Day 28 and 29 - Back Home in Virginia

Yesterday (day 28), we made it to our stop in the western part of Virginia around 8:00 pm. It was very tempting to keep driving the 6 hours to home, but probably not a very safe idea. But I have already been up today since 6:30 am anxiously waiting for the crew to awake so we can start our final leg of this amazing journey. Today is Day 29, our final day. It has actually gone by quicker than I anticipated. Even though it was a lot of miles and expense, I would do it over again if I was able to. As I said in earlier posts, I will go back for hiking and rafting purposes and to see other areas we could not get to on this trip. My hope is that the kids will look back on this trip as a special time in their lives and will always have fond memories of the time we spent together - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Again, we thank each of you for following us, praying for us, and making comments. It has been very rewarding. We are very bless! Speaking of rewarding, next week the kids and I will be at Eagle Eyrie with others from our church and churches from across Virginia for mission week. Please pray for safe travels for everyone making the trip to Lynchburg and that God's rich blessings will be poured out not only on those who will come to serve and share God's love, but also on the people who will be on the receiving end of God's love. This has been fun and I really have had the time of my life....Blessings and love to all of you...

Day 27 - A day in Nashville

Today was a wonderful day. We spent about five hours walking and sightseeing around downtown Nashville. We found a deal on boots - three for the price of one so Jordan, Forrest, and I all got a pair. Afterwards we had a great lunch at Hard Rock Cafe and then visited the Country Music Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, the Grand Ole Opry was closed due to the recent flood. After a dip in the pool, we went to a restaurant for dinner called Santa Fe. Forrest thought it was great that we could throw the peanut shells on the floor. It was great place to eat and we had great service and waitresses at both restaurants. Tomorrow (day 28) we drive on to VA and will be staying in Wytheville before heading home on Friday.

Day 25 and 26 - We made it to Nashville!

We have made it to Nashville TN for a one day, two night break and boy am I ready for it. I have driven over 6,000 miles and have spent just about that much, but if I had to do over, I would. The only problem besides paying for it is that some of the sites we saw and experienced has caused me to alter my bucket list slightly. Anyway, yesterday (day 25) we left Oklahoma for another 7 hour drive to Little Rock AR (my third 7 hour day in a row). As someone said to me today, "man you guys are going to come screaming back across the country" and I guess we have been. Lots of rain between OK and AR and no camera so we really don't have anything exciting to report. I-40 is sorta boring. Today (day 26) we left AR for Nashville and what an awesome campground just 6 miles from the Grand Ole Opry and 15 miles from downtown. So tomorrow (day 27) after sleeping in a little longer, we will go exploring. We did pick up a new camera today in West Memphis (actually in AR). So tomorrow night or Thursday before we leave Nashville for VA, we should have some pics to post. Maybe we will get some shots of some country music stars. We did have another two hundred dollar unexpected expense. The window in the front of the camper blew open and broke so we have it duct taped like a bunch of rednecks and had to order a new one from a dealer in VA. Duct tape as most people know, works for everything, but we have learned one deterrent - 70 mile hour wind. Duct tape does not hold up to well. Boy I wish I had stock in duct tape since we have to re-tape the window every 180 miles or so. Until tomorrow....

Day 23 and 24 - The Long Drive Home

Well, nothing real exciting to report and of course no pics until we buy a new camera, which we must do before we get to Nashville. Yesterday (day 23) we left the Grand Canyon at 9:15 AM. We stopped in Flagstaff AZ to get the oil changed in the truck and to eat lunch, which we did in historical downtown Flagstaff. After a 90 min delay, we officially began our eastward journey home on I-40 at 12:45 PM Arizona Time or 1:45 PM Mountain Time. We arrived in Albuquerque NM at 7:30 PM Central Time. After washing four loads of clothes and eating leftovers, we went to see the new movie Eclipse to Jordan's delight. She was so ecstatic to finally get to see it. It was actually pretty good. I'm sorry, Edward creeps me out. I like Jacob better. Today (day 24) we left Albuquerque NM at 10:45 AM Mountain Time (11:45 AM Central) and arrived in Elk City (Lake Clinton), Oklahoma at 7:45 PM Central Time. A very long two days of driving. Tomorrow (day 25) we only have a six hour drive to Little Rock, Arkansas for a one night stay before heading on Nashville for two days.

Day 22 - Last Day of the Grand Canyon

Today was our official last day of sightseeing and it is a good thing since Teresa dropped the camera in a puddle of water (we had a little bit of rain today) and possibly fried the camera. Fortunately, I was able to get some pics off the memory chip. Tomorrow we will go south for about 90 miles, get the oil changed in the truck in Flagstaff AZ, and then we will officially begin our eastward journey home on Route 40 t0 I-81. Not sure if we will have anything exciting to report (until we get to Nashville), but I may keep updating the blog anyway. Thanks for following us and keeping us your thoughts and prayers.

Day 21 - Rafting on the Colorado River in Glen Canyon

Today we went rafting down the Colorado River (smooth portion) through the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Again, the sites were magnificent. The river was a warm 49 degrees and yes we jumped in...and got out quickly. This was the smooth portion of the river. This river goes to class 10 in the Grand Canyon. There are 7-14 day trips down these raids through the Grand Canyon that I would love to come back and do. I would also love to come back and hike down into the canyon. There is a place in the canyon to eat and sleep before hiking back out. It would be awesome. Tomorrow (Day 22) we will check out the rest of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. I will definitely come back here.

Day 20 - 1st Day in one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World

Yesterday (Day 20) we spent all day in just one area of the Grand Canyon only accessible by shuttle bus. The views were spectacular as the pics above show. I don't think there is anything else to say. Pics really do not do this place justice though. Seeing it is just unbelievable. If you have never been here, put it on your bucket list.