This trip is one thing I will never forget. It was absolutely amazing. Not everyone gets to do this in their life, and we did it in just under 3 weeks. Many doubted the budget, the van, and friendships. We made it home with the van working fine, we never broke down. The budget was perfect, like on the spot, we may have had $3 left over. The friendship are all fine as well.
I wont say it was perfect, we had our disagreements, our moments of homesickness, and harsh words, but in the end it was worth it. We learned a lot about each other and ourselves in this process.
"But no man has ever seen his dreams for filled, and regretted the sacrifice necessary to fulfill them"
That statement has never wrung so true to me. I spent a lot of money on this trip, I lost some, I lost my job, I missed my sister's graduation, and I fought with my closest friends. But my dream was fulfilled. I wish some things went a little differently, but I look at this trip and smile. Every long day in that van was worth it. I recommend anyone to do this, if you have the funds and the time, do no pass this up. 9,000 miles of America, I have seen almost everything I ever dreamed of in this country, every mile was worth it.
Tips:
Ear plugs: Someone is going to snore, they help. I'm sorry guys.
Entertainment: Pokemon gets old, so books, music, and other things help so much on long rides.
Alone time: Being in a van with the same people for hours on end day after day can drive you crazy. Time alone can be a breathe of fresh air.
Blog: Whether you make it public or just a note book. It helps to have your memories written down so you can always look back.
My thanks goes out to every friend who supported me on this trip. To my amazing family who helped me in so many ways. The guys, for the most part, putting up with me, I love you all. To the people we meet along the way, you have given me faith in humanity again. To Craig for opening up my mind to see God's Word in a new light and being a great example to a young man. To Chance for an amazing night I will never forget, even the talking wall haha.
God is Boss
Monday, June 7, 2010
Coming Home
After a great night in South Dakota, we awoke to a partially flooded tent and ready to get to really driving home. There were only 2 possible locations we wanted to see from here on out: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Niagara Falls.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ended up being more then anyone of us wanted to pay for, not to mention home was calling our hearts and minds. We shot to Indiana the first day after South Dakota, and weather once again forced us into a hotel for the night.
Then next morning church hunting started up again. We found only one church with a website and times for the service. Liberty Bible Church was huge, not only just the building but the congregation was the largest I've seen in a while. A rough count would be about 600 people, and they have 3 services so all together i could only imagine. This was such an uplifting place, you could tell by looking at the people that they actually wanted to be there. When I see churches that big I figure there must be a catch, bad preaching ( none biblical that is) to left sided ( take a guess) or so feel good ( prosperity types, you know, that guy in Texas with the stadium church...). I was not let down at all. The pastor preached great gospel, the message hit home, he knew the Word, he preached with conviction. I don't even know a church in the area that big, let alone with solid understanding of the bible.
After a great sermon we pushed on. We drove all the way to Buffalo New York. The weather wasn't to bad so we decided to try to camp. There were only to options, a KOA and Branches of Niagara. Now KOA is usually very pricey and we always avoid them to we go to there other. Turns out they are just as bad and tried to sneak some added fees. In a fit of anger we hop in the van peal right out of there and make our way to the KOA down the street. Apparently the younger man working at the former campground didn't take to kindly to our leaving in such a fashion, thus, following us and freaking out.
The KOA was also to much so we ended up grabbing a shady motel across the street, real shady. I wont go into detail but there were mice...
After a good nights sleep only 2 things were on our minds: see Niagara, and get home. Niagara was a couple pictures and peacing out of there. We made good time getting home, and arrived around 4:30. We unloaded Luke and Andrew's stuff so fast and Jesse and I flew to north Belchertown to finish up. Then I took a a quick detour and then home bound.
The Glorious Unseen- Wrapped Up in You
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ended up being more then anyone of us wanted to pay for, not to mention home was calling our hearts and minds. We shot to Indiana the first day after South Dakota, and weather once again forced us into a hotel for the night.
Then next morning church hunting started up again. We found only one church with a website and times for the service. Liberty Bible Church was huge, not only just the building but the congregation was the largest I've seen in a while. A rough count would be about 600 people, and they have 3 services so all together i could only imagine. This was such an uplifting place, you could tell by looking at the people that they actually wanted to be there. When I see churches that big I figure there must be a catch, bad preaching ( none biblical that is) to left sided ( take a guess) or so feel good ( prosperity types, you know, that guy in Texas with the stadium church...). I was not let down at all. The pastor preached great gospel, the message hit home, he knew the Word, he preached with conviction. I don't even know a church in the area that big, let alone with solid understanding of the bible.
After a great sermon we pushed on. We drove all the way to Buffalo New York. The weather wasn't to bad so we decided to try to camp. There were only to options, a KOA and Branches of Niagara. Now KOA is usually very pricey and we always avoid them to we go to there other. Turns out they are just as bad and tried to sneak some added fees. In a fit of anger we hop in the van peal right out of there and make our way to the KOA down the street. Apparently the younger man working at the former campground didn't take to kindly to our leaving in such a fashion, thus, following us and freaking out.
