The Adventures of J and L (and the rolling Zoo)

Smashed Mirror and our Macgyver Move..

2009-01-15T23:22:00.004-05:00

It's been a few days since I've updated. It seems I have more to do at home than I do sitting in a RV. :)

After our relaxing trip to Hot Springs, and man was it reeeelaxing, we traveled back to our home on wheels ready to hit the road. We were clean and raring to go. Lisa settled into the driver's seat and next thing I know she was cussing. Apparently, someone decided to clip our mirror driving by and smash it to little bits. What the $%@*?

Lisa being her resourceful self walked up and down the street entering each store to see if there was someone who could help us find a replacement for our mirror. After a few tries, she finally talked to a nice man who notified us that there was an AutoZone just a minute or two away. Gotta love helpful strangers! He even came out to check out the damage. I was too flustered to remember to take a picture.

With my help (laying on the back bed and telling her when it was safe to merge), Lisa navigated us to the AutoZone. A few minutes later, we had a brand new jerry-rigged mirror.

Here's the before:

Macgyver (aka Lisa):

The remains:

Macgyver putting on the final touch. A fancy blind spot mirror:

Aren't we (and by we I mean Lisa - I was just sitting in the passenger seat saying "What the HELL are we suppposed to do now?") resourceful!

Hot Springs the Pictures

2009-01-08T00:50:00.006-05:00

Time warping time..back to the evening of Day 3 & Day 4.

Day 3 we had driven through the last half of of Tennessee and Arkansas. We had seen Nashville, Memphis, the Loretta Lynn Dude Ranch, Patsy Cline rest stop, the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park, and lots of McDonalds. At the end of a long day pulled into Hot Springs, Arkansas which also happened to be the boyhood home of William J. Clinton himself. Imagine that. Apparently Day 3 was dedicated to Bill.

This was the first night we actually camped in a Park in a real RV spot rather than a parking lot. We had to register first..

We were completely exhausted. It had been a very long day, we'd done a lot of driving and had spent a lot of time being windshield tourists. This is when the PSSSSSST incident occurred.

I wanted to get some pictures. I'm sure it's was a beautiful place. When we were outside walking the doggies and feeling like the world was swaying, I could hear the running of a creak. I imagine it was gorgeous. Unfortunately, it was dark.

The plan was to wake up the next morning and head to Bathhouse Row for a nice hot bath (the first in 4 days) and a massage. We deserved it! Lisa was so excited that she left the park without waking me up (or letting me take a picture). The first speed bump we hit though, I was up. Believe me, it is not easy to sleep in a bed that feels like a roller coaster.

Here's a shot of us leaving the park. Isn't is pretty?

The town of Hot Springs itself was very cute. It sort of reminded me of downtown Ellicott City, except nicer and with less narrow streets.

Statue..

We passed the Ozark Bathhouse. The bath house was built in 1922 and ceased operation in 1977.

We were headed to The Buckstaff though, which is the only continuously operational bathhouse on the Row and has been in service since 1912. Lisa was excited! So was I.

We signed up for the Premium package which includes a Bath, Sitz Bath, Steam, Hot Shower, Massage and Parrifin Wax treatment. Ahhhhhhh!

What a long, strange trip it's been!

2009-01-05T02:23:00.002-05:00

We just walked through Lisa's doorstep. WOOFREAKINHOO! There were moments I thought we would never make it.

Although our live trip is over, our virtual trip is not. In fact, I've only gotten us halfway through the trip in pictures. The best are yet to come. So stay tuned for more.

We are bringing the animals in and then on to the hot tub!

The last 100 miles

2009-01-04T23:59:00.004-05:00

And I am finally letting Jen drive again. Soooo ow its time to reflct and contemplate the many lessons learned on this trip. Here are just a few.

Driving an RV uphill into the wind pretty much SUCKS ASS!

You can in fact go to the used home lot and pick one out for yourself.

Between NoVa (Northern Virgina for those of you that don't know) and Barstow, Ca there are only 3 kinds of music. Country, Jesus crap, and Classic Rock (time stopped with 80's metal hair bands)

Why anyone with a clue has chosen to live on the left or right coast and not in the middle.

