Days 1-4

Our first day began bright and early, the sun was shining and we were eager to get on the road. As we were pulling out of the driveway we both felt a touch of emotion, not sure what caused us to feel it but it was most likely a result of many things.

What are we driving? Well, together with Dan & Sandra (brother-in-law, and sister-in-law) we purchased a 2012 Unity Leisure Travel Van, with a length of 24 feet.

The weather was cooperating, the highways were clear and the driving went very well. We drove as far as Sioux Falls and spent the night in the camper at a Fying J parking lot.

Initially crawling into bed was a tad chilly but it quickly warmed up and sleep came quickly (at 9:00 p.m.). We were very tired. We woke to the sound of a refer from a tour bus parked next to us, but chose to sleep a little longer. Got up and ate our breakfast, in the camper, and headed back out on the highway.

We chose to stay on the Interstate Hwy in order to get as far as we could in as little time as possible. Breakfast and lunch we ate on our own but chose to eat our suppers out. Our first supper, at Applebees was interesting. Due to my food allergies I am restricted as to my choices so I chose to order ribs. The first ribs I got were extremely dry and so were the second ones, but the manager was very helpful and accommodating and the riblets I ended up eating were very tender indeed and there was no charge for my meal. Our third supper was at the Big Texan, home of the 72 oz steak. The large steak was free IF you could eat it in one hour. The current record holder ate it in 8 minutes and ? Seconds. We even had some musicians come and play for us at our table. We were not so brave as to try the large steak but instead shared a 14 oz steak meal.

Our second night was in a Kmart parking lot, in Wichata, Kansas, close to a McDonalds. We are very thankful for modern technology and free wifi in the McD's. This evening meal was at a Mexican restaurant called "Cotijas Mexican Restaurant". At first I was not sure if I wanted to eat there because the decor did not look too appealing but then I saw people going in that appeared to be Mexican and said if they are eating here it must be authentic Mexican food. I was right! It was delicious and we even brought a small container of their green sauce with us.

I realize that I have recorded my meals in the wrong order as the Texan meal came after the Mexican meal (in case you wonder the purpose for all this food talk, I know that a certain son of mine would be interested). We chose to see a movie, at the cheap theatre and very much enjoyed "The Help". Hopefully I can find the book somewhere to read the stories for myself. This third night it rained, with thunder and lighting and with a touch of snow on the ground. (we were parked in a mall parking lot in Amarillo Texas).

There has not been much to see along the way just flat open empty fields. Our drive, after the storm started out sunny and with the roads just being wet but after Tucumcari, Mew Mexico the roads became snow packed. Obviously they received much more snow in this area. The roads continued to be bad all the way to Santa Rosa and we were driving quite slow. We saw numerous semi's in the ditch and had to wait one time while one was being pulled out by a tow truck. Luckily we were heading West instead of East as that direction ended up being backed up for miles and miles. Never have I seen so many trucks in one place at the same time. Thankfully we made it safe and sound to the home of our dear friends in Albuquerque New Mexico.

We were hoping for warmer weather but it seems that every time we come here it is always colder than normal. Oh well hopefully we reach warmer weather soon. Looking forward to our day here and then back on the road tomorrow.

Not sure how to post pictures here using my iPad but hopefully I can get some posted later. For any of you who choose to read my words written here I hope you find them informative either way at least for myself I will have a journal of our adventure.