photos oct 22nd
photos
posted by Lu Betti at 9:04 PM
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Monday, October 31, 2005
Saturday Oct 22nd
Oct 22nd~
We slept a good 10 hrs in that wal-mart parking lot!! All that hiking is taking its toll on us. We were driving to the McDonalds (if the wal-mart doesn't have a mcd's inside they usually have one right down the street) and I needed my morning coffee. Well Laura and I started right where we left off the night before--fighting about her driving. She was yelling --I was yelling--I finally said--"stop the car--I want out--I'm walking"..........to mcdonald's that is. I huffed and puffed my way and realized that if i want this trip to have any bit of pleasantness to it I'll just have to suck it up and act like everything is my fault. Oh--Laura is reading this over my shoulder and says that's not quite the truth.......hhhmmm maybe we should just let this one go for now. I think that is a great idea. (by the way--she's chanting right now "you are not the driver" uggh.
We finally reached Salt Lake City--wow---that is some salty Great Salt Lake. By the way--this might be our best viewing of the sunset..but you pay a price to see it. Not only by entering the State Park and paying the $8.00 fee (first time paying a park fee--all the rest were National parks and we had the annual national park pass)-oh back to paying for the view---the smell!! It was pretty nasty. We did see a whole lot of bison just wandering by the edge of the lake. Looked like they were drinking the water---isn't all that salt bad for them???
We drove towards Denver (no fighting) and spend the night at the Laramie, Wyoming Wal-mart.
We slept a good 10 hrs in that wal-mart parking lot!! All that hiking is taking its toll on us. We were driving to the McDonalds (if the wal-mart doesn't have a mcd's inside they usually have one right down the street) and I needed my morning coffee. Well Laura and I started right where we left off the night before--fighting about her driving. She was yelling --I was yelling--I finally said--"stop the car--I want out--I'm walking"..........to mcdonald's that is. I huffed and puffed my way and realized that if i want this trip to have any bit of pleasantness to it I'll just have to suck it up and act like everything is my fault. Oh--Laura is reading this over my shoulder and says that's not quite the truth.......hhhmmm maybe we should just let this one go for now. I think that is a great idea. (by the way--she's chanting right now "you are not the driver" uggh.
We finally reached Salt Lake City--wow---that is some salty Great Salt Lake. By the way--this might be our best viewing of the sunset..but you pay a price to see it. Not only by entering the State Park and paying the $8.00 fee (first time paying a park fee--all the rest were National parks and we had the annual national park pass)-oh back to paying for the view---the smell!! It was pretty nasty. We did see a whole lot of bison just wandering by the edge of the lake. Looked like they were drinking the water---isn't all that salt bad for them???
We drove towards Denver (no fighting) and spend the night at the Laramie, Wyoming Wal-mart.
posted by Lu Betti at 8:19 PM
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Friday Oct 21, 2005
Oct 21st~
We woke up in beautiful Yosemite and we were just loving it. We did a little hike and then had to say goodbye. On the way out we stopped by the gorgeous lake and what do you know. We standing there admiring it when Laura sees the sign for the lake. "Mono Lake" she realizes that she has an Ansel Adams photo hanging in her office of this exact spot. The print even has "Mono Lake" written on it-she just never knew where it was. It was just funny cuz I made her pull over so we could enjoy the view-she was ready just to drive on by. You know, after awhile you get spoiled from seeing all this beauty and you start to take some of it forgranted. AFterwards we drive on to Lake Tahoe. We didn't have much time there but we did enjoy a nice sunset. We had to get back on the road and drive towards Salt Lake City, UT. When we were in Carson City, UT we decided to stop for some dinner. We have been eating somewhat healthy. Not all fast food along the way. We'd go into a grocery store and get you know--fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw from their deli department. Much better for you...tee-hee. I think you'll realize why we gained so much weight on this trip --even though we did some major hiking. Anyhow-there was this local hand made chocolate shop next to the grocery store. It was almost closing but we snuck in there to purchase some dark chocolate (my girls fave). We the little old lady working there talked us into a 1/2 lb box (told us it would run about $6.50) as we are picking out what pieces (we were done) she told us we had room for a couple more. So we picked a couple more...then she weighs it and tells us "total price $8.50" It's funny, I could tell that Laura wanted to jump across the counter and punch her in her nose for quote "tricking us-into buying more than we wanted"....well i was right because when we left that's exactly what Laura said to me. We were in the grocery store afterwards...Laura still steaming that we just spent $8.50 on chocolate when I looked at the receipt again and noticed that the tricky old lady doesn't have very good eyesight and only rang my credit card total as .85 cents instead of the $8.50!! I think Laura is still beaming about that "well that's what she gets for trying to trick us".
We got as far as Elko, Nevada and spent the night in our car at the Wal-mart.
By the way --Laura and I were fighting most of the day about the way she drives.