People in Little Rock are way too hung up on Bill

Even though we intended to get a pic of every state sign as we passed through, our sub-conscious got the better of both of us and we missed Texas. Hmmmmmm wonder why. Could it be that we blame Texas

Verizon wireless kicks AT&Ts butt when it comes to connection speed.

Despite the fact that Mazdas are invisible you can still smash them.

I can grow a NERD, but not so sure I can make him metro.

As long as she has an Internet connection my sister can entertain herself for hours and hours and hours on end.

There is a good reason I fly everywhere.

I am not sure that those of you I now that made this drive in 3 days were not wrong???

Its the side trips that really make the trip

There are places in this country that you have to drive hundreds of miles to get to Best Buy (OMG, I know)

How grateful I am for my Blackberry

Why Satellite radio exists

You can Skype while driving 70 mph

The best laid plans and blah blah blah

The hot tub awaits.......... but for now its time to log off and navigate the way home.

California!

2009-01-04T21:14:00.001-05:00

We just passed over the California line and through the inspection station. We passed with flying colors.

William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park

2009-01-04T20:23:00.012-05:00

Passing through Little Rock, we noticed a sign for the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park. Of course we had to drive by. Wouldn't you?

To get there, we had to drive down Clinton Ave.

We passed President Clinton Ave.

Saw the Presidential library.. I hopped out of the RV to snag some pictures in my socks. It was a long way from the road too! Unfortunately most of them came out badly because of the dark. I didn't realize there was a night snapshot on the camera until today :( Oh well. You can google it if you want to see what it looks like. LOL.

The Arkansas and US flags. I guess there wasn't a lot of wind.

Who knows what was inside. All I could see was a motorcycle. Cigar, maybe?

As with everything else, it was closed.

On to Hot Springs!

Hoover Dam?

2009-01-04T20:20:00.003-05:00

We think we just passed the Hoover Dam but it's hard to tell in the dark. About 10 miles from Yucca, 333 from Los Angeles.

The sunrises this trip have been absolutely gorgeous. Driving west with the sun setting behind the mountains is a sight to see!

Odometer reads: 2159

Memphis - The Pictures

2009-01-04T19:46:00.008-05:00

We hit Memphis at night. Bad for taking pictures, but it sure was pretty...

Outside the Tenessee Vistor's Center...

We saw Elvis, B.B. King, and a security guard..

Beale Street looked like it was hopping!

We passed by the Cotton Museum..

...and crossed the Mississippi and on into Arkansas.

Cat poop and Loretta Lynn

2009-01-04T18:12:00.009-05:00

Let's do the time warp again.

So after Nashville, we rolled along to Memphis. On the way, we had a monumental moment. If you read the blog carefully you know what that was. Ready for it??

The cats pooped in the litter box! Yeeeeehhhaw. Pretty exciting huh? I'm sick enough that I took a picture. I mean look at the way it was tilted AND the RV was moving. Pretty impressive, I think.

Driving along we passed a sign for the Lorretta Lynn Dude Ranch, Flea Market, and Museum. Why not? We had missed a day of seeing silly stuff along the way so it seemed like a good idea. It wasn't too far off the beaten path.

Can you see the big sign right next to the Golden Arches? I should have counted how many McDonalds we saw along the way. A lot!

We passed the Lynn Family Flea Market...wonder if they had anything good.

We arrived. We saw the sign for the office...

The official Dude ranch sign....

but alas, like everything else. It was closed.

We did, however, visit the Patsy Cline - Chet Atkins Rest Area which was open.

San Diego next stop!

2009-01-04T17:56:00.001-05:00

We've left the Grand Canyon National Park after a day of filled with wonder and amazement. Not that you didn't already know this but the Grand Canyon is incredible. Definitely worth the detour and helped to make this entire trip worth the ride. We have lots of beautiful pictures to share. I just need to get them uploaded.

We're about 600 miles from San Diego. It *almost* over...

-Jen

Grand Canyon!

2009-01-04T01:20:00.002-05:00

We have arrived at the Grand Canyon and are now parked in a nice spot with electric and water. We even managed to open the park cable box, which we couldn't seem to figure out last night. Must have been the exhaustion.