The KOA was also to much so we ended up grabbing a shady motel across the street, real shady. I wont go into detail but there were mice...
After a good nights sleep only 2 things were on our minds: see Niagara, and get home. Niagara was a couple pictures and peacing out of there. We made good time getting home, and arrived around 4:30. We unloaded Luke and Andrew's stuff so fast and Jesse and I flew to north Belchertown to finish up. Then I took a a quick detour and then home bound.
The Glorious Unseen- Wrapped Up in You
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Whole lot of nothing, Whole lot of Surma..
There was only one more mountain chain for the rest of the trip. We hauled over it, it was an impressive drive all around though, you could see for miles. Then came the plains on South Dakota.
South Dakota really didn't have much to look at other then Badlands, even Mt Rushmore was a little disappointing. It was rolling hills after rolling hills and hot sticky weather. We spent one night outside Rapid City.
The next day we made our way through Badlands, which was one thing I didn't expect to see in South Dakota. Moving on we hit Sioux Falls. We grabbed a camp ground a couple towns over. One with no real bathrooms or showers, but other then that, pretty nice. That night is when South Dakota made a real turn for the better.
Luke and I met up with a friend of mine from WoW, named Chance Swanson. Between sick nasty go carts, a tour of the city including a talking wall....aka 100 gallons of water being dumped on us, it was one of the best nights of the trip. I learned more about that city then I know about my own town in just a couple hours. Chance is the man for showing us a good time, and I'll make sure I stop by there again.
Every Time I Die
South Dakota really didn't have much to look at other then Badlands, even Mt Rushmore was a little disappointing. It was rolling hills after rolling hills and hot sticky weather. We spent one night outside Rapid City.
The next day we made our way through Badlands, which was one thing I didn't expect to see in South Dakota. Moving on we hit Sioux Falls. We grabbed a camp ground a couple towns over. One with no real bathrooms or showers, but other then that, pretty nice. That night is when South Dakota made a real turn for the better.
Luke and I met up with a friend of mine from WoW, named Chance Swanson. Between sick nasty go carts, a tour of the city including a talking wall....aka 100 gallons of water being dumped on us, it was one of the best nights of the trip. I learned more about that city then I know about my own town in just a couple hours. Chance is the man for showing us a good time, and I'll make sure I stop by there again.
Every Time I Die
Wyoming
We rolled into Grand Tetons National Park on a very cloudy day. It was hard to get a good picture, let alone a good view of the mountain range due to the weather. The visitors center was nice though, had a small telescope with a good view.
The snow continued into Yellowstone as well, along with eh crappy weather. We got in just in time to wait an hour to see old faithful lol. The place was pretty crowded for a rainy day but not really cramped. Sure enough though, old faithful came through and put on an impressive show. It was hard to tell how high the water shot up because of the fog but my guess is about 60 feet. We saw a ton of wild life, deer, elk, moose, and maybe one bear, it was hard to tell. The Bison were the most impressive though, they are huge, and they come right up to the roads.
Leaving the park was a bit tricky though, there was a lot of construction, and the pass was closed earlier that day as well. We made it out though and found ourselves in the friendly town of Cody Wyoming. It was a nice town, about the size of Amherst but had a southern vibe to it in the way it looked. The people were all very hospitable and enjoyable to talk to. We took a walk down main street and wondered into a couple stores, one of which I left with a battle axe, cause, well why not lol. Other then the smell in the air, which was just awful, i have nothing bad to say about the town.
The snow continued into Yellowstone as well, along with eh crappy weather. We got in just in time to wait an hour to see old faithful lol. The place was pretty crowded for a rainy day but not really cramped. Sure enough though, old faithful came through and put on an impressive show. It was hard to tell how high the water shot up because of the fog but my guess is about 60 feet. We saw a ton of wild life, deer, elk, moose, and maybe one bear, it was hard to tell. The Bison were the most impressive though, they are huge, and they come right up to the roads.
Leaving the park was a bit tricky though, there was a lot of construction, and the pass was closed earlier that day as well. We made it out though and found ourselves in the friendly town of Cody Wyoming. It was a nice town, about the size of Amherst but had a southern vibe to it in the way it looked. The people were all very hospitable and enjoyable to talk to. We took a walk down main street and wondered into a couple stores, one of which I left with a battle axe, cause, well why not lol. Other then the smell in the air, which was just awful, i have nothing bad to say about the town.
Oregon and Idaho
After a solid nights camping we hit up the Vortex house. It was just a strange place. Weird optical illusions I say rather then anything unnatural.
Idaho was rather boring, we stopped by Craters of the Moon, which was basically miles of volcanic rock. We didn't stay to long. We moved on to a campground a couple hours past that and set up base camp just in time for the rain to start. Luckily we set it up next to a pavilion and dragged it under that. I ended up making a pretty good meal that night for everyone. Something more then the usual turkey sandwich or pasta.
