Cross Country Trip Day Twelve: Lake Have-A-Sue (Havasu) City Arizona to Clovis California

I misspoke yesterday when I said today would be the end of our journey.  Yes, we will reach California and happily land at Mom and Dad’s house, but the true end comes tomorrow.  When the last box has been unloaded from the U-Haul, then the journey is complete. 

During our stay with Mama and Papa, Bailey selected to sleep on the cool stone floor rather than the bed as is her tradition.  Or so I thought.  Jaime and I were sitting on my bed talking on our last night in Arizona.  Bailey was pacing around the bed with pleading eyes.  We both encouraged her up on the bed but she wouldn’t jump.  Finally she made an attempt and with it came whines of discomfort and a retreat.   Some time ago Bailey hurt her hip and it seems that she has restrained that area.  She refused to jump, even up on the bed.  Thankfully we are at the end of this adventurous drive.  Having to pick a 75 pound dog up and load her in the U-Haul is not an activity I’d like to master more than needed.  As I expected, she refused to even try to jump when it was time to go.  She paced in front of the passenger door, then tucked her tail between her legs and cowered.  With Papa holding her back half and me taking the front half, we hoisted her up.

Mama and Papa set us on the road in style.  In true grandparent spoiling they fed us a country breakfast and packed our ice chest full of goodies.  Staying with them was such a pleasurable stop on our journey and they certainly added to the memories of our trip.

For those that are not familiar, when a vehicle crosses into the state of California it is inspected by the border patrol.  California takes agriculture very seriously and no pesky bugs from other states are allowed.  No fruits, vegetables, or plants are allowed through the gates.  We pulled up to the inspection site and Bailey stands in her seat to see what’s up.  The officer laughed and said, “Whoa, that’s not a dog that’s a horse!”  The standard questions of traveling from, destination, and reason were asked.  When I stated New York he asked if we were from upstate.  That prompted a conversation about towns and such as he actually knew the area.  After inspecting our ice chest and U-Haul he bid us safe travels.  A very nice, and if I may add, quite cute, border patrol.   

Remember how at the beginning of our journey I mentioned how the feeling of not being in a small town any longer creep up on me?  Well it did just that to Jaime during one of our gas stops.  The station was next to empty so we took our time.  Jaime took Bailey for a walk, I checked straps and such, and we both pulled out treats for the next driving stretch.  I need to mention that Jaime keeps her backpack at her feet during the day.  All her “stuff” is hidden among the depths of that bag.  So when she unloaded Bailey at the station she pulled the backpack out and placed it on the cement next to the tire.  After we had successfully hauled Bailey up to her seat, I moved around to the driver seat.  The gentleman in the gas lane next to us began talking to Jaime.  Once we were on the road again I asked what the conversation was about.  She said he was a kind man just looking out for her.  He warned that it was not safe to leave anything simply lying on the ground as she had done with her backpack.  Heavy sigh.  In Beaver Falls you could not only leave a backpack next to your truck, but could do so for hours with no worries of it being taken.  I’m sure going to miss that life. 

As the landscape became familiar Jaime bubbled with excitement.  When we came to the exit for Clovis Avenue she squealed like a three-year-old.  Silly girl; I think she is happy to be back in California.  

Cross Country Trip Day Eleven: Lake Have-A-Sue (Havasu) City Arizona to Clovis California

Yesterday was spent enjoying laziness and the company of each other.   Mama and Papa were excellent hosts and lavished us with food and fun.  Jaime couldn't find her swimsuit top, though she did tackle several boxes in the U-Haul.  I didn't even try.  No clue as to which box my suit is in. Thus the first task of the morning was a trip to Wal-Mart so we could purchase bathing suits.  As any woman can attest, bathing suit shopping is the worst torture ever.    Yet suits purchased and  Subway eaten, the pool beckoned.  Bailey used to swim daily at Mom and Dad’s house and has greatly missed her swim time.  She thoroughly enjoyed the water. 

  

After a day at home we ventured out for dinner.  Our stomachs quivered with anticipation for we were being treated to a feast which has not touched our tongues since departing California - - true Mexican food!  Oh the glorious flavor.  Jaime and I were absolutely in our happy place upon clearing our plates. 