Getting here was a little scary, and by scary I mean terrifying. If you had asked me if I thought it would be snowing here, I would have said no. I was wrong! Silly me, I thought it was always HOT at the Grand Canyon. I'm pretty sure Lisa kept this little fact from me so I would agree to come. At least we had a cute snowman already waiting for us in the front yard.

We're settling in and getting some dinner. Microwave pizza and beer (well wine for Lisa). The wi-fi is working, although slow and annoying but hey can't ask for the world.

I doubt I'll be venturing out in the snow tonight to check out the sky. I prefer the warmth and coziness of the RV. I mean, I did come here to get away from the cold after all.

Tomorrow we'll wake up, check out the sites and then head on to San Diego. We should arrive sometime in the evening. The hot tub is my prize and I'm going for it!

-Jen

Arizona, We have Arrived!!

2009-01-03T17:50:00.002-05:00

So we have now passed into Arizona and I have handed the wheel over to Jen.

Mile 1691. Add the 500 o so from EC to Nashville and the beach will be waiting. Between the surf and the pool I think we may see JJ cheer up a bit. Not to mention the hot tub that will have Jen and I both smiling.

The wind is a bit better, nothing like trying to drive an RV into a 30 mile or so head wind uphill.

Plan for today Petrified Forest, Meteor Crater, landing at the Grand Canyon to sleep.

And just in case anyone is wondering, Red Bull does not give you wings. I have tried and tried and I still end up having to drive.

I lied...

2009-01-03T17:10:00.002-05:00

Now, we passed through Gallop, I was confused.

Trip reads 1659. We're moving!

Gallop, NM

2009-01-03T16:04:00.001-05:00

Just passed through Gallop, NM. Trip reads 1584 and we're 95 miles from the Arizona State Line.

Wind is still kicking but we are trucking along. Our aircard has a signal for the moment and I'm working posting pics from our drive through Nashville and Memphis.

The scenery is beautiful, my only complaint...I thought New Mexico was supposed to be WARM?!?

-Jen

Nashville - The pictures

2009-01-03T15:57:00.015-05:00

Since we lost 24 hours, time was of the essence. We didn't want to skip Nashville though, so we took a driving tour of downtown.

On our way we saw these trucks and despite the fact that it really looks like they are headed straight for us, they were not. They were actually being towed by another truck. Sure looks freaky though, and with our luck this trip, I wouldn't be surprised.

Taking the exit for Memphis!

Nashville in the distance..

The Frist

Sites...

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum!

I stopped caring about embarrassing myself with horrible pics and hopped out. Note the greasy hair. Ugh.

Nashville Visitor Center

Broadway...Looks fun. If we had actually had the time to stop.

I found this amusing but shouldn't Church be on the right?

We chose Gay...

then headed for Memphis! Next time I visit Nashville, I really hope I can get out and enjoy the town.

-Jen

Bad food, junk, and lots of wind

2009-01-03T13:41:00.000-05:00

Just stopped at Clines Corner (elevation 7200 feet) for bad food and perusing of junk. God, america loves their junk. Don't they?

The wind is kicking which is making driving a bit more difficult. Hoping it dies down soon. We have seen some tumbleweeds though, so there is that.

All the animals are doing well but boredom has definitely set in for them. Poor JJ has a pathetic look on his face. He's ready for adventure to com to an end.

376 miles to Flagstaff!

Grand Canyon here we come!

2009-01-03T11:59:00.000-05:00

We've showered. Finally! I washed my hair 3 times and dam it feels good.

Back on 40 W, headed toward the Grand Canyon. Hopeing we pass through the Petrified Forest as we'll.

We feel refreshed, clean and ready to go!

Santa Rosa State Park

2009-01-03T05:32:00.000-05:00

Welp we made it to Santa Rosa Lake State Park. Tom Tom said 7 hours from the Grand Canyon. I believe the tip said 1397 or something like that. We clocked a lot of miles today!

New Mexico

2009-01-03T03:19:00.000-05:00

4 states in 1 day! we crossed over into New Mexico about 10 minutes ago. The speed limit is 75. Normally that would be a big woohoo but at the moment I'm wishing it was not. After the days events Im feeling a litle skittish and on edge and cruising at 75 in the dark is not helping.