We woke up in beautiful Yosemite and we were just loving it. We did a little hike and then had to say goodbye. On the way out we stopped by the gorgeous lake and what do you know. We standing there admiring it when Laura sees the sign for the lake. "Mono Lake" she realizes that she has an Ansel Adams photo hanging in her office of this exact spot. The print even has "Mono Lake" written on it-she just never knew where it was. It was just funny cuz I made her pull over so we could enjoy the view-she was ready just to drive on by. You know, after awhile you get spoiled from seeing all this beauty and you start to take some of it forgranted. AFterwards we drive on to Lake Tahoe. We didn't have much time there but we did enjoy a nice sunset. We had to get back on the road and drive towards Salt Lake City, UT. When we were in Carson City, UT we decided to stop for some dinner. We have been eating somewhat healthy. Not all fast food along the way. We'd go into a grocery store and get you know--fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw from their deli department. Much better for you...tee-hee. I think you'll realize why we gained so much weight on this trip --even though we did some major hiking. Anyhow-there was this local hand made chocolate shop next to the grocery store. It was almost closing but we snuck in there to purchase some dark chocolate (my girls fave). We the little old lady working there talked us into a 1/2 lb box (told us it would run about $6.50) as we are picking out what pieces (we were done) she told us we had room for a couple more. So we picked a couple more...then she weighs it and tells us "total price $8.50" It's funny, I could tell that Laura wanted to jump across the counter and punch her in her nose for quote "tricking us-into buying more than we wanted"....well i was right because when we left that's exactly what Laura said to me. We were in the grocery store afterwards...Laura still steaming that we just spent $8.50 on chocolate when I looked at the receipt again and noticed that the tricky old lady doesn't have very good eyesight and only rang my credit card total as .85 cents instead of the $8.50!! I think Laura is still beaming about that "well that's what she gets for trying to trick us".
We got as far as Elko, Nevada and spent the night in our car at the Wal-mart.
By the way --Laura and I were fighting most of the day about the way she drives.
posted by Lu Betti at 2:08 PM
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photos oct 20th
photos
:
that's Laura's look a like, Kim -they are giving me their normal no smile look
Yosemite--El Capitan
Yosemite- Half Dome
posted by Lu Betti at 1:59 PM
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Thursday Oct 20th 2005
Oct 2oth~
Having our free continental breakfast at the Super 8 in Merced was quite something. We're sitting just enjoying our coffee, bowl of cereal and a muffin when this young black man comes in and talks some babble to the front desk clerk. He's on his way out when he turns and asks if he could have a cup of coffee. She says "help yourself". He grabs a cup-knocking over 6 onto the floor (leaves them there) then starts to put a little of decaf in the cup--then regular--then goes over to the juice and adds orange juice..takes out the dump tray and tries to empty it into the coffee dump tray (spilling it all over the floor)..I unfortunately said to him "oh it seems your klutzy just like i am" He says "yeah you wish".......what the hell does that mean!! anyhow he starts to walk away--tastes his beverage and then throws contents all over the floor...takes his cup -picks up the 6 on the floor and puts his cup and the 6 back in the stack of fresh cups. then yells something crazy to the front desk girl and leaves.....he was totally whacked. She (front desk) was trying to be nice, never seen him before but thinks he must be on crack or something. Laura could have killed me that i even spoke to him-thought he was going to pull out a gun and just shoot me. Oh well.
So we're on our way to Yosemite. We stopped for gas and I so wish that I took a photo of this old man that started talking to me. He must have been in his 80's-tall man wearing suspenders and he had about 5 teeth in his mouth. He was carrying a paper plate filled with something and another paper plate covering it. He mumbled something to me (i thought he said "breakfast") as he was walking into the gas station. I said "ok?" he said "what..you don't like catfish"? I explained what i thought he said and told him i love catfish. He removes the lid and extends his hand towards me showing me this huge plate of fried catfish. I finally figure out that he wants me to go ahead and take a piece...which I do. I decide--what the hell--I almost died already once today. I taste the catfish and I'm telling you....that was some damn good catfish. Well we start talking--next thing you know-he's giving me a copy of the recipe.....(yeah!!!). He got it from some diner in hmmm, I forget Arkansas or Alabama..back when he was a train conductor. Ok-so we're now in Yosemite. It was beautiful. Though we were a little disappointed that Yosemite falls was dry....boo-hoo.
When parked to look at Bridalveil Falls-Laura got out and started walking away-i'm searching for the camera etc..I turn around and see her coming out of the bathroom. She's not wearing the same clothes--I'm thinking--when did she grab a change of clothes??? She gets closer to the car and then gets into the car parked 3 spots away. Hmmm....strange--I turn around and there is Laura...Luckily the lady in the car (that i thought was Laura) gets back out so i can explain to Laura what just happened to me. I couldn't take it --had to go ask to get her photo with Laura. Her name was Kim and we spend a little bit of time walking around with Kim and Doug.