Idaho was rather boring, we stopped by Craters of the Moon, which was basically miles of volcanic rock. We didn't stay to long. We moved on to a campground a couple hours past that and set up base camp just in time for the rain to start. Luckily we set it up next to a pavilion and dragged it under that. I ended up making a pretty good meal that night for everyone. Something more then the usual turkey sandwich or pasta.
The Great White North?
After a beautiful sunset in northern Cali, after the best dinner of the trip thus far, we hit the sack. Waking up early Sunday morning we searched for a church in the area. Google showed us a couple but only 2 had times. There was a Baptist church and a Lutheran church. We figured we would try something new, and new we got, kinda. We walked in to a sanctuary nearly filled with old people, and a very young pastor. Not much to say about the place, just that i find that the first church to break away from the catholic church, they seem, very catholic lol.
Moving on north once more, we started up the summit of Crater Lake. At this point we were kinda used to seeing snow on higher elevations, but not this much. The visitors center and the main look out was covered with 12 ft of snow. We stood on the top of trees and slid down the roof of the visitors center. The view was great though, its a giant lake, and the fact that its on top of the mountain is baffling.
Do to the snow we headed down the mountain in search of a warm campground to stay the night.
Moving on north once more, we started up the summit of Crater Lake. At this point we were kinda used to seeing snow on higher elevations, but not this much. The visitors center and the main look out was covered with 12 ft of snow. We stood on the top of trees and slid down the roof of the visitors center. The view was great though, its a giant lake, and the fact that its on top of the mountain is baffling.
Do to the snow we headed down the mountain in search of a warm campground to stay the night.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
In the Midst of Giants
After a horrible nights sleep we pushed on to the Redwoods. The traffic was slow, on a winding road. I was getting tired, I drove from Sacramento and during the whole San Fransisco escapade.
I gave the keys to Andrew and tried to get a little shut eye. Then BOOM we get pulled over after about 5 minutes. Andrew gets busted for going over the yellow line a couple times. The officer gives me crap for not caring proof of insurance, he was gonna give me a citation for it. Well lucky for us Andrew uses his "Sirs" and "Officers" and flashes his own badge.
Andrew gets his first sobriety test and we walk lol.
With me back in the drivers seat hit the Redwoods. These trees just blew my mind. I could never truly fathom just how big they are. These trees were massive. One was hollowed out and I could stand in the middle, arms outstretched, and still not touch the walls.
We hiked a couple short trails and just took in the scenery. This was by far the most impressive stop on the whole trip. I would go into more detail, but I really just can't put it into words.
All the campgrounds up north were packed. We ended up at a cheep motel where I write this now. We took a drive out to a beach and watched a real west coast sunset. A sunset not on the cape. It was beautiful. A bit chilly and the rocky beach wasn't my first choice, but a great experience none the less.
I gave the keys to Andrew and tried to get a little shut eye. Then BOOM we get pulled over after about 5 minutes. Andrew gets busted for going over the yellow line a couple times. The officer gives me crap for not caring proof of insurance, he was gonna give me a citation for it. Well lucky for us Andrew uses his "Sirs" and "Officers" and flashes his own badge.
Andrew gets his first sobriety test and we walk lol.
With me back in the drivers seat hit the Redwoods. These trees just blew my mind. I could never truly fathom just how big they are. These trees were massive. One was hollowed out and I could stand in the middle, arms outstretched, and still not touch the walls.
We hiked a couple short trails and just took in the scenery. This was by far the most impressive stop on the whole trip. I would go into more detail, but I really just can't put it into words.
All the campgrounds up north were packed. We ended up at a cheep motel where I write this now. We took a drive out to a beach and watched a real west coast sunset. A sunset not on the cape. It was beautiful. A bit chilly and the rocky beach wasn't my first choice, but a great experience none the less.
The Let Down
We left Nevada early to get into Yosemite National Park for the first come first serve camp sites.
Driving through the mountains into the valleys was rough. Tight corners, ups and downs the whole way. The snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada didn't make me feel to great about camping that night. As we slowly made our way closer and closer to the park, only to find out that the first pass into it was closed. My guess was snow and ice but we didn't ask any questions. We figured we would keep heading north, either we would hit another pass on the east side of the park or head around the the west side.
All the passes were closed, we were all pretty bummed. Yosemite is one park that is very untouched by man, and one of the most beautiful. But that was just one closed park, we still have many more to hit up.
We continued up to Lake Tahoe, which had a ton of snow. People were digging cars and houses out of the deep snow, it was nuts. We left Mass in humid hot crappy weather, now we are in the mountains and its snowing.
We slowly but surely made our way out of the mountains on our way to San Fransisco. The drop in elevations was brutal on my ears, it was just intense. California traffic was a bit crazy, not as bad as Vegas, but pretty crazy. It was nice being out of the mountains and into the city. As we got closer to San Fransisco the traffic got heavier.
