Queenkv’s Road Trips

Original post on Queenkv’s Brainpickings

I woke-up in Vacaville this morning. It’s wonderful to be back in California. I know it’s grey, raining and a little dreary outside…but I’m thrilled to be home.

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I couldn’t have made this trip without Mark. He has been the road trip leader and our home provider. He’s been our rock. I’m grateful for his strength on this trip and for the next chapter in my career.

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On Day 3 of our Road Trip — we had a beautiful start in Salt Lake City. We were surrounded by salty water and shores after driving about 30 minutes away from the city. We also passed a few salt factories, like Morton’s, sitting on the far edges of the lake.

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Original Post on Queenkv’s Brainpickings

Blogging from a Burger King in Salt Lake City. I usually avoid fast food joints…but I make exception for those carrying free wifi. The coffee’s not bad…after adding 5 packages of Coffeemate creamer.

originally uploaded by queenkv.

We said good-bye to downtown Laramie yesterday morning. We were happy we pushed passed Cheyenne after we heard the city saw a few feet of snow dump down overnight.

originally uploaded by queenkv.

We had sunny skies at the beginning of Day 2. But our westbound lanes on I-80 led into this large white band of clouds. I figured we could handle whatever Mother Nature could throw at us as long as we had sunny skies. Then the sun disappeared.

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Original Post on Queenkv’s Brainpickings

We woke up to a light dusting of snow this morning in Laramie. I’m blogging from the Coral Creek Coffee Company and about to bite into my bagel with veggie cream cheese.

We said good-bye to Kansas yesterday. A cold start to another cross-country road trip. Daisy made herself at home in the back seat. I’m happy we didn’t have a medicated puppy on this ride.

originally uploaded by queenkv.

Here’s one last look at Kansas. We thought about taking a meandering pace. But we were worried about the forecast for a weekend ice storm and snowfall. We ended-up taking advantage of the clear skies. We drove through Nebraska and crossed over to Wyoming.

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I have transferred my blog on our cross-country trips to WordPress. Hooray!

I figured…why not? Platial is an awesome way to map out our adventures on the road…enjoy. I’m way to addicted to adding places on this “atlas”.

Mark packed our Corollas last Saturday. He filled both black cars with bags, boxes, books, clothing and memories. My bears got a comfy seat near the passenger seat. I’m amazed I was able to see out my back window.

Today, we made it to Topeka.

The autumn leaves were beautiful – rich, jewel-like colors. I snapped a few pictures from the driver’s seat while we drove through Colorado.

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Last weekend, we drove to Vegas. It was kinda like a test run for our next big road trip.

Next Sunday, we plan on taking I-15 – through Las Vegas, Arizona and Utah. Then we’ll pick up I-70 and cross into Colorado. I-70 will take us to our new home in Topeka, Kansas.

The desert has some amazing sunset – violent red and orange hues clashing in over the mountains. My Ate Gigi says you can hike up in those mountains.

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OK – this dates back to last March…more or less… the snow stopped the next day. I think Mark woke up with a bit of a hangover. As usual – I woke up with a cheery smile on my face. We had breakfast in the Super 8 Lodge. The other hotel guests talked about heading up to the slopes…Lucky.

Andre said he didn’t like the snow. He’s a Golden Bear afterall. He took my hat for extra warmth.

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I know I still have a lot to blog on my cross-country trip…but I’d also like to bring you up to speed on our last road trip….

Last weekend – we went up to the bay area – Mark made sure everything was working with Berkeley’s new firewall. I met with my bridesmaids to plan our Vegas bachlorette/engagement party.

On our way back to LA – Mark wanted to take a meandering pace on the “1″. Why not? Highway 1 ran right next to the Pacific Ocean.

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So by day 3, Mark and I agreed to do more touristy things. We were prepared to head off the road at the next cool sign for some historic or other place.

We found this Applebee in Kansas. One of our first stops for food.

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