Because there can never be enough road trip footage to gawk at, right?
Showing posts with label cross country. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cross country. Show all posts
Monday, July 23, 2012
Friday, July 13, 2012
Cross-Country Road Trip VIDEO!!!!
Yay! A recap of our 18 day cross country RV extravaganza is FINALLY here. Long awaited, I know. It has been a whole week and a half. Whew.
So this 8 minute (and change) video can give you a taste of life inside the metal walls. Edited to some lyrical love from Mike Snow, Calvin Harris and Jack White.
Holler:
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Au Revoir to the RV lifestyle.
Saying goodbye to RV life has been surreal. It truly was a lifestyle.
You wake up, make crummy instant coffee, drink it outside in your brand new totally-different-from-yesterday's yard, take a public shower with tree frogs (here's looking to you, Napa California!), pack up and go. To anywhere!
You wake up, make crummy instant coffee, drink it outside in your brand new totally-different-from-yesterday's yard, take a public shower with tree frogs (here's looking to you, Napa California!), pack up and go. To anywhere!
On the road, I felt no anxiety, no stress, no burdens. It was life-changing/viewpoint-changing for me, quite honestly.
I think that when you see the entire country laid out before you like that, you realize how AMAZING it is. And ripe for the taking. Yes, every state is SO different. Yes, every person is SO different. But, for the most part, everyone is GOOD, kind and awesome. Like, really really awesome.
I think that when you see the entire country laid out before you like that, you realize how AMAZING it is. And ripe for the taking. Yes, every state is SO different. Yes, every person is SO different. But, for the most part, everyone is GOOD, kind and awesome. Like, really really awesome.
On the flip-side, I do understand why we're always so frustrated with far off states and their beliefs/what they believe is important. We all lead completely different lives with completely different problems. How are my problems going to effect the citizens of Thayne, Wyoming with a population of 300? They aren't. Why should they care? They don't.
When speaking to one of our horse cowboys instructor guys, I mentioned how weird it would be to see the Pacific Ocean in a couple days since I felt like I'd just left the Atlantic. His face was that of complete indifference. To him, that sort of conversation is meaningless because he's never even SEEN an ocean. Nor does he worry too much about making it happen. I mean he has cattle to tend to! And horses!
Cowboy - "Biggest place I've been is Salt Lake City. Furthest I gone was Worden, Montana."
Me - "What did you think of Salt Lake?"
Cowboy - "Too many people"
Me - "Would you want to see New York City?"
Cowboy - "I'd be too afraid I'd get shot or something!"
(sidenote: I've never seen more guns or dead things than when I was on this 18 day trip while I've actually never seen one in 29 years in NYC.)
And there you have it. Our country will never have completely similar lives with similar problems or goals. However, I do believe a trip like this would be the best starting point for everyone.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Road Trip - Day 16 & 17
Due to a very serious low-battery issue, I will make this brief.
Day 16:
We left San Fran and headed to Monterey, CA.
On our way we stopped at the Redwoods:
Then to Santa Cruz for a yummy lunch (from Aloha) on the beach...where we saw a sea otter.
Life complete, we moved on and bought some awesome roadside produce for cheap. 7 avocados for 1 dollar and Driscoll Strawberries straight from the farm! At night, our luck with zero-preparedness in the where-shall-we-park arena finally came to an end when all of the RV parks turned up full. Poo. However, since we are masters of the road we were able to find a Red Roof Inn with a free spot available (bonus: it had electricity and water hookups too!) It was a lot closer to other RV's (crap, people!) than we would have liked, but beggars can't be choosers.
As we got ready for our big night in Monterey, Jac made some amazingly fresh guac with our earlier findings and we headed out on foot to dinner and bowling.
Both were awesome. Especially bowling since the guy kept the place open an extra 30 minutes for us.
This morning, the crew awoke to a thick layer of fog and mist. It actually really felt like Seattle weather...not Cali at all, so we packed up the homestead and drove off into the sunshine.