Next a short drive to the famed London Bridge for some tourist time.  Our personal tour guide told us the history of this beautiful London bridge that was taken apart, numbered piece by piece, and  then rebuilt here in Have-a-Sue.

The day came to a close with a perfect sunset.  Clovis and the end of our journey awaits us tomorrow!

Cross Country Trip Day Ten: Holbrook Arizona to Lake Have-A-Sue (Havasu) City Arizona

As the fog of sleep lessened I became aware of silence.  Perhaps this was just an exceptionally quiet hotel.  I reached for my cell phone (remember when we actually used alarm clocks and wrist watches) to see what time this was all happening at.  Seriously?  3:30 a.m.  Good gracious.  Then I remembered we did drive across two separate time zones.  My body may say 5:30, but the hands on the clock say 3:30.  I willed myself back to sleep. 

Today the driving actually became somewhat of a chore for me.  I think it is because the landscape never changes.  Brown, tan, beige; how many different shades of dirt are there?  There is never a depletion of sun in this place. As proof here is a screenshot of my iPhone. 

 And then it happened.  We pulled off the Interstate for gas, turned the corner, and boom, there stood an establishment that made my heart sing.  No debating what side of the states we were on any longer, as only in the west can you find them.  I have so missed this scrumptiousness.

We arrived at Mama and Papa’s mid-afternoon.  Hugs and happy smiles were bountiful.  They have a sweet little dog named Tucker.  The dogs did their ceremonious hind-end sniffing, decided each were acceptable, and made peace. 

A couple hours later dinner plans were being discussed.  Jaime and I looked at each other in amazement when realization hit that we had not eaten since breakfast.  See, even our appetites went into hibernation due to the endless hours of the dessert landscape.  ;-) 

We headed out to Mudshark’s Brewery for BBQ.  Jaime had ribs and I had a pulled pork sandwich.  I was about to dig in when I realized there was a problem.  Digging through my purse I came up empty handed.  Jaime came to my rescue with a hair tie. You know it is sloppy good barbeque when you have to tie your hair back! 

We will be here for a couple days, then it is California bound again! 

Cross Country Trip Day Nine: Amarillo Texas to Holbrook Arizona

Saturday night was a terrible horrible no good very bad night.  It started by arriving at our hotel to find it had recently been moved to the inside of a furnace.  That’s the only way to explain the temperature of 106 at 8:00pm. As an apology for the ugly outside heat the hotel staff had preset the room at a pleasant 70 degrees.  This small act of kindness certainly earned points in my book.

Jaime and I had a quick dinner of turkey sandwiches and hit the sack about 10:00pm.  At approximately midnight Bailey let out a guarding bark as someone knocked on our front door.  The quick rap on wood was followed by childlike giggles.  How sweet of those little vacationing angels to play knock and run … brats!  At this moment in time I realized that I was having trouble breathing.  Oh, it must be because my nose is completely clogged shut.  And I took my very last allergy pill earlier in the day.  Perfect.  Now I’m wide awake and listening to the sounds around me.  This is an old hotel that has been upgraded inside, but the foundation is still old.  The doors don’t shut evenly so one must slam as loud as possible to shut them.  Sense any sarcasm there?   Hotel guests, I don’t care if you are on vacation.  I don’t care if it is Saturday night.  I don’t care if so and so made the cutest couple and are now happily married.  I wanted to sleep! 

To make up for my unpleasant night we started the day off with Starbucks.  One swallow of that heavenly nectar in my to-go cup and I no longer envisioned strangling anyone.    Life is good.  :-)

The miles today were exceptionally smooth; so much so that I am left with little to write.  Given that, let me bring you some viewing pleasure.  Yes folks, the below fashion statement is what I am blessed to be seen with each day. 

Tomorrow we jog the short distance to Lake (remember how to pronounce it) Have-A-Sue Arizona.  There we will be guests of Jaime’s grandparents who are better known as Mama and Papa.  OH MY GOSH !!!!  I briefly stopped writing to check out the Lake Have-A-Sue weather forecast.  Surely my eyes kid.  For the three days we will be staying with Mama and Papa the temps will be: Monday, 117, Tuesday 119, and a real cold front comes on Wednesday to bring in a chilly 114.  Oh Maria Rice, please come trade places with me, now!  