Moving on through the suburbs we decided to look for a camp ground to set up base camp and explore the city. Things didn't really fall into place though. The first camp ground we found was more then we wanted to pay to be cramped and drag our stuff down a trail. So we moved on. We figured we would head north up the 1 a little. The 1 it turns our is sharp switch backs, that people in BMWs just fly up. We continued pushing our trusty mini van up these hills for several miles. We finally found a camp ground and it ended up being full. We back tracked into the city to just look for a Walmart to pass out in, well the parking lot at least. Turns out, the San Fransisco area is very complicated and likes to hide it's Walmarts...
We found a Target after about 2 hours, but moved on deeper into the city for a possible hotel. All the hotels were either full or had ridiculous prices. We settled on trying to find the Walmart...again. We finally found it! We were so over tired everything was just funny to us. We were restless and I for one had no real interest in staying in a parking lot.
After much talking we decided to just skip past San Fransisco. At this point we saw the Golden Gate Bridge and just wanted to move on. Our rough destination, was somewhere up near the Redwoods. We made it about halfway there, before we crashed in a parking lot next to a Super 8.
Worst idea ever....
Mychildren Mybride- On Wings of Integrity
Driving through the mountains into the valleys was rough. Tight corners, ups and downs the whole way. The snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada didn't make me feel to great about camping that night. As we slowly made our way closer and closer to the park, only to find out that the first pass into it was closed. My guess was snow and ice but we didn't ask any questions. We figured we would keep heading north, either we would hit another pass on the east side of the park or head around the the west side.
All the passes were closed, we were all pretty bummed. Yosemite is one park that is very untouched by man, and one of the most beautiful. But that was just one closed park, we still have many more to hit up.
We continued up to Lake Tahoe, which had a ton of snow. People were digging cars and houses out of the deep snow, it was nuts. We left Mass in humid hot crappy weather, now we are in the mountains and its snowing.
We slowly but surely made our way out of the mountains on our way to San Fransisco. The drop in elevations was brutal on my ears, it was just intense. California traffic was a bit crazy, not as bad as Vegas, but pretty crazy. It was nice being out of the mountains and into the city. As we got closer to San Fransisco the traffic got heavier.
Moving on through the suburbs we decided to look for a camp ground to set up base camp and explore the city. Things didn't really fall into place though. The first camp ground we found was more then we wanted to pay to be cramped and drag our stuff down a trail. So we moved on. We figured we would head north up the 1 a little. The 1 it turns our is sharp switch backs, that people in BMWs just fly up. We continued pushing our trusty mini van up these hills for several miles. We finally found a camp ground and it ended up being full. We back tracked into the city to just look for a Walmart to pass out in, well the parking lot at least. Turns out, the San Fransisco area is very complicated and likes to hide it's Walmarts...
We found a Target after about 2 hours, but moved on deeper into the city for a possible hotel. All the hotels were either full or had ridiculous prices. We settled on trying to find the Walmart...again. We finally found it! We were so over tired everything was just funny to us. We were restless and I for one had no real interest in staying in a parking lot.
After much talking we decided to just skip past San Fransisco. At this point we saw the Golden Gate Bridge and just wanted to move on. Our rough destination, was somewhere up near the Redwoods. We made it about halfway there, before we crashed in a parking lot next to a Super 8.
Worst idea ever....
Mychildren Mybride- On Wings of Integrity
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The City of Sin, and the Valley of Death
Awaking refreshed and ready to hit the road we started making our way to Las Vegas finally. We stopped at the Hoover Dam, which some how my fear of heights overcame. It was huge, how they built it so fast is amazing. It may not look to impressive at first but think about man actually building this structure. It's over 4 football fields thick! The monument on the north end was pretty cool as well. It was a chart of the space and star locations. There was some audio commentary on the speakers explaining it but i didn't catch much of it. Something about aliens finding it and junk.
We finally hit Vegas, which by the way has the worst traffic I have ever seen and experienced in my life. We ended up parking in the some lot next to the Rio. The city was massive, we couldn't even cover it all. We hit up Ceaser's Palace, and The Belogio(sp?). I played some cheap slots and digital black jack and won a couple bucks.
The city had a lot to offer, plenty to look at but there was also a filth to it. When you leave the classy casinos and spill out into the strip, you run into things. Every 30ft they had what looked like newspaper holders ( you know the kind you slip change into for the paper) but they ended up just free nude mags. It didn't stop there though, along with those, every 30ft or so there were people handing our cards, and pamphlets for strip clubs and hookers. The vulgarity and the fact they handed them out to everyone blew my mind. It made me sick, these people pushing this industry so far.
After about 2 hours in Vegas, none of us wanted to really stay till night fall. We headed north again looking to find a place near Yosemite National Park, so we could get in early the next day. This took us into Death Valley, a place properly named. Other then a couple building that resembled an old spanish monastery, the place was desolate. We were running low on gas and daylight at this point. The visitors center look abandoned for a while and had broken glass all over. We found a camp ground but it didn't all that great. We had to decide whether to continue on north of the park and out that end, or the way we came. We ran into another group that came from the north warning us of rocky roads, and a long drive. That was enough to hear so we heading back out the way we came.
