Day 6

So it turns out Tim had a rough night, and therefore so did Mayzie. There was so little wind at Joshua Tree when we put the tent up last I decided not to use the guy lines. I guess the wind picked up in the night as Tim got scared with the rustling of the tent.

As a result of that, and the early morning heat we were all up early. We assumed this would be good; Breakfast, strike the tent, pack the car, 2+ hours of driving and then the Pacific Ocean. Of course that was too much to hope for.

We wanted to get a “Joshua Tree” bumper sticker. The town we were camping at, Yucca Valley, they didn’t have any. Not even at the visitor center. Although the lady there was kind enough to call around some local businesses and check for me. She was also rather amused when she asked if we would be” …decorating our car with bumper stickers and then selling the car in Boston?”, and I replied “Yes.”

After driving 30 or so minutes out of our way to obtain an elusive Joshua Tree bumper sticker, we headed to our next campsite. All I really have to say about the drive is that California drivers are idiots.Bloody tourists. 

When we arrived at the campsite it was nice and quiet. Our site was in a good location. Mini lizards scurrying around all over the place. We knew it would get busier, unlike Joshua Tree, but didn’t realize how busy.

Have neglected thus far to mention how scared of bugs Ryan is. He really needs to get used to them as they will get worse the further East we head. Every time he sees one he makes a silly noise and flaps his arms around. Oh boy.

After the camp was setup we headed to the Pacific Ocean. It was about a 20min drive. First time I have ever seen it. Bloody cold. The air temperature was only about 80. I got my feet wet. Tim didn’t even get that far. Mayzie ventured in a bit further than I. Ryan, however, was a complete daredevil and practically laid down and let the waves cover his body. We purchased him a boogie board. See how he does tomorrow.

Since we had emptied and left the roof bag back at camp, we took advantage of a car wash. Surprised and happy the writing stayed on.

After dinner we returned to the campsite, and oh my how it had changed. People everywhere. Scratch that, LOUD people everywhere. Because of all the wildfires in Colorado and how dry Arizona is, we didn’t even consider campfires would be allowed. We were wrong. Ryan was a little sad as he wanted me to start one, but we got back too late – Tim was asleep in the car all ready. So we will purchase some wood (no gathering allowed) and have a fire tomorrow.

This campsite had showers and we took advantage. Unfortunately cold water only and a push button for 30-60 seconds of water at a time. I could feel my chest starting to tighten up with the cold water (I’m asthmatic) but I was OK once I got used to it a bit. Ryan was fine. Mayzie was a little shocked by the cold water too. We let Tim sleep. So he is still dirty. Really dirty. Really really dirty!

Day 5

Left the heat of Phoenix and entered the heat of Southern California. Not sure what the high was, but I did see 113 register on the car thermometer. Not really much to say about the drive. It was longer than anticipated as the maps on the blog pages were just to the general vicinity of Joshua Tree. It turns out we were camping on the West side of the park, thus a longer drive. It really is amazing how much the landscape can change in just a few hundred miles of driving. The 12,000’+ peaks of Colorado to the desolate, dry, arid desert of Arizona.

There is an inspection when entering California. You cannot bring in fruits or plants! Not sure why, and it seems an awfully big expense to “man” the checkpoints. Mayzie made the point that surely CA has better ways to spend money it doesn’t have. Trying to stop the illegal smuggling of Oranges and Hydrangeas can’t be the best option?

As we approached the turn off of the highway we entered Palm Springs. There must be well over 500 wind turbines in this town. Wonder how much electricity they produce?

We got to the campsite, which was “self-service” because we were out of season. I guess only idiots camp in Joshua Tree National Park in the summer months! However, it turned out to be not too bad. Especially when the sun set. Because we were off season, the campsite was barely occupied and we really did feel like we had the place to ourselves. See below for a select few pics. And yes, those funny looking trees are Joshua Trees.

I was hoping to see more stars as there was not a cloud in the sky, but the moon was too bright. Maybe in a week or so there will be less moonlight and more starts. Perhaps at Moab.

 

Day 4

Day 4 was spent in Phoenix. We all slept late, but were still awake in time to take advantage of the “free” hotel breakfast. All I can say is the food was edible. After breakfast Mayzie and the boys took advantage of the pool, and I started the laundry (not really a pool person) and took out the items from the car that we would send to VT and the UK. I then joined in the pool time.

Lunch was partaken at In and Out Burger. Although I had been there once before, Mayzie had not. The chocolate shake was good, the rest of the meal left us both disappointed.