Cross Country Trip Day Eight: Rogers Arkansas to Amarillo Texas

The last couple of days have been fantastic and many memories have been made.  Brian and Karen’s home is a little slice of heaven; we have enjoyed our time there immensely.  One of my favorite moments was sitting on the back porch watching the deer.  While they were indeed intrigued with one particular large white fluff ball, it was Bailey that seemed more on edge.  She sat and studied them, then decided they were not worth her attention and wandered off in search of better activities. 

I was able to enjoy something that I haven’t had since I left California – shaved ice!  The menu was gigantic and I was silently glad that there was a line waiting to order.  I changed my mind at least seventeen times as I inched closer to the counter.  In the end I settled on Invisible Cloak which was vanilla, wedding cake, and silver fox.  The flavors were all invisible, hence the name, unlike Miss Jaime’s who’s Georgia Peach (strawberry and peach) could not be denied. 

This morning we said our sad goodbyes and hit the road close to nine o’clock.  Jaime is becoming an exceptional little travel buddy.  I had my doubts in the beginning.  We’ve traveled together before and it has not been pretty.  But this time around she has stepped up to the plate and I find myself not even second guessing her directions.  Normally when we start out she will give me the first couple of steps to the route.  This morning though she started to speak but all that came out was laughter.  Instead of stating go West for 34.7 miles then take exit 82 (as an example) the GPS said to enter Interstate 40 and continue for 1093 miles.  Yes, you read that correctly.  We had a good chuckle about that one.  If only this moving box had cruise control installed we could push the button and go to sleep or something.  I mean really, this portion of the Interstate is as straight as straight can be. 

We did have a minor hang up today.  There was a disagreement among five big rigs which resulted in a fire when the metal came crashing together.  One truck caught fire which moved to the brush on the side of the road which in turn ignited a power pole.  Traffic in all four lanes came to a screeching halt.  During the 45 minute standstill people got out of their vehicles to stretch their legs, talk to the neighboring car and such.  I was just waiting for a game of Frisbee to start up.  Oh wait, we’re not in California yet.    

Amarillo is where we hang our hats tonight.  Tomorrow brings another full day of driving as we make our way to Lake Have-A-Sue Arizona.  Every time I try to spell that darn name spellchecker runs with it in every direction but the correct one.  So I figure this way there will be no mistaking what I’m trying to say. 

Good night ya’ll.  

Cross Country Trip Day Five: Kansas City Missouri to Rogers Arkansas

There comes a point in life when a person you know becomes knew; love becomes loved.  Then God steps in, alters paths, and once again it is know and love. 

Several months back I was sorting through boxes of old keepsake stuff.  Among the dust bunnies, faded newspapers and memories I stumbled across a letter style Christmas card from Karen Ramos.  Karen was my best friend through high school.  After school life brought marriage, children, and far away family moves.  Time marched on and we lost touch.  The last time we physically laid eyes on one another was during our ten year class reunion back in 1989.  I held the letter in my hand and wondered, what were the chances of the email address across the bottom being correct?  I sent out a quick greeting explaining to the recipient that if in fact it did not reach Brian and Karen could they kindly let me know rather than have me wonder that dreaded “what if” forever. 

And then it happened, Karen replied.  When I received her email I was on a trip to Phoenix with four wonderful women of God.  We were driving down the highway to our destination and I was scanning my emails.  Reading Karen’s words I became absolutely overwhelmed with emotion of years gone by and broke down like a baby.  The poor girls I was with had to sit in bewilderment as I sobbed.  I was only able to shake my head at their questions.  One finally asked, “At least tell us these are happy tears.”  Oh yes, yes indeed, these are happy tears. 

Moving forward months and my life switches gears again.  Now placed in my lap is the opportunity to spend a couple days with the Ramos family as Jaime and I chug along from east to west.  Unfortunately Brian is out on travel (didn’t do so good on the time planning with that one did ya God) but I was able to talk to him on the phone and he sounds just like the Brian I knew long ago. 

