tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88838127373940992502024-03-13T16:32:05.551-07:00Where in the World RV?Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-52461567044791432752015-04-20T22:32:00.000-07:002015-07-07T15:18:28.852-07:00Escape to Vancouver Island, British Columbia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite my incredibly youthful looks, I lived a childhood created for someone 20 to 30 years my senior. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It originated from my obsession with programming featured on Nick at Nite and TV Land. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Don't get me started on my love for old television shows like </span><a href="http://www.tv.com/shows/petticoat-junction/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">Petticoat Junction</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> or Green Acres (best </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mbk81X6WHA4" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">theme</a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> song ever, second only to the Fresh Prince of Bel Air). If my life plan works out, and I'm on Jeopardy kicking the shit out of a 77-year-old Ken Jennings in an all-stars tournament, I'll be sure to dominate the category "Groovy Movies from the 60s." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As a kid, I fell in love with a 1968 book called Escape to Witch Mountain, which involves a pair of orphans with supernatural powers who run away to Witch Mountain to uncover the mystery of their past. The book was followed by a tremendously wonderful and campy <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnhcZXZMajQ" target="_blank">film version</a> starring <a href="http://radaronline.com/celebrity-news/kim-richards-treatment-plan-malibu-rehab-center/" target="_blank">Kim Richards</a>, best known for her Real Housewives of Beverly Hills fame. No idea if her current rehab battles are related to the emotionally-wrenching performance in the movie, but I like to assume that's precisely the case. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The movie resonated with me because it was about taking an adventure to connect and rediscover your roots -- that, and trying to avoid getting sold into the child sex trade by a creepy millionaire. So when Spencer and I decided to leave our home, sweet RV in Whistler and take a getaway to Vancouver Island, I jumped at the chance to recharge my batteries and embark on a different type of adventure than the one that occupies our "normal" lives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We packed up our Volkswagen Golf R, drove to the ferry docks and embarked on our cruise to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Although big rigs like ours can squeeze on the ferry, it's outrageously expensive. It's very un-American in that the bigger your motorhome, the more it costs. Hello, our RV obviously has an overeating disorder and she can't afford diesel bypass surgery. After we weighed the financials, we decided it would be significantly cheaper to book Airbnbs for the week. I even found pet-friendly rooms so Ellie could join us! Note: Ellie was actually looking forward to a weekend alone to get into some trouble a la <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2UVsyVLLcE" target="_blank">Risky Business</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite the windy and gray morning, the boat ride to Victoria was still eerily gorgeous. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our Airbnb was right in the James Bay neighborhood, a stone's throw from the water and lush Beacon Hill Park. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The neighborhood is adorned with charming Victorian dollhouses on every street. Here's a beautifully restored home that used to belong to Canadian author and artist, Emily Carr. It's now a <a href="https://www.emilycarr.com/" target="_blank">museum</a> and a historical site. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Emily Carr house in James Bay</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Since our getaway coincided with Spencer's birthday, we decided to splurge on a whale-watching cruise with the hopes of spotting some orcas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not only did we see a pod of orcas, but I coincidentally forgot my camera so I couldn't capture any amazing photos. Not to worry: This is nearly a spot-on artistic representation of what we saw.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Warning: Artistic rendering. This is not an actual orca. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We also got to see Spieden Island, once owned by John Wayne in the 1960s as a big game preserve. Yes, money and fame will make you do crazy things. Today, it houses various types of deer and sheep. Friendly sea lions like to swim along its rocky shores. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Look closely and you'll spot a sea lion poking up to say hello.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After we got out land legs back, we took a stroll around the wharf, which is home to floating houseboats and restaurants. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A quick tour of the British Columbia Parliament Buildings was also in order. Built at the turn of the twentieth century, the government buildings are a breathtaking example of Baroque Revival architecture. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Victoria is a city that will pique any architecture junkie's curiosity or any Disney-obsessed princess-wannabee. Did I mention there are castles?</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Craigdarroch Castle</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Built by a father-son duo named Robert and James Dunsmuir, who clearly had no delusions of grandeur, these castles are open to the public to tour. Hatley Park is actually an administrative building for <a href="http://www.royalroads.ca/about/castle-garden-tours" target="_blank">Royal Roads University</a>. They remain shining examples of moments in history when rich people had more money than sense, and when being heir to a coal empire was equivalent to being employee no. 8 at Facebook pre-IPO. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If castles aren't your thing, plebeian, you can always practice your Cockney accent and drown your financial shortcomings in a spot o' tea. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After that caffeine indulgence, Spencer and I were recharged to visit <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill/index.aspx" target="_blank">Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse</a>, a national historic site along the coast. Be forewarned: You may soon envision yourself owning a charming <a href="https://www.whipclip.com/video/7gyrq" target="_blank">bakery in Maine</a> with Amy Schumer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Eventually it was time to move on from Victoria and begin our route to Tofino, a surf town along the island's western coast. Spencer and I stopped throughout the scenic Cobble Hill region, which is known for its wineries. Our first detour was the beautiful and unique <a href="http://www.merridalecider.com/" target="_blank">Merridale Ciderworks</a>, famous for its ciders. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5B9ON2RaoeYVeuY0VXKCHSX80fsG4exjbI9yJ4L2HsWFO2w9t2FfRRvVv0FP8sxWB4AY-BDyf6JBnosebNUtiaiQYND984i5QWVjFiqj2_rHIwkNRIPHtoRVpir3gcqtFC93xUrlFxvk/s1600/20150413_121341_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5B9ON2RaoeYVeuY0VXKCHSX80fsG4exjbI9yJ4L2HsWFO2w9t2FfRRvVv0FP8sxWB4AY-BDyf6JBnosebNUtiaiQYND984i5QWVjFiqj2_rHIwkNRIPHtoRVpir3gcqtFC93xUrlFxvk/s400/20150413_121341_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Merridale Ciderworks</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We also popped into <a href="http://cherrypointestatewines.com/" target="_blank">Cherry Point Estate Wines</a>, where we sampled some delicious dessert wines and chatted with one of the owners. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UQCpmPEIqiu4oCyC_cjiD6BtnG1TDPydWvC7RRBraUqIy5aYy1CUC0LFoheweDFGx9QZK9HenuIILZOH4wEaUunVksAOg3-LdxH-QMFFlaYTmZKIOCGTDZrSziKlmSYdh1a_kC3TC2I/s1600/20150413_131212_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UQCpmPEIqiu4oCyC_cjiD6BtnG1TDPydWvC7RRBraUqIy5aYy1CUC0LFoheweDFGx9QZK9HenuIILZOH4wEaUunVksAOg3-LdxH-QMFFlaYTmZKIOCGTDZrSziKlmSYdh1a_kC3TC2I/s400/20150413_131212_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As we continued driving, the route grew more winding, isolated and magnificent. Sure enough, we spotted a black bear grazing along the road. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He was just as startled to see us, as we were to see him.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once we arrived in Tofino, Ellie was over-the-moon that the beach was right across the street from our suite. Tofino brings surfers and storm-watchers alike to its shores to ride and witness its killer waves. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvpxYq0bDmTi-BZimDarRgSnhBSNmNeQnXUxxZa4igqXgKddP_HqBFnvZtI9lsaZZtMnZnhyS__sovvQH9j5NgRJGSx9eo-iYCnC7_sumpCnIWZx_C6JySmdS7x1qGH-js6LgnL4PeW8/s1600/20150413_203126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvpxYq0bDmTi-BZimDarRgSnhBSNmNeQnXUxxZa4igqXgKddP_HqBFnvZtI9lsaZZtMnZnhyS__sovvQH9j5NgRJGSx9eo-iYCnC7_sumpCnIWZx_C6JySmdS7x1qGH-js6LgnL4PeW8/s640/20150413_203126.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Armed with an unusually sunny April day, Spencer, Ellie and I decided to visit <a href="http://www.tofino-bc.com/hiking/big-tree-trail-meares-island.php" target="_blank">Meares Island</a> and hike the Big Tree Trail. Accessible only by boat, we took a water taxi to the island. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcq9mNEvMKlH683IpmynbyKiK5aNGVltl-E8hwPjet511HhR6X5PQgWfyJJi8O7nNdkpNzjcgfpApWZHLD2p4EVLUUfYKwkXEuuxb3R3tQxFgYXOEwPXk_hSCgeKOgjQaZP1dA5ABSGM/s1600/20150414_113833_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcq9mNEvMKlH683IpmynbyKiK5aNGVltl-E8hwPjet511HhR6X5PQgWfyJJi8O7nNdkpNzjcgfpApWZHLD2p4EVLUUfYKwkXEuuxb3R3tQxFgYXOEwPXk_hSCgeKOgjQaZP1dA5ABSGM/s320/20150414_113833_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The giant cedar, spruce and hemlock trees along the boardwalk range from 1000 to 1500 years old, making them some of the oldest living beings on the planet. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyn8pntlT3wzxbnc-FcPTcjPaITSH1UaZq6IYmW8RgfbxfkU4p07quCfhyxhZFM4ozrMuQYcDV1xuHOmpbqHMQzPiCqEwfg8nTn2IaykKHGVVjcWjELURrgtPCWXQo3fLgKJNYOyYoXc/s1600/20150414_115759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyn8pntlT3wzxbnc-FcPTcjPaITSH1UaZq6IYmW8RgfbxfkU4p07quCfhyxhZFM4ozrMuQYcDV1xuHOmpbqHMQzPiCqEwfg8nTn2IaykKHGVVjcWjELURrgtPCWXQo3fLgKJNYOyYoXc/s640/20150414_115759.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In case you need some perspective. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After the hike, we earned some delectable Mexican food from <a href="http://tacofino.com/" target="_blank">Tacofino</a>, one of Tofino's many culinary gems. The ratio of good restaurants to people in this small town is seemingly 18:1. A British Columbia institution, tourists come from all over North America to devour a couple (or six) of the truck's tacos. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It did not disappoint.</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We spent most of our time in Tofino indulging in oceanside walks and hiking in the nearby <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/index.aspx" target="_blank">Pacific Rim National Park Reserve</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not to say we didn't spend a teensy-weensy amount of time slurping down refreshing blonde ales from <a href="http://www.tofinobrewingco.com/" target="_blank">Tofino Brewing Company</a>. Like barely, though. Because we're really healthy. Didn't you read about the hiking?! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The cause of and solution to all of life's problems. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before we knew it, the sun was setting on our escape to Vancouver Island. It was time to ferry back to our gypsy life, sans supernatural powers, but armed with a refreshingly new outlook on how we travel -- also, with a six-pack from Tofino Brewing Co. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuoITcTJRA2nKNDLm1Ac7KHQygOTFnF9v6ckSyJJM-n-Q_Xk2rBWELiMmCIBGPdTt7pgcIqJMwudMn8AMzlviJNnCpmCSvziSC7ZNcYjgHADHeG9_PxxCYMWYvui2JagcqXhN7GOv3_4/s1600/20150414_182812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuoITcTJRA2nKNDLm1Ac7KHQygOTFnF9v6ckSyJJM-n-Q_Xk2rBWELiMmCIBGPdTt7pgcIqJMwudMn8AMzlviJNnCpmCSvziSC7ZNcYjgHADHeG9_PxxCYMWYvui2JagcqXhN7GOv3_4/s640/20150414_182812.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-50514681119778531922014-05-29T23:11:00.000-07:002014-11-08T23:31:02.296-08:00Beating the Hype in Austin, TX<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Can you imagine the world when ice cream was just starting to become <a href="http://www.idfa.org/news-views/media-kits/ice-cream/the-history-of-ice-cream" target="_blank">popular</a>? Picture life before you could order pie à la mode,</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> before Ben met Jerry, before ice cream had its own trucks and melodies, before states legalized rainbow sprinkles. It was a simpler time. Jacques Twistee had finalized his life-changing invention, which was originally intended to be an edible glue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Slowly, you would start to hear about this utterly delicious, milky, sugary, creamy confection. All your friends would ask, "Have you tried </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">i</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ce cream yet</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">? It's the best thing since sliced bread (another new invention at the time)." Your butcher, Emmanuel, would say, "Have you tasted one of those ice cream sundaes? There's a banana now so it's probably pretty healthy." Maxwell the blacksmith would tell you, "That ice cream is perfection. You can have it in a cup or a sugary wafer that you can eat, too! " Joaquin, the town crier, would bellow, "I scream! You scream! We all scream for ice cream!" followed by hysterical high-pitched shrieks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Even though you hadn't even sampled ice cream yet, you already hated it. You were sick of hearing about how awesome it tasted and how refreshing it was on a sweltering summer afternoon. But then, like the principled American politician you are, you caved. You decided to give it a shot. One or two licks just to prove to yourself that it was unimpressive. And then you realized, ice cream lived up to its hype. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Austin is pretty much exactly like ice cream in this regard (also, that it's really sticky). Spencer and I have heard so many wonderful reasons about why Austin is so cool, so hip and such a fun city. We figured there was no way that Austin could live up to the hype, but spoiler alert: It's one of our favorite spots yet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We started our visit to this eclectic city by shopping and eating along <a href="http://www.austintexas.org/listings/south-congress-ave-soco-/4359/" target="_blank">South Congress Avenue</a>. Known as SoCo to people that feel cool abbreviating normal words, this street is lined with a range of businesses, from a country western wear emporium, to trendy boutiques, to tasty Mexican taquerias, to pizza parlors to quirky food trucks converted from trailers. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If anything could be made for me, it's this cupcake Airstream trailer. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All the stores on South Congress are colorful and intriguing -- begging you to come inside and buy delightful goods! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUM21jRYYNdGjCyV1U1B85dFXyju8DD2pi7NBaqAPTLeCzQY2v9NKGjNbZ2jAssKbEZ-xgbyrJCZTlInbw5zLSnCzmSpnhpYfm1seztpgMnH6iKorFFWoTcqWQEaaw5RDCfKLBogHtGuQ/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUM21jRYYNdGjCyV1U1B85dFXyju8DD2pi7NBaqAPTLeCzQY2v9NKGjNbZ2jAssKbEZ-xgbyrJCZTlInbw5zLSnCzmSpnhpYfm1seztpgMnH6iKorFFWoTcqWQEaaw5RDCfKLBogHtGuQ/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This TOMS store sells shoes AND coffee! What more do you need?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We indulged in lots of tasty treats while we strolled around the area, but our favorite spot was brunch at <a href="http://www.southcongresscafe.com/" target="_blank">South Congress Cafe</a>, which is known for their delectable Bloody Marys. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After all that walking and eating, we were hungry again. We popped over to the <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/lamar" target="_blank">Whole Foods</a> flagship store, which is unlike any grocery store (or Whole Foods) in the country. At more than 80,000 square feet, this Whole Foods is downright overwhelming. From its wine bar and barbecue restaurant, to its craft beer selection and custom chocolate displays, this isn't your average supermarket. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A perfect cowboy Valentine. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before the night was over, we tried to experience another weird, quintessential Austin activity: Watching the Congress Avenue Bridge <a href="http://www.batcon.org/index.php/our-work/regions/usa-canada/protect-mega-populations/cab-intro" target="_blank">bats</a>. Home to the world's largest urban bat colony, up to 1.5 million bats emerge from underneath the bridge to feast on insects during the summer. Spencer and I arrived early to stake out a prime spot to view their descent upon the city before dusk.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHL7ou9XuVXXplXSirM3qQ2gu3SWfnEq-I_hyJvNPR1syHirEWyzfYF2QR5T7q5qJpjqkXG24_c7EeauZXdNVPJpTkMTPCyzF92fNiz6yeUZFTzaJbke0zBftFMj_6GybhxkgujsO9Yg/s1600/IMG_0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHL7ou9XuVXXplXSirM3qQ2gu3SWfnEq-I_hyJvNPR1syHirEWyzfYF2QR5T7q5qJpjqkXG24_c7EeauZXdNVPJpTkMTPCyzF92fNiz6yeUZFTzaJbke0zBftFMj_6GybhxkgujsO9Yg/s1600/IMG_0159.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, the best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry. The same must be true for bats, too. We waited, and waited, and saw a few bats fly away, but nothing like the mass exodus we were promised. Bats > tourists. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For our next adventure, we opted for something less dependent on the season, the sunset and furry, little critters who like eluding visitors. We embarked on the Texas State <a href="http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/spb/capitol/texcap.htm" target="_blank">Capitol</a>, a National Historic Landmark and a beautiful example of 19th century architecture. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's pretty, right?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While the grounds and the outside of the Capitol are quite remarkable, the inside has some impressive features, too. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjY_dRr2NDpzKZOB0JpBShDyDtV4WdiPHSnJCyXQ_95ke09XSQislZwsrvEBPx4Buqq6IYYuUBOiTqievYNIiC6PM0F5V0FMnL1Y_nki51TDc5J5sQpzNyicOvkn9rXze-FP58sNTZb4/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjY_dRr2NDpzKZOB0JpBShDyDtV4WdiPHSnJCyXQ_95ke09XSQislZwsrvEBPx4Buqq6IYYuUBOiTqievYNIiC6PM0F5V0FMnL1Y_nki51TDc5J5sQpzNyicOvkn9rXze-FP58sNTZb4/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Texas Senate chambers</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Saving taxpayer money on new furniture, the walnut desks were originally purchased in 1888. However, bowing down to technology, the inkwells have been replaced with microphones. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In case you forget where you are...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These brass chandeliers are also original to the building, spelling out TEXAS in the Lone Star design. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can find the Lone Star on all things Texas, including on these gorgeous studded chairs.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfivSUS5b3bXCPK3pRVrR7LOR0I6bEBwZMj8n98kfrTPBg3Odf2AH6Evh0Lcs79PvUl4qDzj4rz1WYK2Og3Wu6o_xRe8r93XDHasqICftliigeu3280xkPf3RzszEOJZSaLzDh_mBny4/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfivSUS5b3bXCPK3pRVrR7LOR0I6bEBwZMj8n98kfrTPBg3Odf2AH6Evh0Lcs79PvUl4qDzj4rz1WYK2Og3Wu6o_xRe8r93XDHasqICftliigeu3280xkPf3RzszEOJZSaLzDh_mBny4/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While Austin by day is certainly entertaining, Austin by night is twice as fun. Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin boasts a serious daily offering of live bands and musicians. Not just country, folk or bluegrass music, Austin has a flavor for everyone. Spencer and I ventured out to meet a friend to enjoy some local bands near Sixth Street, where your mood can designate which of the dozens of bars or clubs you hop to next. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTAO6pbloFqOuBC7rUSlzeb_aT36DRCLqB_WtIbZX4_FtCfFh17wWAq5tHjZGDpEdWIVQJ_OnX63TQPNdmac8S3I2EwjdRJ0PLeLkkDFTHKOVSmgPYAh3FIKjmH0eRBjg7isSY9TlZkM/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTAO6pbloFqOuBC7rUSlzeb_aT36DRCLqB_WtIbZX4_FtCfFh17wWAq5tHjZGDpEdWIVQJ_OnX63TQPNdmac8S3I2EwjdRJ0PLeLkkDFTHKOVSmgPYAh3FIKjmH0eRBjg7isSY9TlZkM/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you stay out too late and you crave some barbecue for your hangover, we would suggest a lengthy five-hour wait at <a href="https://franklinbarbecue.com/" target="_blank">Franklin Barbecue</a>. Consistently rated one of the top barbecue restaurants in the country, Franklin is just as popular as it is delicious, perhaps even more so. So despite Rachel being a vegetarian, we felt like waiting for Franklin was some type of meat mecca that we shouldn't leave Austin without attempting once. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The line was hundreds of people deep at 9:30 a.m.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you go to Franklin, come prepared with a patient attitude and something to occupy your time. We purchased folding chairs at the local drugstore and brought our laptops so we could work. (Warning: Most people will be amazed that you have a job and aren't in college.) We were assured that we would get some type of meat, but it would depend on what was left. Be prepared to eat while you wait to eat more. We grabbed some delicious breakfast burritos at a nearby Mexican restaurant during our stay in the Franklin parking lot. After five long hours (you can't really bail after 3 hours because you're committed by that point), we finally reached the glorious counter. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You'll have whatever's left.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sitting down with your Franklin will make you feel like the most accomplished person ever. Move over, Malala Yousafzai. I'm ready for my Nobel Peace Prize in barbecue. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Spencer had a few options available, since only some sides and the pulled pork were unavailable.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> He opted for the ribs and the brisket. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8HOhBgmvGq1Kizh0MfqNZW0N8KpEFu53CFJdOiIwCPqK4TB2t3BxPjkpeSyREqE5ypF0afnnyNUSqImkyegbmOmt5T-xECcQ3t5XuIYiFniNOyFemUmsNcCeUR5CXcTlBcFrs2MBVa8/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8HOhBgmvGq1Kizh0MfqNZW0N8KpEFu53CFJdOiIwCPqK4TB2t3BxPjkpeSyREqE5ypF0afnnyNUSqImkyegbmOmt5T-xECcQ3t5XuIYiFniNOyFemUmsNcCeUR5CXcTlBcFrs2MBVa8/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" height="372" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">According to Spencer, the brisket was "<a href="http://vimeo.com/27100795" target="_blank">the best I ever had</a>." Would we wait five hours again? Unlikely, but the meat lived up to the hype.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oh, and don't worry about the vegetarian, I sampled some pies and earned that damn coozie. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Even though we weren't able to see everything we imagined, Austin certainly beat the hype. We left the city with our bellies full, our ears happy and our bodies ready to tackle new adventures. We also left knowing that we would be back again. The writing's on the wall and the feeling is mutual, Austin. </span><br />
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Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-63679618851894184842014-05-22T17:13:00.000-07:002014-10-06T10:44:51.525-07:00Strolling Through History in San Antonio, TX<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After a brief stop in Houston to see one of my best friends, catch an Astros game and visit the <a href="http://www.hmh.org/" target="_blank">Holocaust museum</a> (an extremely odd triad, I admit), Spencer and I continued on our tour de Texas to San Antonio. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Since our visit was during the NBA playoffs, we were invading enemy territory. As much as I appreciate shoe-related mascots (alternate name options were the stilettos, the espadrilles and the clogs), as a die-hard Miami <a href="http://www.nba.com/heat/" target="_blank">HEAT</a> fan, I felt obliged to dislike the entire city and its people. Fortunately for San Antonio, we found a place that served "<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/rolandos-super-tacos-no-1-san-antonio" target="_blank">Super Tacos</a>," and all was forgiven. A super taco is like a regular taco on steroids. Everything really is bigger in Texas. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not my most flattering shot, but the world must pay witness to the majesty of the Super Taco.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not only does San Antonio have Super Tacos, it has a mission-turned-military fortress-turned-historical-monument known as the <a href="http://www.thealamo.org/index.html" target="_blank">Alamo</a>. An estimated gazillion tourists flock to this tiny chapel and its manicured grounds every day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Built in the 1700s, the Alamo was used to aid the conversion of Native Americans to Christianity by the Spanish. But the Alamo is best known for its namesake battle, in which Texas colonists fought for their independence against Mexico during the Texas Revolution. The Mexican army's siege on the Alamo left all, or nearly all, of the Texian soldiers dead. However -- proof that you learn more from your failures than your success -- the Texians were reinvigorated by the horrible defeat. Following the Battle of San Jacinto, the Texians defeated the Mexicans and gained a new identity as the Republic of Texas. Although Texian independence lasted only 9 years before the United States annexed the republic in 1845.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the amphitheater in front of the Alamo, we caught a performance by the <a href="http://www.navyband.navy.mil/" target="_blank">United States Navy Band</a>, singing upbeat American rock classics like Sytx. They politely ignored my requests for another American musical trailblazer, Lil Wayne. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Aside from the Alamo, San Antonio might be best known for its <a href="http://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/" target="_blank">river walk </a>lined with restaurants, bars and shops. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of our meal highlights, aside from super tacos, was stopping for a pint and a bite at <a href="http://www.esquiretavern-sa.com/" target="_blank">The Esquire Tavern</a>. Not only does it have a beautiful patio location along the river, but it boasts being the oldest bar on the river walk, established in 1933. The tacos con papas and the jalapeño bean burger, along with a blonde ale from <a href="http://www.branchlinebrewing.com/" target="_blank">Branchline Brewing Company</a> were a few of our favorites. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After refueling, we continued on our journey to see the other missions scattered around San Antonio. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our next stop was <a href="http://www.nps.gov/saan/planyourvisit/espada.htm" target="_blank">Mission Espada</a>, which was the first mission established in Texas in 1690. In 1731, the mission was moved to its present location near San Antonio. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our next destination along the mission trail was <a href="http://www.nps.gov/saan/planyourvisit/sanjuan.htm" target="_blank">Mission San Juan</a>, known for its fertile farmlands that led it to become a local supplier of agricultural produce. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's surprising to realize that most of the missions are still used for present-day church services. We actually interrupted a Sunday service here when we opened the doors to the chapel. Thankfully, Jesus forgives. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A monk peeled off on this scooter screaming, "I've got the grace of God!" Just kidding. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our final stop was <a href="http://www.nps.gov/saan/planyourvisit/sanjose.htm" target="_blank">Mission San Jose</a>, called the "Queen of the Missions" since it's the largest mission in Texas. At its height, about 350 people lived in the community. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The facade on the church, the Rose Window, is notable as it's considered one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in North America. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our visit to San Antonio was a stroll through the evolution of Texas that also provided insight into its Spanish and Mexican occupation and the prominent missionary efforts to convert Native Americans to Christianity. To understand American perseverance is to understand the slogan, "Don't Mess with Texas." Also, don't forget about those damn delicious super tacos. </span></div>
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Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-19169913275252097002014-05-15T15:02:00.000-07:002014-08-17T15:39:55.317-07:00Whetting Our Appetite in New Orleans, LA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you've never toured New Orleans, you probably haven't experienced the true pleasure of this decidedly European city in the South. From the food, which truly reflects the overall culture, to the people, to the glorious and sometimes tragic history, New Orleans is overflowing with experiences to be savored. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It appears we had no concept on chowing down on deliciously unhealthy food -- food that at one extreme, is so unbelievably terrible for you that your cardiac arrest risk has increased tenfold, and on the other hand, is irresistible. As someone who prides herself on eating fresh, healthy and light (excluding desserts, obviously), the culinary delights in New Orleans can knock you into a food coma of bigger magnitude than a <a href="http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1864940_1864939_1864904,00.html" target="_blank">Days of Our Lives</a> storyline. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Most people conjure up images of <a href="http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/" target="_blank">Mardi Gras</a> mayhem and Bourbon Street debauchery when they think of New Orleans. What you don't know is guzzling <a href="http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/cuisine/drinks/hurricane.html" target="_blank">Hurricanes</a> and downing daiquiris by the yard are the only ways you can keep fried beignet dough from clogging up your arteries. Body shots can save your life. (Note: I am not a doctor, but I have access to <a href="http://www.webmd.com/" target="_blank">WebMD</a> via an internet connection, watched one season of Grey's Anatomy, as well as possess a slightly ridiculous case of hypochondria.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Being an epicurean haven, we made the most of New Orleans by eating and drinking our way through the city. Our first stop was the iconic <a href="http://www.cafedumonde.com/" target="_blank">Cafe Du Monde</a> for beignets and caf</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">é</span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> au lait.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Is Cafe du Monde utra-touristy and uber-crowded? Yes. But you don't survive 152 years if you don't have something delicious to offer (or really good WiFi). Plus, if you visit during happy hour on a weekday, you can snatch a seat rather easily. The people-watching is worth every powdery crumb that lingers on your dark clothing as if you were Tony Montana's bestie in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJUt_x0gwug" target="_blank">Scarface</a>. If you want a fresh beignet without the fuss and some speedy breakfast sandwiches, you can visit <a href="http://www.cafebeignet.com/" target="_blank">Cafe Beignet</a> around the corner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After all those calories, we were grateful for the free walking tour along the Mississippi River and through the French Quarter provided by the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/jela/french-quarter-site.htm" target="_blank">National Park Service</a>. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQ14wCM8-TZPZ1fjCmlEdlERTg75YqbJQ-60fsN6QcorEWPjtEtOO5hg-IwxBsMti8L1Pvg1QpVA6cuQo6vv-TtjnHumNTYQthRo1SVvaz96j2hqSFb2MhZEO1UkeQzYaTYsicVxKuYg/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQ14wCM8-TZPZ1fjCmlEdlERTg75YqbJQ-60fsN6QcorEWPjtEtOO5hg-IwxBsMti8L1Pvg1QpVA6cuQo6vv-TtjnHumNTYQthRo1SVvaz96j2hqSFb2MhZEO1UkeQzYaTYsicVxKuYg/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jackson Square</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TDd5IMI8CJbTLOSv3oL1W24_ezRK9uKFAV5qMxo5_BXzBHZqdKoSoT-m7y08rBf7-6TXg5rMCwLHjG7ZcUowWUOf44PYWRIXVCTiJ3WubV2_LDVX9YmxrrHMadDleToMab4XaHUEAHY/s1600/IMG_20140817_115357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TDd5IMI8CJbTLOSv3oL1W24_ezRK9uKFAV5qMxo5_BXzBHZqdKoSoT-m7y08rBf7-6TXg5rMCwLHjG7ZcUowWUOf44PYWRIXVCTiJ3WubV2_LDVX9YmxrrHMadDleToMab4XaHUEAHY/s1600/IMG_20140817_115357.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The statue of Andrew Jackson, commemorating his victory in the Battle of New Orleans.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">NOLA (Do you think people of New Orleans dislike the nickname as much as San Franciscans hate "San Fran" or "Frisco?") has such a rich, blended history. From its founding by the French in the 1700s, to 40 years of Spanish rule, to the 1803 Louisiana Purchase that established the city as a part of the United States, New Orleans has its own distinctive culture. This is the reason for the city's hedonistic attitude, colorful cuisine and undying spirit. Neither Spencer nor I had visited the city before Hurricane Katrina devastated it, but although the bitter traces of Katrina's ruin are not gone, the energy of New Orleans is alive. Behold: A wedding parade on a rainy day that compelled everyone on the streets to dance along. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdU0dBrVUzThMMOkqvN0PWOYNlMSGus80rugEg6GHZeEGLCihRQlzyCJrvGLzCZ2Q8zY_QVKC9JMxqO-UIw0DjhKQykKD-4RIC8V8lBUclF8VTKAP1i9LbwTWl9iR-xXUZ6sX6gtdZrzs/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdU0dBrVUzThMMOkqvN0PWOYNlMSGus80rugEg6GHZeEGLCihRQlzyCJrvGLzCZ2Q8zY_QVKC9JMxqO-UIw0DjhKQykKD-4RIC8V8lBUclF8VTKAP1i9LbwTWl9iR-xXUZ6sX6gtdZrzs/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not that we had to leave our RV park for entertainment. We witnessed our own jazz parade snaking through the park, too! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhbPztdiXN6qnWblqzRk_4gXgpnoI9gxqCJqpYjrw8aATbnv5SznWRbLTxgEhBUSiyYv8dNY8LNKnLZGR19kFZwpExDtLwDnORa5xiSNVrJAO20ULiZoLLf5Dvl7wQCuOOoMf9wWFN4M/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhbPztdiXN6qnWblqzRk_4gXgpnoI9gxqCJqpYjrw8aATbnv5SznWRbLTxgEhBUSiyYv8dNY8LNKnLZGR19kFZwpExDtLwDnORa5xiSNVrJAO20ULiZoLLf5Dvl7wQCuOOoMf9wWFN4M/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" height="460" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Talk about front row parking!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The RV Park location was the best we've ever seen for a sizable city, so we took advantage of biking or walking everywhere in the French Quarter. Perfect for us, when you desperately need some exercise or when you want to responsibly enjoy the chaos on Bourbon Street. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepWffSLzUkFryfHH9-LFU-rP57qmGancxdNGRi0e92bc2QG5etK3yKOq_xrPtzTUcd7BqwCwSIeFMyFZUFCD6P9zhOW17sHILD3RaHbsMput8Y3HLQn1WEdoJTPsiuE9RxXqqrz3mH6M/s1600/10259836_10102278030755003_6846190036431419970_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepWffSLzUkFryfHH9-LFU-rP57qmGancxdNGRi0e92bc2QG5etK3yKOq_xrPtzTUcd7BqwCwSIeFMyFZUFCD6P9zhOW17sHILD3RaHbsMput8Y3HLQn1WEdoJTPsiuE9RxXqqrz3mH6M/s1600/10259836_10102278030755003_6846190036431419970_n.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No BUIs for us.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once you get sick of listening to the same Journey <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcjzHMhBtf0" target="_blank">song</a> over and over again, you can dart over to Frenchmen Street. With its eclectic live music scene, you can hear a variety of jazz, folk and rock music artists. I especially enjoyed the evening craft market, where vendors sell jewelry, art and other handmade goods. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dPK0fhbp62gxdQ3FF3jwqnRtRNxfqMd26_Ba_1DH9SMAqGUsqR69UuEk07VhzEkOUdPmdVfRStfDOC2N66q1ohKImsdW1j3zTFLBlnD4-LtPlkdu8rz1o56aQx4KeFFOtTfRCFrIzhI/s1600/IMG_20140510_224050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dPK0fhbp62gxdQ3FF3jwqnRtRNxfqMd26_Ba_1DH9SMAqGUsqR69UuEk07VhzEkOUdPmdVfRStfDOC2N66q1ohKImsdW1j3zTFLBlnD4-LtPlkdu8rz1o56aQx4KeFFOtTfRCFrIzhI/s1600/IMG_20140510_224050.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once we grew tired of walking, we hopped aboard the St. Charles streetcar, which transported us uptown to the beautiful plantation-style mansions near Tulane University and Loyola University.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaBLDNUgGJpzJAFrcPau87971kiN3Cytsih4Lmoyr3AgZxegw3NSpKWOjE9N6aPdKaRJUHd_UeMP2lLNzZR6VdFQWfUmGxXVzDzQOuaVqASkFZTF3QBb3SnVqt0UXF1gognGnr6dcsuQ/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaBLDNUgGJpzJAFrcPau87971kiN3Cytsih4Lmoyr3AgZxegw3NSpKWOjE9N6aPdKaRJUHd_UeMP2lLNzZR6VdFQWfUmGxXVzDzQOuaVqASkFZTF3QBb3SnVqt0UXF1gognGnr6dcsuQ/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't you dare call it a trolley. </span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYK_HQDTFt77jTu2MbERUqfbZPMA8xsgMW5OazHTWxMm2xGnbq4l3bzfq-7WSWWS_nuWa0Yd7aAhpxq1Ok-uZt3dSEruKJmu4xrTvRoBS1ggnsDB-1BcgW2aKEI8hxnaQW45esjYeLbAc/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYK_HQDTFt77jTu2MbERUqfbZPMA8xsgMW5OazHTWxMm2xGnbq4l3bzfq-7WSWWS_nuWa0Yd7aAhpxq1Ok-uZt3dSEruKJmu4xrTvRoBS1ggnsDB-1BcgW2aKEI8hxnaQW45esjYeLbAc/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" height="335" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxblU4RGLZoMnBxAYGVYeSsGEGBB4qIcQhHE4QJYKrczAutXJbjIm1-EtK21dDjZEq3hfd8jBQz75f-WrhYvPrU_0P8P8yAHIqPXim3ntgk7IUQ77cUilixNkOciNm_z7aIUUyWlZIcs/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxblU4RGLZoMnBxAYGVYeSsGEGBB4qIcQhHE4QJYKrczAutXJbjIm1-EtK21dDjZEq3hfd8jBQz75f-WrhYvPrU_0P8P8yAHIqPXim3ntgk7IUQ77cUilixNkOciNm_z7aIUUyWlZIcs/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoKGoqhyphenhyphenD-VXiXkduzVrFFWiPKMMKBJCRApBf0y5Lv3GctrFBLLa8E3Pz8nxqLjfm9mK6bNKhGrt9AL8QQ96hPJKSNAI20nBM4OojccEHNWej1pekbLKpBMIl0sETvzUb420tNhWHWyY/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" height="232" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I wouldn't mind foreclosing on this sucker. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's incredible to see how the other 99.5% lives -- meaning those who don't live full-time in a house on wheels. I'm terrified that Ellie will find out that most dogs have backyards. From these stunning homes, we took the streetcar to the <a href="http://nationalww2museum.org/" target="_blank">National WWII Museum</a>, which has a reputation for being one of the finest historical museums in the country. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3z0rTI0pKXGajOx4GviBBSygIpuUT_V-j246_IYCQZWJxruXzM_uM4KdtyviEZB-hFzMgXr7TTB7RzC0sRKVkVn6yU06s2R9bzednE634yXTrPD3ja2OorbpGcPuqxhK9NV1IqX1SFHI/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3z0rTI0pKXGajOx4GviBBSygIpuUT_V-j246_IYCQZWJxruXzM_uM4KdtyviEZB-hFzMgXr7TTB7RzC0sRKVkVn6yU06s2R9bzednE634yXTrPD3ja2OorbpGcPuqxhK9NV1IqX1SFHI/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The museum certainly didn't disappoint. It held particular interest for Spencer since his grandfather is a WWII veteran who recently celebrated turning 89 years young. Happy birthday Dick! Judging from its exterior, you can see the museum is massive. It's possible to spend an entire weekend here, roaming from one exhibit to the next. We were astonished to see the propaganda launched by both the Allied and Axis powers. The museum clearly presents the war as being fought on two geographically separate fronts -- the European and Pacific theatres -- one of the unique aspects of WWII. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our hunger for war history wasn't satiated yet, so we stopped by the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/jela/chalmette-battlefield.htm" target="_blank">Chalmette Battlefield</a>, where the last great battle of the War of 1812 was fought. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvUlijhqwvu2g3vY_ivCf9_Kb9RMPq0RmLJMFSO-vcjWoL8slMEhJFDracv5Yk1cV7oYHYy5Iwj5sioGGegIUwZLQ7yEZL49MK5i32N22xDh8nvWrBQ5WNK7y9iA_nIJ8r50Mh6qgFpU/s1600/IMG_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvUlijhqwvu2g3vY_ivCf9_Kb9RMPq0RmLJMFSO-vcjWoL8slMEhJFDracv5Yk1cV7oYHYy5Iwj5sioGGegIUwZLQ7yEZL49MK5i32N22xDh8nvWrBQ5WNK7y9iA_nIJ8r50Mh6qgFpU/s1600/IMG_0115.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The scene of action with the Chalmette plantation in the background.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the ramparts where soldiers blasted impending enemy forces</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Although some considered this battle unnecessary, as the treaty ending the war was signed in late 1814, the war continued into 1815. The date of this battle, January 5, was often celebrated by Americans similarly to today's Fourth of July merriment for this great victory over the British. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Chalmette Monument honoring the troops</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nearby the battlefield, you can pay tribute to veterans of several wars at the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/jela/chalmette-national-cemetery.htm" target="_blank">Chalmette National Cemetery</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Although the cemetery is primarily a resting place for Union soldiers killed during the Civil War, there are veterans from the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, the Vietnam War and even four men from the War of 1812. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I could think of far worse places to spend the rest of your days. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Whatever your pleasure, be it food or drink, music or dancing, history or culture, New Orleans is sure to satisfy your cravings. After a few days away, you'll be left hungry again. </span></div>
Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-60441408556437447962014-05-05T17:09:00.000-07:002014-06-01T17:12:53.011-07:00Coasting through Gulfport and Biloxi, MS<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With the chaos of buying our motorhome and getting back on the road, we <i>almost </i>forgot about that pesky four-letter word: <b>work</b>. The majority of folks living the full-time RV lifestyle are retired, so sometimes when you're sipping a bellini with your neighbors on lawn chairs, exchanging stories about your (nonexistent) grandchildren, you remember <i>"Crap. It's Tuesday."</i> And you forgot to put cover sheets on those damn <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy3rjQGc6lA" target="_blank">TPS reports</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In fact, work is bringing us back to San Francisco to manage a few things that we can't do from the road -- not TPS reports -- those are all digitized now. Instead of driving along the East Coast this summer as we planned, we're traveling through the south and heading west toward California. You can't be mad at work though, because she gives us the opportunity to participate in this crazy RV adventure. Even though she's insanely Type-A, she just wants us to be responsible, law-abiding, voting members of society who eat a healthy balance of fruits and vegetables each day. Without her, we would become vagabonds and degenerates, and also, poor. Picture us as Charlie from <i>Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</i> in his pre-golden ticket days. Although through the greatness of gambling and sugar, he was able to inherit a chocolate factory, so maybe quitting wouldn't be so terrible...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After Googling the likelihood of winning a contest that would leave me the sole owner of a chocolate factory, I think I have better odds of buying the Clippers one day, so I'm sticking with the day job.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite having to hustle back to San Francisco faster than we normally travel, we wanted to make a stop along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. We stopped in Gulfport and Biloxi, two neighboring cities that were badly damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The beaches along the coast have the same soft, white, sugary sand that the Gulf beaches have in Florida. The best part? They were practically empty on a sunny weekend. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYZw0JLcbmAYEPPmVTK6JqrVY7YExsznryWQ-ZsgSamvXEGDll3QUqYo5Of_sb1a1FE1oGpthWd1ohkeP1_ydkJCfRwZrMYQDZ7wRSWQJUkBuDtdMF2fiD330PRk8ER1pP807uhUZZzc/s1600/IMG_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYZw0JLcbmAYEPPmVTK6JqrVY7YExsznryWQ-ZsgSamvXEGDll3QUqYo5Of_sb1a1FE1oGpthWd1ohkeP1_ydkJCfRwZrMYQDZ7wRSWQJUkBuDtdMF2fiD330PRk8ER1pP807uhUZZzc/s1600/IMG_0197.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Empty beaches are a good thing for us, but a bad thing for Mississippi tourism. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We also saw plenty of vacant lots for sale, but locals told us that the high cost of insurance post-Katrina prevents people from buying and building. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Gambling in the Gulf is also a big draw for the tourists who still flock here. From small gambling halls to mega-casinos that look as if they were plucked out of Las Vegas, there is no shortage of places for people to push their luck. (The odds were not in my favor. Thanks for nothing, Elizabeth Banks.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We also found ourselves visiting <a href="http://www.beauvoir.org/" target="_blank">Beauvoir</a>, an estate that served as a home to Confederate President Jefferson Davis following the Civil War. It also houses his presidential library and museum. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jefferson Davis's Presidential Library and museum</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Beauvoir, established in 1852</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After touring this estate, I've come to the realization that Spencer and I spend a lot of time visiting old dead people's houses. We've ooh-ed and ah-ed at mansions like the <a href="https://www.biltmore.com/" target="_blank">Biltmore</a> estate in Asheville, North Carolina and imagined cowboy life at the historic <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grko/index.htm" target="_blank">Grant-Kohrs Ranch</a> in rural Montana, and everything in between. For people who don't even live in a house, I'm wondering if we have some sort of "sticks and bricks" envy. I should probably talk to someone about that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Although I doubt many Americans today are envious of Jefferson Davis and his role in defending slavery in the Civil War, his house is something to be admired. Davis, seeking a quiet retreat to write his memoirs after the war, inherited Beauvoir following the death of a widowed friend in 1879. <i>(Note to self: Find more widowed friends.) </i>Running along the beach, it's no surprise "beauvoir" literally translates to "beautiful view" in French. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhCwLktTh_jeBDXqSz7ehzU0yAWL9SxNeH9uSlkMPYTMrNrz-ng8DuvRoqScvlvxoSHgt2D3TZG46NPpmkSqPY5Uiq7Eg2FnoYvM9dl1GjY5NfkkHAEuHNXZo_zsJC2dlR_P9d2hnUE4/s1600/IMG_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhCwLktTh_jeBDXqSz7ehzU0yAWL9SxNeH9uSlkMPYTMrNrz-ng8DuvRoqScvlvxoSHgt2D3TZG46NPpmkSqPY5Uiq7Eg2FnoYvM9dl1GjY5NfkkHAEuHNXZo_zsJC2dlR_P9d2hnUE4/s1600/IMG_0195.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Gulf waters in front of the estate</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> The interior of the house is no less impressive, especially considering it was built as a summer retreat. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVTMzh3krYNaQoqEEFWduWMDKHi6BDqrxRUcYdzGubchZUaEDH7R8yhsVq7Q5qzMdVKTvTuIyTS2xQOavUXH_bG4xZnFiNU9AcDadKL7d23-kNZZ6uqQinc6jUK0-D27qHy0EXqE9tBI/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVTMzh3krYNaQoqEEFWduWMDKHi6BDqrxRUcYdzGubchZUaEDH7R8yhsVq7Q5qzMdVKTvTuIyTS2xQOavUXH_bG4xZnFiNU9AcDadKL7d23-kNZZ6uqQinc6jUK0-D27qHy0EXqE9tBI/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG" height="438" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The entryway of the house</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Though not large by today's standards, Beauvoir has features that reflected the wealth of its owners. For instance, no wallpaper was used in the house; all the details on the walls and ceiling were hand-painted. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivttqmUgNPHriDQ7ojHi8xBrNMDEz5uDZyP1uf7KT3YPqr5rvIJ_cqQObKUULNO3nstTIE30WOqDs-2tNToqPz74DmPIk4avkS3q4rK0j3-3q7fs7de1_wLMwmn8mj29hbHvCRUjitkRQ/s1600/IMG_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivttqmUgNPHriDQ7ojHi8xBrNMDEz5uDZyP1uf7KT3YPqr5rvIJ_cqQObKUULNO3nstTIE30WOqDs-2tNToqPz74DmPIk4avkS3q4rK0j3-3q7fs7de1_wLMwmn8mj29hbHvCRUjitkRQ/s1600/IMG_0132.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The living room leading into the sitting area</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The floor-to-ceiling windows in the rooms were opulent. At the time, a property owner was taxed based on the number of windows and rooms in his house. The high taxes actually cost the widow of Beauvoir's original owner to sell the house at public auction. Talk about embarrassing. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The bedroom for one of Jefferson Davis's daughters</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Beauvoir was significantly damaged by Hurrican Katrina. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The sturdy foundation, which was built several feet off the ground as a way to cool the house in the 1800s, actually helped keep water and wind damage to a minimum. Restoration efforts to the property are still ongoing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The overhaul to Beauvoir is a testament to the spirit of the South. Mississippi's past, both bright and bleak at times, is full of historical significance to our country. Oh, and did I mention the gambling? Check out the Gulf Coast and don't forget to put $50 on black at the <a href="http://www.beaurivage.com/" target="_blank">Beau Rivage</a>. If you win, be sure to capture the moment like this:</span><br />
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Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-858828858234264782014-03-27T16:36:00.000-07:002014-05-30T19:55:06.903-07:00Shopping for our Motorhome in Florida<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After we bid farewell to our faithful Dutchman Voltage toy hauler following <a href="http://www.whereintheworldrv.com/2014/02/bracing-for-shitstorm-in-florida.html" target="_blank">PooGate 2014</a>, we had to brace ourselves for a new kind of disaster -- shopping for a new RV. It was a whole different breed of shit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Luckily for us we were in Florida -- home to an abundance of motorhomes, fifth-wheels, and travel trailers -- as well as the spineless, soulless cretins who sell them. So maybe that's taking it a bit too far, but if it's any consolation, I have a general dislike for <u>all</u> salesmen. Except for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Mays" target="_blank">Billy Mays</a>, who was an angel sent from above bearing the gift of a miracle cleaner. Who needs holy water when you have <a href="http://www.oxiclean.com/" target="_blank">OxiClean</a>?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But since no amount of OxiClean could rid our poopy RV of its foulness, Spencer and I talked about our wish list for our new home. After traveling around for over a year, we knew what worked for us and what didn't:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BO_5js9XHYZa6ASJBlmATXRx1rDVE85uSL0WvnGHDrJV_Dkt2AfyZ39EDOg8Df0BGmWHiSmcjzcGHjBPFyFm9H_eYlqDvTSgMHKSNwLMN-qa5a8WwqB1l3JhUfPJO_qNdARnf726F2k/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BO_5js9XHYZa6ASJBlmATXRx1rDVE85uSL0WvnGHDrJV_Dkt2AfyZ39EDOg8Df0BGmWHiSmcjzcGHjBPFyFm9H_eYlqDvTSgMHKSNwLMN-qa5a8WwqB1l3JhUfPJO_qNdARnf726F2k/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1) <b>We were sick of driving Big Blue, our dually diesel truck, as our primary vehicle. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was one of our biggest factors. Although I grew pretty adept at maneuvering Big Blue, there were some stressful moments, like a meltdown while attempting to park in a ski lot in Park City, UT and the joys of cruising down the narrow streets of Chicago. Plus, the cost of fuel was disheartening. Big Blue chugged diesel fuel faster than a college senior playing a game of flip cup. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxvBFMoySBd1fVHOqc90tI7lrK89bSbVq5v66VBRPxU7wcbbgJx4aL8wVdXysVmgl2gVXkSwsmnRx2U_m9kqFtyhGzEFa6gtMW6yxNUUklmxrRpcodHpxhj7Rctmaz7s0Y5tc_K5028U/s1600/155345_947855243367_3965452_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxvBFMoySBd1fVHOqc90tI7lrK89bSbVq5v66VBRPxU7wcbbgJx4aL8wVdXysVmgl2gVXkSwsmnRx2U_m9kqFtyhGzEFa6gtMW6yxNUUklmxrRpcodHpxhj7Rctmaz7s0Y5tc_K5028U/s1600/155345_947855243367_3965452_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo courtesy of Tyler Heschong</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>2) We wanted to keep one motorcycle.</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After downsizing from three motorcycles to two, Spencer was prepared to sell one of his bikes and bring along just his Yamaha WR250, which can ridden on the street or off-road. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>3) We didn't want to sacrifice too much space.