After lunch we got a tarp for the chair which is attached to the top of the car. We did this as the plastic bags we had been using were being shredded at highway + speeds and resulted in a really annoying whistling noise. Hoping the tarp doesn’t shred too.  We then decided on a movie for the kids – it was about 110 degrees, and the AC was well received. Unfortunately the movie, Brave, was too scary for the kids so we left. This did, however, allow us to meet our good friend Nicole.

Nicole joined us for dinner and the kids behaved well which allowed us all to catch up. She also told us that what we were experiencing was a Haboob. See picture.   

Not sure if I prefer the 110 degree heat or the 100 degree heat and duststorm more :) We  said our goodnights to Nicole and headed to bed. The hope was we would rise early and begin our errands and driving to Joshua Tree early. Tha did not happen.

Days 2 and 3

Bad/slow 3G at Grand Canyon so am posting Day 2 and Day 3 now.

Stopped at Four corners monument and stood in 4 states at the same time, then experienced a Native American delicacy of Fry bread. Unfortunately they didn’t sell a bumper sticker for each state, just a sticker from the monument. Have added to the bumper. We will be spending additional time in Colorado, Arizona and Utah but not in New Mexico so it doesn’t look like we will get a sticker showing NM. Hopefully we can get the others.

 

 

Pretty uneventful drive. Not a lot to see. Desert. Red sand and rocks. That was until we entered the  Grand Canyon National Park. Postcard worthy pictures were taken.

 

Campsite was beautiful. Nestled in some big trees. Nice and quiet and close to the restrooms – but not too close. J Mayzie made tortellini for dinner. Yum.

Boys were brats at the campsite, but they had a really good sleep, so the hope was they would be good in the morning. Nope. At least not until they had had some food.

Day 3 saw us pack the car – oh man do we have too much stuff, or perhaps too much stuff not organized well enough so the entire car doesn’t need unpacking everyday. Job to do in Phoenix – along with shipping some unwanted stuff to England, as well as some things to VT that we will not need till the plane. Thanks again Jess.

Had a fun conversation with a gentleman who was the first to comment (though likely not the first to notice) that we are from Colorado – evident by the license plates. We were currently in Arizona, heading West, and the car shows “destination Boston.” No matter how you slice it that is the wrong direction. Fully expect to receive other looks and comments. At least for the next week or so. Reminds me of that scene in Dumb and Dumber where they drive the wrong way and the Rocky Mountains aren’t as rocky as they expected. At least we know what we are doing!

We then took a little hike to the Canyon Rim. More great photos were taken. I was kind of surprised at the lack of safety barriers right at the edge, but hey at least there wasn’t any fencing to spoil the shots. Probably could have spent longer at the canyon, but also spent longer than originally planned.

Currently in  Phoenix. Looking forward to spending two nights in a hotel, and air con. Probably going to organize the car, play with the kids in the pool, spend some time with Nicole and not cook our own meals.

Unfortunately our day has been saddened by the continued devastation in progress in Colorado Springs (Google search – Waldo Canyon Fire, If not privy to the news)

We really did get out of Dodge at the right time! We are, however, doing the most we can from here. We have offered our vacant house and understand it will soon be populated. Hoping it is not actually needed because of circumstances, but expect it will be.

Cliff

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Day 1

Well day one of our road trip is coming to a close. What a day. Leaving our home. Never likely to return. The end of an era, and the beginning of another

Things started off... well kinda rough. We left Colorado Springs in a blaze of smoke, and not from my driving! The wildfire in Waldo Canyon had grown so large that Pikes Peak was obscured from our view. I have mixed emotions about this. I can't decide if mother nature wanted us to stay till we could see the mountain again; or whether it was a sign to leave before we were evacuated anyway. OK so maybe evacuation is a bit extreme, I don't think the fire would actually get that far across the city, but the point is made. We left the house with some stuff still inside, and no cleaning done. We feel bad about this, but we had to leave because of the amount of the driving we were doing. Not sure why but I had "Butterflies" in my stomach as we left. Don't know what to make of that.

I heard from my good friend Alex early on today too. We were hoping to meet up with him while we are in CA, but our route does not take us anywhere near where he will be. This really upset me. I haven't seen Alex for over 10 years, This news has probably been the worst thing so far about leaving the USA. Alex and I spent a lot of time together when I was climbing (I hung up my climbing shoes 13 years ago following a near fatal fall). Not only were we climbing partners, but we also worked together. He is probably still my "best" friend in America, again I haven't seen him in over 10 years. The thought that I may never see him again leaves me with a heavy heart.

