Our final trek home started when we left Cody, WY, on June 25th - gearing up for another marathon drive across the country ... this time, heading east. The mid-western states couldn't have been more different from the fabulous mountainous regions to which we had become accustomed! Through Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri we traveled; and all we saw was acres and acres of flat, flat farmland filled with crops. I haven't seen this much flat land since the last time I was in New Jersey!
As we buzzed east through Missouri, I was able to grab this shot of the arch in St. Louis. Because we were fast-tracking, there was no time to stop and sight-see at all, so this was just a quick shot en route.
Crossing back through the time zones, it was again a challenge to figure out what time zone we were in. Once we left Wyoming, we were back in Central; then crossing the Mississippi River into Illinois finally brought us back into Eastern Daylight Time. It is hard to imagine what logic might have been used to construct the time zones across the country .... they certainly presented some confusion with us - and created a great deal of havoc with meetings that had been scheduled on my computer and phone. I am still working to verify meeting times for upcoming dates!
When we weren't driving, we were resting. Since we caught that heat wave crossing the country, Cutter was usually eager to seek out the shaded grassy areas at the rest stops.
I was so surprised to see oil wells in Illinois. I guess I just always think of them in Texas and the western states. I was happy to get a picture of one, though. Usually by the time I would see one, we had already passed it.
I knew we were really getting back to civilization as we continued to hit more and more construction, along with those traffic jams. The jams we had gotten used to out west were for buffalo crossings or sighting a grizzly!
I am still amazed at the number of farms we encountered. The mid-west was just one farm after another. At least by now (Indiana), we were starting to see some hills and trees.
Much of Kentucky was one huge horse farm after another. I really felt like I needed to be singing 'My Old Kentucky Home' as we traveled through, but I figured Dick was already under enough stress trying to keep our rig on the road - and he did not need the added annoyance.
By the time we got further east in KY, it was clear we were entering Appalachian country. I continue to be fascinated and amazed with the cool looking rock formations - whether as a result of roads carving through, erosion, shifting fault lines, or whatever. I found them beautiful!!
The other amazing landscape feature prominent in Kentucky and Virginia was the unbelievable amount of kudzu. The first time I ever saw this fast growing vine was in Georgia. Good grief - I had never seen anything like it - consuming trees, bushes, utility poles, fences and everything else that happened to be in its path. As it envelopes its surroundings, it looks like creepy monsters rising out of the earth. This shot provides a fair representation of how it takes over all!!
The very best thing about Virginia was the gas prices! We have not seen anything under $3/gallon in so long that it shocked me when we were able to fill up at $2.94/gal!
We stayed in a great RV park in Ft. Chiswell, VA, that had the best 'doggie' area. It was a lovely grassy area right next to a cow farm. Well ... Cutter could not even imagine what these beasts were and his rump hair was 'on edge' each time he saw them. The cows, on the other hand, were intrigued by Cutter and would run to the corner of the fence each time they saw Cutter come into view. It was really funny to watch!
The last leg of our journey was a much anticipated visit with family in Raleigh. My cousin Bob is the handsome chap on the right [Bob is an older cousin :-)]; his wife Barb and daughter Melissa on the left. My son Travis and his girlfriend, Mina, are in the middle, with Melissa's son, Dylan, centering our group. All live in Raleigh and it was wonderful to have some family time together.
So - we are finally back home in Oriental, NC!! We have spent the past few days unloading and cleaning the RV before returning it to the storage yard close by. The rest of our time has been spent trying to get caught up and settled back at home. And the best??? Why just being in your own bed and enjoying the comforts of home. Cutter has been catching up on all his naps and chasing lizzies on the back deck - he is really in heaven being at home!
Our trip has been wonderful and full of amazing experiences. If you have never been out west, you may want to add it to your bucket list ..... the magnificent can only be appreciated in person.
So - that's it!! Thanks for joining us on our western adventure. We love traveling together and expect to do it again in the near future.
But, now our attention will be turned to the pending marriage of my son, Justin - and his beautiful bride-to-be, Elizabeth. August 18th is the wedding date, and Elizabeth will be a wonderful addition to our family. We are 'over-the-moon' with happiness for them - and for our family! Life is good :-)
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