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our Voltage was 42-feet long, with tons and tons of storage space. Although we were prepared to get a slightly smaller RV, we weren't willing to budge too much on the length. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>4) We wanted something sturdy and well-made.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our Voltage, though considered to be a high-quality fifth-wheel, wasn't exactly primed to last. Spencer spent a lot of time and money adding upgrades that should have been standard. With our new RV, we wanted something well-made that would last us for 10+ years and required minimal upgrades. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStqtyyZO5tPB6HEEHdrRZLyGBILo1khJlmsPp2srzfsS0XZ7ys0dAmFlDp71UnfK80r8za5Xkd2CYlgpF0Kr4mc7Gdkct1z8bcIm8jHvf3RHaYQoywAKaqGj4JI441pVOcRQl9Il9Xu0/s1600/IMG_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStqtyyZO5tPB6HEEHdrRZLyGBILo1khJlmsPp2srzfsS0XZ7ys0dAmFlDp71UnfK80r8za5Xkd2CYlgpF0Kr4mc7Gdkct1z8bcIm8jHvf3RHaYQoywAKaqGj4JI441pVOcRQl9Il9Xu0/s1600/IMG_0125.JPG" height="245" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>5) We wanted to buy used.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Buying a new RV wasn't an option for us. We wanted someone else to eat the depreciation driving it off the lot. However, we wanted something that had a contemporary style so a charming vintage 1970s airstream wasn't going to cut it for us either.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ultimately, we decided to narrow our search to a used diesel-pusher motorhome that was at least 38-feet long with a tag axle. Along with some less important wishes, these factors formed the basis of our search, which led us to a small RV show in West Palm Beach in mid-February. Most of the RVs at the show were new, but we did meet a <strike>cretin</strike> salesman at </span><a href="http://www.northtrailrv.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">North Trail RV</a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> dealership in Fort Myers. The dealership sold large quantities of used Newmars, Tiffins, Winnebagos and other similar higher-end motorhomes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On our first trip there, we saw a few good options that fit into our price range. The one that jumped out to us was a 42-foot 2010 Newmar Dutchstar motorhome. It fulfilled most of our wish list, fit into our budget and was designed with understated contemporary details.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciDHTWASRzo0pnaiyG2xOB4vFp7_GRgVQZ_RsrOlWED5MYYRWTXfWOJolA-O_VGVoWsiwn1WRd1gMwaAbLX6K9q7c_sxLoEW-ISUxzG_fc7SglNthXQHrIvrpQvZ76AfP_hjHei8vgXQ/s1600/IMG_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciDHTWASRzo0pnaiyG2xOB4vFp7_GRgVQZ_RsrOlWED5MYYRWTXfWOJolA-O_VGVoWsiwn1WRd1gMwaAbLX6K9q7c_sxLoEW-ISUxzG_fc7SglNthXQHrIvrpQvZ76AfP_hjHei8vgXQ/s1600/IMG_0137.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After heading back to Fort Lauderdale to think it over for a couple days, we decided to take the plunge. Although we would have preferred to purchase our RV from a private seller, our experience at North Trail RV was sufficient. I say that because they were able to accommodate certain requests from us, such as the addition of a motorcycle lift on the back, but they also dragged their feet with other things. In my opinion, North Trail was no better or worse than any other high-volume dealer out there. Dealerships exist to make money and that's their bottom line. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Owning a motorhome has thrown us some new curveballs that we weren't expecting, but it has also given us some great comforts. We love driving around our Mini Cooper and we've probably already saved 50+ hours of travel time since we don't have to stop for me to empty my miniature bladder. Mostly, we're just happy to be back on the road again! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimb1TzzYw0D0UDiONYR-URGDjR4WfuAaFHjm7NQ3b_tcVA2vSgXUiz3duTXvuHZt43CgeZxW3qvyyzUjZfmxRRLSmnBWhUKyYgyiADA1Wb5qXE1BI14iLCk2uI7KQ26EW1_-mxQpz0oM0/s1600/IMG_0322+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimb1TzzYw0D0UDiONYR-URGDjR4WfuAaFHjm7NQ3b_tcVA2vSgXUiz3duTXvuHZt43CgeZxW3qvyyzUjZfmxRRLSmnBWhUKyYgyiADA1Wb5qXE1BI14iLCk2uI7KQ26EW1_-mxQpz0oM0/s1600/IMG_0322+2.JPG" height="380" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For more pictures of our new motorhome, you can check out our photo tour <a href="http://www.whereintheworldrv.com/p/our-home.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-71927512991690232532014-03-02T22:19:00.000-08:002014-03-02T22:58:54.398-08:0016 Things Tougher Than Saying Goodbye to Your RV<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our fifth-wheel was picked up by the salvage company last week, which I imagine is a bit like shipping off your beloved horse to the glue factory.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKG1ktNBNJldz3lvFbpgPMIch9PuEuwmUyLOMzZ9qae5APVHGH0DRuG0EG6rXj1GvHa2CW_I8knIvP127eXkkjLQZfY-3kVHsdMYqhS1YnFgc53jtouLkTo2ekl6hFL9c85oOj-hJfck/s1600/IMG_0560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKG1ktNBNJldz3lvFbpgPMIch9PuEuwmUyLOMzZ9qae5APVHGH0DRuG0EG6rXj1GvHa2CW_I8knIvP127eXkkjLQZfY-3kVHsdMYqhS1YnFgc53jtouLkTo2ekl6hFL9c85oOj-hJfck/s1600/IMG_0560.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">No equines were harmed in the making of this blog.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">From our RV-warming party on the streets on San Francisco (yes, really) to docking alongside the Florida coast, we have had some wonderful experiences with our Voltage.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1Yb0nLje2aM3nTvZCiWp6vfakUPo52uJHh4tfuneuEqq_T0MpNWm36fwCm-MdL8lQNpm8i2iSXyqPsXZXh46OKySfIbV0YnnFsInrmdCXNXEHDM0PXQWXgawE4BW_319Vog0NVUrmSk/s1600/2012-09-26+08.43.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1Yb0nLje2aM3nTvZCiWp6vfakUPo52uJHh4tfuneuEqq_T0MpNWm36fwCm-MdL8lQNpm8i2iSXyqPsXZXh46OKySfIbV0YnnFsInrmdCXNXEHDM0PXQWXgawE4BW_319Vog0NVUrmSk/s1600/2012-09-26+08.43.36.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZkxuLymrDXGW0WYqAzKxZeP4qAM9NsC54vntECrVHtfCL-v7sYn5qeroQ53Tol7gky5YD5HSkkThGQyJbSvZE0rrLfDlBzmJkzenp3A5sFhZRxkK328pbihX9bWDTGP0MnvFrtXesks/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZkxuLymrDXGW0WYqAzKxZeP4qAM9NsC54vntECrVHtfCL-v7sYn5qeroQ53Tol7gky5YD5HSkkThGQyJbSvZE0rrLfDlBzmJkzenp3A5sFhZRxkK328pbihX9bWDTGP0MnvFrtXesks/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">nstead of harping on the sad fate of our home for the last 16 months, we decided to look on the bright side -- well, actually the dim side -- meaning, it could be worse. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the spirit of <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/" target="_blank">Buzzfeed</a>-mania, and to remember our dear <a href="http://www.whereintheworldrv.com/p/our-home.html" target="_blank">Voltage</a> fondly, here is a list of 16 things that are tougher than saying goodbye to your RV.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1) Hiking to the bottom of the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm" target="_blank">Grand Canyon</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gtTJXcLFjUAIOoUBFikfek_ihHIKYznCjQsLJTpE4muFMxw5LWLKKXO8CIb9T9SU0aYSPPBjLDPmY0iisLJsvW35ZG1tQHqHz9WOfVpD9v2XmBy0c6T5nhoJhRUMgpZ1D6taB2k1nwA/s1600/IMG_0202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gtTJXcLFjUAIOoUBFikfek_ihHIKYznCjQsLJTpE4muFMxw5LWLKKXO8CIb9T9SU0aYSPPBjLDPmY0iisLJsvW35ZG1tQHqHz9WOfVpD9v2XmBy0c6T5nhoJhRUMgpZ1D6taB2k1nwA/s1600/IMG_0202.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2) Hiking back up again. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozo7TyehEDBz848VDR5f3AnJYe1KOHyTKfh0l67Uyx0zBW2Lg6ulFvOM6BrD_JN_LhI2jcUC6hyphenhypheniS0eza0FYrFOWiQnhVgrvnw4sSLtS75GB7btu34so84hPD45F49Y9pXUQokjpjHO4/s1600/IMG_0722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozo7TyehEDBz848VDR5f3AnJYe1KOHyTKfh0l67Uyx0zBW2Lg6ulFvOM6BrD_JN_LhI2jcUC6hyphenhypheniS0eza0FYrFOWiQnhVgrvnw4sSLtS75GB7btu34so84hPD45F49Y9pXUQokjpjHO4/s1600/IMG_0722.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Wait, I thought everywhere had valet?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3) Get frisky with a giraffe. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnn-Cj9QRS-LAtO1OmwXCfR1B6g4iP4OeqZsco74hLvfyEMd49jJ1fI1cosUyaQkBQ5VTExM8P0_6MEo8iuTgvF8pVuC-PgDtjx6ZhfmRchG8tJTAMdKe3JkLDL9lCvtV47GefW5bYyPU/s1600/IMG_0560+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnn-Cj9QRS-LAtO1OmwXCfR1B6g4iP4OeqZsco74hLvfyEMd49jJ1fI1cosUyaQkBQ5VTExM8P0_6MEo8iuTgvF8pVuC-PgDtjx6ZhfmRchG8tJTAMdKe3JkLDL9lCvtV47GefW5bYyPU/s1600/IMG_0560+2.jpg" height="564" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In for the kill. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4) Visiting a litter of puppies and only adopting one. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinat49C-Yn4JcmzFI7Lut6er67yMbP3xwFTkYRAGyC-y52ndhBDk8dVkJ90sKasBogrD8Go7rmIIELenrjOPT0i6lxU60uiTUGd9nb-WIk_H65H45k9u5guXDadQvPFoQCbVJ96tAS0A/s1600/IMG_1174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinat49C-Yn4JcmzFI7Lut6er67yMbP3xwFTkYRAGyC-y52ndhBDk8dVkJ90sKasBogrD8Go7rmIIELenrjOPT0i6lxU60uiTUGd9nb-WIk_H65H45k9u5guXDadQvPFoQCbVJ96tAS0A/s1600/IMG_1174.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is the toughest of all.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5) Wearing dumb costumes your humans dress you up in. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHynjE5rlUyeVCNvY7jJ2ApsZNTEJtE273LzIIqSUOh5haT1Yj7XD_3_JqBg53ZE_3ibSKa5CsCW030Sx_0u6H0wWUKk7WDFjm3rRddFNjFwL2c-HRveIdnUD22JQ_SMWa66HK2LgD5ow/s1600/IMG_1294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHynjE5rlUyeVCNvY7jJ2ApsZNTEJtE273LzIIqSUOh5haT1Yj7XD_3_JqBg53ZE_3ibSKa5CsCW030Sx_0u6H0wWUKk7WDFjm3rRddFNjFwL2c-HRveIdnUD22JQ_SMWa66HK2LgD5ow/s1600/IMG_1294.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ellie's thinking, "I will devour this, you peasants."</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6) Driving a dually diesel <a href="http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado-3500hd-diesel-trucks.html" target="_blank">truck</a> everywhere.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwO8x5BF7OtugYamqssevghlsJSGJtWMfAh7izGYD0xbtY144n7kA4zaX0_RR60VrN6SiPy161TuHeGdXihK50JbFAtxCtNr2h8gpoqcbVJ0KzkPO7OmRY8HwrOdSh9jAsn8ryzb8lFvE/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwO8x5BF7OtugYamqssevghlsJSGJtWMfAh7izGYD0xbtY144n7kA4zaX0_RR60VrN6SiPy161TuHeGdXihK50JbFAtxCtNr2h8gpoqcbVJ0KzkPO7OmRY8HwrOdSh9jAsn8ryzb8lFvE/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Especially when you lack opposable thumbs.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">7) Pulling your snowmobile out of a ditch during a storm. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIXrTExnnKthB6HVY7YXHMnrUC-48McThyiC6mLyowD74Y7eM_aVVDuSwJoOqRBkGki1XTId3GTLgQrxc6-EoctEcx6pOxuyVcRb6lswvZIlOzS3Jgpus6ohmL-4etqy_mLQoX72LCZE/s1600/IMG_2527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIXrTExnnKthB6HVY7YXHMnrUC-48McThyiC6mLyowD74Y7eM_aVVDuSwJoOqRBkGki1XTId3GTLgQrxc6-EoctEcx6pOxuyVcRb6lswvZIlOzS3Jgpus6ohmL-4etqy_mLQoX72LCZE/s1600/IMG_2527.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It takes precisely four men to pull a snowmobile from a ditch.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">8) Kayaking the Colorado River. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwW4nAwb_067k5E1YgWPo8U2bZ2ktS8x_Fr1s1uFUpKiWf1F-3xbnxVfEAsqvm4ZswwiJydRuQcSjHGwzdtp9YW21BFgNblALHpbWv8zzDOpT7UTiXXGn8EPFpWbu-2F2-VSLlmbGOo4/s1600/IMG_2703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwW4nAwb_067k5E1YgWPo8U2bZ2ktS8x_Fr1s1uFUpKiWf1F-3xbnxVfEAsqvm4ZswwiJydRuQcSjHGwzdtp9YW21BFgNblALHpbWv8zzDOpT7UTiXXGn8EPFpWbu-2F2-VSLlmbGOo4/s1600/IMG_2703.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">9) Officiating your best friend's wedding. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUXDRN201gqlWmH530ZExBg1MFgrAdpAZltcZh4Wda9LKfX0NW0aZ6OPLbfaXiSL9DUZKbdLHU-mhjay5d2sAMv2R6Dz0yVaK8vkDDam1TKAHv3sGdeSLUd8GsA7KO-gjWLlfmOBxrDA/s1600/IMG_2892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUXDRN201gqlWmH530ZExBg1MFgrAdpAZltcZh4Wda9LKfX0NW0aZ6OPLbfaXiSL9DUZKbdLHU-mhjay5d2sAMv2R6Dz0yVaK8vkDDam1TKAHv3sGdeSLUd8GsA7KO-gjWLlfmOBxrDA/s1600/IMG_2892.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It's all in the arms.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">10) Rockin' for 50+ years. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgltn_1Uycr6MoYbCakEWTdo6Eg7JYSfuJLBtoki6Mq095BKvbEaNhicm19ZjbZruy_6UTLvoSIdwUSRVozjvR5aKM_ej7Q9EKVIu8cP7uf5AgGdv8JSGqGVEmDnoY4GReincKbl_jDo/s1600/IMG_0581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgltn_1Uycr6MoYbCakEWTdo6Eg7JYSfuJLBtoki6Mq095BKvbEaNhicm19ZjbZruy_6UTLvoSIdwUSRVozjvR5aKM_ej7Q9EKVIu8cP7uf5AgGdv8JSGqGVEmDnoY4GReincKbl_jDo/s1600/IMG_0581.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I've been around for a long, long <strike>year</strike> HALF-CENTURY. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">11) Going extinct. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdUhhwT2nwYYHLDAqEBrqyl6AR7ckU0l59MAw6-TaKTZcWrl76nGP21rkuu0J0Mq5yo4XD0GGDUkZ5rgd0AH5lu9BIe1Kt_5ErxXbZkPJjrxXXS80zezYonurFnIfF7u8IQNotROCfbk/s1600/IMG_0680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdUhhwT2nwYYHLDAqEBrqyl6AR7ckU0l59MAw6-TaKTZcWrl76nGP21rkuu0J0Mq5yo4XD0GGDUkZ5rgd0AH5lu9BIe1Kt_5ErxXbZkPJjrxXXS80zezYonurFnIfF7u8IQNotROCfbk/s1600/IMG_0680.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I believe that Spielberg will clone you one day.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">12) Squats. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqbPAoiorQDZAEtvTWH3Rlt3MG9ZFj-3PgAY35dwpqU1hh7kpDycrLG0DcWA99zE14_wTUPu78ZL5GR2kqrAYOTQyOwS4eNAl2CYbbwc_gAkelgkBkJkwNuNrxvAUbqEOLUDLT6MO_H0/s1600/IMG_0778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqbPAoiorQDZAEtvTWH3Rlt3MG9ZFj-3PgAY35dwpqU1hh7kpDycrLG0DcWA99zE14_wTUPu78ZL5GR2kqrAYOTQyOwS4eNAl2CYbbwc_gAkelgkBkJkwNuNrxvAUbqEOLUDLT6MO_H0/s1600/IMG_0778.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My legs hurt, bro. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">13) Taking a decent family photo for your annual cheesy Christmas card. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeylXpBPT-frJ-5_Pi68ydNsQP9ZY05senxJt4M7-QLI1xhu27RsjTVaOlbF83xkCW3m7fVbe3mCIEjZVtrr4Q0vRJ4MNiJEDDEYuMoRMF9jrCf44F91cHcdqTvOwA993oIPJxfrXsnc/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeylXpBPT-frJ-5_Pi68ydNsQP9ZY05senxJt4M7-QLI1xhu27RsjTVaOlbF83xkCW3m7fVbe3mCIEjZVtrr4Q0vRJ4MNiJEDDEYuMoRMF9jrCf44F91cHcdqTvOwA993oIPJxfrXsnc/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Can't we have one nice memory!?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">14) Hiking the Appalachian Trail.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDvsMkMQKmgGap5RxL6kPzSzx9a0shby_JlG3G3rT5OqewiDie4eGiNHAh1djnzFfFgw5msvu5oTQPvuSpkXliUe-dQ6JiiykII0Pz3Xzbe_FcY33P6d0KcQ1kZI1UJs4zB_blv1j3OY/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDvsMkMQKmgGap5RxL6kPzSzx9a0shby_JlG3G3rT5OqewiDie4eGiNHAh1djnzFfFgw5msvu5oTQPvuSpkXliUe-dQ6JiiykII0Pz3Xzbe_FcY33P6d0KcQ1kZI1UJs4zB_blv1j3OY/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">15) Having <b>only </b>65 fireplaces in your country <a href="http://www.biltmore.com/visit/biltmore-house-gardens/biltmore-house" target="_blank">home</a>. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dUcWOjelCfdTCKYjG_GudbKS9a54vqt2b1nakUuPmqRXZz9K5DDZBI0baz6EOoTE9XzF3W5td_IxxxffQ3dGst4csnvpD-kMq1uxvGRzCAZp2H2a4DwSrG8DBT1nyznv2D4Lb9JpclM/s1600/IMG_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dUcWOjelCfdTCKYjG_GudbKS9a54vqt2b1nakUuPmqRXZz9K5DDZBI0baz6EOoTE9XzF3W5td_IxxxffQ3dGst4csnvpD-kMq1uxvGRzCAZp2H2a4DwSrG8DBT1nyznv2D4Lb9JpclM/s1600/IMG_0217.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">How destitute of you. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And finally...16) Not having someone to reminisce with you on all the good times, not-so-good times, and everything in between. We'll miss you, Voltage! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">P.S. Thanks to Shyam and Mohini at the <a href="http://yogawarehouse.org/" target="_blank">Yoga Warehouse</a> in downtown Fort Lauderdale, FL for storing our RV while we search for a new home. If you're feeling limber and want to experience the benefits of traditional hatha yoga, check out the world's best yoga studio with the most devoted, caring and patient teachers. (Full disclosure: He's my father. I was highly compensated with food, shelter and financial aid for 20+ years to say these kind, but true things.) </span></div>
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Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-55772709317287019082014-02-20T08:44:00.002-08:002014-02-20T08:47:04.443-08:00Bracing for a shitstorm in Florida When we started RVing, we knew there were no guarantees except that we were bound to hit some bumps in the road. Whether that meant our new lifestyle would inflict chaos on our work, our relationship, or worse, our <a href="http://www.womansday.com/home/9-covetous-onscreen-walk-in-closets-110811" target="_blank">closet size</a> (undeniably, yes), we made an honest assumption that RV life would take some adjustments. It wouldn't be easy.<br />
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But it was easy. Color me New Orleans, because our life seemed like "The Big Easy." We managed to overcome small obstacles (<i>"Pull over! Our back door just flew open!"</i>) while managing to avoid bigger complications. Kudos to Spencer for keeping our setbacks minimal. He was the one winter-proofing our RV in subzero temperatures in <a href="http://www.whereintheworldrv.com/search?updated-max=2013-05-25T23:39:00-07:00&max-results=7&start=5&by-date=false" target="_blank">Breckenridge, CO</a>. He was the one who drove our rig over winding, mountainous roads, maneuvered through narrow pathways and parked the beast effortlessly into compact spaces. He also emptied our black water (poop) tank. I'm clueless what the key is to a happy relationship, but in the RV world, when a man empties your poop tank, that is true love.<br />