To my friend Alex - "I ate all the pies, and I will miss you" Your friend, Cliff.

We stopped in Gunnison, CO for lunch. What a nice looking town. Greener than Colorado Springs, and I wish we had visited sooner. We found a nice park and had a quick lunch. Received a voicemail from Will. He may have sold our mattress for us. Fingers crossed. We have also offered our vacant house to Will and Becky as a refuge from the fire for some friends of theirs who may be evacuated.

After lunch we headed to Ouray, Silverton and Durango. To my Colorado friends who have not made that drive, DO IT. Spectacular views. Made me wonder if I was still climbing whether I would been there sooner? Probably. See a select few of the photos we took.

After Durango we were on our last leg. Before we reached the campsite we had to pass through the town of Mancos. Where another wildfire is burning. We got through OK, but some fellow campers have said that "they" predict the fire to cross the highway we drove on. See below for a picture of the fire taken this evening from our campsite. Mancos is perhaps 15 miles from us, so we are in no danger.

Off to bed now. Grand Canyon beckons tomorrow. Hopefully we can avoid any more forest fires.

One car family

Sold the other car. First time in 12 ish years that we've only had one car. Even though we knew this would be happening it is still strange. Although like my Sister pointed out to us earlier, I guess we should get used to it because in about 6 weeks we will be a 0 car family. Thanks Sis!

However no interest in the mattress or couches from the furniture store we contacted. Our friends have offered to try and sell them for us. If we can't shift them in the next few days then that will be our last option. Really don't want to burden them, but its starting to look like that's going to be out of our hands.

Mayzie had a great idea for chronicling our journey. Bumper stickers. We will get a sticker for each state we pass through, and some select few for some of the landmarks we visit. We will purchase 2 of each; one for the car and one for us to keep - seeing as how taking the car bumper with us might not be possible :) See picture below for the car without any stickers, and then one with the first sticker. One from Pikes Peak which we drove to the top of yesterday. Have a feeling we will have more stickers than available space.

I think we will also take a cheesy photo in one of those photo booths which give a row of 4 pictures as we pass through each state (if viable). Perhaps also at the "Welcome to ..." signs.

We played tourist yesterday when we drove to the summit of Pikes Peak. Somehow the drive to the summit wasn't as bad as I remember it being. I think it is because it is now paved, and was definitely scarier before. But the lack of oxygen was certainly still evident.

Off to Six Flags tomorrow. Plan on some fun at the amusements and roller coasters. And then just 3 short days left.

One week left

It's Sunday evening. This time next week we will be spending our first night as a family under canvas at the beginning of our road trip. One week. Wow. That came fast.

It's been a full week. We sold a few more items, and have a viable offer for the car. Unfortunately still no interest in our sofas or bed. Our friend Becky suggested contacting one of the second hand furniture dealers to see if they would be interested. We shall be calling them tomorrow. Thanks Becky.

Friday was Mayzie's last day of work. We are now both officially unemployed. No idea when we will be be working again. I expect Mayzie will post more on this later.

Yesterday was our leaving BBQ. Many thanks to those friends who were able to attend. Unfortunately the turnout was not as populous as either planned or expected. With just 6 days till the off, I am not sure if I will be able to say my cheerios to the rest. Oh well.

Today we loaded and tested the roof bag, did some final shopping for camp accessories, tested out the camping grill (lots of hot dogs left from BBQ), and packed another box to be shipped. Tomorrow we will be driving to the summit of Pikes Peak, and plan on more tourist activities for the rest of the week.

I think this week will go by too fast, and at the same time, oxymoronically, not fast enough.

Cliff

A little sad

Been a busy day today. Have closed some bank accounts, have shipped a couple of boxes to England, got a quote from a car dealer for the car as a last resort option, and have scheduled the satellite TV to be cancelled.

Also we sold the bunk bed this evening. This makes me a little sad. The bunk bed was a project I started about 18 months ago. It was my first real carpentry project. Although the fundamental plans were obtained from the Internet, the bed had many refinements and attributes which made it unique. The purpose behind building the bed was not just for the sake of building a bed - although it did serve that purpose well. It was more a good form of what can only be described as therapy for me. A few of you will know what I am referring too. Most will not.

The underlying reason behind this is not something I am going to get into at this time. But for me and my purposes seeing the bed being broken down into its parts, strapped onto the back of some guy's truck and driven off is a little sad. It might sound pathetic, but to me it isn't. The bed was more than a bed. Building it helped me through a very difficult part of my life, and I am sad to see it go.