We headed north out of the park again trying to find a town to stay in. The first looked like it was stuck in the 1800's and was nearly empty. Then we stumbled upon a real town. After checking all the hotels because they had no camping available, we ended up at the Clown Hotel. It's a little creepy on the outside, but the rooms are fine and that is where i sit now. Thus the update is finally complete.
We head to Yosemite tomorrow, I pray the bears don't rip the van apart.
Chuck Ragan- For Broken Ears.
We finally hit Vegas, which by the way has the worst traffic I have ever seen and experienced in my life. We ended up parking in the some lot next to the Rio. The city was massive, we couldn't even cover it all. We hit up Ceaser's Palace, and The Belogio(sp?). I played some cheap slots and digital black jack and won a couple bucks.
The city had a lot to offer, plenty to look at but there was also a filth to it. When you leave the classy casinos and spill out into the strip, you run into things. Every 30ft they had what looked like newspaper holders ( you know the kind you slip change into for the paper) but they ended up just free nude mags. It didn't stop there though, along with those, every 30ft or so there were people handing our cards, and pamphlets for strip clubs and hookers. The vulgarity and the fact they handed them out to everyone blew my mind. It made me sick, these people pushing this industry so far.
After about 2 hours in Vegas, none of us wanted to really stay till night fall. We headed north again looking to find a place near Yosemite National Park, so we could get in early the next day. This took us into Death Valley, a place properly named. Other then a couple building that resembled an old spanish monastery, the place was desolate. We were running low on gas and daylight at this point. The visitors center look abandoned for a while and had broken glass all over. We found a camp ground but it didn't all that great. We had to decide whether to continue on north of the park and out that end, or the way we came. We ran into another group that came from the north warning us of rocky roads, and a long drive. That was enough to hear so we heading back out the way we came.
We headed north out of the park again trying to find a town to stay in. The first looked like it was stuck in the 1800's and was nearly empty. Then we stumbled upon a real town. After checking all the hotels because they had no camping available, we ended up at the Clown Hotel. It's a little creepy on the outside, but the rooms are fine and that is where i sit now. Thus the update is finally complete.
We head to Yosemite tomorrow, I pray the bears don't rip the van apart.
Chuck Ragan- For Broken Ears.
Tragedy on the road...
After a wonderful nights sleep we leave Sedona and make our way up to Nevada, to find a place outside Las Vegas. On our way we went to stop at a store to pick up some stuff for sandwiches. That's when I figured I left the food money in the car....I was wrong. Somewhere between the hotel in Sedona and where ever we were, I lost the food money, along with some of my own. We were out hundreds of dollars, and not even half way through our trip. I ripped through all my bags and gutted the van all to no avail. The hotel said they didn't find anything.
We started figuring out ways to pay for food and whether or not to cut the trip short. The simple solution in my mind was for me to cover the rest of the food on the trip, it was my fault and no one else should have to suffer for it. Luckily a call from my parents solved our problems temporarily.
I am so blessed to have a great family that truly loves me. They have always been there for me at every point in my life. They have helped me out and given more then I could possibly deserve and for that I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
With our problems at bay for the time being we continued on. We stopped in Kingman Arizona. I fairly larger town then we have seen on the trip. Our campsite on the other hand, was well, Palmeresque lol. Andrew ended up sleeping in the van to make sure no one took anything. It was our first warm night and we slept well for the most part, despite our site being 10 ft from a main road...
A Day to Remember- The plot to bomb the panhandle
We started figuring out ways to pay for food and whether or not to cut the trip short. The simple solution in my mind was for me to cover the rest of the food on the trip, it was my fault and no one else should have to suffer for it. Luckily a call from my parents solved our problems temporarily.
I am so blessed to have a great family that truly loves me. They have always been there for me at every point in my life. They have helped me out and given more then I could possibly deserve and for that I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
With our problems at bay for the time being we continued on. We stopped in Kingman Arizona. I fairly larger town then we have seen on the trip. Our campsite on the other hand, was well, Palmeresque lol. Andrew ended up sleeping in the van to make sure no one took anything. It was our first warm night and we slept well for the most part, despite our site being 10 ft from a main road...
A Day to Remember- The plot to bomb the panhandle
Arizona
We hit the road early after a night in Zion. We ventured in a little before we left for some last minute walks and pics. Jesse and I stumbled upon a random tunnel which was wicked sick.
We moved on to the Grand Canyon that morning. The roads around it changed around every bend, from desert sands to giant mountains and mesas. After much talk we decided to head to Desert View Point for one of the best looks of the canyon. It was a bit over crowded but a great view none the less. I will say though after seeing Zion, and Bryce, it didn't really stack up. I would suggest to anyone going on a trip like this to hit up the Grand Canyon first before other place like Zion.