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I'm usually about 20-something steps behind in updating this blog, but I felt this post deserved a little more priority than proselytizing the eternal beauty of Minnesota or something. About six weeks ago, we hit our first big hiccup. Literally, hit. It was a low-hanging tree branch in <a href="http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm" target="_blank">Ft. De Soto Park</a> outside St. Petersburg, FL, and it tore off our air conditioning unit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv99ztEbRDsyhO5Yj1e_quBlwa1r1cEwMA2McpdOhJsRA9rRuPBXP5CFFx2b6tT7GQKaTCmU6eI65TrsdE69I3Q1lt6ZJ2OQj4g6dDuCJMDGGVDepykmtFayzp6GEnGpNORIQUviSD-vQ/s1600/air.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv99ztEbRDsyhO5Yj1e_quBlwa1r1cEwMA2McpdOhJsRA9rRuPBXP5CFFx2b6tT7GQKaTCmU6eI65TrsdE69I3Q1lt6ZJ2OQj4g6dDuCJMDGGVDepykmtFayzp6GEnGpNORIQUviSD-vQ/s1600/air.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Considering this was the first damage we had to our fifth-wheel in more than a year, we figured it was about time for something to go wrong. It took us some time to find and order a replacement. Thankfully, it was December. Although, it wouldn't be winter in South Florida without a few swetlering days that made you realize why a <a href="http://www.aoc.gov/capitol-hill/national-statuary-hall-collection/john-gorrie" target="_blank">statue of John Gorrie</a>, inventor of air conditioning, stands in the hall of the U.S. Capitol. He was kind of a big deal.<br />
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Hot or not, Spencer and I were still able to make the most of our time enjoying the holidays with family and friends in my hometown, Fort Lauderdale.<br />
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Everyone knows the expression, <i>"When it rains, it pours."</i> Well, in Florida, sometimes you'll be caught in a torrential downpour that lasts 20 minutes, then you'll have sunshiny skies for an hour, then it will pour again; rinse, wash, repeat. It's a funky madness. So when our replacement air conditioner broke after only a couple weeks, we didn't have any idea that another storm was already brewing.<br />
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As we bid farewell to loved ones, we headed south on a trip to the Florida Keys and Key West. What started as an uneventful day, soon turned into a memorable one. We squeezed the beast into a gorgeous waterfront site at an RV park in Marathon, FL. After a few friendly greetings by some new manatee friends, we hooked up and walked down the road with Ellie to grab a bite to eat at a puppy-friendly restaurant.<br />
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As we wrapped up our late lunch, I received a frantic voicemail from one of the employees at the RV park. Neighbors had noticed that water was gushing out our door and outside of the slides. They shut off the water and pumped out our tanks, but she warned me that we would be coming home to a wet fifth-wheel.<br />
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Once I relayed the news to Spencer, he took off running back to the park to assess the damage. When Ellie and I arrived home, we found standing water throughout the kitchen and living room, which had spread to the garage. Water was dripping from behind the television and from the ceiling.<br />
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Slowly we put together what happened. We had accidentally hooked up to our black water rinser instead of the fresh water tank, thereby flooding our RV with black (poopy) water. Lesson learned: Don't ask your 1-year-old puppy to hook up your hoses for you. (In retrospect, she was 7 in human years.)<br />
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To call the RV a mess is an understatement. I have to call it like I see it. The only way to accurately describe our natural disaster is a shitstorm. We gave the expression <i>"having a shitty day" </i>a deeper, more literal meaning. Looking back, the whole thing is pretty comical. I can't help but chuckle to myself looking at these pictures.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ellie, waiting out the storm in her crate. This is how we all felt. </span></td></tr>
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We did our best to soak up the water with towels; we even bought a dehumidifier to pull out excess water from the air. After a couple days, where we stayed in a hotel, we soon realized it was beyond our scope. The RV was trashed.<br />
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Luckily, our insurance company agreed with us. We drove our rig back to my dad's yoga studio in Ft. Lauderdale, where an adjuster assessed that due to the mold and mildew concerns, the RV was totaled. Thankfully, our insurance has been incredible to work with and all of the damage is covered, plus they're paying for the cost of a replacement RV. I feel like I could be an Obamacare spokesperson saying this, but when shit hits the fan (literally), it pays to have good insurance coverage.<br />
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It's now Day 20 of essentially being homeless, the majority of our stuff is stowed in a storage unit and we're <b>temporarily </b>living with my mom. I could use a drink, or four.<br />
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But life is still pretty good. We're lucky this whole adventure happened near my family, who has been wonderfully accommodating. Never for a moment did we think, <i>"Maybe we should stop doing this?"</i> Things are turning around. We are <i>thisclose </i>to buying a new RV, so we'll keep you posted once we officially find a new home.<br />
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Otherwise, if you were wondering, <i>"Where in the hell RV?!"</i> We're here in South Florida, riding out the shitstorm.Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-52913344848493844082013-07-19T19:59:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:59:12.280-08:00Painting the Black Hills Red in Rapid City, SD<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My favorite part of our visit to South Dakota was that my mom came to visit us and celebrate my birthday. Mom and I are complete opposites in that she hates to travel, but somehow I convinced her to hop on a couple flights to Rapid City to spend my "birthweek" with me. (Birthdays are a big deal in my book, so I like to extend the celebration. I prefer my birthday bash to be like Hanukkah, involving many nights of gift-giving and latkes.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not only did Mom want to check out the RV for the first time, but she also wanted to see <a href="http://www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm" target="_blank">Mount Rushmore National Memorial</a>. Although other travelers warned us not to be blown away, we were able to appreciate the craftsmanship and history behind the carving that honors our presidents. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mount Rushmore is descended upon by more than three million visitors each year, and it certainly feels littered with tourists from all the over the world. Doane Robinson, a major proponent of the carving, wanted an attraction that would draw people to South Dakota. Mount Rushmore is a success based on the foot traffic alone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What's wonderful about the Black Hills region of South Dakota is that there are so many parks, attractions and sights to explore aside from Mount Rushmore. We also visited <a href="http://crazyhorsememorial.org/" target="_blank">Crazy Horse Memorial</a>, which is a mountain commissioned for the carving of the Lakota warrior. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It offers an interesting contrast to Mount Rushmore, although both projects stalled at one point. The carving has been in progress since 1948, and the original sculptor's family is still driving the effort. The project is entirely donation-based and once completed, will look something like this:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Obviously, there's a long way to go. Crazy Horse will also include an educational and cultural center to honor the heritage of American Indian tribes. Spencer and I look forward to visiting the sculpture again in 20 years to see what progress has been made. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On my birthday, Mom, Spencer and I visited <a href="http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/custer/default.aspx" target="_blank">Custer State Park</a>, which provides one of the best examples of wildlife for a state park. If you can't make the journey to <a href="http://www.whereintheworldrv.com/2013/06/marveling-at-yellowstone-national-park.html" target="_blank">Yellowstone</a> or <a href="http://www.whereintheworldrv.com/2013/06/shooting-wildlife-at-grand-teton.html" target="_blank">Grand Teton</a> National Parks, which I highly suggest you do, and have the insatiable urge to see wildlife, you will enjoy spotting bison, donkeys and birds that call the Black Hills home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Custer State Park is also home to the historic <a href="http://www.custerresorts.com/state-game-lodge/overview/" target="_blank">State Game Lodge</a>, which served as the Summer White House for President Calvin Coolidge in 1927. The spectacular lodge also garnered a visit from President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Established in 1920, the lodge is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, visitors can satisfy their hunger in the stately dining room, lounge leisurely by the fireplace, or even sleep in the rooms where Presidents Coolidge and Eisenhower rested their heads. I'm sure someone must have changed the sheets by now -- unless you're into that sort of thing. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Any trace DNA left in the room? I need to stop watching Law & Order: SVU.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just driving around the Black Hills region, stopping and climbing out to a vista, makes you appreciate the natural beauty around you. I felt very loved and blessed to have Spencer and Mom building these memories with me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our next stop was <a href="http://www.nps.gov/wica/index.htm" target="_blank">Wind Cave National Park</a>, one of the longest cave systems in the world, known for its incredible boxwork. A distinct, almost honeycomb-like type of cave formation, boxwork in Wind Cave may be the best formed and most prevalent of all caves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The three of us lingered behind on the tour and turned off our flashlights, closed our eyes, and tried to imagine stumbling upon this underworld wonder for the first time. How terrifying and exhilarating! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We were pretty exhausted after our adventures, but Spencer treated Mom and me to a Japanese steakhouse dinner, so I could enjoy teppanyaki-style food. But the best part of the feast was the cake Spencer ordered for me. It certainly made turning another year older, a lot sweeter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The birthday festivities may have concluded, but we still had a "birthweek" of fun! Mom and I ventured to sightsee the outstanding, the quirky and the cool. We found the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/mimi/index.htm" target="_blank">Minuteman Missile National Historic Site</a>, which is a quirky program. During the Cold War, with the impending threat of a Soviet attack on the U.S., the government arranged to store missiles in silos in rural parts of the country. Most of the missile complex was destroyed, but two of the missiles were deactivated and preserved as part of the National Historic Site. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The idea behind the location of these silos and the complex is that they would be difficult to identify in the rural landscape. Spot on. Unless, <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/the-legend-of-miss-cleo" target="_blank">Miss Cleo</a> herself told you were they were, you would probably have no idea. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mom and I continued on to find something outstanding in the Black Hills and we found it: <a href="http://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm" target="_blank">Badlands National Park</a>. The park's landscape looks as if it's been designed to look weird, loosely based on a cartoon of another planet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The swirly, colored pattern in the rocks is one reminder that the Badlands have changed drastically between now and 69 million years ago when sediments of an ancient sea were deposited here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ancient creatures like the saber-toothed cat, rhinoceros and horse were past inhabitants of these awesome lands. Today, the Badlands provide a home for bison, big-horned sheep and a variety of rodents. Traces of the past still live on, too, since the park houses one of the most complete fossil accumulations in North America. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Looking back, I wish we would have spent more time in the Badlands, because it seems that there would be so much more to explore within the park. Unfortunately, our time in South Dakota was rapidly approaching its end, as well as my vacation with my mom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All of us experienced incredible beauty, uniqueness and wonderment in the Black Hills of South Dakota. I am sure the region will be calling our names again soon for another visit. Until then, I'll be riding high on my fond memories of life in the Badlands. </span></div>
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Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-28806411911702496552013-07-07T18:59:00.000-07:002013-10-26T21:27:42.271-07:00Trackin' Bakken & Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After saying our goodbyes to captivating Montana, Spencer, Ellie and I headed east to North Dakota, a state known for its storied history of Theodore Roosevelt, desolate lands and its recent oil boom, a modern-day gold rush. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Spencer, who has been following the rise of "fracking" the way a preteen follows the boom of One Direction (read: grossly invested), has been anticipating our North Dakota visit since we left on our RV adventure. Actually, it may have been the reason </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>for</u></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> the RV adventure. For those not as informed as Spencer, hydraulic fracturing or fracking is a technique used to extract gas and oil from shale rock found underneath the ground. A high-pressured water, sand and chemical mixture is aimed at the rock to release gas into the oil well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">National Geographic has a helpful <a href="http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2013/03/bakken-shale-oil/fracking-animation-video" target="_blank">video</a> if you want to know more about the Bakken, the oil reserves that cover North Dakota, Montana and Canada. Fracking is both popular and controversial -- seen by some as a way to drive down gas prices and increase America's oil independence; others worry about the chemicals injected in the shale contaminating groundwater and the large cost of water used in the extraction method. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We stationed our RV in Dickinson, a small city a couple hours from the epicenter of the state's fracking in Williston. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Since many residents work in the oil industry or ancillary fields, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Dickinson has seen </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">similar</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> effects to Williston, like a housing crisis where companies can't build fast enough to </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">accommodate</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> the influx of people.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Even the Walmart in Williston is so busy that palates are often left loaded in aisles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">It was pretty incredible to see how fracking has transformed Dickinson, Williston and the rest of North Dakota. Wide open spaces are now filled with "man-camps" to accommodate oil workers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For perspective, out of more than 100 sites at our campground in Dickinson, we were the only ones visiting for enjoyment and not for work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fortunately, we were also close to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/thro/index.htm" target="_blank">Theodore Roosevelt National Park</a>, which offers visitors a chance to travel back to the late 1800s when the future president left New York for the rural Dakota Territory to hunt bison and explore the great outdoors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We spent the Fourth of July hiking and exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park, as well as enjoying holiday festivities happening in Medora, the little town outside the park.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Teddy Roosevelt, known as the <i>Conservationist President</i>, formed many of the ideals that would define his future policies during his time in present day North Dakota. He said:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>"There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias and redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Three Tetons; and our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children's children forever, with their majestic beauty all marred." </i></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Although Roosevelt arrived in North Dakota to "bag a buffalo," he had trouble finding bison to hunt. Thousands had been killed by commercial hunters. Spencer and I didn't have the same trouble finding bison to shoot -- only with a camera instead of a rifle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Roosevelt</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> ended up launching a cattle ranching operation in the area before leaving for New York. However, tragedy drew Roosevelt back to North Dakota after both his wife and mother passed away on the same day. It was Valentine's Day 1884. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />In his diary, he drew a large "X" and wrote only: <i>“The light has gone out of my life.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In order to recover from these painful events, Roosevelt returned to the Maltese Cross Ranch. He commissioned a cabin, which is now on display at the park. With three separate rooms, it was considered a mansion by cabin standards.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The land and the ranch work healed Roosevelt, and without his experiences in North Dakota, he said he would have never been President. Spencer and I couldn't imagine a more appropriate environment to spend celebrating America's independence. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I understand why Roosevelt felt so drawn to North Dakota: grit. Maybe it's the sub-zero winters or the boiling hot summers, maybe it's the history of handiwork, but North Dakota has resolve. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We capped off our Fourth of July watching fireworks in the Dickinson State University parking lot. It was the perfect end to our time in North Dakota. </span></div>
