Thursday, December 10, 2009

Southwest Tundra Road Trip • Day 3



We checked out of the Brunswick Hotel this morning. Sadly, we never experienced the ghosts that roamed the halls. Go figure.


And we waved good-bye to Kingman, promising that we would return.


Just a few years back nearly 90 trains a day passed through Kingman, my stay in Kingman was not going to be complete until I saw the Santa Fe "warbonnet" engine. I asked at the tourist center about them and was told that it was catch as catch can. And I did. Since Burlington Northern and Santa Fe have merged, there weren't many warbonnets pulling the long trains and what few I did see all had BNSF in place of Santa Fe. Guess it was my very lucky day.


Next stop: Hackberry. It was a Greyhound bus line stop. The temptation to shimmy up the post and steal the sign was almost uncontrollable.


There was plenty of parking.


All along Route 66 we have enjoyed the Burma Shave signs.


Time to fill up the rental car with gas.


Two of our favorite things, greyhounds and Coke.


Chevy fire truck, ready to roll.


A wildlife rescue park in route just outside of Valentine grabbed our attention. These deer were so sweet.



Loving the rust.


The hint of snow in the mountains became a reality the farther east we drove.


The higher we climbed the deeper it got.


And then, we knew we were in the tundra.


Each time I stopped for a picture the snow got deeper and temperature got colder.


Until we reached the end of the trail in Seligman. I-40 had semis back up for miles. The roads had been closed and they all spent the night in Seligman, even though the power had been out for hours. The roads were open, but an accident caused by ice on the highway had stopped traffic dead in its tracks.

We had no TV and sketchy internet service. So Karen and I found a close-by truck stop that sold DVDs, we plugged my trusty little laptop in and watched a movie on the laptop.

What an awesome day.

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Southwest Arctic Road Trip • Day 2


Breakfast at Mr. D'z... Absolutely fabulous.


We had to come back later so that I could belly up to the bar and have another of their homemade root beer.


You would never know that when we pulled into town yesterday it was raining sideways.


Arizona, desert and cactus with a splash of snow for the backdrop.


Road closed just beyond the bend.


Surprised my mom, hadn't seen her for 6 years. We had a wonderful time. Love ya mom.


We're hoping this sign will be in our rear view mirrors tomorrow. Weather permitting of course, but it looks promising.


A bluff outside of Kingman.


I am totally blown away by the beauty down here.


Many thanks to Casey, Tracy, Alesha, Alex, Diane and Deborah for letting me take Sponge Boss Square Pants away. She misses you, but I keep distracting her by stopping for yet one more picture. We are having the time of our lives.


Good night all. Hopefully will post again for tomorrow. Unlike Oregon, Arizona does not have a coffee shop every two buildings with Wi-Fi. I remain a hostage to technology.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Southwest Arctic Road Trip • Day 1


We're flying the friendly skies. Temperature in Salem when we left, 24°. Brrrrrrr.


Flight was uneventful, leaving Las Vegas was uneventful and now the Southwest Arctic Road Trip of 2009 is ready to begin.


Gas, given my history of empty gas tanks, I promised that I would keep the tank on the top side of half. Ummmm, guess not.


If we could do the entire route, here it is.


Karen not looking at the map, but rather counting the shot gun holes. Note to self, be prepared to duck.


The landscape was peppered with cairns. I was hoping that the paved road would take us where we needed to go and I would not have to rely on them.


So different from Oregon, even in the overcast skies, Arizona is truly beautiful.


Ouch.


An Arizona Christmas tree.


Property for sale?


Oh lookie, shaggy greyhounds. Have I mentioned we really miss the doggies?


Seeing the wild burros on the sidewalks of Oatman was a trip. However, seeing a herd of wild burros in one of the gulches was a treat. We think we counted a dozen of them.


It's mining country in them thar hills. Signs were posted everywhere to keep out and no trespassing. Hmmmm, maybe we'll have to go back. Sounds like an invitation to me.

We found a century old hotel in Kingman. Rumor has it that it is haunted. You'll have to come back to see if it really is.

Monday, December 07, 2009

Empty Nest


Everyone is now safely at Camp Lisa.

Man this place is lonely and empty.

Watch for our posts from the road.

Sunday, December 06, 2009

Something's up


And I don't think I like it.

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Yesterday's news


Seriously, all of the this chitter chatter about vacation and Camp Lisa. We don't like it.

We're not looking forward to Camp Lisa and we can't believe for a skinny minute that you would leave us.


This is all yesterday's news. So if you think you are going to get us excited, think again. It ain't gonna happen.


We're all sad and depressed. We hear you talk about how much you're going to miss us. Simple solution. Just stay home.


We'll miss you very much.

Friday, December 04, 2009

So moms,


Where ya goin' for this thar vacation?


Well, Moose, we're taking a road trip. We'll fly into Las Vegas and rent a car. From there, we'll pick up Route 66 out of Topock and follow Route 66 to Flagstaff. Then we'll head north to the Grand Canyon, Page, AZ to slot canyons and then into Utah to see Bryce and Zion National Parks.

You'll have to check the blog everyday to see if I was able to upload pictures.


Can I come???? Can I? Can I? Can I? You know how I love to go adventures.

Sorry sweet boy, not this time.


Mean, mean mommies.


Will it be sunny where you are going?

Oh Moose, I just looked at the weather. It's going to be rather cold. Snow, wind and rain are all in our future. Most of the days will be in the 30s and some of the nights will be really close to zero.


I think I changed my mind about going. Ever thought about some place warm, like Florida or Hawaii? Last time I checked, the calender said December. What on earth were you thinking moms?

Thursday, December 03, 2009

For how long?


So moms, tell us, just how long are you going to be gone?

Not long Talley girl.

Only 2,600 cookies, 936 cups of kibble and 65 runs. We'll be back before you know it.


That sounds like a really long time.


If I hide my head just like this, maybe, just maybe it won't happen.

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Define "Camp Lisa"


Moms, we had an emergency meeting of the greyhounds. Ya better start 'splainin' Camp Lisa.


Oh Murph, you guys will love your little vacation. Camp Lisa is an exquisite, five-star destination for greyhounds. You'll have scenic mountain vistas, rambling forested trails, swimming pool, hot tub, fresh meals and a pedicure.


OK. Night moms.

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Mom, do we have to talk?


Is there something you have to tell us?


Wadda ya mean vacation and Camp Lisa?


Are you really sure we have to do this?


Who will tuck us in on our favorite cushions? Who will tell us our bedtime story?