Today went quite unexpectldly, but not bad. I'll say this: something quazi-bad happened to us today.
This morning, we packed up for a day at the beach. We went to this beautiful white-sand beach, parked and got out. There were chairs under umbrellas to rent, and we thought it was a bit strange that the one closest to the parking lot wasn't taken, but we were pleased to have it. Then, we headed out into the wonderful surf, under the hot sun.
After being in the water for about fifteen minutes, Mom and I noticed that our legs started to burn. We figured it was the salt water on fresh shaved legs, but after a few more minutes we got out. Dad was itching too and got out, and Wyatt got out last of all. Our legs were itching, and we didn't know why, so Dad went and talked to a life-guard. As it turns out, jelly-fish were going through, and the surf had broken off their tentacles, and they had stung us. It was bad. Worst for Wyatt, because it got all up in his trunks. The life-guard sprayed us with an ammonia-vinegar solution and gave us meat tenderizing powder to rub on our itching, but needless to say, we left the beach.
So there we were, noon, burning. We went back to our room and we all rinsed off and got changed, and we decided to head up to Pensacola, FL, because there's the Naval Aviation Museum on the Navy base. First, we stopped a Krystal Burger for lunch, then headed on our way.
We spent the afternoon in the Museum, which was very cool, and then headed off. Mom and I wanted to get some serious shopping done. For dinner, we stopped at a fruit stand and got some tomatoes, and had tomato and peanut-butter sandwiches, like Aunt Suzie had told us about. The tomatoes weren't too flavorful, unfortunately, but we're more than willing to try it again.
While Mom and I were pounding the pavement at a Tanger's Outlet Mall, Dad and Wyatt went fishing in the ocean (sadly, with little luck). We reunited and headed back to the hotel to rest from our days adventure. It didn't go as planned, but it was still a good day. By the way, the jelly-fish sting went away, so we're none of us itching. Tomorrow we'll be out of jelly territory.
-Jane
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
Day thirteen: Vicksburg, MS to Gulf Shores, AL
Today we finally made it to the coast! We'd originally planned to go to Natchez, MS, to see historic homes, but we decided that, since it's a bit of a treat for us, we'd head for the beach.
We started off down the way and our first stop along the road was at a fruit-stand. We bought peaches, plapricots (plum-apricots), and a Southern specialty, boiled peanuts. The fruit was delicious, and the boiled peanuts were different, yet addictive. They were salty and the boiling made them soggy and more like a bean, and we ate about two pounds.
Further down the road we stopped at a Church's Chicken and got some lunch in Hattiesburg, MS. We stopped in a park for our picnic lunch. More fruit and peanuts, and then we continued on our way.
We meandered down a windy scenic road and went through beautiful coastal town after beautiful coastal town. Most of the hurricane damage had been cleaned up, and it may have been minimal to begin with (at least in Mobile Bay).
We drove around our current resting place, Gulf Shores, and then stopped at Big O's Seafood for a shrimp dinner. We stuffed ourselves, played a round of tropical mini-golf, and headed back to the hotel. Tomorrow, we get a day at the beach!
-Jane
P.S. Kyle McKee, Dad had a heat and humidity melt-down today in Vicksburg.
We started off down the way and our first stop along the road was at a fruit-stand. We bought peaches, plapricots (plum-apricots), and a Southern specialty, boiled peanuts. The fruit was delicious, and the boiled peanuts were different, yet addictive. They were salty and the boiling made them soggy and more like a bean, and we ate about two pounds.
Further down the road we stopped at a Church's Chicken and got some lunch in Hattiesburg, MS. We stopped in a park for our picnic lunch. More fruit and peanuts, and then we continued on our way.
We meandered down a windy scenic road and went through beautiful coastal town after beautiful coastal town. Most of the hurricane damage had been cleaned up, and it may have been minimal to begin with (at least in Mobile Bay).
We drove around our current resting place, Gulf Shores, and then stopped at Big O's Seafood for a shrimp dinner. We stuffed ourselves, played a round of tropical mini-golf, and headed back to the hotel. Tomorrow, we get a day at the beach!
-Jane
P.S. Kyle McKee, Dad had a heat and humidity melt-down today in Vicksburg.
Photo updates
Some new photos are up, so check it out! And Jerilyn, there's a special frog photo just for you!
-Jane
-Jane
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Day twelve: Memphis, TN to Vicksburg, MS
Every day, we go deeper and deeper into the South
Today, we left after a goodbye to Uncle Russ and headed down the Mississippi Delta, which is as deep South as it gets. It was rather uneventful this morning. We mostly watched the scenery go by. At noon, we stopped in Leland, MS, for lunch. We swung into the parking lot of the Leland First Baptist Church and unpacked our picknic. As we sat and ate, some elderly ladies stopped in the lot for a chat. They'd evidently just had a big luncheon potluck that we had missed by mere moments, as they informed us. They just wanted to make sure we weren't in need of any help. Sweet ladies.
