California Pt. II

  Ryan and I drove away from the doctor's office both a little heartbroken to be leaving Ventura, but we were also graced with a new adventure: Yosemite National Park. The drive was roughly six hours or so, and I spent it wondering when in the world I would be able to hear out of my left ear again (better, but still working on it!). I looked out the car window and watched the scenery change from sandy beaches to dry and barren mountains to woodlands. Within a few hours, we had stopped at a Target Pharmacy on the route to pick up my eardrops. The whole rest of the drive I was worried that they'd burn like the over-the-counter eardrops.

  Eventually the afternoon grew into night, and we were only able to make out silhouettes of Yosemite's trees. We drove through dark, windy roads and talked about Big Foot and Smokey the Bear. Eventually we made a right turn onto a dark and appropriately uncanny road that seemed to lead to nowhere except a few sleeping horses at a deserted stable. Soon we decided to turn around and drive to the nearby Wawona Hotel and ask for directions. One side of the lodging was draped in vines of ivy from roof to soil and I couldn’t quite tell if I liked the Bayou-style, or if it frightened me. It actually resulted in the latter as we drove around the parking lot for a space. There was not a single space available for at least fifteen minutes. As we drove around and passed the main entrance of the hotel, the dining area appeared to be bursting at the seams with guests and everyone seemed so…awake. I found this to be very odd given the hour, and it brought me back to my Goosebumps days. My imagination ran wild as we finally found a spot and started to walk up the steps. All I could picture were overly-polite butlers wearing green suits and white gloves with big teeth asking if we’d like to stay; being transfixed by the old charm of the hotel we’d say yes…then all of a sudden all of the people in attendance would turn out to be ooze-dripping (green ooze, naturally) aliens that would never let us leave. Of course, that was not the case at all. Rather than seeping aliens, there were average, normal people and an average, nice-but not too nice- concierge who was glad to help us find our campsite. After a few minutes, we safely were allowed to leave the hotel and travel further down the road to our campsite.

  But things didn’t get any easier as I sat in the car half-pouting/half-crying out of frustration and sadness and pure exhaustion. I sat in the passenger seat and cried for the second time that day. I cried because my ear hurt and all I wanted was to be fully capable of hearing again. I cried because I was too tired to deal with setting up the tent and camping for two nights with a bad ear. I cried because I already missed my family in Ventura. I cried because I missed my family in Pennsylvania. I cried because I severely missed my dog, Juice. And I think I probably wallowed because I’ve never been too keen on change, and here I was completely getting away from the East Coast and plopping myself on the other side of the country. I can’t even rearrange my room without feeling a little out of place and sad for the first few nights. But I think I mostly cried because of my ear and because I was tired. Eventually I mellowed out and put on my big-girl pants and helped Ryan set up the tent. Soon after, we both fell asleep, and I with a fair mood.

  The next morning I wasn’t sure if I was up for hiking or not, and after putting in my eardrops (which I’m happy to announce brought on no pain), I told Ry to go hiking without me so I could sleep and read a required book for class. However, he said he’d stay with me because he didn’t want to leave me alone, so I told him we’d see how I felt after taking a nap. Not only did I take a nap, but h fell asleep as well. For three hours. By the time we woke up feeling refreshed, it was nearly noon and I determined I was up to at least go on a shuttle around the park to learn about it. The vehicle drove past the Wawona Hotel and in the daylight it was a lot less intimidating and actually beautiful. Our driver even gave us tidbits of information: Not only is the Wawona Hotel the oldest hotel in California, but there also used to be an aircraft landing strip just across the road until it got deemed unfit for safety reasons and eventually got shut down. In its place is a grassy meadow where deer like to roam.

  We got off at the Mariposa Grove and then decided to go on a tour of the spectacular area. The great Sequoias were absolutely spellbinding and the serenity that I felt there was probably comparable to being in Disneyland (and for those of you who know me, that is a BIG deal). While being chauffeured around, I listened to my temporary headset and learned so much about the Sequoias. I proudly present this next section as information on the Mariposa Grove and the habitual Sequoia trees.

Mariposa Grove and the Sequoia Trees:

(Substituted for Interesting Facts)

  Mariposa Grove is famous for its beautiful giants and is named after Mariposa County in California. The name is derived from the Spanish word meaning butterfly. During the Civil War, this patch of land was the very first-ever to be set aside become reserved as a park. Now look how the park has grown. Giant Sequoias-also referred to as redwoods and by their binomial name, Sequoiadendron giganteum-are probably the largest living trees (by volume) on Earth and can stand at close to 100-400 feet, or over 120 meters sometimes. Their life expectancy can be anywhere from 2,000-3,000 years. Their roots sit only a few feet under ground and can range from 50-200 feet long. During hot days, these roots transport hundreds of gallons of water a day with the help of sapwood up to the Cambium layer as well as the bark.