We are going to drive a little bit longer and then call it a night. im ready to collapse into the bed but unlike Lisa will not be able to do that while we are still moving.

The trip reads 1294 which means we've managed 700 miles today. go us! According to Tom Tom we are 8 and a half hours from the Grand Canyon!

Day 3 - We have a new RV (the pictures)

2009-01-03T01:33:00.006-05:00

We have a new RV. This one is a Tioga, instead of a Jamboree. I'm not sure that Tioga means anything significant, but Jamboree sounds more fun and at some point today, I was wishing I were back in the Transmission Corporation of America Parking lot sitting in the Jamboree.

Our stuff was moved, the animals were relocated. Everyone is looking comfortable and ready to go.

A side by side view of the two RV's, one headed for the back of a two truck and the other for California!

Lisa belting in for the long trip ahead..

JJ is feeling a little sad, maybe bored...either way he found comfort in Mommy's lap.

Moose helped me update my Facebook status, because that is important you know.

...and were on our way to Nashville!

-Jen

Some tips about Psssssst and Rvs

2009-01-03T00:52:00.002-05:00

Apparently Psssssst is a combustible (duh) and RVs apparently have a LPG monitor in them that detects and warns you when combustibles are present so you don't blow up. Spraying Psssssst inside a RV will set the LPG monitor off . So if you need to dry shampoo your hair, step outside and away from the RV before you spray away.

We learned this the hard way. At 11:30 something last night when I was so tired that the ground felt like it was moving and all I wanted was clean hair and to pass out. Unfortuanately, we had no idea what the incesstant beeping was or where the h-e double hockey sticks it was coming from and had to desperately search for it for 5 minutes before it finally shut itself off. Believe me, it's not fun when you are exhausted and your RV sounds like it's going to explode.

I'm just wondering why the LPG monitor never went off in the first RV...

Also, dry shampoo only works the 1st day you use. The second day it does nothing. So hope you don't have to go more than 3 days without hot water or you will have a big greasy mess on the top of your head.

Texas!

2009-01-03T00:41:00.002-05:00

We made it through another state. Currently headed down 40 West about 80 miles from Amarillo.

Despite all the snags we managed to log another 600 miles so far. I drove for quite some time and Lisa napped. We are rolling along.

Anyone want to buy a home

2009-01-02T20:10:00.000-05:00

Somewhere near Henryetta OK you can buy a "used home" for the lowest price! And to think a few mins ago I was thinking hey why no just live in OK.

L

Crash Bang Boom

2009-01-02T18:51:00.004-05:00

Well we are finally safely in OKLAHOMA after 5 long hours. After the incident with the mirror we headed out driving down some pretty 2 lane highway forever and a day. There is NOTHING in Arkansas, in fact I think they want to be Kansas so they have something to do.

So Finally we hit Fort Smith, an actual real town, unlike "Y" City and think hey I bet there is a Best Buy and we can get our wireless situation fixed. Well I tried to merge into the turn lane and I say try for a good reason, because dumb ass me missed and instead sideswiped a car with the corner of the cabin on this thing. Brilliant maneuver. Luckily all are fine as was the driver and the dog in the other car, a tiny little Mazda BTW, now I know why people say small cars are hard to see. He was very nice great sport about the whole thing barely blinked and eye. However, before we got out of there his whole family stopped by to see the sight.

So know we are back on the road, Jen is driving and we are even further behind than we could have imagined. on the plus side El Monte RV has confirmed that dropping this thing off a day late is not going to be an issue and they aren't going to charge me. Thank god because I really didn't want to have to beat anyone down.

On the plus side we are once again fully locked, loaded, and virtual.

Baths and Auto Zone

2009-01-02T13:34:00.000-05:00

We pulled out of Hot Springs National Park this morning and headed to Buckstaff Baths. Had ourselves a nice HOT mineral bath, steam, shower, massage, and paraffin wax on our hands. It was the first water we've been since Tuesday and MAN did it feel good! We felt healed and clean! It would have been nice if there was some soap though. Worth the money and time!