We continued our lovely lunch and, lo and behold, another lady pulled into the lot. She wanted to know if we were alright, where we were from, and then...she asked "would you like some squash?" Regardless of whether or not we wanted it, we accepted it, along with a fried chicken leg for Wyatt. She left, and Daddy put the first bite into his mouth. Let me tell you, we wanted the squash. It was spicy, flavorful, and delicious. We're really grateful for that old woman's squash. We were, of course, disappointed that we'd missed the luncheon. We packed up and headed down the road.
More corn and cotton passed us by, and this afternoon we arrived in Vicksburg, a historic ante-bellum town. It's the site of the Vicksburg National Battlefield, a site where, after a long battle, the Union won the Mississippi River. As we came to know, it was a very pivotal battle.
We drove around the battlefield, and it was different from any other that we had visited. We drove down a winding road in a wooded gulch, and what was strange was that every 100 feet or so was a monument, sent by a state to commemorate fallen soldiers and fallen officers. The states that set up monuments were mostly Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, and Wisconsin. They were marble pedestals with inscriptions about the regiment the monument was honoring.
The monuments grew monotonous, until we reached a beautiful monument from none other than Illinois. It was a marble octagon building on a hill, with granite steps. Inside the walls were covered with plaques listing the names of every Illinois soldier that fought in the battle. However, the most remarkable feature was the acoustics. A whisper could be heard as clearly as a shout, and shouts were deafening. We spent about twenty minutes playing with the sound in the building.
After leaving the battlefield, we went to Anchuca, a historic ante-bellum home turned B & B/restaurant. They only served Thursday through Saturday, so we were lucky. The meal was gourmet and delicious.
So now we're here at our hotel, resting up and deciding on what to do tomorrow.
-Jane
Today, we left after a goodbye to Uncle Russ and headed down the Mississippi Delta, which is as deep South as it gets. It was rather uneventful this morning. We mostly watched the scenery go by. At noon, we stopped in Leland, MS, for lunch. We swung into the parking lot of the Leland First Baptist Church and unpacked our picknic. As we sat and ate, some elderly ladies stopped in the lot for a chat. They'd evidently just had a big luncheon potluck that we had missed by mere moments, as they informed us. They just wanted to make sure we weren't in need of any help. Sweet ladies.
We continued our lovely lunch and, lo and behold, another lady pulled into the lot. She wanted to know if we were alright, where we were from, and then...she asked "would you like some squash?" Regardless of whether or not we wanted it, we accepted it, along with a fried chicken leg for Wyatt. She left, and Daddy put the first bite into his mouth. Let me tell you, we wanted the squash. It was spicy, flavorful, and delicious. We're really grateful for that old woman's squash. We were, of course, disappointed that we'd missed the luncheon. We packed up and headed down the road.
More corn and cotton passed us by, and this afternoon we arrived in Vicksburg, a historic ante-bellum town. It's the site of the Vicksburg National Battlefield, a site where, after a long battle, the Union won the Mississippi River. As we came to know, it was a very pivotal battle.
We drove around the battlefield, and it was different from any other that we had visited. We drove down a winding road in a wooded gulch, and what was strange was that every 100 feet or so was a monument, sent by a state to commemorate fallen soldiers and fallen officers. The states that set up monuments were mostly Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, and Wisconsin. They were marble pedestals with inscriptions about the regiment the monument was honoring.
The monuments grew monotonous, until we reached a beautiful monument from none other than Illinois. It was a marble octagon building on a hill, with granite steps. Inside the walls were covered with plaques listing the names of every Illinois soldier that fought in the battle. However, the most remarkable feature was the acoustics. A whisper could be heard as clearly as a shout, and shouts were deafening. We spent about twenty minutes playing with the sound in the building.
After leaving the battlefield, we went to Anchuca, a historic ante-bellum home turned B & B/restaurant. They only served Thursday through Saturday, so we were lucky. The meal was gourmet and delicious.
So now we're here at our hotel, resting up and deciding on what to do tomorrow.
-Jane
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Day eleven: the last of Memphis, TN
Today was, aside from being my 18th birthday, a day of exploration.
We began early again and took off to the even deeper South to visit Ole Miss, the historic University of Mississippi. The drive down was a tour of the rural parts of Mississippi. We saw a mixture of beautiful homes and rustic farms.
Ole Miss is located in Oxford, Mississippi. On the way down is a little town called Holly Springs and, next to the railroad tracks in an old grocery store, is a small piece of preserved Americana. Philips Grocery is like stepping into a time-warp that takes you back to the 50's. The walls are covered in tins and posters advertising Coke and Cigarettes and all sorts of things, and behind the old counter and displays of Coke bottles is a grill. On that grill are cooked what are potentially the best hamburgers in the known world. Russ and Susie had had them already, and so they abstained, but the Blevins family bought one, and one only. It was gone in a flash.