Yosemite really was beautiful.....we spend the night in our car parked in the campground--little nervous about getting busted-but everything was fine.
Having our free continental breakfast at the Super 8 in Merced was quite something. We're sitting just enjoying our coffee, bowl of cereal and a muffin when this young black man comes in and talks some babble to the front desk clerk. He's on his way out when he turns and asks if he could have a cup of coffee. She says "help yourself". He grabs a cup-knocking over 6 onto the floor (leaves them there) then starts to put a little of decaf in the cup--then regular--then goes over to the juice and adds orange juice..takes out the dump tray and tries to empty it into the coffee dump tray (spilling it all over the floor)..I unfortunately said to him "oh it seems your klutzy just like i am" He says "yeah you wish".......what the hell does that mean!! anyhow he starts to walk away--tastes his beverage and then throws contents all over the floor...takes his cup -picks up the 6 on the floor and puts his cup and the 6 back in the stack of fresh cups. then yells something crazy to the front desk girl and leaves.....he was totally whacked. She (front desk) was trying to be nice, never seen him before but thinks he must be on crack or something. Laura could have killed me that i even spoke to him-thought he was going to pull out a gun and just shoot me. Oh well.
So we're on our way to Yosemite. We stopped for gas and I so wish that I took a photo of this old man that started talking to me. He must have been in his 80's-tall man wearing suspenders and he had about 5 teeth in his mouth. He was carrying a paper plate filled with something and another paper plate covering it. He mumbled something to me (i thought he said "breakfast") as he was walking into the gas station. I said "ok?" he said "what..you don't like catfish"? I explained what i thought he said and told him i love catfish. He removes the lid and extends his hand towards me showing me this huge plate of fried catfish. I finally figure out that he wants me to go ahead and take a piece...which I do. I decide--what the hell--I almost died already once today. I taste the catfish and I'm telling you....that was some damn good catfish. Well we start talking--next thing you know-he's giving me a copy of the recipe.....(yeah!!!). He got it from some diner in hmmm, I forget Arkansas or Alabama..back when he was a train conductor. Ok-so we're now in Yosemite. It was beautiful. Though we were a little disappointed that Yosemite falls was dry....boo-hoo.
When parked to look at Bridalveil Falls-Laura got out and started walking away-i'm searching for the camera etc..I turn around and see her coming out of the bathroom. She's not wearing the same clothes--I'm thinking--when did she grab a change of clothes??? She gets closer to the car and then gets into the car parked 3 spots away. Hmmm....strange--I turn around and there is Laura...Luckily the lady in the car (that i thought was Laura) gets back out so i can explain to Laura what just happened to me. I couldn't take it --had to go ask to get her photo with Laura. Her name was Kim and we spend a little bit of time walking around with Kim and Doug.
Yosemite really was beautiful.....we spend the night in our car parked in the campground--little nervous about getting busted-but everything was fine.
posted by Lu Betti at 7:49 AM
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photos Oct 19th
photos: does a bear shit in the woods? --i don't know but something sure does.
Is that one big ass pinecone --or what? Not from a sequoia tree.
I'm carving our initials in this dead sequoia...cool to see that trunk--filled with tons of carvings-back to the 70's.
posted by Lu Betti at 7:39 AM
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Wed Oct 19th 2005
Oct 19th~
Yeah--no bears overnight!! That was our scariest "pee" before going to sleep ever. We headed to Kings Canyon National Park (right next to Sequoia Nat park).....went for a semi short hike. I think all the activity is catching up with Laura. She usually is exhausted every night and then ready and willing for some activity in the morning...but today I finally have noticed that she's needing some more down time. By the way, we have been getting about 8-10 hours of sleep each night...it's unreal. Ok, so we are stolling along leisurely in Kings Canyon on "Hart Tree" path when we happen along a couple that spent the night in the canyon (in their tent) they told us that yesterday on the trail they saw a black bear. You can say that we were hiking with some heightened awareness. I still laugh when I think of this conversation with Laura.
Laura "you look straight ahead and to the right-I'll look to the left and behind us"
Lu "ok-sounds good-let's have a code word to say if we see a bear"
pause
Lu "well --lets just say BEAR-it's not like we're supposed to be quiet"
we were singing and giving out these yelps all along the trail "mow" was my favorite. 1/2 hr later i hear laura say "we have a bear to the left" i was like "are you kidding me"..NOPE i saw a big ole black bear--luckily walking the opposite direction. Damn we never wanted a hike to be over so quickly....oy!
We finally got out of there and started to drive towards Yosemite. We actually broke down and had a pay for a motel room. I just couldn't take my stench anymore! It's been six long hiking days (about 14 normal days) without a shower! Not pretty. We spent the night in Merced, CA -had some very good authentic Mexican food.