After taking in the rays and the views of the Grand Canyon we made our way to Sedona, Arizona. The community was the cleanest place I've ever seen, no trash laying around anywhere. All the building had a cool natural color, sand red, or tan to blend in. Also I don't think I saw a single place over 3 stories high. We noticed though, that everything closed really early, like 6pm. Come to find out from a Wendy's employee that its a retirement community.
We grabbed a hotel on the strip and relaxed for the night in nice warm sheets. We had a great view of the mountains outside our window and got some well deserved shower time in.
We moved on to the Grand Canyon that morning. The roads around it changed around every bend, from desert sands to giant mountains and mesas. After much talk we decided to head to Desert View Point for one of the best looks of the canyon. It was a bit over crowded but a great view none the less. I will say though after seeing Zion, and Bryce, it didn't really stack up. I would suggest to anyone going on a trip like this to hit up the Grand Canyon first before other place like Zion.
After taking in the rays and the views of the Grand Canyon we made our way to Sedona, Arizona. The community was the cleanest place I've ever seen, no trash laying around anywhere. All the building had a cool natural color, sand red, or tan to blend in. Also I don't think I saw a single place over 3 stories high. We noticed though, that everything closed really early, like 6pm. Come to find out from a Wendy's employee that its a retirement community.
We grabbed a hotel on the strip and relaxed for the night in nice warm sheets. We had a great view of the mountains outside our window and got some well deserved shower time in.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The little things in life
After waking up in the middle of a valley covered in Utah we were ready to get going. The wind and cold in Otter Creek ruined my sleep. I ended up sleeping in the van for some quietness, which I did get, though it was still freezing.
After a very fast pack up we were off to Bryce Canyon. It was one of the most amazing places I've ever seen, even snow covered. There were some places which made me a bit uncomfortable, but I made it through.
We moved on to Zion National Park just south of Bryce. I found out the road was a bit more then I wanted to go through again so I took the afternoon to relax. The guys ended up driving into the park and climbing up Angels Landing, a trek i saw online and felt fine staying at the site for lol.
I took the day to just sit and catch up on my blogging and reading, partly due to the fact I stumbled upon a wireless network. It was a bit chilly because of the wind but in the sun it was much better.
They guys got back a couple hours later, that's when we met Craig Sigler. He was a lone biker just riding the area. He asked how we all knew each other, and we told him we grew up in the same church. Turns out, his son is a pastor at First Baptist Church outside San Fransisco( about 3,000 members). He was a wealth of knowledge in many areas like biking, guns, attractions across the US, and most enlightening for us, Christianity. We learned more that night around a small fire then we have in years. It was great just running into someone with a good head on their shoulders and get to know.
We stayed up pretty late then hit the hay, the cold hay once again. It wasn't as windy as the night before but just as cold.
311-Creatures
After a very fast pack up we were off to Bryce Canyon. It was one of the most amazing places I've ever seen, even snow covered. There were some places which made me a bit uncomfortable, but I made it through.
We moved on to Zion National Park just south of Bryce. I found out the road was a bit more then I wanted to go through again so I took the afternoon to relax. The guys ended up driving into the park and climbing up Angels Landing, a trek i saw online and felt fine staying at the site for lol.
I took the day to just sit and catch up on my blogging and reading, partly due to the fact I stumbled upon a wireless network. It was a bit chilly because of the wind but in the sun it was much better.
They guys got back a couple hours later, that's when we met Craig Sigler. He was a lone biker just riding the area. He asked how we all knew each other, and we told him we grew up in the same church. Turns out, his son is a pastor at First Baptist Church outside San Fransisco( about 3,000 members). He was a wealth of knowledge in many areas like biking, guns, attractions across the US, and most enlightening for us, Christianity. We learned more that night around a small fire then we have in years. It was great just running into someone with a good head on their shoulders and get to know.
We stayed up pretty late then hit the hay, the cold hay once again. It wasn't as windy as the night before but just as cold.
311-Creatures
Monday, May 24, 2010
My limit...
After a quick pack up in Colorado we were off again. Lack of sleep due to a cold and uncomfortable night only made the morning worse. We traveled to Mesa Verde, not far down the road, a place I picked out and immediately regretted. You see I have an EXTREME fear of heights which was really shown that morning...
The road up the mountain is very windy, with steep cliffs and edges to make me lay on the floor in a ball the whole way up. Now due to lack of sleep and fear of heights this drove me over the edge. Panic attacks started and my day was ruined. I can't put into words my fear of heights or what a panic attack is like, but it made me want to just go home. I was ready to hop a plane and just give up ( funny how and terrified of height, yet id fly a plane?)
After we left there we hit Utah. Not fully recovered my day continued to drag a bit, but i pulled through. Now, Utah is a beautiful state in some areas, don't get me wrong, but I will never come back here again! We would drive about a hundred miles and see not one town, not anything, its a barren land. The mountain start blending together and your spirits plummet.