We hung our heads as we left for Oxford because we were afraid that we had left the world's greatest lunch behind, but of course, Russ and Susie did not dissapoint. For my birthday lunch, we went to a restaurant called City Grocery. Unlike Philips Grocery, City Grocery was a white-table cloth place of gourmet Southern cuisine, and it was all delicious.
The town square is something that hardly exists any longer. It was full of neat shops, including interisting boutiques where I found a little birthday somethin' something'. In the square was the Court House and a statue to honor the fallen Confederate soldiers.
Ole Miss was a lovely historic campus, and on the side, in a back-road, was Roan Oaks, the home of...Faulkner. I finished "The Sound and the Fury", and at the end, I didn't care for Faulkner. But, he was a monumental American writer, and the experience was enriching.
When we returned home to Russ and Susies, the rest of the evening was occupied with a four or five course Italian meal, complete with a little chocolate cake that Russ and Dad picked out for my birthday. Russ and Susie were a wealth of informatoin, and helped us plan the rest of our trip.
We're sad the be leaving the Russell's. Memphis has been a wonderful experience, and our dear friends have helped us plan many more.
-Jane
We began early again and took off to the even deeper South to visit Ole Miss, the historic University of Mississippi. The drive down was a tour of the rural parts of Mississippi. We saw a mixture of beautiful homes and rustic farms.
Ole Miss is located in Oxford, Mississippi. On the way down is a little town called Holly Springs and, next to the railroad tracks in an old grocery store, is a small piece of preserved Americana. Philips Grocery is like stepping into a time-warp that takes you back to the 50's. The walls are covered in tins and posters advertising Coke and Cigarettes and all sorts of things, and behind the old counter and displays of Coke bottles is a grill. On that grill are cooked what are potentially the best hamburgers in the known world. Russ and Susie had had them already, and so they abstained, but the Blevins family bought one, and one only. It was gone in a flash.
We hung our heads as we left for Oxford because we were afraid that we had left the world's greatest lunch behind, but of course, Russ and Susie did not dissapoint. For my birthday lunch, we went to a restaurant called City Grocery. Unlike Philips Grocery, City Grocery was a white-table cloth place of gourmet Southern cuisine, and it was all delicious.
The town square is something that hardly exists any longer. It was full of neat shops, including interisting boutiques where I found a little birthday somethin' something'. In the square was the Court House and a statue to honor the fallen Confederate soldiers.
Ole Miss was a lovely historic campus, and on the side, in a back-road, was Roan Oaks, the home of...Faulkner. I finished "The Sound and the Fury", and at the end, I didn't care for Faulkner. But, he was a monumental American writer, and the experience was enriching.
When we returned home to Russ and Susies, the rest of the evening was occupied with a four or five course Italian meal, complete with a little chocolate cake that Russ and Dad picked out for my birthday. Russ and Susie were a wealth of informatoin, and helped us plan the rest of our trip.
We're sad the be leaving the Russell's. Memphis has been a wonderful experience, and our dear friends have helped us plan many more.
-Jane
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Day ten: Memphis cont'd
Today, we awoke early and dear Uncle Russ and Aunt Susy came to fetch us. We were off!
We began the day at a place called "The Pink Palace". It's a mansion that was built in the 20's by the man who founded Piggily Wigglie's, the first self-service grocery store. It's a beautiful Georgian-style home made of rose-hued stone, giving it it's name. Eventually, he went bankrupt and had to sell the place, and it has been converted into a museum. There are civil war, dinosaur, natural history, and music museums, and an IMAX theater where we saw "Deep Sea", an ocean documentary about sea life (and narrated by Johnny Depp and Kate Whinslet). Joining us were about 100 campers and their keepers, who genuinely added to our experience.
After The Pink Palace, we had a lovely lunch at P.F. Chang's, and from there we went to a favorite Memphis and, dare I say, world-wide attraction: Graceland. We went on the tour and, though we may have been skeptical, truly enjoyed our Elvis experience. (And Mikel, don't worry, you were not forgotten).
After Graceland we looked at some of the beautiful homes, freshened up at the hotel, and then went to The Commissary, a BBQ joint. Actually, to call it that would be a gross understatement. It was potentially the best BBQ we've ever had. We feel bloated. The ribs were tender and flavorful, and in the end, the banana pudding deserved a standing ovation.
We are now resting at our hotel after a full day's adventure, and are looking forward to more of fabulous Memphis tomorrow (on my 18th birthday!)
-Jane
P.S. Pictures have been updated!
