Hello from ATHENS, GA!!!
Sorry that it took me a few days to post the past two updates, I didn't have internet access and I was really bummed but it was out of my control.
We woke up to probably the hottest morning so far, put gas in the tank and air in the tires and started driving south. I'll go ahead and kill the suspense, there won't be any pictures in this, the last post. We didn't really have any predetermined destinations left, and I took a post-road trip picture of us once we got back to the apartment but I took it on Amanda's camera and I don't have a cord for it (I've been using Chris' and Bryan's pictures this trip).
We drove through Nashville and saw the stadium that the Tennessee Titans play in, but we kept on going. We stopped in Kennesaw to meet up with Mr. Edwin and eat pizza with him, which was a great way to eat our last meal on the trip.
Then we pulled into the Exchange at 8:15 EST.
We were on the road for 13 days and 12 nights by my calculation.
We drove through 18 states: Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky.
We saw and did more things than we can probably remember without sitting down and thinking about it.
Partly because we were probably ready to return to familiar settings, and partly because it all happened in such a short time, I know that we will not fully appreciate what this trip meant until the passage of a little time will allow us to look back on it. That isn't to say that we didn't have an amazing experience - we did. During the past two weeks, I saw so many things - the Grand Canyon, the Pacific Ocean, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, the Great Plains - that I had before seen in pictures, but had always wanted to see in person. Bryan and Chris have said the same.
I don't think it is an exaggeration to say that this has been a trip of a lifetime. Over the past two weeks, I saw so much of this great country with two amazing friends.
We're glad to be back safe and sound, and we thank all of you that kept us in your thoughts and prayers while we were on the road.
Highlight of the trip:
Chris: The Grand Canyon
Bryan: Las Vegas
Wes: The Pacific Ocean. Aside from the obvious, just knowing that we had gone as far west as we could was a pretty awesome feeling.
Worst part of the trip:
Chris: The rain. From about central Nevada to Missouri, we basically followed a big rainstorm across the country. Not fun.
Bryan: Driving through Wyoming. There may be parts of Wyoming that are pretty, but we didn't drive through them.
Wes: Santa Rosa State Park, New Mexico. It will probably go down as the worst night of sleep in my life. Knock on wood.
Well, this is the last post of the trip. Thanks to all that read the blog, it was a nice way for me to reflect on our daily experiences and I hope all of you were able to feel as though you were following us as we went along our journey.
Later on.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Day 12 - Friday
Good evening from Mt. Vernon, Illinois!
Today was another full day in terms of what we did, what we saw, and ground we covered.
As predicted, we slept in later than we have all trip but it was so worth it. For lunch, Jimmy took us to Oklahoma Joe's BBQ. It is arguably the best BBQ joint in Kansas City (many many awards on the walls), and as far as I'm concerned it is the best. Man oh man, the jumbo pulled pork sandwich I had was worth fighting over. I want to thank Mr. Jimmy for the awesome hospitality he showed us, and I couldn't be more glad that we made it a point to stop by for a day. He and his wife are both lawyers in a big Kansas City firm, and he gave me a ton of great advice for law school and beyond. I really appreciated it.
After we ate, we stopped by to see Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium (where the Royals play).
Then we started towards St. Louis, but stopped in Columbia to visit the University of Missouri. It wasn't terribly impressive, but that was probably because a lot of the campus was under construction.
After that we took off towards St. Louis. Traffic was pretty bad because the Cardinals were playing, but we finally got parked and walked over to see the Arch. One word - big. Apparently you can go up to the top and look out of it, but we got there too late. Even so, it was still a pretty awesome site.
Presently, we're sitting in what will be our last Motel 6 of the trip. So bittersweet! Haha. Accommodations in these Motel 6s haven't always been the best, but they've been cheap and anything is better than that night in Santa Rosa.
Tomorrow, we're going to get up early and head south until we arrive back where we began two weeks ago.
See y'all then.
Today was another full day in terms of what we did, what we saw, and ground we covered.