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Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-51566213367738160932013-06-28T16:41:00.000-07:002013-10-26T21:29:03.131-07:00Riding across Glacier National Park, MT & Canada<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After consecutive visits to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm" target="_blank">Craters of the Moon</a>, <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm" target="_blank">Grand Teton</a> and <a href="http://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm" target="_blank">Yellowstone</a>, we still weren't sick of the national park scene, so Spencer and I decided to venture north to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm" target="_blank">Glacier National Park</a> in Montana. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Known as a hiker's paradise for its backcountry trails and scenic vistas, Glacier is considered one of the most undeveloped parks. Unfortunately, I would be sitting out on most of the vigorous hikes due to a stress fracture in my ankle. (Note to self: Do not attempt to lift 40-pound puppy out of a massive Chevy diesel truck.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When we arrived in mid-June, we were surprised to find out that some of the roads weren't open until the end of the month. Although this threw a wrench into some of our plans, we appreciated the emptiness of the park and our campground, which was mostly unoccupied. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's rare to find a solitary moment in any tourist destination, even in places made famous for their wilderness. In Glacier, we had the opportunity to pretend what it would be like to be among the first to lay eyes on these impressive mountains, valleys and lakes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Established as America's 10th national park in 1910, Glacier wasn't easily accessible until completion of the Great Northern Railway in 1891. I pictured what it was like centuries before then, when tribes would trek across the mountains in search of bison roaming the plains. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Glacier isn't just known for its natural beauty, the park is also famous for some of its architecture. One of our favorites was Lake McDonald Lodge, a Swiss-chalet style hotel with stunning views of the glaciers jutting out of the lake. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just outside the park is a delightful general store and bakery, <a href="http://www.polebridgemercantile.com/" target="_blank">Polebridge Mercantile</a>, which has served the community in some form for more than 100 years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hands down, it has the best bear claws you will ever eat. I sample a lot of pastries, so I should know. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can also chow down on some delicious rolls and cookies, too. (There are some wonderfully fragrant goat's milk lotions -- not recommended for eating, though.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Since we were so close to Canada, Spencer and I took a scenic motorcycle ride across the border to see the Canadian side of the park, known as the <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/waterton/index.aspx" target="_blank">Waterton Lakes National Park</a>. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The littlest border crossing that could.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Inside the park, we stopped for lunch at one of Waterton's famous landmarks, the <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/waterton/natcul/natcul4.aspx" target="_blank">Prince of Wales Hotel</a>. Built in 1926-27, the hotel looks like an enormous alpine ski chalet, overlooking the water with glaciers that dwarf it like a dollhouse. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'll have a side of lunch with this view.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As you can see, the Canadian side of the park is equally as beautiful as its American counterpart. Riding across the border on the motorcycle reminded us how big this world is (especially when you're sandwiched between two mountains) and how many more places we have to explore. On to the next stop! </span></div>
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<br />Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-91866762493255965312013-06-22T18:40:00.000-07:002013-10-13T20:00:22.927-07:00Marveling at Yellowstone National Park, WY<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/09/30/absolutely-everything-you-need-to-know-about-how-the-government-shutdown-will-work/" target="_blank">government shutdown</a> affecting thousands of travelers' vacation plans to see our great national parks, I can't help but feel incredibly lucky to have witnessed the beauty of <a href="http://www.nps.gov/yell/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">Yellowstone National Park</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Although the brazen tourists who photograph bison from less than two feet away are burdensome and annoying (the camera does zoom), as well as those who capture the entire geyser eruption of Old Faithful with their iPads (often it's the same person), Yellowstone certainly does not deserve the "overrated" label that some travelers bestow upon it. </span><div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You could set your watch to Old Faithful's eruption.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's no coincidence that around 3.5 million people visit the park each year. (Yellowstone isn't the nation's most visited park, though. Can you guess what is? Find out <a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/most-visited-parks-photos/" target="_blank">here</a>.) Centuries before President Ulysses Grant commissioned Yellowstone into America's first national park in 1872, Native Americans spoke of its wonder. Yellowstone in one word: Marvelous. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With its unique ecosystems, volcanic activity, and geothermal features, Yellowstone doesn't seem to belong to this planet, let alone spanning Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">These travertine terraces look like an elaborate pool design.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Even if you're not a believer in the supernatural or the divine, Yellowstone is likely to move something inside you. If not, you are cold, hard and made of tin. Please watch <a href="http://www.parade.com/169924/viannguyen/tom-hanks-i-burst-into-tears-during-forrest-gump/" target="_blank">Forrest Gump</a> until you develop a soul or until the Wizard of Oz gives you a heart, whichever comes first.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, Spencer and I stuffed our beast of an RV into a campground at Yellowstone for the first week we visited. It was like being LeBron James at a toddler beauty pageant. We stuck out. (But by gosh, we were going win that tiara!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We quickly realized that we were without cell service, Internet and even electricity from the quiet hours of </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2105437381" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">8 p.m. to 8 a.m.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> For two retirees enjoying life off the grid, that would have been simply amazing. For us, two people funding their journey with "normal" day jobs, that was a problem. We remedied the problem by visiting West Yellowstone, the tourist town just outside the park's gates to do our work. This gave us the chance to focus on the majesty of Yellowstone when we were there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not to mention, there are few backdrops that make QuickBooks and loan management more beautiful than the valleys, streams, forests and canyons in this park when we worked offline. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Staying inside Yellowstone was a huge plus when we found bison meandering over to our campsite in the morning to pay us a friendly greeting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just like its friendly neighbor to the south, <a href="http://www.whereintheworldrv.com/2013/06/shooting-wildlife-at-grand-teton.html" target="_blank">Grand Teton National Park</a>, Yellowstone is also teeming of wildlife. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This mama bear climbed a tree with her cinnamon cubs to hide from the growing crowd.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">During our visit, Spencer and I learned so much about all of Yellowstone's interesting features, from bubbling basins to prismatic pools to unexpected geysers that leave you soaked. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">All of the science was fascinating, but sometimes the colorless facts take away the impressiveness of it all. So we took a few moments to step back, look and marvel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There really is so much beauty in this world. </span></div>
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Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-19812755045450376252013-06-16T23:51:00.000-07:002013-09-26T00:03:00.269-07:00Shooting Wildlife at Grand Teton National Park, WYHave you ever traveled somewhere incredible, downloaded the pictures on your computer and realized that the photos couldn't do it justice? <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm" target="_blank">Grand Teton National Park</a> was the most majestic, breathtaking and lively place we have visited on our journey. Even though our photos are stunning, they still fail to capture the park's true beauty or the diversity of its wildlife.<br />
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Being adventurous RVers, we decided (read: the GPS decided) to take <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teton_Pass" target="_blank">Teton Pass</a>, a mountain road with a 10 percent grade that reaches heights more than 8,000 feet, to enter the park.<br />
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The pass is not intended for acrophobics, nor those lacking working brakes, but somehow Spencer and I made it in this big rig of ours.<br />
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Not without a little help from our favorite backstreet driver, Ellie.<br />
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Approaching the park from Jackson, we were amazed at the roaming bison munching on seemingly endless acres of grassy terrain.<br />
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The giant, gentle beasts were unfazed by our intrusion.<br />
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After settling into our RV site at the park's campground, we were ecstatic to see stunning views of Colter Bay in our mobile backyard.<br />
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Our first order of business was to capture and shoot wildlife -- with a camera. Despite our beliefs in the Second Amendment, we <b>love</b> animals, especially our own furry little critter.<br />
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Grand Teton is full of dirt backroads that are off the beaten path. A few regulars told us those would give us the best opportunity to see animals, especially bears.<br />
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We set off on one of the roads, and then we saw the surefire sign of wildlife: <b>people</b>. The rangers call them <i>"paparazzi"</i> because of their relentless pursuit of bears, wolves and moose. With their long-range lenses, I think they would have a promising career in New York or El Lay following <a href="http://www.tmz.com/2013/07/25/amanda-bynes-psychiatric-hospital-5150-schizophrenia-mental-illness/" target="_blank">Amanda Bynes</a> for the next few years. Take care of yourself, girl.<br />
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But the photographers were checking out a more mild-mannered specimen -- Blondie, one of the park's female grizzly bears. She was walking in the distance, only about 50 yards away (!), when we pulled up.<br />
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We watched her near our truck and were prepared to scramble in if she moved closer. She was casually meandering around, as she had been for about an hour, eating berries. Then Blondie simply turned around and walked back into her bear habitat, and out of our sights. Spencer and I couldn't believe our luck to see a grizzly bear on our first day in Grand Teton!<br />
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Most of the paparazzi scattered and went in search of other animals, but we wanted to stay and wait. So we creeped along the road until it dead-ends into a hiking trail, waited, turned around and started to drive back. Just as we reached the beginning of the dirt road, we spotted her. It was Blondie, taking a nap in the woods, only about 20 yards away.<br />
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It was just me, Spencer and the bear sunbathing about 20 yards away. The paparazzi and tourists were gone. Just <b>me</b>, <b>Spencer </b>and the <b>bear.</b><br />
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She must have realized she wasn't alone because she lifted up her head and looked right at us.<br />
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Blondie was noticeably unimpressed as she let out a giant yawn and stretched out her tongue.<br />
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Blondie covered her eyes trying to fall back asleep.<br />
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It was too late. The paparazzi were back to check on her movements. Video surveillance, photographs, it's a good thing bears don't have cell phones because they probably would be wiretapped, too. There's a fine line of distinction between the paparazzi and the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/the-nsa-files" target="_blank">National Security Agency</a>: The paparazzi are more forthright about their activities.<br />
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With her peaceful afternoon slumber ruined, Blondie retreated back into the distance. I hope she found a quiet place to curl up and read a good book.<br />
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I always enjoyed a good <a href="http://www.berenstainbears.com/" target="_blank">Berenstain Bears</a> story, myself.<br />
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During our trip to Grand Teton, we witnessed so many other wild animals. Our friend the moose, was quite an exhibitionist and he seemed fond of bathing and drinking in his favorite watering hole. I nicknamed him <i>"Norm"</i> because he reminded me of that <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81QluTS-mWc" target="_blank">fellow from Cheers</a>.<br />
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Norm wasn't a complicated moose. He liked to wade, drink and occasionally blow bubbles underwater.<br />
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His philosophy of life was a simple one: <b>Don't worry. Be Happy. </b></div>
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Spencer's motorcycle took us on several trails where we saw more wildlife and spectacular scenery from terrific vistas, including mountains that rise dramatically out of the ground with no warning of hills or high ground. </div>
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We watched elk and deer frolic in the woods, perfectly content and unassuming.<br />
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Spencer and I blended into the wilderness of Grand Teton National Park so well that one of its smaller inhabitants decided to make a home for himself in our truck tire.<br />
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No need to worry, as he left promptly after some gentle prodding and urging. We already have one road pet, although I'm sure Ellie wouldn't mind a furry little brother or sister.<br />
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One of the highlights of our travels was taking an evening boat tour along Jackson Lake. It was so fascinating to hear the legends and tall tales of early travelers and their experiences with this magical place.<br />
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We saw deer that hide from predators on an island that is only accessible when the water freezes in the winter and is solid enough to walk across. The deer stay on the island all summer to avoid bears and wolves, although a few persistent ones will swim across the lake to reach the deer. </div>
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Next to the snow-covered and jagged mountains, we even came across a rare sight.<br />
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There was a bald eagle nesting at the top of some decaying trees.<br />
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The boat trip certainly cemented our belief that Grand Teton is a special and unique national park, with wildlife that thrilled us immeasurably. This land is filled with gorgeous scenery, immovable mountains, deep lakes, and towering pines.<br />
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Although certain aspects are so still they remind me of a landscape painting by artist <a href="http://www.nga.gov/feature/moran/" target="_blank">Thomas Moran</a>, this wonderful land is still very full of life. At every corner, in your peripheral vision, you see slight movement and hear the crackling of leaves and grass. Wildlife is everywhere. <br />