  As you drive around, you’ll become aware of some trees with big gaping holes at the bases; some are wide enough for a pick-up truck to drive through! Looking around the base of the trees, you’ll probably also notice blackened marks. Not only do they engulf the trees with holes, but most of the other Sequoias as well. Yes, these blackened scars are made from fire. And yes, these fires are intentional. Why in the world would anyone set fire a tree, you might ask? Well fun fact: These prescribed burns are to help the tree and its seedlings maintain nourishment to grow. With every fire, there comes beauty. These prescribed burns are controlled by fire crews and are started upwind and uphill to prevent a raging and out of control forest fire like Yosemite recently has been battling. Unlike most trees, Sequoias can withstand the fire better due to its water based sap and other elements. These trees have been through hundreds of burns throughout their lifetime (due to their age, not all burns have been prescribed…some are just Nature’s gift). Basically, the Sequoia’s bark acts like our skin-when it gets burned, the bark attempts to grow over the wound and heal the tree, just like our bodies do. We are connected to nature in more ways than one. Even so, enough scars can create deformations, and that is the case for the trees with the gaping passages. As luck and biology would have it, these trees can sustain a normal lifespan without their heartwood, as the heartwood only supports the structure of the tree. The only parts the tree requires to stand tall are its bark, roots, and its Cambium layer.

  These marvelous monuments have been around for millenniums, and there is fossilized evidence proving that these trees were once spread out all across America. This was before the Sierra Nevada Mountains formed, making the land back then a much wetter climate for the species. Now the population is dwindling, and there are many people nurturing these trees to make sure that the legacy of the Sequoias lives on. However, we can all work together to make sure these trees, along with many other plants and animals, are here for generations to come. If you need ideas on how to help, contact Yosemite or any National Park for that matter.

  I’m not sure how this tour made anyone else feel, but by the end I felt so inspired and very touched by being in the presence of the trees. It has become one of my favorite places.
  The next day, Ryan and I left for a hotel in Andersen, California, and now we are in Olypmia, WA! Tomorrow we check in for our rooms and finally get to set up roots for a while. It’s been a fantastic journey, and I’ve decided to continue my blog to share my college experiences and hopefully help others gain some insight on what it’s like to be a college student living in today’s world. I’ll post weekly, maybe even a few times in the week. As for now, it’s time to rest for a great, big, exciting day tomorrow. Goodnight!

Rate: 9.9/10

Likes:

1. Mariposa Grove

2. It's magical

3. Friendly people

Dislikes:

1. Intimidating at night

2. Did not get to see everything

Tree with burns 

Size comparison

In front of tree 

California Pt. I

  Though leaving Zion was gloomy, we had a new destination to look forward to: California. We left around 2:30 PM and I couldn’t hold back my excitement. I was clapping my hands and singing out loud like a little kid on a much-anticipated field trip. After driving through Las Vegas and sticking our noses up at Sin City, Ryan pulled over at a gas station to feed Porter (the car) and I hopped in the driver’s seat. I have to say that after two weeks of driving 75 miles per hour, it’s going to feel odd driving 55 miles per hour. Anyways, about an hour into my turn of driving, we crossed the border of California. I was SO happy and gladly let everyone else pass me as the little Kia chugged up the undulating road and tears of joy glazed my eyes. Sure, the Nevada/California border is sort of unexciting, but the fact that I was finally in my home state after several years was thrilling. I still have no clue why I decided to always stay back when my family flew to the West Coast. Silly me.

  The further we traveled, the more I took in. I looked into the distance and the mountains looked azure against the sky- as I always remembered as a kid and took for granted. Hours passed, and Ryan said he’d drive the rest of the way. Eventually we got to my Aunt’s house in Ventura and I took in all the new (to me, at least) renovations of her home…including her two big pups. The kitchen was fashioned into a big open area that held a French Bistro sort of theme. The living room and flooring was also different. As much as I loved the old look, I have to say that I can’t get over how amazing it looks now.