Got to the RV relaxed and ready for the long drive ahead when we discovered that somehow had hit and ourmirror and smashed it to bits. Yes that's right. If you've every driven a RV you know that its quite imposible to drive without that. All was not lost though, we found an autozone a couple of miles away and now have a jerry rigged drivers side miror. Lets hope the adhesive sticks!

We now are rolling along once again on our way to the grand canyon. We ned to stop son though because both of the black cats have left some gifts for us in the litter box which is directly behind the drivers seat.

Hot Springs

2009-01-02T00:09:00.000-05:00

We have arrived in Hot Springs which is apparently the boyhood home of Bill Clinton. Imagine that.

We are parked in the Hot Springs National Park campground. The animals are being fed. Monkey just told me to go lay down. I think I'll take his advice!

I forgot to check the official mileage but it somewhere around 600.

Goodnight from Arkansas!

-Jen

William J Clinton Presedential Center and Park

2009-01-01T23:01:00.000-05:00

Just drove through Little Rock on our way to Hot Springs. We decided we had to take a quick detour when we saw the sign for the William J Clinton Presedential Center and Park.

That place was HUGE. Got lots of pictures but of course it was closed as everything else we've sen today. At least we can say we've seen the Clinton Presedential Library and School of Public Service.

Back on the highway headed for Hot Springs and just pssed a sign that read "Next 5 counties dry". Thanks for the warning!

We crossed the Misissippi!

2009-01-01T20:24:00.000-05:00

...and I know how to spell it! Who doesn't though?

Sadly the pc to usb adapter for our wireless card broke. :( Luckily we have internet on the phone..sucky but better then nothing. Are you sensing a theme?

Anyhoo, we are now in Arkansas. Just crossed over the river shortly ago. We drove around the city, saw Beale street, and stopped in the welcome center. No time for ribs though. :(

Hopefully we will find free wi-fi somewhere along the way so we can continue psting pictures!

Party Time!

2009-01-01T12:22:00.006-05:00

I started this post before we lost internet. Blogger is nice and saves your drafts. Thank you Blogger!

The pictures may no be in the right order because I can't view them on my phone..but u get the point. :D

We are dressed and ready, time to set up the party! We've got our mobile movie theater, plus all our yummy goodies.

Time to open the champagne..

We're ready! Champagne all around..

Time to eat!

and watch our movie. Thank you Netflix instant viewing!

Happy New Year!

Getting ready to ring in the New Year!

2009-01-01T11:38:00.006-05:00

Still time warping to post pictures. Apparently people are complaining that our blog is getting boring. LOL. Sorry, we will try to be more entertaining. :wink:

We rested, we napped, we sat around for hours..then decided it was time to get ready for the big party. We couldn't ring in the New Year looking grungy, being dirty, and smelling ripe (at least Lisa did - I smelled fine. Haha. Just kidding, Lis!)

Unfortunately, the RV didn't have running water because it came from NJ and had been winterized. Instead of running water we had running anti-freeze. We were going to be "clean" though, dammit!

So, we traveled across the street to our 24 hour Walgreens and picturesque view and picked up some essentials: baby wipes, DentaBurst, and PSSSSSST. What is PSSSSSST you ask? Dry Shampoo of course. Why they named is PSSSSSST, i don't know. Maybe because you could pronounce it "pissed" and your pissed that you can't use real shampoo and you have to use that crap instead. "Hey, Lisa. Hand me the pissed".

Here's our PSSSSSST and DentaBurst..

Apparently I have no idea how to use the macro setting on the camera, but you get the point!

Before "showering" and "washing our hair" we decided to clean our smelly feet. I'll admit, it was my feet that smelled. BAD! Lisa's nice and didn't complain. Luckily, I had gotten Lisa a Tea Tree Oil Foot Mask for Christmas and we had it with us and it doesn't require water! You just slather it on and peel it off 30 minutes later and it leaves your feet minty fresh and feeling soft.

I need a photography class when I get home!

Foot mask time!

In case you ever decide to try a foot mask, one tip, make sure you are sitting exactly where you want to be because you aren't going anywhere for a while!

We relaxed, peeled off our masks, "washed" each other's hair, bathed with baby wipes, changed our clothes and putting on a little makeup. God to it feel good!

Lisa throwing gang signs (must have took lessons from Owen)

Trying to suck it in...too bad it didn't work.