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Our time here was too short, as that always seems to be the case in these national playgrounds. But the vibrancy and liveliness we felt here at Grand Teton will stay with us for the rest of our RV journey and even beyond.<br />
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<br />Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-90651593751672677712013-06-06T15:15:00.000-07:002013-08-07T15:16:27.290-07:00Feelin' Otherworldly at Craters of the Moon, ID<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">{Insert obligatory excuse for not posting in far too long...yada yada yada, being busy living and working on the road, etc.} Now that we got that out of the way, let me tell you about our trip to Mars. Elon Musk invited us to go on a top-secret <a href="http://www.spacex.com/" target="_blank">SpaceX </a>flight to the red planet, where we drove Teslas and sent each other <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/business/2013/07/paypal-apologizes-for-costly-mistake/" target="_blank">quadrillions of dollars</a> via Paypal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Alright, but seriously, <a href="http://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm" target="_blank">Craters of the Moon National Park</a> and its surrounding town of Arco, Idaho has to be one of the weirdest, otherworldly places in the lower 48 states. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRHAvToOMpSaYUlUgrXR3mYaK1EuclHpfhyphenhyphenqr7EoQnaLsqkkpDRA8TLlbuht-JD9bpI6GhCgmjUOzpv3y1KgdqQRcTJzA9La4nkvj036E5Xvob_De6JZ79kuC5LULlI3A1aMMjwHzjdQ/s1600/IMG_0500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRHAvToOMpSaYUlUgrXR3mYaK1EuclHpfhyphenhyphenqr7EoQnaLsqkkpDRA8TLlbuht-JD9bpI6GhCgmjUOzpv3y1KgdqQRcTJzA9La4nkvj036E5Xvob_De6JZ79kuC5LULlI3A1aMMjwHzjdQ/s1600/IMG_0500.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't take my word for it, President Calvin Coolidge described it as <i>"a weird and scenic landscape peculiar to itself" </i>before he established Craters of the Moon as a <a href="http://www.nps.gov/crmo/forteachers/history.htm" target="_blank">National Monument</a> in 1924. Coolidge and I see eye to eye on just about everything -- alliteration, Vermont maple syrup and laissez-faire government (Spencer believes strongly in all three; I strongly support the American syrup initiative).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Craters of the Moon sits atop a lava field that was formed between 15,000 and 2,000 years ago. It encompasses the Great Rift volcanic rift zone. Although it's been more than 2,000 years since the last eruption, Craters of the Moon is still an active volcanic site.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Spencer and I climbed up a massive pile of volcanic ash known as Inferno Cone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was incredibly windy; I was almost too scared to do a signature jumping photo. <i>Almost. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The lava tubes caves are one of the most unique features of the park.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We explored several of the caves, including Boy Scout Cave, which was discovered by a group of scouts and retains ice year-round.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Considered one of the lesser-known national parks, we enjoyed the peace and tranquility of visiting Craters of the Moon. We set up our RV atop a lava flow campground inside the park. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ellie, always quick to make new friends, was happiest playing in the lava ash. Her chocolate coat camouflaged how dirty she was! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Not only we did love Craters of the Moon, but we couldn't forget the small town of Arco, just outside the park. With limited Internet, no cell phone service and no television, Spencer and I headed into Arco in search of a bar playing the Miami Heat playoff game. What we found was a faded gem called the Melodee Club, where we met the liveliest and loveliest set of locals. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnktuA0gBSBeLiDlE1zaEQNRReAF6HXwvlyIBpEM9R4O2riopNsuTK0nWvqYODcNk5RAgTRPh2nKvzC6GM1RufU6YaN5tY9ae4SxlgJFp2ujRcx7iH2BmqE5-qSafRNDRft6vnjAOhLws/s1600/IMG_0711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnktuA0gBSBeLiDlE1zaEQNRReAF6HXwvlyIBpEM9R4O2riopNsuTK0nWvqYODcNk5RAgTRPh2nKvzC6GM1RufU6YaN5tY9ae4SxlgJFp2ujRcx7iH2BmqE5-qSafRNDRft6vnjAOhLws/s1600/IMG_0711.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">After I successfully converted them to Heat fans, we rolled dice to win free drinks and swapped stories until it was "dog time." For those unfamiliar, "dog time" is when the restaurant attached to the bar closes and you can bring your dogs into the bar. Pretty soon, about 6 canines were running around the bar like a group of wild teenagers with fake IDs. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">We ended up bringing home a dozen fresh eggs from a neighbor's chicken coop and some memorable tales for our travels. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yQ1CGBitS8DosZ-yP4SvhiTPM0lUZZfg4aO0jsOyGXwOOgyG0p2uqbZfPSbs7l5RjvzctIfeaEuhB_VUubwiO6rs8urWlITNWY1Frk0m4UntKBH_VXqJaX2Pcct-2TnciYqluPpPrR8/s1600/IMG_0709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yQ1CGBitS8DosZ-yP4SvhiTPM0lUZZfg4aO0jsOyGXwOOgyG0p2uqbZfPSbs7l5RjvzctIfeaEuhB_VUubwiO6rs8urWlITNWY1Frk0m4UntKBH_VXqJaX2Pcct-2TnciYqluPpPrR8/s1600/IMG_0709.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Being from the South (full disclosure: south Florida), I know a thing or two about southern hospitality. Nothing quite matches the hospitality and friendliness of Arco, Idaho. </span></span>Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-59525308701617115002013-05-30T20:54:00.000-07:002013-06-14T23:10:01.415-07:00Caught in a Bison Stampede in Salt Lake City, UT<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ever since I read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Buffalo-Brenda-Jill-Pinkwater/dp/0027746313" target="_blank">Buffalo Brenda</a> as a kid, bison have always intrigued me. I seriously considered (as all 9 year olds do) adopting a bison to raise as my school's mascot just like the characters in the book. After all, <a href="http://www.colorado.edu/about/history-traditions" target="_blank">Ralphie</a> is one of the most recognizable mascots of all time. Graceful giants like elephants and bison have always peaked my interest, because their quiet and unassuming demeanor is a stark contrast to their size. My obsession with elephants even triggered me to volunteer at an <a href="http://www.elephants.com/" target="_blank">elephant sanctuary</a> in Tennessee one spring break. As for bison, the closest I was able to see them was at the <a href="http://www.golden-gate-park.com/buffalo-paddock.html" target="_blank">paddock in Golden Gate Park</a> in San Francisco.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With plans to head to Yellowstone, I was excited to get my fix of bison crawling along the roads, grazing in fields and lounging by our campsite. I had no expectation of seeing them before then, in Utah of all places.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Spencer and I spent a sunny afternoon at <a href="http://www.stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island" target="_blank">Antelope Island State Park</a> during our short stay in Salt Lake City. The park serves as a protective habitat for wildlife and is surrounded by Great Salt Lake. It is impeccably maintained and the natural landscape lends itself to beautiful photos. In my opinion, it tops some of the national parks we've seen on our journey. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sQi2YSjMoxATTznm-py5v0rqNlwa9X8I6TyYC6qkWmzWiVrR4b3u8uoHltP7mC8J34KvUuyUv0E148iShd1W8VVYFxsZVu67zulBxDUFvKS5oxgTNr_sEvSDPV1X0dW0uu4bqZo2bqQ/s1600/IMG_0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sQi2YSjMoxATTznm-py5v0rqNlwa9X8I6TyYC6qkWmzWiVrR4b3u8uoHltP7mC8J34KvUuyUv0E148iShd1W8VVYFxsZVu67zulBxDUFvKS5oxgTNr_sEvSDPV1X0dW0uu4bqZo2bqQ/s1600/IMG_0301.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When we arrived at Antelope Island, I was planning to see antelope (duh!), which we <i>almost </i>did.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUzcWbQSjpvbmG6EkuVZasi2QRUvH1QqyV3QX0fQNoZg0bk6AhphSMGmXM9zvyf3R5FvBoqTpqJXDG0TsdB5EXezaWULm2f6e0mA3HAy7PtzvPUqNQitQBSTWe7RDVR8e8E4qGlw2xvM/s1600/IMG_0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUzcWbQSjpvbmG6EkuVZasi2QRUvH1QqyV3QX0fQNoZg0bk6AhphSMGmXM9zvyf3R5FvBoqTpqJXDG0TsdB5EXezaWULm2f6e0mA3HAy7PtzvPUqNQitQBSTWe7RDVR8e8E4qGlw2xvM/s1600/IMG_0265.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This is a pronghorn, which is technically not an antelope. No cigar. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We also saw a primitive version of our fifth-wheel toy hauler. I'm not sure where the diesel goes, but I have a pretty good idea of the exhaust system.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebFZ1ZLedoWHzFo4OcwcXW7T99ItHrTPz5x6FxFwa0rhmPYRgrgC2UgAWbiae78xBN7Vu6xpQMG6HaQu0Bt2EQ0lZiM-ugqNzEW-vVM6WQOd9BOSFKNvy6Rhy04ukoNGOjOHf-FANtgs/s1600/IMG_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebFZ1ZLedoWHzFo4OcwcXW7T99ItHrTPz5x6FxFwa0rhmPYRgrgC2UgAWbiae78xBN7Vu6xpQMG6HaQu0Bt2EQ0lZiM-ugqNzEW-vVM6WQOd9BOSFKNvy6Rhy04ukoNGOjOHf-FANtgs/s1600/IMG_0081.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The rustic approach to life on the road. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A few birds graced us with their presence. I need to find a good bird-watching book, so I can become a novice ornithologist and impress friends at "cocktail" parties.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCrxX1fjjob8KVp5_SwNfbbYf2KySQmaYMhKrJ8LQOBlGNoDXIoaDVwr4W_AJcsLFEL60v0_HvoL7UyVU5LXhKLPSOAdKhsOR-mas6gOwvZzxHXr451-x5dKsBncFt8qJqwJBqXglENc/s1600/IMG_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCrxX1fjjob8KVp5_SwNfbbYf2KySQmaYMhKrJ8LQOBlGNoDXIoaDVwr4W_AJcsLFEL60v0_HvoL7UyVU5LXhKLPSOAdKhsOR-mas6gOwvZzxHXr451-x5dKsBncFt8qJqwJBqXglENc/s1600/IMG_0079.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A coyote even crossed our path, looking wily as ever.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXyHkaNx_-NceUwIpKXKIpwPC4KhmkE7ZOPd75FgrsqARDuiu2bvdDoGfy0etv1ya4ctQkRM2m_kscLZB9scZwlCYSNpd5wkeI0Hl6Ehe6eUpTtfjxUpGMPinHBVYCnt-NX_Rw991Ssk/s1600/IMG_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXyHkaNx_-NceUwIpKXKIpwPC4KhmkE7ZOPd75FgrsqARDuiu2bvdDoGfy0etv1ya4ctQkRM2m_kscLZB9scZwlCYSNpd5wkeI0Hl6Ehe6eUpTtfjxUpGMPinHBVYCnt-NX_Rw991Ssk/s1600/IMG_0236.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But what took me by surprise was the large bison population on the small island. We started to see a few scattered along the water. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeykeRJX2ryp-kkgBu1boMEEO-IX2XWD74MMJiuRXs99JCeBzazdb25W-avg4wUaOqWzjYfo51IJyVELbrRCwinmC3nUZ0OzjHa00LIEQTgJnw90viI1DJjQw-dGk_0m6UR521oJbr2kg/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeykeRJX2ryp-kkgBu1boMEEO-IX2XWD74MMJiuRXs99JCeBzazdb25W-avg4wUaOqWzjYfo51IJyVELbrRCwinmC3nUZ0OzjHa00LIEQTgJnw90viI1DJjQw-dGk_0m6UR521oJbr2kg/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then we came across the wildlife jackpot. A herd of bison clustered together alongside the road.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9qFhzo7jmB_15OWhM8bLGwKquiHqX6XVL1TVVs0fzZMHXxFlfh7xoW1cOgCPwFPBomPCUyDkjFBaWBPZjccSC3aa0igGR5h3KbdH8tV9Cl5PW3NOAHks127M-ZEQJk3EubJve2QcYI8/s1600/IMG_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9qFhzo7jmB_15OWhM8bLGwKquiHqX6XVL1TVVs0fzZMHXxFlfh7xoW1cOgCPwFPBomPCUyDkjFBaWBPZjccSC3aa0igGR5h3KbdH8tV9Cl5PW3NOAHks127M-ZEQJk3EubJve2QcYI8/s1600/IMG_0102.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Looking majestic and intimidating, what seemed like hundreds of bison and their calves were just a few feet from the road. Then several started inching closer, a little closer, and soon it was clear what their intentions were.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeiUYegTWS-xzai6y3ocWGSsKWeuQPYXtN7_mlPJQhBNBYkapotrqjr5DJ1tFFjVs2xI4j6DX98vwASYaOevz8vzFJcQzuO8jMAUfzRBDkhB6INkoQunHbujSzEshQAHamk1O_S00E1A/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeiUYegTWS-xzai6y3ocWGSsKWeuQPYXtN7_mlPJQhBNBYkapotrqjr5DJ1tFFjVs2xI4j6DX98vwASYaOevz8vzFJcQzuO8jMAUfzRBDkhB6INkoQunHbujSzEshQAHamk1O_S00E1A/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How does a bison cross the road?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeik_emRi_kN3xmZCiBW3PlsAs2CPUaOB780udEPkpDnpMYJSAiqyzXbRPoVdPWDKDT_W_tIbWy_NsOh2nsGuW84OpBGpardhBWHsuK1fhiRGDeVBE6_AUmYljqYZdT2zJKGZrlj_CXU/s1600/IMG_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeik_emRi_kN3xmZCiBW3PlsAs2CPUaOB780udEPkpDnpMYJSAiqyzXbRPoVdPWDKDT_W_tIbWy_NsOh2nsGuW84OpBGpardhBWHsuK1fhiRGDeVBE6_AUmYljqYZdT2zJKGZrlj_CXU/s1600/IMG_0072.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">They did obey all traffic postings. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Very timidly at first...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fAs-15_CAGIzs2FuyuL8_YS8wmOarINWvcjNXfpurLud6lZU1KvYLusjfRjR_NPQb-IV7eIJ6mSIjwmE9F15SPqlpr_jDDWVZF_MVoBt6dzYFxKqs1krY9t7wWB2FouTbdzOZ-uaTpI/s1600/IMG_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fAs-15_CAGIzs2FuyuL8_YS8wmOarINWvcjNXfpurLud6lZU1KvYLusjfRjR_NPQb-IV7eIJ6mSIjwmE9F15SPqlpr_jDDWVZF_MVoBt6dzYFxKqs1krY9t7wWB2FouTbdzOZ-uaTpI/s1600/IMG_0170.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then comes more confidence.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MPAieA5Jl885cz4DXGTqwWMYz_hkA5aAQEqzl83nv4qTvp0vSXBxOUJ2wnL6YZOnHGCsn61Pv5V8T8Nf0MuBz-MoZzn7dc9Q8LcwPsAy2feUWV0p3uPe-4n-t5cFps5TN41Cr6B-2eM/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MPAieA5Jl885cz4DXGTqwWMYz_hkA5aAQEqzl83nv4qTvp0vSXBxOUJ2wnL6YZOnHGCsn61Pv5V8T8Nf0MuBz-MoZzn7dc9Q8LcwPsAy2feUWV0p3uPe-4n-t5cFps5TN41Cr6B-2eM/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Suddenly, a stampede erupts and dozens of bison are running across the road! We're caught in the thick of it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_BRegnIcT1c_5wuCNpR8GCtg7vyJuie5h3gm2HDPW0WEbAgHabp1i4xeUy4x2EaKpn5vI-YUY7n4zATmU83e3EL4HrM4a0GE31g8gTazn9bKulsDdyprxFT9tUOCYjwqChGdGDE_r1k/s1600/IMG_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_BRegnIcT1c_5wuCNpR8GCtg7vyJuie5h3gm2HDPW0WEbAgHabp1i4xeUy4x2EaKpn5vI-YUY7n4zATmU83e3EL4HrM4a0GE31g8gTazn9bKulsDdyprxFT9tUOCYjwqChGdGDE_r1k/s1600/IMG_0184.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ignore our silly commentary, but this is what we saw happen in several shifts:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just as soon as it began, it was over. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After a few hikes and trails around the park, we realized nothing could top our bison stampede experience. So we decided to make our own exit, but not before taking a leisurely dip in Great Salt Lake at sunset. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It's no Dead Sea, but now I can say I've been in both! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before we left Salt Lake City to travel to Idaho, we decided to visit historic Temple Square to see the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, more commonly known as the Mormon church. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Although only Mormons may enter the church, the outside was quite beautifully constructed. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzWmsAD7gsmbAgkTiUgpUug1nhNgMJ2od-ATIy5VdHddrE__ZqEZXhLzTy7qbsg8qVhSgLLGxw3qCeFr0wgZ7nfda98FxWVJSzAoxc9Ar70PdL0PYP1byyc7xcHm-edPREf64XqCfisU/s1600/IMG_0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzWmsAD7gsmbAgkTiUgpUug1nhNgMJ2od-ATIy5VdHddrE__ZqEZXhLzTy7qbsg8qVhSgLLGxw3qCeFr0wgZ7nfda98FxWVJSzAoxc9Ar70PdL0PYP1byyc7xcHm-edPREf64XqCfisU/s1600/IMG_0391.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Neither Spencer nor I had heard of the <a href="http://www.utah.com/mormon/family_history.htm" target="_blank">Family History Center</a>, which is the largest genealogical library in the world and it's operated by the LDS church. We both took some time to look up records of our ancestors. <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Master copies of more than three million records are stored in a massive vault built into a mountainside outside of downtown Salt Lake City.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The library truly is a wonderful resource provided for free by the church, and much of the information can be accessed online, too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our trip to Salt Lake City was short, but sweet. We made the most of our time to see some incredible wildlife and learn more about where we came from in order to figure out where we're headed.</span>Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-16720839055705180262013-05-25T23:39:00.000-07:002013-06-14T23:09:08.994-07:00Playing Dirty in Moab, UT<div style="text-align: justify;">
As we pack up after a month in Moab, UT, Spencer and I still wish we had more time to explore the town and surrounding areas. Between the two national parks (<a href="http://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm" target="_blank">Arches</a> and <a href="http://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm" target="_blank">Canyonlands</a>), <a href="http://www.stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse" target="_blank">Dead Horse State Park</a>, Colorado River, and the boundless trails and hikes, Moab is a paradise for hikers, off-roaders and anyone who doesn't mind getting dirty.</div>
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Our time here was crammed with outdoor adventures, from kayaking the Colorado River, to hiking with Ellie the pup, to dirtbiking the trails. We loved exploring the natural beauty of the parks, too.</div>
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Arches has more than 2,000 natural stone arches, the greatest density in the world. The layers of rock tell the story of millions of years of deposition, erosion and other geological forces.</div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">The most photographed structure in the park, Delicate Arch, is the unofficial symbol of Utah and it's just a peaceful, uphill hike to witness.</span></div>
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In fact, Delicate Arch inspired me to practice some rusty yoga postures. Doesn't my wheel pose fit in nicely with the backdrop?</div>
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Less than 30 miles away is another world: Canyonlands offers breathtaking vistas of canyons, mesas and the Colorado and Green rivers.</div>