On a recommendation, we grabbed the most amazing brunch at Nepenthe. And thank goodness we did. You get to eat in the trees! With hummingbirds! Overlooking the ocean! It's actually crazy beautiful and these pictures do not do it justice. Oh, the food is unreal-amazing too.
After that we managed to find the hardest hiking trail ever along Highway 1. The Nature Trail @ Ragged Point.
Do it...just not in flip-flops, like me. We didn't take any phone pics, but I'll update this later because the secluded black pebbled beach we ended up on was gorgeous. Also, Jeff getting creamed by a wave was also pretty hilarious and we miraculously have it on video.
Now, we're heading to Malibu for our LAST night in the RV. I could cry thinking of this journey coming to end. It's been so surreal and life-changing. I mean, we saw zebras today. Zebras! And then we stumbled upon a beach with dozens of Elephant Seals. Elephant Seals!
All I'm saying is...Ed ate a scorpion. That's it. That's all I'm saying.
~L
Day 16:
We left San Fran and headed to Monterey, CA.
On our way we stopped at the Redwoods:
 |
| ooooh. aaaaah. |
 |
Then to Santa Cruz for a yummy lunch (from Aloha) on the beach...where we saw a sea otter.
Life complete, we moved on and bought some awesome roadside produce for cheap. 7 avocados for 1 dollar and Driscoll Strawberries straight from the farm! At night, our luck with zero-preparedness in the where-shall-we-park arena finally came to an end when all of the RV parks turned up full. Poo. However, since we are masters of the road we were able to find a Red Roof Inn with a free spot available (bonus: it had electricity and water hookups too!) It was a lot closer to other RV's (crap, people!) than we would have liked, but beggars can't be choosers.
 |
| Day 16! |
As we got ready for our big night in Monterey, Jac made some amazingly fresh guac with our earlier findings and we headed out on foot to dinner and bowling.
Both were awesome. Especially bowling since the guy kept the place open an extra 30 minutes for us.
 |
| um, this might be my highest score ever. |
This morning, the crew awoke to a thick layer of fog and mist. It actually really felt like Seattle weather...not Cali at all, so we packed up the homestead and drove off into the sunshine.
On a recommendation, we grabbed the most amazing brunch at Nepenthe. And thank goodness we did. You get to eat in the trees! With hummingbirds! Overlooking the ocean! It's actually crazy beautiful and these pictures do not do it justice. Oh, the food is unreal-amazing too.
After that we managed to find the hardest hiking trail ever along Highway 1. The Nature Trail @ Ragged Point.
Do it...just not in flip-flops, like me. We didn't take any phone pics, but I'll update this later because the secluded black pebbled beach we ended up on was gorgeous. Also, Jeff getting creamed by a wave was also pretty hilarious and we miraculously have it on video.
Now, we're heading to Malibu for our LAST night in the RV. I could cry thinking of this journey coming to end. It's been so surreal and life-changing. I mean, we saw zebras today. Zebras! And then we stumbled upon a beach with dozens of Elephant Seals. Elephant Seals!
All I'm saying is...Ed ate a scorpion. That's it. That's all I'm saying.
 | |
| EWWW! It's escaping! |
~L
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Road Trippin - Day 15
San Francisco, I love you.
Yesterday the crew and I drove further into civilization (scary). We were San Fran bound! However, with having learned the true meaning of spaciousness on this journey, we definitely started to see what the hermits of Wyoming were talking about when they spoke of not wanting to be around people. People and traffic are messy and hectic. I get it.
With a little luck (due to zero reservation/preparedness), we parked our house at Treasure Island RV Park right outside of Downtown San Fran. It was nice-enough (aka- the only option) with showers, electricity and laundry. Plus, it was close to the subway (or Bart) and we didn't plan on spending our night among the permanent residents of Treasure Island, so it was perfect. We took the BART (Bay Area...something transport?) into the city to let the exploring begin...
