My Almost Final TorresTravels2 Entry

We did it! Safe and sound. 1,111 miles later, we're sleeping in our bed tonight. Crazy? Yes. But we were west of Phoenix at 6:30 and it just didn't feel right stopping at that time. Now granted, we did gain 2 hours during the day. But we weren't fatiqued and we were beginning to smell home. So we went for it - with a reassessment in Yuma. The winds were really strong crossing the desert and mountains. And that slowed us up a bit - safety first. But we still managed to drive into our garage at 11:45 Pacific time.

So now it's 12:20, and we're both showered and ready for bed. Please don't call too early.

I'll get in one more blog with some of our observations and highlights of the trip. Hope you all enjoyed following our travels.

Homeward Bound

It's Thursday evening and we're lodging in Amarillo, TX. Left Darah and the girls this morning. Had a great time with them, even though it was short. All three were buy with school, but we did get to visit the St. Louis Science Center. We had limited time which allowed us to only see the dinasaur display and the IMAX presentation of the Great Lakes. So, does anyone know why saving the sturgeon is so important?

This morning the girls were of to school and Darah had a morning bible study so we decided to leave early. So 772 miles later, we're in Amarillo. Sure would be nice to make it home tomorrow (Friday) but I think that would be pushing things a bit. So I'm sure we'll be there Saturday some time.

The ride was quite uneventful. We did drive into a beautiful sunset in Amarillo. It seemed to hang in the sky forever. We pulled of Interstate 40 just as the sky was darkening. This is the same route we drove in December but it was soooo foggy we didn't see any of the countryside during that time.

On the road again tomorrow morning ... early for sure.

Visiting O'Fallon

Our visit in Indianapolis was short, but sweet. Trasan and Sierra have grown since we saw them only 12 short weeks ago. Before we left we got to walk Trasan to school and meet his teacher. He was so proud to introduce us. Then asked why everyone was staring at his Lito and Nana. Ahhh, to be in kindergarten again.

We said our farewells, and began the four hour drive to O'Fallon. There was a front traveling through Ilinois and Indiana so we drove through rain almost all the way. Trees are just beginning to turn colors in this area. Once we got to O'Fallon the sun was shining and today the weather is just beautiful again.

We went out to eat with Darah and the girls. Then went to Ali & Sydney's school
bookfair. The girls bought some great reading books (Ali's into Goosebumps) and we read a couple before bedtime. Sydney proudly showed us her locker and classroom - all grown up. Too cute.

Today (Wednesday) Ai, Syd and Darah are in school. Later this afternoon we're planning to visit the St Louis Science museum. And then tomorrow get back on the road.

California! Here We Come!!

We're on our way back to California. Really, we're on our way back. But let me fill you in on our last few days.

Our train trip back from Vermont was uneventful. Actually, the trip back was easier than the way out last week. Mostly because of the timing. Going east we left Chicago at 11:30 pm. That makes for a long day to begin with, but then to travel for 16 hours...exhausting. Our return trip began at 7 pm out of Albany, NY. So we weren't so exhausted to begin with, slept a pretty good part of the trip, and then we were off the train by 10 am sunday morning. It was a great experience, but if you want to get from location A to location B, flying is the only way to go!

From Chicago, we drove to Sandy's home in Indianapolis. It's great to be here, relax and see the kids. The weather is beautiful. Today it was 84 and we got out for a little bike ride. It was a good day.

Tomorrow, after we walk Trasan to school, we'll head out to see Darah and the girls in the St. Louis area. Then continue west. We should be home by Sunday, or Monday at the latest.

Fall Time in Vermont

It's Saturday morning and we're packing to return to the train and head back to Chicago. Our Vermont stay was wonderful. The colors aren't quite peak yet. But non the less, it is beautiful. The land is very hilly with breathless views around every turn in the road.

On Thursday we visited a "pick your own" apple orchard. I never realized there were sooooo many varieties of apples. But before that we toured a bit of the Dartmouth campus and had lunch at Molly's in downtown Norwich. The city is everything you could imagine a New England city to be. The day was a bit rainy, but it was still a great day.

That evening we returned home to homemade lental soup and crusty local bread and good family conversation.

On Friday we drove along VT highway 4 to the city of Woodstock (not NY). We saw a number of covered bridges along the way and walked through the quaint little town. Good memories.

So on to Saturday morning. We're on our way to the local farmers market. Then we'll be loading up for the return ride to Albany to reboard the train.

Talk to you from Indy.

Lake Shore Limited

It's Tuesday afternoon. Tony, Mom and I just arrived at Gail & Johns house in Milwaukee. It's our first stop on the way to Vermont. From here, Tony and I will drive to Highland Park, just north of Chicago, and leave our car with John's mother. Then we'll Metra into Chicago where we'll meet up with Gail and Mom who are taking the MegaBus from Milwaukee to Union Station in Chicago. They're doing this because our car is packed for the trip home and when we return to Chicago we'll be heading to Indiana without returning to Wisconsin. Plus the MegaBus will drop Gail and Mom right at the Amtrak station, so minimal walking will be necessary.

The train leaves at 10:00 pm and it's a 16 hour ride. Yes, flying would be faster, but this is an adventure...and a test to see how efficient America's public transportation is...will let you know.

Talk to you from Vermont.

A Day in the Kettle Moraine

Spent last night with Gail and John. Thanks for your hospitality Sis. This morning we headed out to Hartford to have breakfast with Sue and Randy. Then spent the day touring the Kettle Moraine area. For those of you who don't know, this area of Wisconsin is hilly in comparison to other areas. The Moraine areais the result of the Green Bay Glacier gouging and moving earth, then depositing debris in the area during the ice age. Finally, that college geography paid off. Oh, and the kettles, or holes, are caused by melted glacial ice (and that's a thanks to Wikipedia). Anyway, the area is beautiful, and should be even more beautiful in the next few weeks when the fall colors are in full swing.

We also stopped at Holy Hill, a catholic shrine dedicated to the virgin Mary. It's the highest point in Southeast Wisconsin. Unfortunately there was a large renovation project underway that prevented us from climbing the towers. But we did get to see the church and walk around the grounds. I grew up in this area and have never been to this spot before. When we first saw the spires of the church in the distance,
it reminded me of the castles in Europe...and to think it was in my own back door.

We also drove past a number of the small glacial lakes in the area. I could see renting one of these some summer, praying for good weather and having a great family time. Dreams.