We are happy and ready to parrrrrtay!

Day 2 - Afternoon

2009-01-01T10:57:00.002-05:00

After our venture out to the store, we settled in and got comfortable for a long but fun day in the RV.

J.J was wondering why we weren't moving..

Moose says, "Let's get this show on the road. I'll drive if I have to!"

Lisa napped while I blogged, surfed the web, and watched the Office. I promised her I wouldn't take a picture of her sleeping and post it on the blog. Technically, I didn't...

-Jen

...and we're off!

2009-01-01T10:12:00.001-05:00

The new RV arrived promptly at 7:00 am this morning. We moved all of our crap and all of the animals and we are on our way!

Thank you El Monte for bringing us a new RV!

Hopefully this one will be good to us.

Post more pictures soon.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T00:21:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year from the Transmission Corporation of America parking lot. We are having a great time despite the circumstances! Hugs and kisses to everyone.

Pictures will be posted soon..

Trek to make a NYE party

2008-12-31T17:53:00.006-05:00

So, the RV is dead, our replacement is 14 hours away, we admitted defeat and decided to make a party out of it. Luckily for us, the liquor store is a short trek away. We crossed the highway and were off...

Apparently, this guy is walking it too. Don't know where but we followed anyway. Plus, if he crossed the street first, we were less likely to get smushed.

It took a little wandering but eventually we spotted the store in the distance.

Party here we come!

We made it (and accosted someone to take or picture)

Looks like they knew we were coming...

Lisa couldn't find a champagne that she liked, but we settled on something..

and they had my favorite.

Thank you, Rosy's!

After the liquor store, we headed to the grocery store and got some goodies!

Cheese!

Back at the RV with our stash..

Champagne is chilling...

We've got lunch..

Moose seems like he's having a good time.

Our view...a 24 hour Walgreens. Isn't it pretty?

Tranmission Corporation of America - Our Saviors

2008-12-31T17:17:00.002-05:00

After a 5-10 minute ride in the extremely hot (apparently the driver likes it warm and had the heat cranking) tow truck, we arrived to our destination and saviors... Transmission Corporation of America.

of which, it is apparently easiest to get to by cutting across the median, into the wrong lane and oncoming traffic.

Ah, we have arrived, safely and in one piece.

It seems the manager is also one of the technicians....and although the sign said he was in the shop..

He was not.

I didn't get a picture of him checking out the RV or Moose shitting on the floor of the above Manager's nice shop (I figured Lisa might slap me if I pulled out the camera at the point - I really wanted to) or him telling us the bad news that we were stuck for the night! Luckily, he is a nice person and generously allowed us to plug our RV into their power supply..

...they even got us an extension cord!

Our mileage achievements for today: 7 miles

Tennessee here we stay! - The pictures

2008-12-31T16:34:00.002-05:00

Apparently, leaving Knoxville was not in the cards for today. We woke up bright and early ready to hit the road, but the RV had other ideas. We may have made it about a mile and landed at a red light leaving the Wallart.

Lisa managed to force it into submission and we slowly worked our way into the Kohl's parking lot. So let's see, what that means is our list of places seen so far are now:

Walmart
Kohl's

I love tourist spots!

After unsuccessfully finding a tow truck or anyone to help us via google, Lisa did it the old fashioned way...hopped out of the RV and flagged down the guy in the "Plow Boys, Inc" truck as it was leaving Kohl's. Thank god we landed in Knoxville where the people are nice and helpful! He called some of his buddies who arranged a tow truck and found us a transmission repair center that was open. Thank you stranger!

After about 45 minutes or so, the tow truck arrived. Yay! We are saved!

The tow guy told us we weren't allowed to stay in the RV with the animals, so we had to leave them all alone and very confused! Somehow, I managed to snap this pic though so I guess it was worth it.

Yep, that is me...with a cigarette hanging out of my mouth, my computer in one hand, snapping a picture of the poor puppies. Priorities people! Look we had clear skies and no rain OR snow. Thank you weather gods!

Piled in the tow trunk and on our way. We could have gone golfing!