As predicted, we slept in later than we have all trip but it was so worth it. For lunch, Jimmy took us to Oklahoma Joe's BBQ. It is arguably the best BBQ joint in Kansas City (many many awards on the walls), and as far as I'm concerned it is the best. Man oh man, the jumbo pulled pork sandwich I had was worth fighting over. I want to thank Mr. Jimmy for the awesome hospitality he showed us, and I couldn't be more glad that we made it a point to stop by for a day. He and his wife are both lawyers in a big Kansas City firm, and he gave me a ton of great advice for law school and beyond. I really appreciated it.
After we ate, we stopped by to see Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium (where the Royals play).
Then we started towards St. Louis, but stopped in Columbia to visit the University of Missouri. It wasn't terribly impressive, but that was probably because a lot of the campus was under construction.
After that we took off towards St. Louis. Traffic was pretty bad because the Cardinals were playing, but we finally got parked and walked over to see the Arch. One word - big. Apparently you can go up to the top and look out of it, but we got there too late. Even so, it was still a pretty awesome site.
Presently, we're sitting in what will be our last Motel 6 of the trip. So bittersweet! Haha. Accommodations in these Motel 6s haven't always been the best, but they've been cheap and anything is better than that night in Santa Rosa.
Tomorrow, we're going to get up early and head south until we arrive back where we began two weeks ago.
See y'all then.
Day 11 - Thursday
Hello from Kansas City, Kansas!
Today was wonderful (not that any other day wasn't) mainly because we only had a three and a half hour drive. Suddenly the drive from Athens to Leesburg doesn't seem so bad. Ha!
We stopped in Lawrence to see the University of Kansas. By far, they had the smallest bookstore we have seen so far, but downtown Lawrence is very similar to downtown Athens. It really had that college town feel.
Then we drove into Kansas City and toured the city while we waited for Bryan's friend Jimmy to call.
We checked out this little square called the Power & Light district. It was this really cool little block of restaurants, bars and stores.
When we saw this, we knew where to send Mr. Edwin for is next vacation . . .
After that, we met up with Jimmy and he took us to a local hotel & casino and treated us to an all-you-can-eat buffet of Alaskan snow crab legs. It was unbelievably good!
We're about to hit the sack. This will be the first time in eleven days that we are sleeping in something other than a tent or a cheap motel, so we may not wake up until 12. Tomorrow we're going to head towards St. Louis to see the Arch and check out Busch Stadium.
Later.
Today was wonderful (not that any other day wasn't) mainly because we only had a three and a half hour drive. Suddenly the drive from Athens to Leesburg doesn't seem so bad. Ha!
We stopped in Lawrence to see the University of Kansas. By far, they had the smallest bookstore we have seen so far, but downtown Lawrence is very similar to downtown Athens. It really had that college town feel.
Then we drove into Kansas City and toured the city while we waited for Bryan's friend Jimmy to call.
We checked out this little square called the Power & Light district. It was this really cool little block of restaurants, bars and stores.
When we saw this, we knew where to send Mr. Edwin for is next vacation . . .
After that, we met up with Jimmy and he took us to a local hotel & casino and treated us to an all-you-can-eat buffet of Alaskan snow crab legs. It was unbelievably good!
We're about to hit the sack. This will be the first time in eleven days that we are sleeping in something other than a tent or a cheap motel, so we may not wake up until 12. Tomorrow we're going to head towards St. Louis to see the Arch and check out Busch Stadium.
Later.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Day 10 - Wednesday
Hello from Hays, Kansas!
Today, we spent a good amount of time touring Denver, a really cool city pushed up under the Rocky Mountains.
We walked around Coors Field . . .
Then we saw the Pepsi Center and Mile High Stadium . . .
For lunch, we ate at The Buckhorn Exchange, the oldest restaurant in Denver (thanks Daddy!). We had some amazing buffalo burgers and checked out the liquor license at the bar - the first one the state of Colorado ever issued.
Then we jumped in the car and continued the eastward advance.
Right now we're relaxing in another Motel 6. Thankfully, it's not that far to Kansas City so we'll be able to sleep in for the first time in several days. We're excited about meeting up with Jimmy tomorrow and sleeping in a house for the first time in over a week!
