From C to shining C

So here I am a week later writing the wrap-up to the blog.  Or the pre-wrap-up perhaps.

I spent a week driving from California to Connecticut.  And what a week it was.

I started out in California.  Took me six hours to drive to Laughlin, NV from LAX on the day I arrived.  I stayed with my friends out there and could not WAIT to get out of Cali traffic.  Holy mother of god, it was ridiculous.  The first thing I noticed right off the bat, once getting out of horrendous traffic, was the heavy train traffic carrying cargo from who knows where to who knows where.  It was pretty amazing.  After arriving in Laughlin and catching up with friends, it was off to the casino for a few hours (and hoping to catch up on jet lag).

The next day I was off to Arizona.  I was hoping to reach the Grand Canyon that day, and to move on from there, but time and the sun would not allow me.  I reached the Grand Canyon and enjoyed a night talking to tourists and seeing managed fires burn right next to my hotel.  The next morning, I was up stupid early to see the sun rise at the Grand Canyon.  A moment I will never forget.  No words can describe the view.  It's simply too grand for words.  Just get there.  See it.  NOW.  Before you die.  I promise you won't be disappointed.

The view of the Grand Canyon led me to the east entrance and off to my next adventure in New Mexico.  I reached Albuquerque and stayed with friends there.  I especially enjoyed catching up with my old friend who I served with in the Air Force and taking an amazing "Breaking Bad" film location tour.  The food out there is also amazing. If you like hot, spicy food, you will absolutely LOVE New Mexico.  I fell in love with this state and can't wait to go back to see more.  What an amazing place.  I watched the sun rise from my friend's house and went on to see a few more sights before I moved on.

The next stop was a few places along Route 66 in New Mexico.  Stunning!! The Blue Hole is a crazy place in Santa Rosa, which is famous with divers.  A deep diving hole in New Mexico? Yup.  It's there and it's incredibly deep (and in the middle of nowhere).  Stop and see it if on Route 66 (it's also part of the "older" Route 66 in Santa Rosa).  I saw quite a few more Route 66 must-see's and moved on to Texas.

I had not been to Texas since my basic training days in the early '90's, when I was in San Antonio.  I was hesitant as to what this state would offer me as a tourist.  It did not disappoint.  It was grand.  It was  vast.  It was beautiful.  I visited the Cadillac Ranch (and tagged on one of the cars, of course), I had a delicious steak (and I'm not one to eat steak), and had a fantastic time driving through the state that scared the crap out of me while joining the Air Force.

After Texas, I went to dreaded Oklahoma.  Whatever you do, do NOT speed through this state.  EVER.  I was pulled over and had my vehicle searched thoroughly.  Being a woman, driving alone, across country no less, draws suspicion as to being a drug mule (as well as any other illegal activity), which will cause the cops to search you.  Just drive normal.  Don't get pulled over.  Learn from my experience.  It was interesting, but scary as hell, at the same time.  However, I did stop in Oklahoma City and see the memorial for the bombing of the federal building.  It was amazing, and was a gracious memorial to all those who perished.  It will make you stop and think.  If in OKC, see it.  Please.  It is something everyone should see, to remember.

Once through OK, I went on to Tennessee.  What's a stop in Tennessee without seeing Graceland of course?  I had to see it.  My mother was a huge fan of Elvis when she was younger, so of course, I had to visit.  It was simply stunning...and lavish.  After Graceland, I stopped in Nashville to visit a friend. What a nice break from the road that was.  Seeing friends on the road makes you pause, and forget the road ahead.  It's a welcome break.  If traveling anywhere, make it a point to stop and visit with those you know along the way.  It's a welcome reprieve.  Trust me.  Just do it.

Following Nashville, I had one more night on the road.  I stayed in Jackson, TN and met some locals while dining.  It felt as if I wasn't even traveling.  As they say, the southern hospitality is a true thing.  I chatted it up with people at the bar and had a grand time before my long road trip ahead.

Another early morning on the road and off to Virginia I was headed.  I made a trip through Shenandoah National Park and saw deer, and a bear, while on Skyline Drive.  What a beautiful drive. I highly recommend.  They even have cabins and camping areas where you can stay for extended periods.  I visited during off-peak season and practically had the road to myself.

At this point, I was near exhaustion and headed home.  When crossing into Pennsylvania, I stopped at the visitors center and met some hilarious women that chatted up with me for a good half hour.  Even some of the truckers stopped in and joined in on the conversation.  It was a much needed moment I needed to wake up so I could continue on.  From there, I drove on to Connecticut.  I wanted to sleep in my own bed.

Sleep I did.  I slept pretty much all weekend.  I was exhausted.  It was an amazing journey.  I saw the country from coast to coast, saw amazing sights, met incredible people, caught up with great friends, and made memories of a lifetime.  I still have to go through my GoPro film.  I plan to make a video that scans my entire trip.  For now, I'm home, back to work and living life to the fullest.  As we all should.

Miles traveled: 3, 327
Friends visited: 5
Dogs met: 4
Speeding tickets I have to pay: $266
Money spent on gas: No clue
Time spent traveling: Priceless

Until next time...ramble on down the road....