We began the day at a place called "The Pink Palace". It's a mansion that was built in the 20's by the man who founded Piggily Wigglie's, the first self-service grocery store. It's a beautiful Georgian-style home made of rose-hued stone, giving it it's name. Eventually, he went bankrupt and had to sell the place, and it has been converted into a museum. There are civil war, dinosaur, natural history, and music museums, and an IMAX theater where we saw "Deep Sea", an ocean documentary about sea life (and narrated by Johnny Depp and Kate Whinslet). Joining us were about 100 campers and their keepers, who genuinely added to our experience.
After The Pink Palace, we had a lovely lunch at P.F. Chang's, and from there we went to a favorite Memphis and, dare I say, world-wide attraction: Graceland. We went on the tour and, though we may have been skeptical, truly enjoyed our Elvis experience. (And Mikel, don't worry, you were not forgotten).
After Graceland we looked at some of the beautiful homes, freshened up at the hotel, and then went to The Commissary, a BBQ joint. Actually, to call it that would be a gross understatement. It was potentially the best BBQ we've ever had. We feel bloated. The ribs were tender and flavorful, and in the end, the banana pudding deserved a standing ovation.
We are now resting at our hotel after a full day's adventure, and are looking forward to more of fabulous Memphis tomorrow (on my 18th birthday!)
-Jane
P.S. Pictures have been updated!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Day nine: Little Rock, AR, to Memphis, TN
Today was our departure from the Walkers (thank you again for your hospitality!) and our arrival at the home of Aunt Susy and Uncle Russ Russell, who are not really our aunt and uncle, but are also close family friends.
We said our goodbyes to the Walker clan the night before, because all of them had to wake up early to go to work and, since we were in no hurry, we wouldn't be awake to see them. Lisa, who usually goes to work at a nanny job with Leslie every Monday, slept in and we dropped her off. Then, off to downtown Little Rock to see the Arkansas River and the river walk. But...
As I found out when I went to look for my sunglasses, I had forgotten my purse with Lisa and Leslie when we dropped Lisa off. After many phone calls, Kerry graciously met us at a McDonald's and hand-delivered my purse. As a result of this little adventure, we arrived in Memphis about two hours later than our original ETA.
Uncle Russ picked us up from our hotel in Germantown, an upscale suburb of Memphis. At the Russell home, Wyatt and I caught a tree-frog, explored their beautiful house, and the Blevins family enjoyed a delicious gourmet meal.
After dinner, we had a fabulous peach dessert, and went to "World HQ", a.k.a. Uncle Russ' study. It's the most intriguing office I had ever seen, and he kept us enthralled for a good while with all the nooks and crannies of his office and the fascinating items contained therein.
We were dropped off at our hotel, and are preparing to tour Graceland tomorrow! And Wednesday is, of course, my 18th birthday, and I'm as happy as a clam to be spending it in Memphis with the Russell's.
Jane
We said our goodbyes to the Walker clan the night before, because all of them had to wake up early to go to work and, since we were in no hurry, we wouldn't be awake to see them. Lisa, who usually goes to work at a nanny job with Leslie every Monday, slept in and we dropped her off. Then, off to downtown Little Rock to see the Arkansas River and the river walk. But...
As I found out when I went to look for my sunglasses, I had forgotten my purse with Lisa and Leslie when we dropped Lisa off. After many phone calls, Kerry graciously met us at a McDonald's and hand-delivered my purse. As a result of this little adventure, we arrived in Memphis about two hours later than our original ETA.
Uncle Russ picked us up from our hotel in Germantown, an upscale suburb of Memphis. At the Russell home, Wyatt and I caught a tree-frog, explored their beautiful house, and the Blevins family enjoyed a delicious gourmet meal.
After dinner, we had a fabulous peach dessert, and went to "World HQ", a.k.a. Uncle Russ' study. It's the most intriguing office I had ever seen, and he kept us enthralled for a good while with all the nooks and crannies of his office and the fascinating items contained therein.
We were dropped off at our hotel, and are preparing to tour Graceland tomorrow! And Wednesday is, of course, my 18th birthday, and I'm as happy as a clam to be spending it in Memphis with the Russell's.
Jane
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Day eight: The last day at the Walkers
Today was everything Southern in one day. Since Brian "Pappa Bear" Blevins has such a love of the South, he's here to do a special story on the day. Thanks, Dad!
The last few days I have been reminded why I have always had and always will have a warm spot in my heart for Arkansas. Today was, in one day, a lovely summation of much of what is so appealing about life down here. As I stood with Wyatt, Kerry, and Lisa on the bank of a quiet little farm pond where we'd just caught our fortieth bass, I told Wyatt, "Today you experienced it all in one day. We started the day with a home-made breakfast of biscuits and gravy, eggs, smokey bacon, juice and fruit. We went to a wonderful service at the New Life Baptist Church where we were warmly welcomed. We came home and had a fish fry with all the trimmings, including hush puppies. After that we had a nap, followed by watching a NASCAR race. If that wasn't enough, we finished the day by catching at least 40 bass." If you think I'm making this up, I'm not, that's really how we spent the day. I heard Wyatt tell Kerry tonight, "I think I'm going to move down here some day". That was while Kerry was starting the four wheeler so Wyatt could go for one more ride before he went to bed...