I tried my best to soak up the vibe of the city quickly, knowing we only had a day to meet and become friends with a lady as complex as SanFran. Most conversations picked up on in passing seemed very friendly and laid back, chatting about their week, their dog, or their beard. But at one point, two men left a cafe and I overheard:
"Everyone's just nicer here, man. New York SUCKS. Maybe I'm becoming an old man, but it's BAD there."
lol.
After thoroughly giving our butts an up-hill exercise to remember, we stopped into The Rogue for some beer. Or a chocolate stout, IPA, Magic Hat, Oatmeal stout, Shakespeare, and Mocha stout to be more exact. The beer was awesome and the atmosphere was even better. Not too touristy and trendy. Just right.
At night we met up with two of Jeff's Seattle friends for dinner at Barbacco - an Italian tapas joint that had the most unbelievable burrata. It felt so weird being around fancy people who didn't just shower in the parking lot of an RV park, but somehow we managed. And we tried not to judge them.
Ultimately, San Francisco is probably my second favorite city in the US, after New York. The people may all dress exactly the same (something you can really only coordinate in pockets of New York like Williamsburg, Brooklyn) but there is something really unique and beautiful about it. The landscape, the townhouses, the charm, the people and the massive layer of fog sitting atop it entice me. SF, you won me over.
I'm sure I'll be back!
We're on our way to the Redwoods right now before heading to a more beachy scene.
Til then!
Laura
Yesterday the crew and I drove further into civilization (scary). We were San Fran bound! However, with having learned the true meaning of spaciousness on this journey, we definitely started to see what the hermits of Wyoming were talking about when they spoke of not wanting to be around people. People and traffic are messy and hectic. I get it.
With a little luck (due to zero reservation/preparedness), we parked our house at Treasure Island RV Park right outside of Downtown San Fran. It was nice-enough (aka- the only option) with showers, electricity and laundry. Plus, it was close to the subway (or Bart) and we didn't plan on spending our night among the permanent residents of Treasure Island, so it was perfect. We took the BART (Bay Area...something transport?) into the city to let the exploring begin...
 |
| Don't forget to call your Mom whilst on the road. |
I tried my best to soak up the vibe of the city quickly, knowing we only had a day to meet and become friends with a lady as complex as SanFran. Most conversations picked up on in passing seemed very friendly and laid back, chatting about their week, their dog, or their beard. But at one point, two men left a cafe and I overheard:
"Everyone's just nicer here, man. New York SUCKS. Maybe I'm becoming an old man, but it's BAD there."
lol.
After thoroughly giving our butts an up-hill exercise to remember, we stopped into The Rogue for some beer. Or a chocolate stout, IPA, Magic Hat, Oatmeal stout, Shakespeare, and Mocha stout to be more exact. The beer was awesome and the atmosphere was even better. Not too touristy and trendy. Just right.
At night we met up with two of Jeff's Seattle friends for dinner at Barbacco - an Italian tapas joint that had the most unbelievable burrata. It felt so weird being around fancy people who didn't just shower in the parking lot of an RV park, but somehow we managed. And we tried not to judge them.
Ultimately, San Francisco is probably my second favorite city in the US, after New York. The people may all dress exactly the same (something you can really only coordinate in pockets of New York like Williamsburg, Brooklyn) but there is something really unique and beautiful about it. The landscape, the townhouses, the charm, the people and the massive layer of fog sitting atop it entice me. SF, you won me over.
I'm sure I'll be back!
 |
| What day is it? Where am I? |
We're on our way to the Redwoods right now before heading to a more beachy scene.
Til then!
Laura
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Road Trip - Day 13 through Day 15
Time is getting away from me and it's scary! Eek.
After rolling into California on Day 13 and reentering civilization we obviously did what any civilized group of human road trippers would do. We shot ourselves in the face!