Yeah--no bears overnight!! That was our scariest "pee" before going to sleep ever. We headed to Kings Canyon National Park (right next to Sequoia Nat park).....went for a semi short hike. I think all the activity is catching up with Laura. She usually is exhausted every night and then ready and willing for some activity in the morning...but today I finally have noticed that she's needing some more down time. By the way, we have been getting about 8-10 hours of sleep each night...it's unreal. Ok, so we are stolling along leisurely in Kings Canyon on "Hart Tree" path when we happen along a couple that spent the night in the canyon (in their tent) they told us that yesterday on the trail they saw a black bear. You can say that we were hiking with some heightened awareness. I still laugh when I think of this conversation with Laura.
Laura "you look straight ahead and to the right-I'll look to the left and behind us"
Lu "ok-sounds good-let's have a code word to say if we see a bear"
pause
Lu "well --lets just say BEAR-it's not like we're supposed to be quiet"
we were singing and giving out these yelps all along the trail "mow" was my favorite. 1/2 hr later i hear laura say "we have a bear to the left" i was like "are you kidding me"..NOPE i saw a big ole black bear--luckily walking the opposite direction. Damn we never wanted a hike to be over so quickly....oy!
We finally got out of there and started to drive towards Yosemite. We actually broke down and had a pay for a motel room. I just couldn't take my stench anymore! It's been six long hiking days (about 14 normal days) without a shower! Not pretty. We spent the night in Merced, CA -had some very good authentic Mexican food.
posted by Lu Betti at 7:20 AM
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Sunday, October 30, 2005
Tuesday Oct 18th
Oct 18th~
We woke up in the Bakersfield, Wal-mart. We had to give the Element it's 2nd oil change of this trip! How nice that the Wal-mart has that Tire/Lube service. Picked up our photos from the convenient 1 hr photo inside of Wal-mart. Sound like a commercial yet? Our national park line-up for the day was Sequoia National Park, CA. The sequoias are pretty amazing-quite overwhelming in their beauty. We saw General Sherman tree-which is the Worlds largest living thing! Well when driving in the Seq. park it became VERY foggy. We had to drive through the park into the National Forest (where the park rangers told us -we could legally spend the night in our car). Before getting out of the park we decided to check price/availability at this lodge that showed vacancies-just because it was so dangerous driving-could barley see and the roads were very windy. We had a very awkward experience--opened the "lobby door" and in we walked in on all the guests sitting down to dinner. We still don't know what exactly was going on but NO ONE was working the front desk and it was like this huge hiker wedding reception. Very bizzare. So back on the foggy, windy roads we go--I even volunteered to drive us out of the park into the forest. We when finally reach "forest boundary" I decide we should just sleep in the first pullout (you know the scenic pullouts on mtn roads). I pull in-but I don't like the spot. My thought was -just in case a car doesn't make the turn-i didn't want them to crash head on into us. So i decide to back up -to reposition our car. Beep Beep Beep--that's us backing up. Then at the same time I hear laura say "you better stop" and "bang"....ooops I backed up into one of those big boulders that they use to keep cars from dropping off the edge of a cliff. (luckily). We had a bit of a scary night in the Element that night. Everywhere you stop there are signs warning you about bears and not leaving food in you car (bears smell it and do damage to the car trying to get it blah blah blah) Well we saw a bear earlier in the day--3 cars parked right on the road-so we stop to see what they were looking at ---a big ole black bear just walking 75 yards away (luckily not towards us) Anyhow we had a bunch of food in the car and right smack parked in bear canyon country!!
We woke up in the Bakersfield, Wal-mart. We had to give the Element it's 2nd oil change of this trip! How nice that the Wal-mart has that Tire/Lube service. Picked up our photos from the convenient 1 hr photo inside of Wal-mart. Sound like a commercial yet? Our national park line-up for the day was Sequoia National Park, CA. The sequoias are pretty amazing-quite overwhelming in their beauty. We saw General Sherman tree-which is the Worlds largest living thing! Well when driving in the Seq. park it became VERY foggy. We had to drive through the park into the National Forest (where the park rangers told us -we could legally spend the night in our car). Before getting out of the park we decided to check price/availability at this lodge that showed vacancies-just because it was so dangerous driving-could barley see and the roads were very windy. We had a very awkward experience--opened the "lobby door" and in we walked in on all the guests sitting down to dinner. We still don't know what exactly was going on but NO ONE was working the front desk and it was like this huge hiker wedding reception. Very bizzare. So back on the foggy, windy roads we go--I even volunteered to drive us out of the park into the forest. We when finally reach "forest boundary" I decide we should just sleep in the first pullout (you know the scenic pullouts on mtn roads). I pull in-but I don't like the spot. My thought was -just in case a car doesn't make the turn-i didn't want them to crash head on into us. So i decide to back up -to reposition our car. Beep Beep Beep--that's us backing up. Then at the same time I hear laura say "you better stop" and "bang"....ooops I backed up into one of those big boulders that they use to keep cars from dropping off the edge of a cliff. (luckily). We had a bit of a scary night in the Element that night. Everywhere you stop there are signs warning you about bears and not leaving food in you car (bears smell it and do damage to the car trying to get it blah blah blah) Well we saw a bear earlier in the day--3 cars parked right on the road-so we stop to see what they were looking at ---a big ole black bear just walking 75 yards away (luckily not towards us) Anyhow we had a bunch of food in the car and right smack parked in bear canyon country!!