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We even caught up with a family of fellow RVers, <a href="http://www.newschoolnomads.com/" target="_blank">Newschool Nomads</a>, to take in the sights.</div>
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After spending the winter with them in Breckenridge, it was so lovely to see Jenn, Brent and the kids again!</div>
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While Spencer flew back to San Francisco for a bachelor party, Ellie and I explored Dead Horse State Park, which is a dog-friendly park near Canyonlands.</div>
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Since she is full of energy, Ellie thoroughly enjoyed the 5-mile loop around the rim of the park. She slept soundly that night!</div>
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A kayaking trip down the Colorado River wrapped up our month in Moab.</div>
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The winds were brutal that afternoon making paddling even more challenging. But we survived our 7-mile trip, despite missing the beach where we parked our truck.</div>
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The inspirational lyrics to R. Kelly's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16FdJrrAWSo" target="_blank">"I Believe I Can Fly"</a> allowed me to convince Spencer that we should try paddling upstream. Lesson learned: No matter how much you believe, paddling upstream against the rapids is impossible. Thanks for nothing, R.K. I bet you were never trapped in a closet, either.</div>
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Thankfully we were able to navigate the kayak over to the end of the beach and we carried it onshore. Our arms still feel like jelly, but we made it! </div>
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From the dirt to the trails to the water, Moab is an adventurer's paradise. If you visit, be sure to add the delicious quesadillas at the best damn food truck in town, <a href="http://www.quesadillamobilla.com/" target="_blank">Quesadilla Mobilla</a>, to your must eat list, too!</div>
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After three months freezing like a Popsicle in Breckenridge, CO (and fighting sub-zero temperatures in various locales since November), I feel justified to make a neon shirt saying <i>"I survived winter in the Rockies...and I'm from Florida."</i> A tank top, obviously.<br />
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With a snowboard season-ending Achilles injury for Spencer and countless bruises and scrapes for me, it was a struggle for both of us to make it to warmer weather. In many ways it was the winter that wouldn't end; in fact, we rushed to pack up our RV at the end of April to avoid the late snowstorm that blew in over a foot of powder on May 1.<br />
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But what we'll remember most isn't the frozen water lines (who needs daily showers?), frigid temperatures, or attempting to generate warmth with five+ heaters and propane. We'll remember making new friends, feeling apart of a neighborhood in our friendly RV park, snowboarding for an entire season, <a href="http://www.whereintheworldrv.com/2013/04/meet-ellie-our-colorado-snow-pup.html" target="_blank">adopting our pup</a> and being stationed somewhere long enough to truly call ourselves locals.<br />
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<strike>Some</strike> Most RVers thought we were crazy to spend the winter in Breckenridge. <b>They were right.</b> But we would be crazy not to try it once, right?<br />
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We may not have experienced the heat (or the sun-kissed tan) that I'm familiar with in the winter months, but we sure felt the warmth in our hearts for our adopted ski town. <b>See you on the slopes next season, Breck?</b><br />
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<br />Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-59909405431376664692013-04-16T21:30:00.000-07:002013-04-28T23:22:06.905-07:00Snowmobiling for Spencer's birthdayEarlier this month, we celebrated a milestone birthday for Spencer while we were in Breckenridge. We were fortunate to have a few special guests who made his birthday extra special. Spencer's mom and a couple friends from San Francisco came to <a href="http://www.tigerrunresort.com/" target="_blank">Tiger Run RV Resort</a> to share in the celebration!<br />
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As my present to Spence, the two of us rented a couple snowmobiles to enjoy the freshly falling April powder. We had <i>no idea</i> what adventures the day would hold. I rented one snowmobile for each of us, because duh! I'm a modern woman and I want to ride <i>my own</i> "horse" into the sunset.<br />
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After a brief safety introduction, we started off on an unguided tour in an area "well-groomed" for sleds, the <a href="http://www.dillonrangerdistrict.com/vail_pass_win_rec_area.pdf" target="_blank">Vail Pass Recreation Area</a>, which is part of the White River National Forest. The snow was falling pretty heavily and visibility was low. The trails were extremely difficult to identify. Less than 30 minutes into the ride, we were already up a tree. Actually, literally in a tree. At least Spencer's snowmobile was. In the tree.<br />
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Despite being well-versed in the art of motor sports and capable of maneuvering anything with an engine, Spencer accidentally plowed into some soft snow and tilted into a tree. All I could think was that should have been me. Me, the one who can't (parallel) park. (Everywhere you go has valet!)<br />
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I decided to make snow angels and look after our beloved Zippy (the snowmobile), while Spencer went on my undamaged sled to get help. Just when I finished debating my <a href="http://movieclips.com/XshpH-winters-bone-movie-skinning-a-squirrel/" target="_blank">squirrel-skinning abilities a la Winter's Bone</a>, help arrived and two burly men were able to turn the snowmobile upright. Spencer and our snowmobile wrangler came back and all four men moved the sled out of the tree well. My efforts to gently nudge it were, in fact, fruitless.<br />
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Unfortunately, the oil had completely drained out and we had to wait for our wrangler to return with a fresh batch. The whole process took more than an hour.<br />
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After that, we were able to enjoy the rest of our half-day rental, despite not having much time to go very far. We did see some beautiful areas of the forest that aren't easily accessible unless you're on a sled.<br />
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My wish for Spencer to have a <i>memorable</i> birthday: Granted. We won't forget that adventure anytime soon.Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-70703848905880320962013-04-09T20:07:00.002-07:002013-04-09T20:32:28.707-07:00Meet Ellie, our Colorado snow pup<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's been too long since the last post, but we have been busy loving life in the Rocky Mountains! We set up shop here in Breckenridge, CO in February and we're staying through the end of April. As much fun as we've had snowboarding (or at least in Rachel's case, <i>trying </i>to snowboard), the newest member of our family might be having even more fun in the snow. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Meet <b>Ellie</b>, our chocolate Labrador retriever who is convinced she's a mountain dog. We adopted her 2 weeks ago from a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mountain-Pet-Rescue/308768505820931" target="_blank">local pet rescue</a>. Ellie and her littermates were flown in from Joplin, Missouri through a wonderful organization called <a href="http://pilotsnpaws.org/" target="_blank">Pilots n Paws</a>. As soon as we laid our eyes on her, we knew she was our little girl. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXpx7oXpiT7kVIfGd2lvfHmJw1v4dCch2Uraw7yzDVtnBTYYUSHdx1TFTUFfR_Mr2aPiowdR83GhN_XPRW1DAhhwu2eXnpDMFoAyaOO_YDQAvchVy9VPxtLMLnIvu5D5zfiN13OtDXmI/s1600/IMG_1163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXpx7oXpiT7kVIfGd2lvfHmJw1v4dCch2Uraw7yzDVtnBTYYUSHdx1TFTUFfR_Mr2aPiowdR83GhN_XPRW1DAhhwu2eXnpDMFoAyaOO_YDQAvchVy9VPxtLMLnIvu5D5zfiN13OtDXmI/s1600/IMG_1163.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8zmKMRnMyRiotmaFx0OE-Q2F6ZJoFfVRvlATS_dkUX72jEQtIXOJnv6ZNzFbiFpuctg_D4gxIirL0BOE59csP1xA1EiO-eLnHL3UpY3ASyKwRQAxjEBUwORKK33W-lPEuONeYgRmkvQ/s1600/IMG_1208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8zmKMRnMyRiotmaFx0OE-Q2F6ZJoFfVRvlATS_dkUX72jEQtIXOJnv6ZNzFbiFpuctg_D4gxIirL0BOE59csP1xA1EiO-eLnHL3UpY3ASyKwRQAxjEBUwORKK33W-lPEuONeYgRmkvQ/s1600/IMG_1208.jpg" height="400" width="292" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ellie will be joining us on the road, so we hope she's not too devastated once we move to a warmer location without all that fluffy white stuff. Ellie, we know Mom will miss playing in the snow, too. </span></div>
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Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com0Breckenridge, CO 80424, USA39.4816537 -106.0383517999999939.383636700000004 -106.19971329999998 39.5796707 -105.87699029999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-76186665157953502852012-11-12T14:35:00.000-08:002013-01-24T15:03:21.773-08:00Lake Havasu City, AZ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn35syUKkxu1i68Eh3coJn4BR9dyguP51cbCAzco8PPI_HLy7aqH60e1JiYKaCNlKor3411gm99KWmJmLG3I4L8sq9DkYfp8WlQzx5rvRtEXdK1fQ84tk-_J45SOzr_c8UyZ5WFeN9ygg/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn35syUKkxu1i68Eh3coJn4BR9dyguP51cbCAzco8PPI_HLy7aqH60e1JiYKaCNlKor3411gm99KWmJmLG3I4L8sq9DkYfp8WlQzx5rvRtEXdK1fQ84tk-_J45SOzr_c8UyZ5WFeN9ygg/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" height="272" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just over a month since we started our RV adventure, and we finally made it to our second state: Hello <b>Arizona</b>! We stopped overnight in <b>Lake Havasu City</b>, long enough to take a quick tour of the original <a href="http://www.golakehavasu.com/activities/more_to_do/london_bridge.aspx" target="_blank">London Bridge</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWKRriudfW-TAy0J3TnR9oPqXEnzyft67CE_JSWQoHkTMMwmY_vfx7sLVQhX9nE5uHHmonTCnoVLN4HqILontvGlapKi5OBtM6ljX8L0xV61PqWaoLRglr18dXxc87TG8mht1JDK8o68/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWKRriudfW-TAy0J3TnR9oPqXEnzyft67CE_JSWQoHkTMMwmY_vfx7sLVQhX9nE5uHHmonTCnoVLN4HqILontvGlapKi5OBtM6ljX8L0xV61PqWaoLRglr18dXxc87TG8mht1JDK8o68/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">This counts as visiting another country in the RV, right?</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">View from the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Downtown San Diego skyline as a military ship sails past.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sunset on the shores of the beaches near the Cabrillo National Monument.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-79831590535830218322012-11-01T13:48:00.000-07:002013-01-24T14:10:06.943-08:00La Jolla Cove<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Spencer and I took a trip to <b>La Jolla Cove</b> to see (and I should mention, <i>smell</i>) the seals laying around the beaches. The fragrance reminded us of the sea lions that lounge around the marina at Pier 39 in San Francisco. Who knew home could smell so wretched? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">We also took a trip to </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">"The Cave,"</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> which is a man-made passageway that takes you inside the cove.</span></div>
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<br />Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-65312830046284410432012-10-29T11:10:00.000-07:002013-01-24T12:21:03.239-08:00Gaslamp Quarter & San Diego Zoo<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hanging out in the Gaslamp Quarter, a mecca of shops, bars and restaurants. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We drove to the <b>Gaslamp Quarter</b>, one of the historic parts of San Diego, where we window-shopped and explored local restaurants and a favorite chain. Being deprived of a <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.pinkberry.com/" target="_blank">Pinkberry</a></u></span> in San Francisco (except for one at the fabulous Virgin America terminal at the airport), I'm always excited to enjoy a cup of my favorite frozen yogurt. It's the little things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Because Gaslamp is so close to <a href="http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/sd/ballpark/index.jsp" target="_blank">Petco Park</a>, we had no trouble finding a surplus of sports bars so that Spencer could watch his beloved <b>San Francisco Giants</b> in the playoffs. To the chagrin of Padres fans, we cheered the Giants on through the excruciatingly painful NLDS versus the Reds, the I'm-going-to-have-a-heart-attack NLCS versus the Cardinals, and finally, the smooth run to the championship versus the Tigers. <b>WORLD SERIES CHAMPS!</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo courtesy of SFGate.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course, what's a visit to San Diego without a trip to its world famous <i><b>zoo</b></i>?</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Quick! Get Gizmo out of daylight!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Why so serious?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Getting that bamboo fix. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ready for a tiger snooze?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Since we were just a hop, skip and a jump across the border to Mexico, Spencer and I decided to venture into Tijuana. Although, we had both been to Mexico, we had never been to the California border city. So we drove to the border crossing, parked our truck and walked across. Pretty simple. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once we arrived in Tijuana, we were lucky to find an English speaking taxi driver, especially considering our Spanish consists of hello, goodbye, and asking where to find the <i>cuarto de baño.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Spencer and I were hungry for lunch and a friend recommended looking at Anthony Bourdain's <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/anthony-bourdain/episodes/baja" target="_blank">guide to Baja</a> on No Reservations. We found a restaurant in Tijuana's business district called <a href="http://mision19.com/" target="_blank">Mision 19</a> that had rave reviews, so we told the cab driver to drop us there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We arrived at a modern LED office building that looked like it belonged in the Bay Area. Definitely not the Tijuana we expected. Unfortunately, we didn't realize that the restaurant didn't open until 1 p.m. and we had about 45 minutes to kill. After getting successfully kicked off the rooftop garden (<i>no visitors allowed), </i>it was time to eat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Only one person in the restaurant spoke English better than our mangled Spanglish, but luckily Rachel managed <i>"</i>Y<i>o soy vegetariana" </i>to order a vegetarian dish. They served us complimentary mini burgers, which were darling, much cuter than normal barbaric burgers. Other than the language barrier, the rest of meal was fantastic -- absolutely not what we expected at all, but fantastic nonetheless. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After lunch, we visited the <b>Centro Cultural Tijuana</b>, a museum showcasing international exhibitions, which was crowded because of a conference. So we jumped in a taxi to check out <b>Avenida Revolución</b>, the infamous epicenter for tourists looking to dance, drink and have a good time. We had been warned that the area was relatively depressed since the U.S. discouraged tourists from visiting Tijuana due to increased drug-related violence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Definitely rough around the edges, we did find a quiet cantina, where we quenched our thirst with a couple <i>cervezas</i>. Although, we didn't have enough time to make it to the beach towns down the coast, we would love to go back to Baja for another sampling. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8883812737394099250.post-77969022351580655862012-10-09T09:54:00.000-07:002013-01-24T11:08:56.451-08:00Coronado, CA<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Starting just outside San Francisco in Petaluma, Ca., we made a quick stop in Temecula, to see Spencer's cousin get married. Then we continued our journey to SoCal and landed in San Diego. With near-perfect autumn weather and the beach a few blocks away from our <a href="http://www.bernardoshoresrvpark.com/" target="_blank">RV park</a>, it's a wonder that we even left. We were close to Coronado, a well-groomed resort town about 5 miles from downtown, where everyone possesses a beach cruiser, a pair of Toms and a laid-back approach to life.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Observe the Florida native, outfitted in a sweater for the sub-75 degree weather. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Hotel del Coronado takes up some prime beach real estate.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Spencer and I took full advantage of the sunshine and biked "The Strand," a 10-mile isthmus connecting Imperial Beach to Coronado. We rewarded ourselves with a few frothy and delicious Orange Ave Wits from the </span><a href="http://coronadobrewingcompany.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">Coronado Brewing Company</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Everyday feels like an air and sea show here, with military planes flying overhead. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of Spencer's favorite parts of docking our RV near Coronado was the never-ending parade of military and commercial planes that would pass over us. The buzz grows on you the way taxi horns and ambulance sirens do in a city or crickets chirping do in the countryside. </span><br />
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Where in the World RV?http://www.blogger.com/profile/06958655208600951902noreply@blogger.com1