It was freezing when we finally got to our camp site, in the middle of a windy valley with civilization for miles. We cooked out food and I kid you not ran to the heated bathrooms to eat it, that's how cold it was lol. I wanted to just leave, just hop on the closest plane and leave. I was sick of the heights, and fear, sick of the nothingness and just tired from not sleeping well for a couple nights.
For Today- The servants
The road up the mountain is very windy, with steep cliffs and edges to make me lay on the floor in a ball the whole way up. Now due to lack of sleep and fear of heights this drove me over the edge. Panic attacks started and my day was ruined. I can't put into words my fear of heights or what a panic attack is like, but it made me want to just go home. I was ready to hop a plane and just give up ( funny how and terrified of height, yet id fly a plane?)
After we left there we hit Utah. Not fully recovered my day continued to drag a bit, but i pulled through. Now, Utah is a beautiful state in some areas, don't get me wrong, but I will never come back here again! We would drive about a hundred miles and see not one town, not anything, its a barren land. The mountain start blending together and your spirits plummet.
It was freezing when we finally got to our camp site, in the middle of a windy valley with civilization for miles. We cooked out food and I kid you not ran to the heated bathrooms to eat it, that's how cold it was lol. I wanted to just leave, just hop on the closest plane and leave. I was sick of the heights, and fear, sick of the nothingness and just tired from not sleeping well for a couple nights.
For Today- The servants
Every corner brings new things.
Leaving Texas, we started making our way to Albuquerque, New Mexico. The scenery went from vast farm fields, to desert canyons by merely driving over a hill. Sometimes it would go back to farm fields, then another corner and its giant mesas.
We made a stop for lunch in Albuquerque at the last route 66 diner around. I give it a 6/10 for the food and an 8/10 for keeping it old school in looks. But the city seems to be placed in the middle over nowhere because about 15 miles out of the city there is just nothing. The landscape was breathe taking at times, such giant cliff faces and deep valleys. The only way i could explain it is by giving an example in World of Warcraft lol, it looked just like the Barrens haha, with a little Mulgore as well.
We set up camp a couple miles into Colorado in a town called Durango. The town wasn't to big but lacked a lot of things nearly every western mass town has, a church, a mcdonalds, cvs... We set up camp in much cooler weather then what we had in New Mexico, but we didn't expect how cold it would get. After finally getting in our tent around 10pm, the temperature dropped a lot. It must have been around 30 degrees that night, something we didn't really pack for.
Chasing Victory- Wolves
We made a stop for lunch in Albuquerque at the last route 66 diner around. I give it a 6/10 for the food and an 8/10 for keeping it old school in looks. But the city seems to be placed in the middle over nowhere because about 15 miles out of the city there is just nothing. The landscape was breathe taking at times, such giant cliff faces and deep valleys. The only way i could explain it is by giving an example in World of Warcraft lol, it looked just like the Barrens haha, with a little Mulgore as well.
We set up camp a couple miles into Colorado in a town called Durango. The town wasn't to big but lacked a lot of things nearly every western mass town has, a church, a mcdonalds, cvs... We set up camp in much cooler weather then what we had in New Mexico, but we didn't expect how cold it would get. After finally getting in our tent around 10pm, the temperature dropped a lot. It must have been around 30 degrees that night, something we didn't really pack for.
Chasing Victory- Wolves
Day 1 and 2
We all met at Andrew's house around 5:30. After a word of prayer with one of the elders at our church and packing, repacking, and packing again we finally left. We drove all night, hard miles, but fast moving miles. The first couple states like Ct, NY, Nj, and Penn, blew by and were pretty boring. Then we hit the Bible belt.
The Bible belt was a polar oposite to what we usually see in western mass. There were churches everywhere, giant crosses on the side of the road, and the nicest state troopers. Every stop we made we were well greeted, and welcomed. Simple common courtesy of the south jumps out at you in a way you wouldn't expect.
We drove through the night, through thick fog with no more then 20 ft visibility, all the way till 12 in the afternoon.
We pitched our tent at a state park about 70 miles outside Nashville. We got a call from Andrews parents and my own that a storm was on its way to us. Surely enough moments later we heard the rumble of thunder. We tore down and packed the tent back up just in time for the first rain drops and we were out of there with a full refund.
We made our way through Nashville and non to Memphis. The ride there was slow going due to the intense rain. sometimes forcing us off the highway. We were welcomed to clear and beautiful skies when we hit Memphis though. Memphis was an awesome city, especially the Mississippi River next to it and Beale Street.
The next day we moved on to Little Rock, Arkansas, which was not much to talk about other then the Bill Clinton museum, which we didn't enter due to entrance fees lol.
After that we moved on the Oklahoma City, which was a step down. The site of the Oklahoma City bombing was beautiful in its own way, and a great memorial to the people who lost there lives there.