Highlight of the day: Well, I'm somewhat embarrassed and somewhat relieved to report that the "Beard Idea" has come to an end. Seriously, we can't take it any longer, the itching overwhelms us. So, I'll post the pictures. This is as mountain men as we get.
Me:
Bryan:
Chris:
Ok, then. In the words of Chris (aka baby mountain lion), "Adios Muchachos!"
Today, we spent a good amount of time touring Denver, a really cool city pushed up under the Rocky Mountains.
We walked around Coors Field . . .
Then we saw the Pepsi Center and Mile High Stadium . . .
For lunch, we ate at The Buckhorn Exchange, the oldest restaurant in Denver (thanks Daddy!). We had some amazing buffalo burgers and checked out the liquor license at the bar - the first one the state of Colorado ever issued.
Then we jumped in the car and continued the eastward advance.
Right now we're relaxing in another Motel 6. Thankfully, it's not that far to Kansas City so we'll be able to sleep in for the first time in several days. We're excited about meeting up with Jimmy tomorrow and sleeping in a house for the first time in over a week!
Highlight of the day: Well, I'm somewhat embarrassed and somewhat relieved to report that the "Beard Idea" has come to an end. Seriously, we can't take it any longer, the itching overwhelms us. So, I'll post the pictures. This is as mountain men as we get.
Me:
Bryan:
Chris:
Ok, then. In the words of Chris (aka baby mountain lion), "Adios Muchachos!"
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Day 9 - Tuesday
Greetings from Denver, Colorado!
Today we got woke up to a rainy Salt Lake City. We went to the University of Utah so Chris could buy his twenty-second coffee mug of the trip.
After that, we rode up to the Salt Lake City Olympic Park and had a great time looking at all of the old bobsled and ski jump courses.
Then we did a little bobsledding ourselves.
After checking out the 2002 Olympic events, some fellow tourists suggested we go to No Name Saloon and Grill for lunch and try the buffalo burgers. We had originally planned to eat some bison burgers in Denver, but we were told that we had to try out No Name so we decided to head that way.
In my opinion, the burgers were awesome. I could definitely taste the difference and I really liked it.
Presently, we are about to hit the sack and then get up in the morning so we can see a lot of Denver. Even though we drove in during the night, I can tell it's going to be a beautiful city.
We're going to drive into central Kansas tomorrow and get another cheap motel, so I should be able to get up another post.
So far, we are still in good spirits and we're excited about the sights to come.
Until then, take it easy.
Today we got woke up to a rainy Salt Lake City. We went to the University of Utah so Chris could buy his twenty-second coffee mug of the trip.
After that, we rode up to the Salt Lake City Olympic Park and had a great time looking at all of the old bobsled and ski jump courses.
Then we did a little bobsledding ourselves.
After checking out the 2002 Olympic events, some fellow tourists suggested we go to No Name Saloon and Grill for lunch and try the buffalo burgers. We had originally planned to eat some bison burgers in Denver, but we were told that we had to try out No Name so we decided to head that way.
In my opinion, the burgers were awesome. I could definitely taste the difference and I really liked it.
Presently, we are about to hit the sack and then get up in the morning so we can see a lot of Denver. Even though we drove in during the night, I can tell it's going to be a beautiful city.
We're going to drive into central Kansas tomorrow and get another cheap motel, so I should be able to get up another post.
So far, we are still in good spirits and we're excited about the sights to come.
Until then, take it easy.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Day 8 - Monday
Good Evening from Salt Lake City!
We had a lot of fun today hiking around Lake Tahoe, despite the fact our exploring was followed by 8+ hours of driving. We started out in South Lake Tahoe, CA, and drove clear across Nevada (boring!) and half way across Utah into Salt Lake City.
I'll just post a bunch of pictures of Lake Tahoe since that was the focus of our day.
Highlight of the Day:
Aside from the grandeur of Tahoe, the highlight was most likely ".49 cent Taco Monday" at Taco Bell in South Lake Tahoe. We decided to face the gastrointestinal consequences and loaded up on cheap tacos. The simple pleasures of a poor college student.
