Home at last!

Yes, we made it home in one piece. Although not without a few tears of joy. In fact, the kids screamed the entire length of our street. We found the house just as we had left it. The dog was delighted to see us, the cat and fish couldn't have cared less. Sharon watched our home and took care of everything while we were gone, and we would like to thank her. She was wonderful!

Well, it is time to go back to school, back to work and back to reality. It has been an amazing 6 plus weeks. We traveled over 9000 miles, 42 days, 240 square feet of living space - yet an entire country - partially discovered, certainly much more appreciated. We are closer as a family with more unity and love than ever before. Ultimately, we were able block out the world and survive as seven people, on the go, learning, loving and living.

We hope to have changed; that we care more, that we are more openminded, that we have more patience, tolerance and understanding for our fellowmen, but most of all, that we are closer to the Lord, for protecting us, guiding us and answering our many prayers.

California! - Yosemite

Overall we entered into 28 states and Canada, however, no state received the hooping and hollering as did California. Yes, there was an ear ringing moment. It seemed good to be back, but sad to know that it is almost over. We went through Bishop, CA - then up over Tioga Pass into Yosemite. Yosemite was beautiful, yet full of foreign tourists - like unto the Grand Canyon and Bryce. We found a campsite and then went for a nice hike to see some sequoia trees. That evening we were delighted to find hot showers to clean our tired, sweaty bodies.

Rachel and Benjamin became Junior Park Rangers for the fourth time: Mesa Verde, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and now Yosemite. It is a good program for the youth to learn more about the parks and then pledge to help keep them clean.

Luisa and I could easilly stay a few more days, but the kids are dying to get home and see their pets, beds and friends.

Extraterrestrial Highway

As with so many experiences on our travels, this too was something that we didn't know existed. Yes, in southern Nevada, just North area 51, there is a unique community called 'Rachel'. We didn't stop but to take pictures of Rachel next to a sign showing her name - but we ended up staying the night. Oh, and we may have seen a UFO that night. The next morning, we ate in the Ale'inn Restaurant, eating alien legs and eggs.

The next morning we headed through Tonopah, Nye County Nevada. One of Luisa's wishes was to tour a cemetary. She got her wish. Many of it's occupants died in 1906 of illness or from the mine fire.

Bryce Canyon

Our trip was shortly coming to a close, so we wanted to extend it a bit, plus we wanted to avoid the heat of Las Vegas, so we headed North, where we found ourselves at Bryce Canyon. We were all so happy for that choice. We took a guided tour along the Canyon rim and found out the history as well as the legendary tales of the place. We found BUGS BUNNY among one of the hoodoos (rock formations). And Ben and Benjamin took the three mile trail down in the canyon valley.

In the evening we were able to tour some local shops and enjoy a movie (DVD on the laptop). The thing that will standout most in our minds is that 95% of the visitors at Bryce were foreigners. Amazing that they would travel halfway around the world, when it sit practically in our backyard. That night, with no privious sleeping arrangements, we stayed at an RV park in Tropic, Utah.

Grand Canyon

We were fortunate that we were given advice to visit the North Rim, AND we followed it. Just the drive to the park entrance was fabulous. But the part we liked the best, is that it was cooler than we have experienced on this trip. It even rained and we were all thrilled to be able to use our raincoats. Rachel wanted to bring her umbrella along on our hike to the rim, but it such a lightening magnet, Mom vetoed it.

We took a hike along the rim where we were able to see some wildlife, but more importantly, we were able to see such spectacular views. It truly was breathtaking and awe-inspiring. The views were spectacular but a little wet, so we came into the lodge where Benjamin found a friend. We also did some shopping, one of our favorite pastimes.

We were blown away by the magnificence of nature of the Grand Canyon and it surpassed any expectation that we had.

We didn’t want to leave too soon so we spent the night in the Kaibab National Forest, it was an amazing experience to wake up to birds chirping and nature all about.

Mesa Verde

Soon after the family reunion, the Ben and the Jim families took a hike at Mesa Verde,. We were able to hike around the ruins of the cliff dwellers of long ago. It was wonderful to see the remnants of a united and resourceful community. The buildings were very well constructed, but as Katie and Bekah learned, they were a little on the short side.

The cousins looked so cute together even with Ben’s youngest is older that Jim’s oldest. They were all seen holding hands on the way down and back up.

