of water damage in the bathroom.
Update
Here's the problem:
Friday, August 10, 2007
Day 42, This Old House
Went out to breakfast with Ben, then headed over to his house. It's like a This Old House jobsite. The whole house is torn down to the studs -- no walls or ceilings and there are places were the floors have been torn up too. Ben's got a ton of work to do and the ambition to match. We checked it out for about an hour then drove up to Jersey.
Laurel's cousin Christy just had a baby girl! We spent some time with them then headed further up 295 to Laurel's aunt and uncle's house. Had a good dinner and wine with Janice and Butch and talked to Butch for a while about his adventures.
Heard from a neighbor that our upstairs bathroom leaked and our dining room ceiling is slightly water damaged, so looks like we'll be heading home. Nice that it happened at the end of our trip instead of the beginning.
Laurel's cousin Christy just had a baby girl! We spent some time with them then headed further up 295 to Laurel's aunt and uncle's house. Had a good dinner and wine with Janice and Butch and talked to Butch for a while about his adventures.
Heard from a neighbor that our upstairs bathroom leaked and our dining room ceiling is slightly water damaged, so looks like we'll be heading home. Nice that it happened at the end of our trip instead of the beginning.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Day 41, Nuke-ular mushrooms
Gallery
Yellowcake mushrooms?
Saw a really funny sign today: "George Bush Center for Intelligence". At first I thought, wow, that explains a lot... but then Laurel pointed out there was no "W" so it must mean "HW". She was right.
Once again, Renee's ideas for something fun to do were right on. We roundtripped the Appalachian Trail through WV, and checked out Harpers Ferry and Shepherdstown. Just a little rain to sidetrack us but it worked out OK.
Some critters we saw on the AT:
Those are the same millipedes that are all over the place at the Gunks in NY.
Met up with Ben at Stardust in Alexandria for dinner and drinks. Fantastic place (Renee and Liam, you gotta try it). Jen joined us after her pottery class was over. It was a fun night.
Yellowcake mushrooms?
Saw a really funny sign today: "George Bush Center for Intelligence". At first I thought, wow, that explains a lot... but then Laurel pointed out there was no "W" so it must mean "HW". She was right.
Once again, Renee's ideas for something fun to do were right on. We roundtripped the Appalachian Trail through WV, and checked out Harpers Ferry and Shepherdstown. Just a little rain to sidetrack us but it worked out OK.
Some critters we saw on the AT:
Those are the same millipedes that are all over the place at the Gunks in NY.
Met up with Ben at Stardust in Alexandria for dinner and drinks. Fantastic place (Renee and Liam, you gotta try it). Jen joined us after her pottery class was over. It was a fun night.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Day 40, Washington DC, day 1
Gallery
What does this sign mean?
Lotta driving today... we drove through parts of OH, WV, PA, MD, to get to DC. Very hilly highway through WV, like 1000' hills. Just can't call that "mountainous".
We met up with Renee and Liam for dinner. Had delicious sushi in Metro Center at Sushi Aoi, then headed to Glover Park for Max's Best Ice Cream. It was fun catching up with them, hard to believe it's been 3 years since we last got together. They suggested some interesting historic civil war battlegrounds that we may check out tomorrow -- Shepherdstown, WV and Harpers Ferry. We may also hike some of the AT. And one of these days we gotta see the Simpson's movie! In the evening we'll meet up with Ben.
What does this sign mean?
Lotta driving today... we drove through parts of OH, WV, PA, MD, to get to DC. Very hilly highway through WV, like 1000' hills. Just can't call that "mountainous".
We met up with Renee and Liam for dinner. Had delicious sushi in Metro Center at Sushi Aoi, then headed to Glover Park for Max's Best Ice Cream. It was fun catching up with them, hard to believe it's been 3 years since we last got together. They suggested some interesting historic civil war battlegrounds that we may check out tomorrow -- Shepherdstown, WV and Harpers Ferry. We may also hike some of the AT. And one of these days we gotta see the Simpson's movie! In the evening we'll meet up with Ben.
Day 40, boring morning news...
Finally found some free Wifi... stopped at OSU and got directed to the local Panera Bread. Time for more driving, gotta make it to DC today...
Oh yeah, and yesterday, we saw a car with Hawaii plates on a car carrier. We restarted the game when we left Salt Lake City, and we're down to just DC, NH, VT, and WV, which we will surely see. Also seen on the trip back east: Quebec, Alberta, Ontario, US Gov, Chihuahua, Seneca Chayuga, Pawnee Nation, Cherokee, Osage, Manitoba, British Columbia.