The last few days I have been reminded why I have always had and always will have a warm spot in my heart for Arkansas. Today was, in one day, a lovely summation of much of what is so appealing about life down here. As I stood with Wyatt, Kerry, and Lisa on the bank of a quiet little farm pond where we'd just caught our fortieth bass, I told Wyatt, "Today you experienced it all in one day. We started the day with a home-made breakfast of biscuits and gravy, eggs, smokey bacon, juice and fruit. We went to a wonderful service at the New Life Baptist Church where we were warmly welcomed. We came home and had a fish fry with all the trimmings, including hush puppies. After that we had a nap, followed by watching a NASCAR race. If that wasn't enough, we finished the day by catching at least 40 bass." If you think I'm making this up, I'm not, that's really how we spent the day. I heard Wyatt tell Kerry tonight, "I think I'm going to move down here some day". That was while Kerry was starting the four wheeler so Wyatt could go for one more ride before he went to bed...
Oops.
Guys, I've been using AK to abbreviate Arkansas, but it's defiantly AR. AK is Alaska. Thanks for the chastisement Tarin. No I must attend to the hush-puppies in the kitchen.
Jane
Jane
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Day seven: Still at the Walkers
For how little I did today, I'm surprisingly tired.
Today started off lazily enough, for the girls anyway. The boys went fishing, and the girls, with the exception of Leslie who had to go to work at seven, were up at the crack of nine. We lounged around the house and sat on the front porch soaking in the humidity when, out of almost nowhere, a storm blew in. We'd been hearing thunder all morning, and it finally dumped rain down. The boys had pulled their boat out just in the nick of time, and we were dining on left-over BBQ chicken by one.
After a long lunch, the adults and Lisa went to town while Wyatt, Leslie and I waited for Leslies friend Allie to arrive. Once she did, we set out for Gator Golf, a local go-kart put-put emporium. I won't ellaborate on the place except to say that, for Wyatt and I, it was a cultural experience.
The group gained another member, Nick, and the five of us set off (oh, and before we went to Gator's, we had a mediocre Greek meal in town). Everyone with the exception of myself went on go-karts, and then we headed over to mini golf. I did play this time. After about 12 holes, we were pooped. We headed to another friends house, watched about four minutes of a movie, and headed home. I'm so tired I'm about ready to collapse.
The adults went to town, literally. They went down to the river in down-town Little Rock, which was really neat, drove around and looked at some of the beautiful neighborhoods on a bluff overlooking the river, went to dinner at a Brazilian restaurant called Gaucho's (which was really good) and went for a drive to Big Maumelle, an old favorite fishing spot for Dad and Kerry. A good time was had by all.
Tomorrow, we're headed to church, and we'll spend our last afternoon in AK with the Walkers, finishing with a good 'ol fashioned fish-fry.
-Jane
Today started off lazily enough, for the girls anyway. The boys went fishing, and the girls, with the exception of Leslie who had to go to work at seven, were up at the crack of nine. We lounged around the house and sat on the front porch soaking in the humidity when, out of almost nowhere, a storm blew in. We'd been hearing thunder all morning, and it finally dumped rain down. The boys had pulled their boat out just in the nick of time, and we were dining on left-over BBQ chicken by one.
After a long lunch, the adults and Lisa went to town while Wyatt, Leslie and I waited for Leslies friend Allie to arrive. Once she did, we set out for Gator Golf, a local go-kart put-put emporium. I won't ellaborate on the place except to say that, for Wyatt and I, it was a cultural experience.
The group gained another member, Nick, and the five of us set off (oh, and before we went to Gator's, we had a mediocre Greek meal in town). Everyone with the exception of myself went on go-karts, and then we headed over to mini golf. I did play this time. After about 12 holes, we were pooped. We headed to another friends house, watched about four minutes of a movie, and headed home. I'm so tired I'm about ready to collapse.
The adults went to town, literally. They went down to the river in down-town Little Rock, which was really neat, drove around and looked at some of the beautiful neighborhoods on a bluff overlooking the river, went to dinner at a Brazilian restaurant called Gaucho's (which was really good) and went for a drive to Big Maumelle, an old favorite fishing spot for Dad and Kerry. A good time was had by all.
Tomorrow, we're headed to church, and we'll spend our last afternoon in AK with the Walkers, finishing with a good 'ol fashioned fish-fry.
-Jane
Friday, June 22, 2007
Day six: at the Walkers
Here's an exclusive interview with our very own Wyatt. Wyatt, Kerry Walker, and Daddy went turtle hunting and fishing. They got to drive a mule, which is like a covered four-wheeler, and they went to some fancy back pond that nobody know's about, and so I've asked Wyatt about it, since I wasn't there (it may shock you to know, I was shopping with the girls).