The positive spin to this is that the bed, along with almost everything else we own is basically gone. We are starting a new chapter of our lives. We are in the throws of a cleanse, we are cleaning the cobwebs, removing the dust bunnies, selling the inanimate objects, putting things behind us and moving on.

I want to go now. I'm tired of waiting. Part of me doesn't even really care if we sell the rest of the stuff. I want to go now. I want to start our new chapter. Carte Blanche (almost). I WANT TO GO NOW.

Cliff

Yard Sale done

Well it's been a crazy weekend. Our second, and last, yard sale has been completed. We did well. Surprised the bunk bed and sofas didn't sell, and even more surprised that the hot commodity was pillows. Yes you read that correctly. Pillows. Who buys pillows at a yard sale I ask you? I am having an "Open Garage" 2 hours a day this week in the hopes of shifting some more stuff - not too concerned about the $$ just don't want too much stuff to take to Goodwill.

Also, on Friday night I went out for some drinks with some former co-workers. Really put some things into perspective. It finally hit me that we (likely) won't be seeing these people again. Of course vacations will still be possibilities, but even that is not the same. Very surreal experience. It has upset me a little as I realised I didn't spend enough time as I should have getting to know some of these people. Sorry to those of you who fit this category. :(

I am not sure why this realisation just hit me. Perhaps because all I have basically been thinking about has been the yard sale, and by Friday evening there wasn't a lot more that could be done about that. I am sure more will be said on this topic later.

We are down to less than 2 weeks till we leave Colorado. Having a BBQ this Saturday, but unfortunately many of our good friends are out of town, so the number of attendees are diminishing. Hopefully we will still be able to see them before we depart.

Looks like we will be making a "daily" tab for the trip, cannot see a more efficient method with our free service - I will also add an itinerary to the "Overview Map" tab, so you know where we are supposed to be on which days.

Mayzie's last day of work this week. It's getting real!

Cliff

Progress

Oh, goodness me!

I have 7 days of work left! AND! I'm pretty much done with everything I need to do at work before I go so that I don't have several, very angry, government employees very angry with me! (Did I mention they would be angry?)

I'm a little giddy about this, can you tell?

It's a damn good thing Cliff got laid off last month.  I'm not sure how any of the stuff we need to do before we leave was going to get done without him home everyday. I'm not even sure we're going to everything done, even with him home everyday. He gets a lot done during the day while I'm at work, but there's still a ton of stuff to do when I get home. Mostly because it's my stuff, or it's stuff he needs my input on.

Right now, for instance, I'm in the process of making sure all of our physical CDs are in our iTunes library so we can sell them at our yard sale this weekend. If they don't sell, we're not taking them with us because they take up so much space, we'll just give them to Goodwill.

Next, I have to go through my photo albums, take out the pictures, decide which ones I want to keep, and throw the actual albums away. Again, they take up too much space. We'll take the pictures with us, but the albums can be trashed.

We're slowly making our way through our pantry and freezer items too. Today, we defrosted and cooked in the slow-cooker a whole chicken that had been in our freezer for over a year. We shredded the meat, fried up some taco shells, and had chicken tacos for dinner - they were scrummy! Very soon, we won't have any food left, which is good because we're selling all of our kitchen stuff this weekend (or, at least hopefully).

Ok, that's all for now. Lots to do!

- Mayzie

Suggestions

Help please. Trying to figure out the best way to organise the blog. As can be seen we have started adding a daily tab. The plan here is to put in the daily drive map for that day (if applicable).

This seems like a lot of tabs just for containing an individual map. Maybe put multiple maps together(by week?)?

We are also going to have photos and comments from each day's activities which we would likely post under the general "Blog" tab, as we currently are.

This will result in a lot of information/photos in the "Blog" tab.

One of us suggested putting the pictures we take in with the map for that day, the other does not :) Not sure how to do this. Suggestions.

Mum left fine, dad has been delayed. Off to the airport soon. Looks like the master bedroom set has been sold too.

Cliff

Sold!

That's one car sold. Yay.  Likely the bedroom furniture too. Unfortunately mum and dad leave tomorrow (boo) - along with 6 of our suitcases (yay!). Garage is filling up, house is emptying. 23 days till we leave Colorado Springs. Furniture, toys, a car, clothes, TV's, etc etc left to sell. No worries.

It's been a good week this week. Keeping fingers crossed that next week will be as good as this. Will see how I do with the kids by myself and continuing the organising for the yard sale. BTW, Colorado Springs friends, I still need more folding tables if you have them to loan. Promise I won't sell them.

Cliff