So yeah, it kind of sucked...and I looked a little worse for the wear but I could still manage a smile :)

-Jen

Tennessee here we come - The pictures

2008-12-31T16:08:00.003-05:00

Some more pictures for your viewing pleasure...

Tennessee here we come -

Apparently the welcome center was closed. At least there was a big blinking sign to let us know.

It may be hard to tell but we made it to Tennessee and somehow even managed to snap a picture of the sign.

Walmart here we come. It was a perfect resting spot. Even open 24 hours. I thought we should go inside and walk around just for the heck of it, but Lisa was not so keen on the idea.

Squirt was HUNGRY.

So were we...

Pictures- Day 1 - Leg #2 - Filling up the RV

2008-12-31T15:52:00.004-05:00

Some pictures for your enjoyment...

Day 1 - 2nd leg

Stopped and filled up the RV for the first time. We made sure to turn on the propane first!!

Moose was checking out the scene..waiting to pee.

Lisa filling up the tank.

Thankfully gas is CHEAP!

Driving the RV for the first time. I looked terrified (because I was)!

Geek Central

2008-12-31T15:26:00.002-05:00

OK we are total nerds and now have a peer to peer network set up in the RV and are ready to have a virtual NYE party this evening. Who is coming.

We have a verdict...

2008-12-31T13:31:00.002-05:00

Looks like we will be plugging into the Transmission centers power and settling in for the night.

The RV rental company is sending us a replacement RV direct from Texas. Estimated arrival 14 hours!

We've got a Walgreens, CVS, Long John Silver and Arby's in a direct view. A liquor store across the street and even a Tattoo parlor (just in case we drink too much champagne and decide to get a tattoo)!

Luckily I brought Yahtzee in case we get bored, plus we've got Netflix instant viewing on the computer. Thank you technology. We LOVE you!!

-Jen

Keep your fingers crossed!

2008-12-31T12:25:00.003-05:00

Well the tow truck picked us up and safely transported us to the transmission center. Luckily we stopped close to civilization and only a few miles from the service place. Please keep your fingers crossed that it's a simple, easy fix and we can back on the road shortly.

At least we have a laptop to keep us entertained and in touch.

When the tow truck arrived, Lisa and I simultaneously pulled out the cameras so we've got plenty of pictures to share. LOL.

More to come later...

Cross those fingers and toes!

-Jen

Day 2 starts out interesting

2008-12-31T11:20:00.002-05:00

Well we pulled out of the Walmart Parking lot this morning, got a mile down the road when what should happen????????? The FREAKING TRANSMISSION DIED!!!!!! So looks like we may just be spending NYE in Knoxville TN.

We are currently waiting for the tow truck to come retrieve us from the Kohl's parking lot. Fortunately a nice guy that runs a land scape business found us a tow.

Hoping its a quick easy fix, but if worse comes to worse we will be getting another RV from the rental company (hmm, how long do you think that will take????)

So if your board, give us a call, send us an email, whatever your heart desires. At least keep your fingers crossed that we aren't stuck to long. On a brighter note, this may put us at the Spa in Hot Springs on Jan 2 instead on Jan 1 when they are closed.

L

End of Day 1

2008-12-31T03:03:00.002-05:00

Ok it is now a little after 3 EST, midnight Pacific. We are in Knoxville, just miles from the gold. Decided we didn't want to try and find a proper campground tonight so we are currently park at Walmart. I knew Walmart was good for something other than cat litter.

Tomorrow is Nashville and Memphis spending the night somewhere else on our way to the Grand Canyon. I am sure we will find an appropriate place to celebrate the new year, maybe even twice.

Dogs, cats, birds and even humans have been fed, thanks to cheese and crackers. Heading to lala land in a bit.

See you all on day 2

Tennessee!

2008-12-31T00:58:00.004-05:00

I am now an experienced RV driver. Woohoo! It wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. Just took some time getting used to the mirrors. I guess I can now cross "Driving an RV" off my Do before I die list.

We just crossed over the state line into Tennessee. About time we got out of Virgina!

417 miles down! Only 3600 left to go.

According to TomTom we'll be in Nashville at 5:38 am but I'm sure we will give up and pull over by then. No idea where, we're just trucking along until we decide to do something else. The only thing we do know is we will be sleeping in TN tonight. :)

-Jen

More Pics from day 1

2008-12-30T21:42:00.005-05:00

Thought I would take a few moments to introduce the rest of the players on this crazy west bound journey across country.