Oh yeah, and yesterday, we saw a car with Hawaii plates on a car carrier. We restarted the game when we left Salt Lake City, and we're down to just DC, NH, VT, and WV, which we will surely see. Also seen on the trip back east: Quebec, Alberta, Ontario, US Gov, Chihuahua, Seneca Chayuga, Pawnee Nation, Cherokee, Osage, Manitoba, British Columbia.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Day 39, Indiana and Ohio
Gallery
Started the day with a trail run. Two miles through Illinois woods. Still hot and humid. Hit the road for Indianapolis after nice showers and breakfast at the local IGA.
First stop was the Indianapolis Speedway. We drove under the racetrack to the parking lot of the speedway museum. Neither Laurel nor Dan had any interest in learning about racing or taking the raceway bus tour (funny how that works, we'll pay $40 for Elvis but not $6 for Nascar), we took some pictures and headed to the Lambda Chi Alpha Headquarters. A nice kid gave us a tour of the building. Dan also got to see some secret stuff.
We decided to head downtown to see the Capitol and government buildings. They were air conditioned. The Capitol had a huge ear of corn advertising the upcoming state fair. Very tacky. We walked a couple of blocks to the market place. It must be more of a breakfast/lunch place because by 3:00 just about everything was shut down. We did get some Amish peanut butter, though. It's very sweet.
Started driving east again. Next stop was John Bryan State Park in Ohio, a park with rocks! Yes, climbable, legal rocks. We toproped a couple of climbs which were hard and dirty. The rounded limestone covered with a nice layer of dirt didn't make for the best climbing.
Now we're camping west of Columbus in Buck Creek State Park; tomorrow we will journey into Columbus for a bit, then on to DC to visit with Renee and Liam.
Started the day with a trail run. Two miles through Illinois woods. Still hot and humid. Hit the road for Indianapolis after nice showers and breakfast at the local IGA.
First stop was the Indianapolis Speedway. We drove under the racetrack to the parking lot of the speedway museum. Neither Laurel nor Dan had any interest in learning about racing or taking the raceway bus tour (funny how that works, we'll pay $40 for Elvis but not $6 for Nascar), we took some pictures and headed to the Lambda Chi Alpha Headquarters. A nice kid gave us a tour of the building. Dan also got to see some secret stuff.
We decided to head downtown to see the Capitol and government buildings. They were air conditioned. The Capitol had a huge ear of corn advertising the upcoming state fair. Very tacky. We walked a couple of blocks to the market place. It must be more of a breakfast/lunch place because by 3:00 just about everything was shut down. We did get some Amish peanut butter, though. It's very sweet.
Started driving east again. Next stop was John Bryan State Park in Ohio, a park with rocks! Yes, climbable, legal rocks. We toproped a couple of climbs which were hard and dirty. The rounded limestone covered with a nice layer of dirt didn't make for the best climbing.
Now we're camping west of Columbus in Buck Creek State Park; tomorrow we will journey into Columbus for a bit, then on to DC to visit with Renee and Liam.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Day 38, St Louis
Gallery
Ran again this morning. Very hot and humid, showers were nice after the ups and downs of the hilly bike trail. Hit the road for St. Loius.
Walking along the Mississippi offered a bit of a breeze. We started the morning with a riverboat cruise on a steamboat style old fashioned riverboat. We learned about the commerce of the river and some St. Loius history. There were some neat operations on the Missouri side where barges were being loaded or unloaded. Dirt, grain, salt, who knows what.
We walked to the arch and went to the top. Despite what someone told us, it was very cool.
The "elevator" is a train of 8 tiny space capsules, each with barely enough room for 5 people to sit.
One capsule took us to the top -- 630 feet up (a week or two ago they lost power and some unlucky tourists were stuck in their time capsules for 2 hours. Yikes.). This is what we looked like after 3 minutes in one!
The observation deck was cool. It was arch shaped (floor and ceiling) and you could rap your knuckles on the outer shell of stainless steel on the top. I think you can see the curvature of the earth from that height (or is it a camera trick?).
We walked 16 blocks to Union Station, an old railroad hub renovated into a mall/hotel. Got some frozen custard and popcorn and headed back.
On the road towards Indianapolis, we stopped in Collinsville, IL. This is a 3 star city -- one star each for the excellent BBQ place (Bandana's), the Waffle House, and the frozen custard place (Culver's). We stopped at each for an early dinner(s). Then back on the road.
Tonight we're staying in Illinois's Lincoln Trail State Park, 15 miles from Indiana. Laurel is having aggressive feelings towards IN, home of the Colts. Watch out Peyton!