We then headed toward Arizona via Four Corners, however we only go to three corners because the park had closed half hour earlier. So if YOU are ever headed to “Four Corners,” be sure to arrive BEFORE 8:00 p.m., and tell us about it.

Colorado-small Family Reunion

Our next stop was Pagosa Springs, Colorado. We were joined by Grandma, Jim’s family, Jeffrey & Kathleen, Steve & Dana. Thanks to Dana’s family we were able to enjoy our stay in a wonderful condo. On Tuesday we went to Wolf Creek and hiked up to a waterfall where we enjoyed the mist after a mile hike. On the way to our picnic destination, Jeffrey spotted a bear on the side of the road and stopped abruptly, startling everyone in the car. It is unfortunate that we don‘t have a picture of the bear, but very fortunate that we did NOT rear end the vehicles that were stopped in the middle of the road.

One of days found us floating down a small river on tubes. It was wonderfully refreshing and a marvelous way to enjoy the mountain air and sunshine, not to mention Big Ben got a NICE sunburn.

All the outdoor activities made us quite hungry and we were able to enjoy many delicious feasts together. We all took turns at the kitchen or grill.

It was great to spend some time with family during our trip. As Katie put it, “It’s a vacation WITHIN a vacation.”

Oklahoma

One of the last anticipated destinations on the way home was Steve and Dana’s house in Oklahoma. We made it and had a blast. They have just finished their house too, the guest bedroom was very nice-thank you. Dinner was at Dana’s parents house, thank you for the burgers and hotdogs. We then went down-town and viewed the memorial. It was a very somber moment as we reflected on that day, but very impressed with the memorial set-up.

Back at home it was time for bed, but instead Steve kept the teenagers up with stories and movie talk. How fun, Steve. Next morning after sleeping in, we all headed out to Arcadia Lake. Dana’s parents, Dana, Steve, and all the Ben Nye’s fit on that very nice boat. We all had a BLAST!!! We each took turns going out on the tubes 2 at a time. Steve was an absolutely crazy driver. Near the end, all he would do is trying to knock us off. Benjamin was the only one who truly succeeded in staying on. Bekah attempted to wake-board, and did a great job at trying. Dana skied a couple times. She was so good at it that no one else even tried.

Everyone got a really nice sun tan/burn. We had so much fun, and we paid for it the next couple days in our very sore muscles and burns. It was completely worth it though. Thank you again to Steve, Dana, and her parents.

Horses

In the wee hours of the morning on the 9th, we found a campsite in Tennessee and just crashed. Later that morning we were planning to head out early, but on the way to the bathroom Rachel spotted a couple of horses just a few campsites away. We could not leave without at least petting the horses, but we were blessed with so much more.

The horses were named “Danny Boy” (dark brown) and “Smash” (white paint on chestnut) and their owners were David and Sharon. And their dog Duffy who had white eyes. They hale all the way from Florida and originally from upstate New York. David is a real live cowboy, and he, Sharon, and their family participate in rodeos. Danny Boy has Arabian blood and looks a lot like Ibn, while Smash is a painted horse and a very well trained piece of muscle.

They were so giving and kind. They saddled up their horses and gave Rachel and Benjamin short riding lessons and just let them go. Everyone got a turn including Ben and Luisa. David and Sharon had been planning to ride their horses that morning on a trail ride, and instead gave the family the best surprise on this trip. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts David, Sharon, Danny Boy, Smash, and Duffy.

We spent 2 hours with them and they were wonderful. We even had a small performance from David on his guitar and returned him the favor when Jaclyn, Bekah, and Katie sang for them. Before the trip started, we were all asked what we would like to achieve on this trip, and Rachel’s was to ride a horse. Well, her dream came true.

Grand Ole Opry

After we received our lovely RV back from the doctors, we headed out. We stopped in Nashville for a break and dinner and ended up on the grounds of the Grand Ole Opry Hotel, and decided to take a peak. We were completely blown away. It was the most amazing hotel that any of us have seen in our life time.

The ceiling was glass, displaying the night sky. It was absolutely beautiful, the whole hotel through was covered in thriving plants. They also had waterfalls and water fountains spread all over. There was a stage with performers, but not just a normal stage, big lily pads floating on water, and the costumes, perfectly camouflage in a jungle as cute frogs.