Q: So Wyatt, what did you do today?
A: Went fishing and shot turtles with Dad and Kerry Walker.
Q: So how was that?
A: Very fun but interesting.
Q: How so?
A: Well, I've never shot a turtle and Dad and Kerry Walker's "ism's" were very different.
Q: Did you have much luck?
A: Yes. Got four of 'em. Got four turtles and twelve fish. Bass. On these (Wyatt then showed me an ugly green rubber lure).
Q: What was the highlight?
A: The turtle shooting. It was fun.
Q: So tell me about Kerry's monster bass.
A: It was so big I could put my fist in it's mouth.
Q: Was it the biggest you've ever seen?
A: Yeah, in person. Yes. Or, got to hold.
Q: Any exciting expiditions planned? For tomorrow?
A: I don't know! ... Go Karts. Yeah.
Q: Well, Wyatt, thank you for your time and your, um...for sharing your experiences. Do you have a message for anyone back home?
A: (Long pause) For Kyle McKee: Humid.
Well, goodness knows what kind of adventures the boys'll have tomorrow. But once I find out, I'll most assuredly let you know.
-Jane
P.S. Out in the back, I just saw my first fire-fly!
Q: So Wyatt, what did you do today?
A: Went fishing and shot turtles with Dad and Kerry Walker.
Q: So how was that?
A: Very fun but interesting.
Q: How so?
A: Well, I've never shot a turtle and Dad and Kerry Walker's "ism's" were very different.
Q: Did you have much luck?
A: Yes. Got four of 'em. Got four turtles and twelve fish. Bass. On these (Wyatt then showed me an ugly green rubber lure).
Q: What was the highlight?
A: The turtle shooting. It was fun.
Q: So tell me about Kerry's monster bass.
A: It was so big I could put my fist in it's mouth.
Q: Was it the biggest you've ever seen?
A: Yeah, in person. Yes. Or, got to hold.
Q: Any exciting expiditions planned? For tomorrow?
A: I don't know! ... Go Karts. Yeah.
Q: Well, Wyatt, thank you for your time and your, um...for sharing your experiences. Do you have a message for anyone back home?
A: (Long pause) For Kyle McKee: Humid.
Well, goodness knows what kind of adventures the boys'll have tomorrow. But once I find out, I'll most assuredly let you know.
-Jane
P.S. Out in the back, I just saw my first fire-fly!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Day five: Kansas City, MO to Little Rock, AK
Well, we've finally made it to our first "destination" destination; something planned for with an outside party: the home of Kerry and Ruth Walker, with their two daughters Lisa and Leslie. We drove more, through beautiful green Missouri and Arkansas, and arrived around 5:30 this evening. We were warmly greeted with hugs, steak, and brownies. I even got a tour of town with Leslie. We went to Sonic, which was pretty sweet.
Tomorrow, the boys are going turtle hunting and the girls are going shopping. Poor turtles? I don't know. We leave the Walker place Monday morning, so more updates on good 'ol Arkansas style fun later!
-Jane
Tomorrow, the boys are going turtle hunting and the girls are going shopping. Poor turtles? I don't know. We leave the Walker place Monday morning, so more updates on good 'ol Arkansas style fun later!
-Jane
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Everything's up to date in Kansas City!
Today, Sidney, NE to Liberty, MO, a subarb of Kansas City. It was just shy of 600 miles of driving. We drove through Nebraska, a corner of Iowa, and into Missouri. Tomorrow, off to Littlerock, Arkansas, to visit the Walker family!
Today, we drove. It was green an monotonous, and I'm afraid I can't say a whole lot more. We ate at a BBQ joint tonight, like two blocks from our hotel, and are looking forward to awesome BBQ to come. And in case you're wondering if it's hot and sticky, it is. We feel like I we're in a pool locker room.
That's about it. Oh, and I'm actually getting into Faulkner! It's interesting....weird. Ah well. Arkansas, here we come!
-Jane
Today, we drove. It was green an monotonous, and I'm afraid I can't say a whole lot more. We ate at a BBQ joint tonight, like two blocks from our hotel, and are looking forward to awesome BBQ to come. And in case you're wondering if it's hot and sticky, it is. We feel like I we're in a pool locker room.
That's about it. Oh, and I'm actually getting into Faulkner! It's interesting....weird. Ah well. Arkansas, here we come!
-Jane
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Day three: Cody to Sidney, NE
Well, we seem to have left at a very fortunate time of year, because even barren Wyoming was beautiful and green. We drove about 500 miles over prarie-like land. We finally came to Nebraska, and...