posted by Lu Betti at 7:49 PM
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Thursday, October 20, 2005
Monday oct 17th 2005
Oct 17, 2005
We woke up on the streets of LaJolla. Right in front of Lisa Baker's work bldg. She really does have a great view!! There is this camper that was parked up the street at night and I guess every morning then move it to right in front of her bldg for the day. Just great--they have given Laura all these grand ideas. "Let's sell everything-and live out of a camper--we can do like they have done and just live on this street in LaJolla."....oh boy! Watch out Lisa -we might be your neighbor. We drove down the street a bit to enjoy LaJolla Cove. Plus we just didn't want to embarrass Lisa anymore by being her homeless friends that wouldn't leave. We found a changing station (and lookey there) they had an electrical outlet outside so we made ourselves a cup of java. The waves were huge--people out body surfing. That was pretty cool to watch. These waves were about 12-15 feet...big!
On the way towards Sequoia National Park we stopped at a winery. Had to do some taste testing before just buying the wine. We kept it in check. Then on the road again-oh i finally found a place to buy some pinon nuts. (pine nut--it is a nut you know)--that's for Pam Tuttle.
We were on the road driving for about 6 hours when we decided to just spend the night in Bakersfield, CA (wal-mart). We caught the end of Monday Night football at the Original Roadhouse Grill--wow they make a good margarita. We fell asleep to the soft ping ping of raindrops on our rooftop. Hey some people pay extra for a tin roof so they can hear the same sound...we got it for free. Actually it rained all night....ping ping ping can sure get on your nerves after awhile.
by the way: we haven't showered in 4 days...started to stink....
posted by Lu Betti at 9:27 AM
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Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Sunday oct 16, 2005
Oct 16, 2005
Read about a great b-fast place called "Hash House a Go Go" and we decided to check it out. When they say they have huge portions-i wish i had a photo to show ya'll. HUGE and pretty yummy. We finally heard from Lisa Baker right when we were headed into the zoo. we spent all day at the zoo--i just loved the bears, monkey, tigers. I get a real kick out of watching the monkeys groom each other--really pick bugs off of each other and eat em..yummy.
Laura and I went to a sports bar to catch up on some of the nfl games and i wanted to see if i could get on the internet. Lisa Baker called and met us there. It was great seeing her and catching up. She told us about her job-her office is in LaJolla-right on the Ocean. Gave us the great idea to just spend the night in the car right in front of her office---it was perfect!!
Oh Lisa told me the funniest thing. When she and I were outside by the car she asked how am i doing. I told her it's been tough today--you know Laura and I being together 24/7 for 4 weeks-sometimes it gets hard. She said "being with anyone 24/7 for 4 weeks is hard-even Jesus Christ"......can you picture " You know Jesus- I love you and all but damn you're getting on my nerves"
posted by Lu Betti at 11:40 PM
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Saturday oct 15, 2005
Oct 15, 2005
Had some time to explore Joshua tree and then drove to San Deigo. We both just loved the rock formations and the odd shaped Joshua trees. Did a quick hike (yes-can you believe i even can say that word). We wanted to see the 40 ft Joshua tree before we left. Finally-giving up- on the way out- I asked "where is the 40' joshua tree" ranger replied "it died 7 years ago in a fire"
Stopped by Palm Springs on the way to San Diego. Laura wanted to see Mission Hills golf course--we think that's where the Dinah shore gold classic is played. We gave up looking for it and settled for a photo of "Dinah Shore Drive" --maybe it died 7 years ago in a fire (tee-hee)
Arrived in San Diego-at dusk. We were able to see the sunset at Cabrillo National Monument. It offers a great view of downtown San Diego and the harbor. The national cemetary is up there and wow--they have a great resting place--what a view.
Tried to hook up with Lisa Baker. She's a friend from Charleston that just moved to San Diego. We were supposed to try and meet for dinner but we never heard back from her. Ended up having the worst soup ever at some City Deli in the "Hillcrest" district.