We went rollerblading along the 5 mile loop around the lake. Lots of huge hills. It's so humid, you drip sweat just standing still. It must be like 4000% humidity and there's no breeze.
Ran again this morning. Very hot and humid, showers were nice after the ups and downs of the hilly bike trail. Hit the road for St. Loius.
Walking along the Mississippi offered a bit of a breeze. We started the morning with a riverboat cruise on a steamboat style old fashioned riverboat. We learned about the commerce of the river and some St. Loius history. There were some neat operations on the Missouri side where barges were being loaded or unloaded. Dirt, grain, salt, who knows what.
We walked to the arch and went to the top. Despite what someone told us, it was very cool.
The "elevator" is a train of 8 tiny space capsules, each with barely enough room for 5 people to sit.
One capsule took us to the top -- 630 feet up (a week or two ago they lost power and some unlucky tourists were stuck in their time capsules for 2 hours. Yikes.). This is what we looked like after 3 minutes in one!
The observation deck was cool. It was arch shaped (floor and ceiling) and you could rap your knuckles on the outer shell of stainless steel on the top. I think you can see the curvature of the earth from that height (or is it a camera trick?).
We walked 16 blocks to Union Station, an old railroad hub renovated into a mall/hotel. Got some frozen custard and popcorn and headed back.
On the road towards Indianapolis, we stopped in Collinsville, IL. This is a 3 star city -- one star each for the excellent BBQ place (Bandana's), the Waffle House, and the frozen custard place (Culver's). We stopped at each for an early dinner(s). Then back on the road.
Tonight we're staying in Illinois's Lincoln Trail State Park, 15 miles from Indiana. Laurel is having aggressive feelings towards IN, home of the Colts. Watch out Peyton!
We went rollerblading along the 5 mile loop around the lake. Lots of huge hills. It's so humid, you drip sweat just standing still. It must be like 4000% humidity and there's no breeze.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Day 37, Missouri has nice state parks
Gallery
Woke up early and went for a 2.5 mile run. Packed up, cleaned up, and went to Graceland. There are a lot of people who are crazy about Elvis. We are not, but it was still interesting. I never knew he was drafted into the army or was such a philanthropist or that his parents lived in Graceland too.
The house was left as last decorated in fabulous 70's style -- lots of mirrors; shag carpet on the floor, walls, ceiling; velvet; gaudy figurines. There was lots of memorabilia and gold/platinum records on display. Elvis had a racquetball court built behind his Graceland mansion, now it's full of records.
Left Tennessee, drove into Mississippi for a few minutes, then back into Arkansas so we could get to Missouri. Our first stop was Trail of Tears State Park situated alongside the Mississippi River. The park commemorated the Cherokee march through the area.
We hiked the Sheppard Point Trail which was strenuous for about 2 miles. There were bluffs overlooking the river -- much wider here than in Minneapolis.
Back on the road and headed to Pevely to scope out some potential sport climbing. There were not any "No Trespassing" signs explicitly posted on the trail we took... the limestone quarry we found looked like something out of an Indiana Jones movie (Limestone Quarry of DOOM!), or perhaps the Mines of Moria. Just a little scary! There were bolts leading up one of the columns, so we were in the right place. This cave was huge -- the ceiling was 30-50 feet up, supported by 20' square columns that hadn't been blasted away. This went back for 400 feet. The Rock and Road atlas suggested you could drag race 18-wheelers in there -- quite accurate! (That little blip in the photo below the middle "garage door bay" is Laurel.)
The access seemed questionable so we took off for Babler State Park to set up camp. So far we have a great impression of MO state parks. Tomorrow we'll check out St. Loius.
Woke up early and went for a 2.5 mile run. Packed up, cleaned up, and went to Graceland. There are a lot of people who are crazy about Elvis. We are not, but it was still interesting. I never knew he was drafted into the army or was such a philanthropist or that his parents lived in Graceland too.
The house was left as last decorated in fabulous 70's style -- lots of mirrors; shag carpet on the floor, walls, ceiling; velvet; gaudy figurines. There was lots of memorabilia and gold/platinum records on display. Elvis had a racquetball court built behind his Graceland mansion, now it's full of records.
Left Tennessee, drove into Mississippi for a few minutes, then back into Arkansas so we could get to Missouri. Our first stop was Trail of Tears State Park situated alongside the Mississippi River. The park commemorated the Cherokee march through the area.
We hiked the Sheppard Point Trail which was strenuous for about 2 miles. There were bluffs overlooking the river -- much wider here than in Minneapolis.