None the less we kept pushing on to Texas. Following some of the original route 66 through ghost towns, and farm lands. It wasn't much at first, it seemed a little like the pioneer valley back in mass, but the skies were different. Amazing cloud formations and the magnified sun gave it a relaxing feel. We ran into a guy at the gas station who we gave the nickname Mr. Texas, who pointed us to some good spots for pictures. The small town near there was like it was stuck in time, old gas pumps, old trucks and houses.
We finally rested our heads in Amarillo Texas for the night. After such long days we didn't have the energy to walk around which would have been a waste after driving through the next day.
Chiodos- Lexington
The Bible belt was a polar oposite to what we usually see in western mass. There were churches everywhere, giant crosses on the side of the road, and the nicest state troopers. Every stop we made we were well greeted, and welcomed. Simple common courtesy of the south jumps out at you in a way you wouldn't expect.
We drove through the night, through thick fog with no more then 20 ft visibility, all the way till 12 in the afternoon.
We pitched our tent at a state park about 70 miles outside Nashville. We got a call from Andrews parents and my own that a storm was on its way to us. Surely enough moments later we heard the rumble of thunder. We tore down and packed the tent back up just in time for the first rain drops and we were out of there with a full refund.
We made our way through Nashville and non to Memphis. The ride there was slow going due to the intense rain. sometimes forcing us off the highway. We were welcomed to clear and beautiful skies when we hit Memphis though. Memphis was an awesome city, especially the Mississippi River next to it and Beale Street.
The next day we moved on to Little Rock, Arkansas, which was not much to talk about other then the Bill Clinton museum, which we didn't enter due to entrance fees lol.
After that we moved on the Oklahoma City, which was a step down. The site of the Oklahoma City bombing was beautiful in its own way, and a great memorial to the people who lost there lives there.
None the less we kept pushing on to Texas. Following some of the original route 66 through ghost towns, and farm lands. It wasn't much at first, it seemed a little like the pioneer valley back in mass, but the skies were different. Amazing cloud formations and the magnified sun gave it a relaxing feel. We ran into a guy at the gas station who we gave the nickname Mr. Texas, who pointed us to some good spots for pictures. The small town near there was like it was stuck in time, old gas pumps, old trucks and houses.
We finally rested our heads in Amarillo Texas for the night. After such long days we didn't have the energy to walk around which would have been a waste after driving through the next day.
Chiodos- Lexington
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
The Dream...The Reality
Tonight we all met up to pack the van. We found ourselves bringing more then we thought in the original plan, but we were given so much. We went from three people in a two door and the bare essentials, to four guys, a mini van and gifts to make the trip more comfortable. All of our parents have contributed in one way or another and for that we are so grateful.
Today is our last full day in Mass. A day that will be filled with errands, last minute packing, praying and meeting with our closest friends for a goodbye party. Many thought we would never get out of planning stages, let alone packing, but come Wednesday we leave.
Everything on this trip will be documented, whether blogged, videoed, or pictures, we want to share this trip with everyone. Andrew and I are currently the only ones keeping blogs, so there will be a link on my page for his. While we drive the co-pilot will be keeping a journal so as to keep everything fresh. Jesse and I will be putting together a short movie/documentary about the trip but that is still in planning stages. Point is there will be more then just these two blogs for people to enjoy if they want.
As a side note, each entry will have the current music I'm listening to my own enjoyment to look back on haha. So tonight its Flogging Molly - The Seven Deadly Sins.
Today is our last full day in Mass. A day that will be filled with errands, last minute packing, praying and meeting with our closest friends for a goodbye party. Many thought we would never get out of planning stages, let alone packing, but come Wednesday we leave.
Everything on this trip will be documented, whether blogged, videoed, or pictures, we want to share this trip with everyone. Andrew and I are currently the only ones keeping blogs, so there will be a link on my page for his. While we drive the co-pilot will be keeping a journal so as to keep everything fresh. Jesse and I will be putting together a short movie/documentary about the trip but that is still in planning stages. Point is there will be more then just these two blogs for people to enjoy if they want.
As a side note, each entry will have the current music I'm listening to my own enjoyment to look back on haha. So tonight its Flogging Molly - The Seven Deadly Sins.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
A Vision
For years I've been wanting to see America. The longing started with just being able to say "I went here, I went there" but it turned into something more. Over the years i wanted to escape from the burdens of life, the upper-class snobs, the earthy crunchies, and just a plain old vacation. More then ever I want to see the sights that few get to enjoy, places that maybe one day wont exist anymore, and to experience different cultures in America. This isn't just a site seeing trip for us, its growing closer as friends, its strengthening our relationships with God, its coming of age.
After years of planning, and saving, its finally happening. The route is set. The van is ready. The road awaits us. The crew: Jesse, Luke, Andrew and me Tom, four guys who grew up together in church, taking the trip our fathers never got the chance to. Under the name of Team Bucket List, we leave May 19th for a journey we will never forget and sharing the love of Jesus along the way.
Mark 16:15 And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone"
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