Decided to sleep in the car in the Super 8 motel parking lot.
by the way--in the 7 eleven parking lot-some woman in the passenger seat wouldn't stop staring at laura--and i mean staring. Laura really thinks she thought she was someone famous.
posted by Lu Betti at 11:22 PM
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Friday oct 14th 2005
Oct 14, 2005
Leaving Las Vegas--looking for Laura's lost journal. No luck--Laura said if someone has it they won't be able to read it. Arrived at Joshua Tree National Park (CA) right at sundown. We picked up some items for a picnic dinner and went in search of a campsite. Spoke to the ranger and he said that we'd have to pay $5.00 for a campsite-even if sleeping in our car. Well--we have never seen so many people camping. Finally, we had some luck at the 3rd campsite. We enjoyed a little fried chicken some wine and then got our car ready for bed. Actually, this was our best nights sleep in the car. We felt totally safe--all the other campers around and it wasn't too cold/hot.
posted by Lu Betti at 11:11 PM
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Thursday Oct 13, 2005
Oct 13, 2005
Laundry day at the lovely campground behind Circus Circus. Purchased tickets for "Tony & Tina's Wedding" and then the late show of "La Femme". Laura has some words of advice for those of you that have never been to a "Tony & Tina's Wedding" Bad music, bad dresses, bad food -just like a real wedding. Think she was just moody today. Let's change the subject.
Our big gambling---we lost $14.00 on slots. Never played table games--i guess i just wasnt in the mood.
posted by Lu Betti at 10:57 PM
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Wed oct 12th
oct 12th, 2005
Met two old men at the McDonalds in Walmart. Sidenote: for some reason the Kingman, AZ MdD' is more expensive than any other we have been to. Well the two old fellas gave us the name and address of a cheap hotel in Vegas. Said they love it for the 2 for 1 food they offer and all rooms are only $25.oo a night on weekdays. So--off to the "Gold Spike" we head. We did a quickie of Hoover Dam-didn't do the tour-thank you Glen Canyon Dam for giving us our fill of dams for this trip. Well once at "Gold Spike" we decided to search for another hotel. We booked 2 nights in the lovely Circus Circus--talk about white trash kid heaven. $39 a night . We did a walk of the strip and I really wanted to see "O" Cirque show. It was sold out-but we waited for over an hour and a half for standby tickets--and yeah we got them--the show was great!! When trying to buy tickets the ticket lady asked Laura "where are you staying"...the rest of the night we joked "Gold Spike--I'm sure you've heard of it"...then we just bust out laughing. She still thinks if we said "Bellagio" instead of "Circus Circus" standby would not have been needed.
scissors lost money on slots
posted by Lu Betti at 10:27 PM
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Tuesday Oct 11th
oct 11th---Oh i forgot to mention yesterday that after that long ass hike--about our nights sleep. Remember we only had 2 nights at the lodge--so we ended up spending last night in our car-parked right outside the same room that we've spent the last 2 nights in....and dang was it cold. Was 29 degrees overnight...brrrr..
Ok we said our goodbye to the canyon before heading for Las Vegas. We stopped to visit Sunet Volcano Crater (still in AZ) --it's the youngest volcano in the US. Funny the ranger told us about receiving a piece of lava back in the mail from a visitor that took it and then had a bunch of bad luck....he told us that we could pick up the lava but please don't take any. So of course-Laura found this cute little piece and pocketed it....well before we even left the park--my phone finally received a signal and I called back to Rehoboth-- Garin told me that I received a check from a tenant back in Charleston with a note=and he's moving out at the end of the month--the washer/dryer is broken--as well as the toilet........damn it--"Laura throw back that piece of lava"...and we did.
We did a quick drive thru of Sedona-while waiting for photos to be developed at where else but Wal-mart. Del-Taco--visited twice today. 3 tacos for .99 cents.
Drove on to Kingman, AZ--about 100 miles from Hoover Dam.
oh yeah--before we left the canyon--we spent the best $3.00 ever (1.50 each)--on a hot shower at the camper services bldg....ah nice.
posted by Lu Betti at 9:59 PM
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Monday Oct 10, 2005
Oct 10th, 2005
Grand Canyon---big hike day. This Columbus Day will always be one that I'll remember. Laura was fine about us not hiking to the bottom-instead this is what we had on our hike agenda. Hike down Kaibab Trail (5 miles down) then across on Tonto Trail (4 miles across) then up Bright Angel Trail (4.5 grueling miles up)...so a total of 13.5 miles!!! I think I am officially crazy. I decided to do this hike in tennis shoes-my boots were causing me pain. On the shuttle ride to the Kaibab Trail we struck up a conversation with this gal that was doing the hike to the bottom and spending the night at Phantom (by the way her name is Peggy-but for some reason she reminded me of Susie Prueter)--so Peggy tells us that the hike we are doing is tougher than going to the bottom and back up.---oh just great. Well I am proud to say that we accomplished it in 9 hours...i have NEVER exercised that long in one day-in all my life. We did take out 1/2 hr for lunch--which is a funny story. On the way down the Kaibab trail we crossed paths with two old ladies on their way up. I'm not joking about the old--laura guesses they were in their 70's. Well they started the day before down the North rim-spent the night at Phantom and were on the way up the South rim. OY!!! Well-the one asked laura "are you in search of food"? She found a grocery bag of food on the trail and was carrying it up with her--so we took it off her hands. When it came time for our lunch -hours later--it was nice to have a surprise lunch added to our light weight lunch. We enjoyed someone's tasty turkey sandwiches and trail mix. WE joked about the poor couple that lost their lunch...the one yelling at the other "how could you not notice you dropped a bag of food"----oh I bet someone was in the doghouse.
