Month: September 2018

I think we all know by now that iphones don’t capture sunsets very well… But, what the heck, It was beautiful… And I’ll always remember it.

We think all Capitol Buildings are phenomenal testaments to architectural design. There isn’t a single experience we’ve had in a Capitol that hasn’t left us completely wowed… But, let me tell you… The Iowa State Capitol, more commonly referred to as the Iowa Statehouse, is on THE top of our list for jaw-droppingly gorgeous attention to detail. It is STUNNING. For someone who grew up largely in the Southern United States, I have to admit I don’t often think of the Central US as being such a cultural delight. But, it absolutely is… Des Moines, Iowa might not be the…

Apparently Scooter’s Coffee is a big deal in Nebraska, and a little bit beyond. I’m used to seeing a Starbucks or a Dunkin’ Donuts on every corner. On average, we prefer avoiding those corporate locations, even if they are franchises, in favor of exploring locally and independently owned coffee shops. But this trip has been a fun way to experience other larger, more noteworthy coffee spots in different areas. Dutch Bros is the place to grab your quick sips out west. We REALLY enjoyed the fun drinks and AWESOME customer service at EVERY Dutch Bros location we tried. And apparently…

Sometimes, a trip is about the destination. Sometimes, you can find even greater beauty just relaxing and enjoying the journey. These shots were taken from Interstate 70 in Silverthorne, Colorado on our slow, slow, meandering descent from Alaska back to Georgia. But, how amazing is it to see, the brightest blue end-of-summer skies, just starting to give way to the brilliant fall Alpine foliage. When we left for Our Big 2018 Trip, it was still Spring. But now, the golden colors of fall beckon us to reflect upon all the time that has passed, and all the adventures we have…

What a stunning way to start the day with a sunrise over the Colorado River in the White River National Forest. Grizzly Creek meanders its way down until it meets up with the Colorado River at Glenwood Canyon. Such a gorgeous backdrop of cliff walls against blue skies, with the spirited creek bubbling over the rocks beneath your feet, just before its waters intertwine with those of the Colorado… Hiking in Colorado is other-worldly beautiful!

We all have our weaknesses. One of mine is handmade jewelry that represents the history, culture and spirit of an area or its people. I can easily get lost in perusing all the unique, beautiful pieces from a local artist, and I always want to buy as many as the budget allows. And then, maybe a few more! On this day, passing through the Bonneville Salt Flats of Western Utah, we chanced across a warm, jovial gentleman from the Navajo Nation selling these breathtakingly gorgeous creations made by his wife and daughters. Narrowing down a few selections from his plethora…

Chancing across the Bonneville Salt Flats and the Bonneville Salt Flats International Speedway was another unexpectedly awesome gem of a find on the slow but lovely ride back East! Over 30,000 acres of wide open salt fields surround Interstate 80, just East of the Nevada / Utah Border. Remnants of Pleistocene-Era Lake Bonneville, this is the largest area of salt flats west of the Great Salt Lake. And it definitely looks and feels like you are traversing ancient lands, or even the alien surfaces of distant planets! The area is open to the public for general frolicking and enjoyment. There…

Whenever an East Coaster makes it to the West Coast, THIS has to happen. In-n-Out. Yes. It happened. Check out the shirt, though. How cool is that? In high school, I actually drove a 1977 Bandit Edition Trans Am. So, this shirt was meant just for me and we had to have it to capture the moment! I’m not sure my kids fully appreciate the mental image of their mother sporting around in such an iconic automobile. On the bright side, though, we ALL appreciate In-n-Out Burgers! Yum!

We started our morning checking out Tahoe City, but eventually worked our way around the lake, and to the South Lake Tahoe side of things. Wow. The entire Lake Tahoe area is STUNNING. It is DEFINITELY on my list to go back as soon as we can and spend a LOT more time there. I can’t wait to hike and climb some of the enticing trails and unique formations. Although our time in Tahoe was more of a “Hey, let’s check this place out while we’re driving through,” we found an absolute gem of a destination that warrants a MUCH…

Oh, the Redwoods are INCREDIBLE! This entire trip was about making Bucket List Items HAPPEN. From driving to the Arctic Ocean (twice), to dancing on glaciers, to panning for gold with real miners, to actually seeing the Aurora Borealis with our very own eyes…. We got quite a few items scratched off in excellent fashion. Frolicking through ancient forests of giant Redwood trees was DEFINITELY just as high on the list! I have tons more photos, but I’ll just leave this one here for now! Check out the scale of that tree compared to our Honda Odyssey Mini-Van! WOW! The…