Many small shops and restaurants were in the hotel, your choice. The temperature inside was nice and cool while the outside world was a sweltering 98 degrees with high humidity. If anyone is interested in a wonderful weekend away, we suggest the Grand Ole Opry Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.

Tennesse-Smoky Mountains

On the road the again. On our way through Tennessee, we made our way to the famous Smoky Mountains. It was nightfall when we entered the mountains and we stopped at a road-side shoulder to have dinner. After dinner, Big Ben decided to do a quick check of the RV. Sure enough transmission fluid had leaked for 50 yards back. So we got stranded on the top of the Smoky Mountains and the night passed by without incident.

Next morning Ben took his bicycle and hitched a ride to town. Thank you so much to the lovely couple from Hawaii for the wonderful ride and parental attitude. Enterprise Rental Car, the only place in town, was completely out of cars, but the Lord was on our side, and we were blessed with a mini-van. Then we found a wonderful tow-man /mechanic, Jack who helped us immensely.

We then spent the rest of the day enjoying the mountains. We took a small hike and just relaxed in our small, rental mini van. When we finally decided to head down the mountain, we got stuck again. About 10 miles ahead of us, there was a small 2 car collision. We spent another 2 and a half hours on the mountain. Needless to say, we love the Smoky Mountains.

Dinner was a great all you can eat pasta, pizza and salad. We were then blessed again by finding a great place to sleep. Next morning we were able to head out. It turns out our Rv just burped and we were on the raod again.

Virginia-Johnsons & Christiansons

Our next stop was Virginia. Both at the Johnsons and the Christiansons. They were in our ward in Davis before both families moved. We just couldn't stay away from friends.

The Johnsons were a blast. We had the honor of watching a dance performance by Courtney in her own living room without charge. Lynne made the most wonderful homemade chili that was a big welcome instead of our on-the-road meals. And George, is just George. Thank you Johnsons for extending your hospitality, it is very appreciated.

Next 2 days we spent along at the Christiansons. They have a family bigger than ours and it was so much fun fitting both of our families under one roof. We joined them at church and enjoyed a wonderful feast at the end of fast Sunday. Thank you guys, we had fun.

The kids had fun catching up with friends and so did the adults at that.

We enjoyed visiting Lexington its rich historical heritage.

Wahington DC

We had a lot to do and see in DC. We stayed with friends near the Pentagon and conveniently caught the Metro just a block from their home. Thank you Pete, Karen and Lexi! We just loved the Museum of Natural History. It was a very hot day, so air conditioning felt sooooo good. We were moved at the WWII Memorial, Arlington Cemetary and other war memorials. We truly live in a great country!!!

Being from Davis, we had to visit the USDA farmers' market on the Capitol. It was good but did not offer near the offering as Davis does. We were impress as the metro was so easy to use. We later left DC to stay with the Johnsons' in Leesburg, VA and the Christiansens' in Lexington, VA. Thank you to them for their hospitality and wonderful meals! It has been so nice to have a relaxed schedule for the past few days.

Baltimore, MD

En route from NYC to DC, we stopped at the waterfront in Baltimore for dinner. Dinner consisted of seafood from Safeway; we fixed it in the RV in the Safeway parking lot. Later, we walked around the wharf and enjoyed some sites.

More New York City

Here are a few more photos of NYC. Shown here is Good Morning America, a stop at the M&M store, eating from a street vendor and playing on the 'BIG' movie piano at F.A.O. Schwartz.

New York City - Here we are!

Our ultimate destination goal was New York City; because it is the furthest away. Well, we pulled into an RV lot just across from Staton Island late in the evening. We got up the next morning to a 98 degree, humid day. Our first hot day of the trip. Our first subway ride took us to the WTC. In fact, the subway stop is at the base of the WTC, which was busy with new construction all around us. The site is huge. Other than the large bronze plaque at the corner of fire station no. 10, there is not much evidence of 9/11. It is great to live in a country that believes in moving forward, than loathing in the tragic past.



Our next stop was 33rd street on Manhatten. We then strolled around, window shopped and ate from deli's for much of the day. Good Morning America studio, David Letterman show, broadway, F.A.O. Schwatz and Central Park were just a few of our adventures. We truly had a wonderful time. Not once were we panhandled or did we feel threatened with our safety. We didn't make it back to the RV that night until midnight.