Wait, what?
Seriously. In an attempt to try everything that we've never done (and see all sides to this crazy country), our non-violent selves went to a gun range. I cannot tell you how absolutely terrifying the whole ordeal was. I honestly almost passed out during our gun safety demonstration. And then I almost blacked out when I actually had to hold the thing in my hands. Whew. Guns are so NOT for me. But we still had fun with it and were out of there in an hour.
From there it was time to park the RV, wash any gun evidence off of us and stumble upon the MOST amazing dinner in Napa Valley. The restaurant was Carpe Diem (a wine bar) and it was chock-full of mouthwatering deliciousness. They even had breaded olives filled with goat cheese!
Day 14 was reserved for wine, wine, wine. The first winery we saw was Chateau St. Jean. After our tasting, we bought a bottle of the Chardonnay and sandwiches for a little picnic on the grounds.
Next up was Deerfield Winery because we heard that they conduct their tastings in a cave. We had to experience it and thank goodness we did. The cave did not dissapoint.
Last on the wine tour extravaganza was Ledson Winery. It was beautiful!
I sat out of this tasting and opted for a glass of white instead, but the group really enjoyed their tastes. At this place, we bought a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc to share on the grounds as well and made sure to stay until the last minute that they were open. Good thing we did, because once the last door of the mansion was locked, we headed to the RV and realized we had lost our keys! Woohoo! We had to beg someone to let us back in, scour the grounds inside and out and have Jeff break into our RV through the window.
After all that, they were OF COURSE in the gift shop bag. Of course.
We needed a good laugh at the bar sitting at the foot of our RV site after that...
Day 15 has been slow going because of Night 14's late night activity, but we DID actually go to a really great breakfast spot called Worth Our Weight. Everything is free for a donation and the food and staff are incredible. Google it!
We're almost in San Francisco now! Over the Golden Gate Bridge we go!
xoxo
L
After rolling into California on Day 13 and reentering civilization we obviously did what any civilized group of human road trippers would do. We shot ourselves in the face!
Wait, what?
Seriously. In an attempt to try everything that we've never done (and see all sides to this crazy country), our non-violent selves went to a gun range. I cannot tell you how absolutely terrifying the whole ordeal was. I honestly almost passed out during our gun safety demonstration. And then I almost blacked out when I actually had to hold the thing in my hands. Whew. Guns are so NOT for me. But we still had fun with it and were out of there in an hour.
From there it was time to park the RV, wash any gun evidence off of us and stumble upon the MOST amazing dinner in Napa Valley. The restaurant was Carpe Diem (a wine bar) and it was chock-full of mouthwatering deliciousness. They even had breaded olives filled with goat cheese!
Day 14 was reserved for wine, wine, wine. The first winery we saw was Chateau St. Jean. After our tasting, we bought a bottle of the Chardonnay and sandwiches for a little picnic on the grounds.
Next up was Deerfield Winery because we heard that they conduct their tastings in a cave. We had to experience it and thank goodness we did. The cave did not dissapoint.
Last on the wine tour extravaganza was Ledson Winery. It was beautiful!
I sat out of this tasting and opted for a glass of white instead, but the group really enjoyed their tastes. At this place, we bought a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc to share on the grounds as well and made sure to stay until the last minute that they were open. Good thing we did, because once the last door of the mansion was locked, we headed to the RV and realized we had lost our keys! Woohoo! We had to beg someone to let us back in, scour the grounds inside and out and have Jeff break into our RV through the window.
After all that, they were OF COURSE in the gift shop bag. Of course.
We needed a good laugh at the bar sitting at the foot of our RV site after that...
Day 15 has been slow going because of Night 14's late night activity, but we DID actually go to a really great breakfast spot called Worth Our Weight. Everything is free for a donation and the food and staff are incredible. Google it!
We're almost in San Francisco now! Over the Golden Gate Bridge we go!
xoxo
L
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