We went back to the Bright Angel Lodge Bar for a much deserved cocktail before treating ourselves to a big steak dinner. Guess who's in there...witchie-poo from yesterday. She practically gives up her seat for us to sit at the bar. She mentions to me that she saw us yesterday---yeah we saw you too. I was kind of getting her vibe--she was so hitting on both Laura and I. Her boyfriend/husband??? comes back to his seat and asks about our hiking day. I'm about to order-not sure what I want. I even say outloud "don't know if i want a hot or cold drink" you know what witchie-poo says --and right up in my personal space "well a friend of mine--she says "both" that's the best answer to anything..both"---uggh i felt sick. Laura was oblivious-now talking to this couple to her right. Luckily the witchie-poo and her man friend were called for the dining table.---good riddance. AFter our very enjoyable dinner we were in the gift shop. Laura left to use the bathroom (not a big surprise--my poor girl) anyhow I was checking out and it was oh so difficult. The cashier was a large man--with 2 golf ball size growths coming out of his one cheek--and other above his right eye. He was very chatty with me--and he spit when he spoke. To top it all off--he had a thin line of blood coming out of his nose--running into his stubble above his lip. I was totally grossed out. Laura came back right at the end of the transaction. She said to me "uggh i know that was hard for you"....i replied " that was tougher than the hike we did" I know--i'm bad--but he really was gross.....
Grand Canyon---big hike day. This Columbus Day will always be one that I'll remember. Laura was fine about us not hiking to the bottom-instead this is what we had on our hike agenda. Hike down Kaibab Trail (5 miles down) then across on Tonto Trail (4 miles across) then up Bright Angel Trail (4.5 grueling miles up)...so a total of 13.5 miles!!! I think I am officially crazy. I decided to do this hike in tennis shoes-my boots were causing me pain. On the shuttle ride to the Kaibab Trail we struck up a conversation with this gal that was doing the hike to the bottom and spending the night at Phantom (by the way her name is Peggy-but for some reason she reminded me of Susie Prueter)--so Peggy tells us that the hike we are doing is tougher than going to the bottom and back up.---oh just great. Well I am proud to say that we accomplished it in 9 hours...i have NEVER exercised that long in one day-in all my life. We did take out 1/2 hr for lunch--which is a funny story. On the way down the Kaibab trail we crossed paths with two old ladies on their way up. I'm not joking about the old--laura guesses they were in their 70's. Well they started the day before down the North rim-spent the night at Phantom and were on the way up the South rim. OY!!! Well-the one asked laura "are you in search of food"? She found a grocery bag of food on the trail and was carrying it up with her--so we took it off her hands. When it came time for our lunch -hours later--it was nice to have a surprise lunch added to our light weight lunch. We enjoyed someone's tasty turkey sandwiches and trail mix. WE joked about the poor couple that lost their lunch...the one yelling at the other "how could you not notice you dropped a bag of food"----oh I bet someone was in the doghouse.
We went back to the Bright Angel Lodge Bar for a much deserved cocktail before treating ourselves to a big steak dinner. Guess who's in there...witchie-poo from yesterday. She practically gives up her seat for us to sit at the bar. She mentions to me that she saw us yesterday---yeah we saw you too. I was kind of getting her vibe--she was so hitting on both Laura and I. Her boyfriend/husband??? comes back to his seat and asks about our hiking day. I'm about to order-not sure what I want. I even say outloud "don't know if i want a hot or cold drink" you know what witchie-poo says --and right up in my personal space "well a friend of mine--she says "both" that's the best answer to anything..both"---uggh i felt sick. Laura was oblivious-now talking to this couple to her right. Luckily the witchie-poo and her man friend were called for the dining table.---good riddance. AFter our very enjoyable dinner we were in the gift shop. Laura left to use the bathroom (not a big surprise--my poor girl) anyhow I was checking out and it was oh so difficult. The cashier was a large man--with 2 golf ball size growths coming out of his one cheek--and other above his right eye. He was very chatty with me--and he spit when he spoke. To top it all off--he had a thin line of blood coming out of his nose--running into his stubble above his lip. I was totally grossed out. Laura came back right at the end of the transaction. She said to me "uggh i know that was hard for you"....i replied " that was tougher than the hike we did" I know--i'm bad--but he really was gross.....