It was inevitable that photo albums be pulled out.  Michelle, Karen’s gorgeous daughter, and Jaime had a great time pointing at the clothes and hair of the late 70’s.  There were plenty of “Is that you!” “What were you wearing?” and comments as such.  Tucked in one of the albums was a card I had given Karen back in 1982ish.  A little card about what she meant to me as a friend.  As soon as I laid eyes on the front of the card I remembered.  Before I even picked it up I knew the words inside. As I cracked it emotion poured from my eyes in liquid form.  (Dad, there are times when I wish you had kept some of your gene pool to yourself.  This over the top sentimental crying bit really embarrasses sometimes) 

When two people are able to sit on the couch; laugh and chat as if it were only yesterday when they had last done so … yes, life is good.  

Cross Country Trip Day Four: Des Moines Iowa to Kansas City Missouri

The travel cup today was filled with happy smiles and not so happy smiles.  I’ll start with the happy smiles. 

Several weeks back when we began planning our specific route across the states Jaime received a note from the mom of one of her very best friends in California, Evan Pape.    It seems that Evan would be in Iowa to tour Iowa State University during the same time we would be hitting the road westward.  She was wondering if there was a way we could cross paths.  Trip plans were altered, target dates changed, and excitement grew.  We arranged to meet Evan, his mom Lori and dad John at a restaurant in which Evan claims to serve the best BBQ in the world.  (Side note: Christina, it doesn’t come close to Babe’s!)  We arrived early and waited in the parking lot as inconspicuously as one can be in a U-Haul towing a Jeep.  We see them drive in, Jaime starts fidgeting with the anticipation of surprise.  Evan still has no clue.  As they walk across the parking lot we jump out and swing around the side entrance.  They stop in the front to take a couple pictures which gives us our opportunity to slide onto the bench right at the front door.  John and Lori walk by giving us quick glances and smiles.  Evan, in true teenager form, was busy looking at his iPhone and walked right by us. I swear, Jaime could have stuck her foot out and he would have stumbled to the ground.  We get up and follow directly behind them through the doors.  Once inside, Evan turns, does a double-take, and stands there with his mouth open waiting for words to appear.  And then it was time for some huge bear hugs.  The rest of the afternoon was spent touring the campus, enjoying small talk, and basking in the glory of supreme friendship. 

The not so happy smiles were caused by the ugly weather.  We were really on the road only four hours today, but it seems we selected the worst four.  The sky opened up and simply poured on us.  Further down the Interstate we found dark clouds but at least no rain.  Alas, that was short lived as once again the rain pounded on our roof.  And so it went on, clear, then rain, then clear, then rain.  At one point we drove past cars parked under the overpass.  Hmmm, not the most encouraging sight. 

Bailey would certainly not be pleased that I almost forgot to mention her.   Because we planned on spending a good chunk of the day with the Pape’s, Jaime arranged to have Bailey attend a doogie daycare.  Oh my goodness!  Talk about one worn out pup.  She played, and played, and played until even her fur was tired.

While today was all about Jaime’s fun, tomorrow is it is my turn.  You will have to check back dear reader to see why.    

Cross Country Trip Day Three: (almost) Chicago Illinois to Des Moines Iowa.

Last night we got a little goofy.  You know how you get when being tired just takes over rational thinking?  Keep that in mind as I tell this tale.  Our room had two double beds with a small nightstand between them.  Above the nightstand was a double lamp set-up so that one side or the other could utilize the light, or both.  It was midnight and I was giving in to the sandman.  Jaime was still clippity-clapping away on her netbook.  As I pulled the covers up to my chin I mentioned why didn’t she turn her side of the light on and mine off.  She made a move to do so, they stopped, looked at the light, then looked at me and questioned why.  “Wouldn’t it make just as much light?” she asked.  The giggles started as I tried to make sense of what I was saying.  I blurted out that maybe it was just ease of operation for the person staying up to turn off the light if HER side was on instead of MY side being on.  Again she moved toward the light fixture and yet again stopped.  This time the laughter overcame her as she pointed and said, “But the switch is exactly in the middle!”  A rowdy fit of insane laughter took over.  And you know what, she never did turn that gosh darn light off.   

Three days … 1091 miles … and we haven’t killed each other yet!

My greatest fear/embarrassment of this trip is finding myself in a position of not being able to maneuver the truck and trailer.  What should happen this morning?  We awake to find the U-Haul completely blocked by a car that parked mere inches from the front.  Great.  Just what I wanted to face first off.  It is pouring down rain to boot.  I open the hotel room door, set eyes on my obstacle, and march out to that truck with determination.  I can do this.  I can do this.  I can do this.  (The Little Engine that Could would be so proud)  I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and go for it.  Not only was I able to back and turn while backing, but I expertly wound my way through the curves and tight angles of the parking lot searching for the exit.  Applause people, this calls for applause! 