Back on the road and headed to Pevely to scope out some potential sport climbing. There were not any "No Trespassing" signs explicitly posted on the trail we took... the limestone quarry we found looked like something out of an Indiana Jones movie (Limestone Quarry of DOOM!), or perhaps the Mines of Moria. Just a little scary! There were bolts leading up one of the columns, so we were in the right place. This cave was huge -- the ceiling was 30-50 feet up, supported by 20' square columns that hadn't been blasted away. This went back for 400 feet. The Rock and Road atlas suggested you could drag race 18-wheelers in there -- quite accurate! (That little blip in the photo below the middle "garage door bay" is Laurel.)
The access seemed questionable so we took off for Babler State Park to set up camp. So far we have a great impression of MO state parks. Tomorrow we'll check out St. Loius.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Day 36, can't climb in Arkansas
Gallery
Packed up camp, hit the road east, trying to get out of OK as fast as possible. The drive was so boring, we played "church poker". Similar to Tom's game of "cow poker", you get a point for passing a church on your side of the road, double your points for passing an LDS church, and lose all your points for passing an adult bookstore.
Dan got some funny looks at a gas station in Oklahoma, probably looked out of place not wearing any camouflage.
We're in Waffle House country. That's one good thing about this area. It's obvious we're in the South after talking with a few locals.
Into Arkansas. The roads are hilly and treeful, which is a change from sunflowers, corn, wheat, and cows.
Heading to Petit Jean State Park for some hiking and hopefully climbing too.
OK, no luck on the climbing. The people at the visitor center seemed like they had never heard the words "rock climbing". There were signs at the trailheads though that said no climbing or rappelling allowed.
It's hot and humid. We hiked some short trails and saw cliffs, caves, a waterfall, and turtle rocks. Did I mention it's humid? The dry heat of the west was much more tolerable. Now we're driving through backwoods Arkansas to get a different view on the way back to the highway.
Tried another place to climb but we were discouraged by the park staff who said it would be too hot, warned us that our dog would die, and needed us to fill out a form explicitly stating which trails/routes we would be hiking/climbing. Said "screw this" and went to Bill Clinton's library / gift palace in Little Rock. It was an interesting place and an excuse to see some of the capital city.
Once again hit the road, this time for Memphis. Checked into an RV park, set up camp, and headed out to Beale St. to B.B. King's Blues Cafe. Very touristy but it was fun. Listened to some good music, had some good BBQ. Saw W.C. Handy's historic house nearby (father of the blues).
Tomorrow we go see Elvis, who lives right next door. That's right, we're camping 100 feet from Graceland. Does it get much better?
(8/5: holy crap, it'll cost us $50 just to get into Graceland! maybe we'll skip it.)
Packed up camp, hit the road east, trying to get out of OK as fast as possible. The drive was so boring, we played "church poker". Similar to Tom's game of "cow poker", you get a point for passing a church on your side of the road, double your points for passing an LDS church, and lose all your points for passing an adult bookstore.
Dan got some funny looks at a gas station in Oklahoma, probably looked out of place not wearing any camouflage.
We're in Waffle House country. That's one good thing about this area. It's obvious we're in the South after talking with a few locals.
Into Arkansas. The roads are hilly and treeful, which is a change from sunflowers, corn, wheat, and cows.
Heading to Petit Jean State Park for some hiking and hopefully climbing too.
OK, no luck on the climbing. The people at the visitor center seemed like they had never heard the words "rock climbing". There were signs at the trailheads though that said no climbing or rappelling allowed.
It's hot and humid. We hiked some short trails and saw cliffs, caves, a waterfall, and turtle rocks. Did I mention it's humid? The dry heat of the west was much more tolerable. Now we're driving through backwoods Arkansas to get a different view on the way back to the highway.
Tried another place to climb but we were discouraged by the park staff who said it would be too hot, warned us that our dog would die, and needed us to fill out a form explicitly stating which trails/routes we would be hiking/climbing. Said "screw this" and went to Bill Clinton's library / gift palace in Little Rock. It was an interesting place and an excuse to see some of the capital city.
Once again hit the road, this time for Memphis. Checked into an RV park, set up camp, and headed out to Beale St. to B.B. King's Blues Cafe. Very touristy but it was fun. Listened to some good music, had some good BBQ. Saw W.C. Handy's historic house nearby (father of the blues).
Tomorrow we go see Elvis, who lives right next door. That's right, we're camping 100 feet from Graceland. Does it get much better?
(8/5: holy crap, it'll cost us $50 just to get into Graceland! maybe we'll skip it.)
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