posted by Lu Betti at 8:23 PM
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Sunday Oct 9th 2005
Oct 9, 2005
Goodness-goodness we are in the Grand Canyon and can't wait to take a peak. Drove to a couple of the look out points and then went back to the park market to grab picnic stuff. We decided to just do a wimpy hike today-we're saving up for a big day of hiking tomorrow. We are on a wait list for Phantom Ranch. It's the only place to stay at the bottom of the canyon--Laura really wants to hike to the bottom-spend the night-and hike up the next day. I guess I do too-but I'm just concerned about that damn blister. ok so it's set --today we'll just do the rim hike. I didn't get far on that rim-when I was amazed!!!!! We saw California Condors. I really didn't know much about them but I was soon a big fan. We decided to attend the ranger talk about Condors. Can't believe their wingspan--about 91/2 feet!! There was a time when only 22 existed in the world--now about 250 exist. We saw 4 of them!! Ok-so we went back on our hike--and this is not a difficult hike but I sure ended up complaining. My heel was saying to me "please don't hike me to the bottom of the canyon--I don't want to go to Phanton Ranch". I gave Laura the bad news about not being able to do the P Ranch. We went to a couple different lookout points to view the sunset--gorgeous. After sunset we decided to have a cocktail or two at the Bright Angel Bar--Laura almost ended up with a big ole bruise--caught her looking at some woman. She said she found her attractive--I thought she looked a little wichtie-poo.
posted by Lu Betti at 7:48 PM
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more photos
Bryce--Scissors in Panama City--my heel blister
posted by Lu Betti at 7:27 PM
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Sunday, October 16, 2005
Sat Oct 7th
Oct 7th~
Zion---another hike day. This time I decided to bring along my flip flops-remember my heel blister? We decided to do this 4 hr hike called "Angels Landing" and let me tell you---I was too chicken to do the last 1/4 mile of it-climbing along the edge of this cliff-using chains to help pull yourself up and of course to help keep you from falling to your death. I did the first part of it and said "no thank you-i don't need to go on any further". There was an area on a flat rock for all the chickens to wait while the others carried on. Laura was glad that she did it but later said she's not sure she could do it again--knowing what she knows (how damn scary it was)!!!
After about the first 1000 yards of hike I couldn't take the heel pain any more and changed into a flip flop. So, I hiked all the way up and down in one flip flop-one hiking boot-proud that I even finished. What a hiking fashion statement I was making the whole way. I was the talk of the mountain for awhile.
After our Zion hike we had to pack up and head to the Daddy of all Hiking places....The Grand Canyon!! We were driving the long road into the South Rim (from the East) during this terrific lightning storm. Unfortunately-it also started to rain which contributed to our big road traveling blow out. It seems Laura and I often have a disagreement on how fast the car should travel --especially around curves in the rain. When the speed limit is 25 and we are traveling on a dark unknown wet road I don't think that we should be taking the hairpin curve at 40 mph. Call me crazy--and she did---but I just don't think it's wise. Ok--after our little "car dispute" we finally check into our hotel room. Yes, you heard me correctly! We have the luxury of staying in a hotel for the next 2 nights!! It was pitch black out and we haven't seen any of the canyon yet--so we'll have a big surprise in the morning.
Zion---another hike day. This time I decided to bring along my flip flops-remember my heel blister? We decided to do this 4 hr hike called "Angels Landing" and let me tell you---I was too chicken to do the last 1/4 mile of it-climbing along the edge of this cliff-using chains to help pull yourself up and of course to help keep you from falling to your death. I did the first part of it and said "no thank you-i don't need to go on any further". There was an area on a flat rock for all the chickens to wait while the others carried on. Laura was glad that she did it but later said she's not sure she could do it again--knowing what she knows (how damn scary it was)!!!
After about the first 1000 yards of hike I couldn't take the heel pain any more and changed into a flip flop. So, I hiked all the way up and down in one flip flop-one hiking boot-proud that I even finished. What a hiking fashion statement I was making the whole way. I was the talk of the mountain for awhile.
After our Zion hike we had to pack up and head to the Daddy of all Hiking places....The Grand Canyon!! We were driving the long road into the South Rim (from the East) during this terrific lightning storm. Unfortunately-it also started to rain which contributed to our big road traveling blow out. It seems Laura and I often have a disagreement on how fast the car should travel --especially around curves in the rain. When the speed limit is 25 and we are traveling on a dark unknown wet road I don't think that we should be taking the hairpin curve at 40 mph. Call me crazy--and she did---but I just don't think it's wise. Ok--after our little "car dispute" we finally check into our hotel room. Yes, you heard me correctly! We have the luxury of staying in a hotel for the next 2 nights!! It was pitch black out and we haven't seen any of the canyon yet--so we'll have a big surprise in the morning.
posted by Lu Betti at 6:22 PM
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