If you are a dog lover you are aware of the undying affection they have for open windows.  There is something about the wind rushing through their fur that drives them wild.  I mentioned earlier that at one point Jaime and Bailey negotiated a seat exchange so Bailey could feel the air, but that was only on one occasion.  Normally Miss Bales holds domain over the middle seat.  But there is no rush of wind in the middle, no cool breeze blowing one’s ears afloat, no bugs getting stuck in fur.  Oh but you see I have a smart doggie.  She solved the no air problem all by herself.  She simply lifts her nose and positions it directly in front of the air conditioning vent.  A dog must do what a dog must do!  We haven’t had the heart to tell her that it isn’t actually a window. 

Cross Country Trip Day Two: Cleveland Ohio to (almost) Chicago Illinois

While sleeping beauty continues to log her hours of required slumber, Bailey and I took a morning jaunt.  Our hotel is adjacent to a residential area sporting mature trees and space free of sidewalks.  The vast property lawns are a joy for that inquisitive canine nose.  The air is crisp and the birds sing their greetings.  At the conclusion of our two-mile walk it occurred to me that even though the effort was produced on my part, none of the neighborhood cars that past us waved, nor even smiled. I sadly realize we are no longer in small town USA.

Upon leaving the city of Cleveland we passed several billboards beckoning us to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Alas, it is not in our schedule of events this time around, much to my dismay.  While Jaime and I share the love of microwaved s'mores, Starbucks, and Panara Bread (do you notice the theme), she does not share my crazy enthusiasum for music.  And so we drive onward, another city awaits.

We hit a patch of rain along the way which slowed us down somewhat.  Knowing that our first destination is well within reach, we chose to retire early.  Not quite to Chicago, but good enough.  We gather suitcases, dog food and, yes, you guessed it, my feather pillow.  Nighty night.

Cross Country Trip Day One: Beaver Falls New York to Cleveland Ohio

After spending the morning finishing up loading the U-Haul, completing two loads of laundry, and saying our family goodbyes, Jaime (niece, 18) and I hit the highway at 1230.  Robin (sister-in-law) and I were talking earlier about the luck of having so much commotion currently taking place in and around the Bristow family.  The little ones, and even the adults to some degree, have not been able to focus on our departure. End of school madness, Jaime's graduation, and the excitement of an upcoming family vacation kept attentions elsewhere.  In fact, when I gave my final squeeze to Jack (nephew, 11) he said, "I'll see you in a week" thinking we were saying goodbye due to their departure, not our own. 

The U-Haul is quite comfortable.  We were able to pad the middle area so a homemade bench seat affords the stretching out of Goldendoodle legs.  That said, Bailey is a dog that likes to sit in one's lap.  On several occasions I'd look over and she would be sprawled out across Jaime's knees.  At one point she took the lap offer as far as she could and climbed right up on top of Jaime.  That lasted for a good deal longer than I expected, then Jaime decided she would own the middle seat and give Bailey the rights to the window seat.  The things we do for our dogs.

The pleasure of this particular cross-country trip is in having no specific deadline awaiting us in California.  We have a "would really like to be there by" date, but if it gets blown out of the water, we'll deal.  That gives us ease in travels, daily miles driven, and much less stress on my shoulders.  We have three main stops to catch; other than that, we are open to whatever adventure God has planned. 

Halfway through the day Jaime and I received a joint text from Robin.  It contained the below picture and the words, “Miss you already!” We replied with sad faces of our own.  

As the day draws to a close I find myself having a discussion with the hotel pillow in this fine establishment.  It simply will not do.  When I lay my head down it remains in an upright position due to the magnitude of the pillow stuffing.  Wrestling with it this way and that way, pulling it down, smacking it in the middle ... nothing helps.  In the end I get up, pull the two small towels from the bathroom, shove them inside one of my tee shirts and tah dah, an appropriately sized pillow has been born. Jaime laughed at my pathetic creation, but I slept well!  Tomorrow night my head shall slumber on a feather pillow brought in from the U-Haul.  I'm just too lazy to go get it right now.    :)