From left to right we have Squirt in the dark blue carrier in the corner (the on in front of him is an extra) next to that we have Crash and Boomer together of course because they are inseparable and then there is Stinker the smallest in the group.

Again left to right we have Sweetie in the carrier you cant see through, then Jazz (AKA Monkey) With Princess and Runt the other two cats in the carrier at the end.

This is a view of all of them. If you look down below you will see the top of the driver seat so you get the idea that they are right above us. THANK GOD!!!! they are all being very very good.

And for those that are interested we have the Audacious Inquiry Mug along for the ride as well as a black Calvin Klein T-shirt that belongs to a certain someone that also couldn't make it an well got my yoga pants instead of his shirt.

Well and of course we cant forget Aggy. He was supposed to join us for the trip, but well at 18 he opted out a couple of weeks ago. So he gets the prominent seat and gets to play navigator on his way to join Sebastian. (OK OK yes I know its a little warped but what do you expect????)

So for all

" THAT'S JUST THE WAY WE ROLL"

BTW we are currently near Blacksburg, Va. 289 miles down the road. The cats are know out of their carriers and all is well.

Day 1 - A few hours later..

2008-12-30T19:30:00.003-05:00

Actually Dad, it's only been 4 hours since our last update. :wink:

Per my Dad's request, our first mileage/location update...

Mileage count: 140 miles
Location: New Market, VA

-Jen

Day 1

2008-12-30T17:14:00.013-05:00

We finally got on the road. It was much later than anticipated, but preparing for a trip across country takes time I guess. All the animals are packed and so far behaving well. The birds and the cats are perched above us on the overhead bed and the dogs are resting quietly on their doggy beds.

We departed from my folks at 3:30 pm, but we haven't made it very far yet, heck, it's only been 33.4 miles. LOL.

Thank you Dad for your air card. It's working fabulously so far, and although running away to California is fun, I don't think I could do it "disconnected".

-Jen

Some highlights from today...

Leaving my house, "Bye house, I'll miss you!"

Dad and Mom checking out the RV

The electronic center

The cats and birds

Mom and Dad saying goodbye

On our way!

Going..

Going...

Gone!

Okay, not really..Lisa had to send a text..

..and I had to take a picture

...and Dad had to give us our camera back

Really gone, we swear

J.J. relaxing

Moose not so much..

We didn't get far before hitting traffic..

The last MD sunset for a few days..and more traffic.

Pics from the day before

2008-12-30T01:29:00.003-05:00

The Video we were forced to suffer through just in case we weren;t smart enought to read the manual.

Dude trying to fix the lock on the outdoor shower, just in case we got the urge to strip naked in 30 F weather to shower in the middle of the highway.

And the interior. See those two seat, thats were are asses are going to be getting really sore fo the next few days.
Figured it was dark and I should take the sunglass off . Thanks Jen try and take better pics of your sis from here on out.

The first long day AKA The night before

2008-12-29T23:34:00.002-05:00

OK so Jen and I got started this afternoon on what is sure to be a great week. WE had to go to Linden NJ (I hate NJ) to pick up the RV. We planned on leaving around 11, but of course that didn't happen, but we did manage to make it on the road by 11:30. I of course was up the night before until well after 3am, of course I started tired.

If you know anything about the trek up 95 from Bmore to NYC you know that NJ and Delaware portion of the trip generally sucks and is nothing but traffic. Well true to form thats what we ran into. We were suppose to pick up the RV at 3, no later than 3:30. Well and hour and a half should have been plenty of cushion, RIGHT??? Hell no! We pulled in at 3:45 of course I called them before hand so all was cool.

So all my crap is now pilled on the kitchen table and back of the garage. The kids are all inside in their places (lets hope no one gets out tomorrow and we don't end up on a cat hunt). iPod is charging, cameras are ready, tomorrow is time to load the thing up. Oh and of course the wireless card is all set.

Going to be a long week, but we will have a blast. We are bound for the hot tub with a few stops in between. We will be rolling live and posting pics so stop in and say hello.

L