Robbie Severson...Nebraska. It's muggy and smells like cow poo (at least where we are) but, honestly, it's not nearly as bad as everyone thinks. Maybe it's just spring-time charm, but it's not so gross after all. In Sidney was the famous Cabela's HQ and that was...a sporting goods store? Perhaps because it is the World Headquarters we thought it was going to be a lot more grandiose and fabulous but it was a lot like the other Cabela's stores we've visited. But, fortunatley, it's not the highlight of our trip, or our central purpose, so we're not particularly shattered.
Dinner, well, there's an apparent void of good restaurants in Sidney, NE. We asked about five different locals at Cabela's and they all suggested the same three places, one of which was Perkins. So, we ate at a Pizza Hut and, um, the service left a bit to be desired, but hey, it's not like we had anything pressing that we had to do.
So, here we are at our Comfort Inn, it's muggy, and it stinks like cow poopey. Yucky cow poopey. I will say this, however: if this is the worst day of our trip, we're in for a truly Excellent Adventure. Night all!
By the way, Faulkner has improved. Believe it or not, the apendix was indeed helpful. I can do it, Uncle Russ!
-Jane
Robbie Severson...Nebraska. It's muggy and smells like cow poo (at least where we are) but, honestly, it's not nearly as bad as everyone thinks. Maybe it's just spring-time charm, but it's not so gross after all. In Sidney was the famous Cabela's HQ and that was...a sporting goods store? Perhaps because it is the World Headquarters we thought it was going to be a lot more grandiose and fabulous but it was a lot like the other Cabela's stores we've visited. But, fortunatley, it's not the highlight of our trip, or our central purpose, so we're not particularly shattered.
Dinner, well, there's an apparent void of good restaurants in Sidney, NE. We asked about five different locals at Cabela's and they all suggested the same three places, one of which was Perkins. So, we ate at a Pizza Hut and, um, the service left a bit to be desired, but hey, it's not like we had anything pressing that we had to do.
So, here we are at our Comfort Inn, it's muggy, and it stinks like cow poopey. Yucky cow poopey. I will say this, however: if this is the worst day of our trip, we're in for a truly Excellent Adventure. Night all!
By the way, Faulkner has improved. Believe it or not, the apendix was indeed helpful. I can do it, Uncle Russ!
-Jane
Monday, June 18, 2007
Day two: Cody, WO
Well, today we went toe the Buffalo Bill Historical Center (sorry for getting the name wrong) and the Sierra Trading Post. Let's learn!
We awoke around the crack of 8, ate some breakfast in the camper, and walked down the street to the museum. Now, the BBHC, as those in the know call it, is actually five museums in one, and they're all full sized museums. There's the Buffalo Bill museum, the Plains Indian museum, a Western Art Gallery, A Natural History Museum, and a Gun Museum. Cody WO, pretty much, lives off of and for the BBHC. I think it's their livlihood, pretty much, and with reason. It was pretty much fantastic. We toured the Wild Bill, and then we split, so while the boys went to the gun gallery, Mom and I went to the Natural History thing. The Natural History Museum was awesome, as was the Buffalo Bill protion. The Gun Gallery had some 1,500 guns, and floor two, which was left unexplored, had like 1,200. The boys got a little tired after the first 1,000 or so, so we hooked up and went through the art protion. It was neat. Then, le dejeuner, as we francophones say. The rest of you, lunch.
Back to the camper, a little lunch, and then to the Sierra Trading Post. This is a place to buy returned, used, and discounted outdoor gear, like Patagonia and stuff. It was pretty sweet. Dad got some nice Father's Day stuff and I got some sweet boots for $20. Also, some fancy discounted silk long underwear, because as most of my friends know, I'm always cold. Good deal. Mom got a mug. Then, we went to the room, and dropped off our stuff, and went back to the BBHC.
We finished up the Natural History part (so cool that Mom and I were glad to see it again) and the Plains Indian museum. Afterwards, we departed again.
We left and cruised around down-town, which was neat by all acounts. And we stopped in this shop with mini Australian Shepherds! Poor Wyatt, he want's a dog so bad, and these are like eternal puppies.
For dinner, we went to a New Mexican style restaurant called Zapata's. It was pretty much delicious. They had really neat Chile Rellanos and deep-fried Burritos. A good time was had by all.
We cruised back on down the Sunset Motor Inn and here we are, resting up after a day of walking, and trying to mentally prepare for the heat and humidity of the South. Good luck to us, eh? Well, tomorrow we're off to Nebraska and the Cabella's HQ! Mom and I, as you can imagine, are beside ourselves with excitement.
-Jane
P.S. New photos are up! Check it out!