Alrighty then, tomorrow we're going to check out Salt Lake City in the morning and then head towards Denver. We're excited about the Rockies and the possibility of trying out some buffalo burgers or steaks in Denver. Tomorrow night looks like another Motel 6 night so I'll most likely be able to post another update.
Over and out!
We had a lot of fun today hiking around Lake Tahoe, despite the fact our exploring was followed by 8+ hours of driving. We started out in South Lake Tahoe, CA, and drove clear across Nevada (boring!) and half way across Utah into Salt Lake City.
I'll just post a bunch of pictures of Lake Tahoe since that was the focus of our day.
Highlight of the Day:
Aside from the grandeur of Tahoe, the highlight was most likely ".49 cent Taco Monday" at Taco Bell in South Lake Tahoe. We decided to face the gastrointestinal consequences and loaded up on cheap tacos. The simple pleasures of a poor college student.
Alrighty then, tomorrow we're going to check out Salt Lake City in the morning and then head towards Denver. We're excited about the Rockies and the possibility of trying out some buffalo burgers or steaks in Denver. Tomorrow night looks like another Motel 6 night so I'll most likely be able to post another update.
Over and out!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Day 7 - Sunday
Wow, I just typed "Day 7" and it hit me, we've been on the road for a whole week. Let me tell you something, it feels like we've been gone for a month. We can hardly remember what Memphis looked like at this point!
Two major things to take away from today: first, San Francisco was an awesome experience and second, we have turned back east, and are heading back home slowly but surely.
San Francisco was the largest city we have seen so far, and it was very unique. From the Golden Gate Bridge, to Fisherman's Wharf, to the general weird layout of a city that stretches across hill, valley and coast line.
Alcatrez
We had a nice seafood lunch at Fisherman's Wharf, and then we walked to Ghirardelli's Square.
We also saw an opportunistic sea lion hanging out next to the boats returning with fish. He hasn't missed many meals.
This is when we had a few pictures taken of us by the trolley driver. It's probably the best picture of the day.
After leaving San Francisco in the early afternoon, we headed towards Lake Tahoe. Presently, we are holed up in another Motel 6 watching a show about elephants on Animal Channel. Chris is fascinated. Hahaha. To be fair, it is a pretty cool show. Bryan is eating sliced ham straight out the package. No one can say we aren't roughing it!
Here are a few pictures of our drive into Tahoe. Tomorrow we're going to go looking for some red woods and sequoias. We're on the way back!
Two major things to take away from today: first, San Francisco was an awesome experience and second, we have turned back east, and are heading back home slowly but surely.
San Francisco was the largest city we have seen so far, and it was very unique. From the Golden Gate Bridge, to Fisherman's Wharf, to the general weird layout of a city that stretches across hill, valley and coast line.
Alcatrez
We had a nice seafood lunch at Fisherman's Wharf, and then we walked to Ghirardelli's Square.
We also saw an opportunistic sea lion hanging out next to the boats returning with fish. He hasn't missed many meals.
This is when we had a few pictures taken of us by the trolley driver. It's probably the best picture of the day.
After leaving San Francisco in the early afternoon, we headed towards Lake Tahoe. Presently, we are holed up in another Motel 6 watching a show about elephants on Animal Channel. Chris is fascinated. Hahaha. To be fair, it is a pretty cool show. Bryan is eating sliced ham straight out the package. No one can say we aren't roughing it!
Here are a few pictures of our drive into Tahoe. Tomorrow we're going to go looking for some red woods and sequoias. We're on the way back!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Day 6 - Saturday
Hello from California!
Ok, it's late and we're really tired, so I'm just going to post a few pictures really quick for this blog since I'm sure that is what you guys enjoy the most. Long story short, California is quite beautiful.
Unfortunately, we may be camping for the next day or two so I don't know about internet availability. So, if there isn't an update, don't worry. I'll have something up before too long.
Later!
Ok, it's late and we're really tired, so I'm just going to post a few pictures really quick for this blog since I'm sure that is what you guys enjoy the most. Long story short, California is quite beautiful.
Unfortunately, we may be camping for the next day or two so I don't know about internet availability. So, if there isn't an update, don't worry. I'll have something up before too long.
Later!
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