We awoke around the crack of 8, ate some breakfast in the camper, and walked down the street to the museum. Now, the BBHC, as those in the know call it, is actually five museums in one, and they're all full sized museums. There's the Buffalo Bill museum, the Plains Indian museum, a Western Art Gallery, A Natural History Museum, and a Gun Museum. Cody WO, pretty much, lives off of and for the BBHC. I think it's their livlihood, pretty much, and with reason. It was pretty much fantastic. We toured the Wild Bill, and then we split, so while the boys went to the gun gallery, Mom and I went to the Natural History thing. The Natural History Museum was awesome, as was the Buffalo Bill protion. The Gun Gallery had some 1,500 guns, and floor two, which was left unexplored, had like 1,200. The boys got a little tired after the first 1,000 or so, so we hooked up and went through the art protion. It was neat. Then, le dejeuner, as we francophones say. The rest of you, lunch.
Back to the camper, a little lunch, and then to the Sierra Trading Post. This is a place to buy returned, used, and discounted outdoor gear, like Patagonia and stuff. It was pretty sweet. Dad got some nice Father's Day stuff and I got some sweet boots for $20. Also, some fancy discounted silk long underwear, because as most of my friends know, I'm always cold. Good deal. Mom got a mug. Then, we went to the room, and dropped off our stuff, and went back to the BBHC.
We finished up the Natural History part (so cool that Mom and I were glad to see it again) and the Plains Indian museum. Afterwards, we departed again.
We left and cruised around down-town, which was neat by all acounts. And we stopped in this shop with mini Australian Shepherds! Poor Wyatt, he want's a dog so bad, and these are like eternal puppies.
For dinner, we went to a New Mexican style restaurant called Zapata's. It was pretty much delicious. They had really neat Chile Rellanos and deep-fried Burritos. A good time was had by all.
We cruised back on down the Sunset Motor Inn and here we are, resting up after a day of walking, and trying to mentally prepare for the heat and humidity of the South. Good luck to us, eh? Well, tomorrow we're off to Nebraska and the Cabella's HQ! Mom and I, as you can imagine, are beside ourselves with excitement.
-Jane
P.S. New photos are up! Check it out!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Day one: Missoula to Cody, WO
Well, here's day one of our trip. We left around noon and drove to Billings. Ugly drive, yes? No, actually. We managed to hit the one time of year when it's actually quite pretty. It was nice. In Billings, we ate at Enzo's Mediteranean Bistro. It was delish. Then, off to Cody.
Cody is about like any of you little "Western" towns. It's kind of ugly when you first arrive, but once there, main street has neat little things and it's actually quite charming. We're staying at a horse-shoe shaped Motel tonight. Small, but clean. Wyatt is braving it out in the camper (Susie, we decided it's too cold for the hammock tonight). It's pretty comfortable.
Tomorrow, we'll see the Wild Bill Western Museum and the Siera Trading Post. For now, night-night!
Bye the bye, I started Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury". 20 pages into it, and I have absolutely no idea what's going on. I'm going to read the Apendix provided, but...it was written by Faulkner. Good luck, me.
-Jane
Cody is about like any of you little "Western" towns. It's kind of ugly when you first arrive, but once there, main street has neat little things and it's actually quite charming. We're staying at a horse-shoe shaped Motel tonight. Small, but clean. Wyatt is braving it out in the camper (Susie, we decided it's too cold for the hammock tonight). It's pretty comfortable.
Tomorrow, we'll see the Wild Bill Western Museum and the Siera Trading Post. For now, night-night!
Bye the bye, I started Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury". 20 pages into it, and I have absolutely no idea what's going on. I'm going to read the Apendix provided, but...it was written by Faulkner. Good luck, me.
-Jane
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Pictures
Guys, I may have done it. I'm not sure. I certainly hope so. The top link on the left is for Flickr, a Yahoo photo thing, and you should tool around on it and see our pictures. I'm not totally sure what you can and can't access. Anyway, f you run into problems, let me know. I doubt I'd actually be able to fix them, but we'll see. They'll of course be more pictures once we get rolling.
-Jane
-Jane
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Summer Reading
Friends, I've found that I'll have to set my beloved Dostoevsky's "Brothers Karamazov" aside in favor of more classic, American literature. I'm going to be tackling "The Sound and the Fury" by Faulkner. And, if I live through that, "The Most Southern Place on Earth: The Mississippi Delta and the Roots of Regional Identity" by James C. Cobb. This is all for Uncle Russ, a family friend with whom we'll be staying in Memphis, which may prove to be the best part of our tour (if his novel-sized packet of Memphis information is any indicator of things to come). If "y'all" are interested in the South, and I mean deep South, these are two novels that a true Southerner would recommend. Our trip now has some pre-reques.
- Jane
- Jane
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
New Departure Date
This just in: we'll actually be leaving Sunday afternoon. Not too huge of a change, but the folks figured "why wait?" and so we're off to a rolling start! I hope to hear from the 4 of you who read this soon!
-Jane
-Jane
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Date of Departure
Okey-dokey, peeps, the "official" date of departure is June the 18th. Look for us before then and expect frequent updates and hopefully pictures too!
-Jane
-Jane
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