  After sharing several hugs with my family and introducing Ryan, I did what I always do when I see my Aunt and talked to her for a few hours. Soon enough we both decided to go to bed. The next day Ryan and I both got up at 7 and after getting ready, we went to Port Hueneme- the town that I grew up in. We stopped at Ann’s Bakery where I distinctly remember picking out a few birthday cakes as a little girl. We ordered breakfast burritos and a little pastry to split. The icing was delicious and exactly as I had remembered it. After munching on the pastry and sharing a few memories, we drove around the town. We drove past the two elementary schools I attended, the harbor, the naval base that my dad went to, and we finally stopped in front of my grandma’s old house. It looks different now. And I’m not sure who resides in it now, but I hope they make my old home their home and fill it with many exceptional memories. I hope they plant new trees to climb on. I hope they get good and dirty rom playing and crawling around the yard. I hope they toss a ball over the neighbor’s brick wall just to climb over and get it before the dog comes out. I hope they pretend that they’re in the desert looking for water to survive and they quickly pull of part of the same neighbor’s cactus for a source of water and stir up a little harmless trouble. I hope I hope they get a new swing set to swing on. I hope they crawl out of the second story window to sit on the patio rooftop to enjoy the moment like I did. I hope their dad throws a softball back and forth with them like mine did. I hope they take walks to the beach through the park, and I hope they take it all in. I hope that house becomes apart of them like it has for me.

  After recollecting some of those memories, we drove to the beach and ate our breakfast burritos. It was literally the best burrito I’ve EVER tasted. Once we disposed of our leftovers, we strolled along the beach and took in the salty breeze. We took off our sandals and ran to the Pacific Ocean’s edge only to squeal and run back from the brisk temperature. We walked under the pier and admired the crashing of the waves and agreed that the sand there came off much more easily than the sand in New Jersey. We walked back to the car to go watch my cousin Isabella’s cheer practice. As we drove away from Port Hueneme, I rolled down the windows and sniffed eagerly for the scent I remembered so well…the smell of the trees that lined the road. I still have no idea what any of these trees are called, but I love them so much. There are tall trees that remind me of willow trees that shade you from the sun, and only lets glimmers of sunlight through while driving past. Then there are trees that I’ve always referred to as “paper trees” because their bark is so soft and peels off…just like paper. As we made our way closer to Ventura, I pointed out to Ryan a landmark that I deemed as a child as “Cookie Monster Hill” due to the bareness of the hill except for two lone trees that represent Cookie’s eyes. It was such a rush to know that it looked the same.

  Soon enough we went to my cousin’s practice and sat and talked to my Aunt Sheryl and Uncle Andy. Once the practice was over, we parted ways with them as we went to get lunch at-drumroll, please…BUM BUM BUM- In N’ Out! I ordered my usual burger with a chocolate milkshake while Ryan opted for a cheeseburger and a strawberry shake. I told him he’d regret it and that the best way to have it was with a chocolate shake, and once he tasted mine, he agreed. Following lunch, we went to another beach until it was time for dinner with my Aunt Sharon, Sheryl, Uncle Andy, and most of my cousins. We feasted on Mexican food and discussed plans for college and then just random chit chat. Later on, we went back to Sheryl’s and the most of the kids watched a movie while my cousins Sabrina and Averi ran around and had a blast. Sheryl left to drop off Isabella at her friend’s birthday party, so it gave me and Ry some one-on-one time with my Aunt Sharon. Eventually he started talking YouTube stuff with my cousin Nathan, and my cousin Shannon came over to spend the night. As soon as we saw each other we gave each other a huge hug. She’s 18 and probably only an inch or two shorter than me…we’re probably going to be the shortest people in our family once our cousins grow up. I found myself feeling a little self-conscious and insecure around her because I’ve always thought she was one of the most gorgeous women I know, and to be quite honest, it’s intimidating at times. We talked to Sharon for a while, and then Sheryl came back and we all chatted away. As the night grew darker, Sharon took her two boys home while letting Averi spend the night. Eventually the kids, Ryan, and my aunt and uncle went to bed, leaving time for Shannon and I to talk alone. The more we talked, the less I found myself focusing less on how gorgeous she was (and how maybe unpretty it made me feel), and more on the memories we shared together as children and the things that were going on in our lives currently. The thing about having a big family is that your cousins are basically your best friends- or at least that’s how it is with my family. Though we may have our individual characteristics and personalities, Shannon and I have something that connects us, and it gives us a foreground. Our family. Our friendship builds from there. I never had really close friends except for a few here and there, but no matter how far away we are, my cousins have always been my best friends. We didn’t stop talking until 1:30, and even then I didn’t want to go to bed. But eventually we said goodnight and I fell asleep.

  The next morning Shannon and I were the first ones to wake, and one-by-one, so did everyone else. After we made sandwiches, we all hopped in the van to go down to the beach so we could learn to surf. We all put on our borrowed wetsuits and my uncle taught us the basics of surfing. Shannon went into the water with the surfboard first, so Ryan and I boogie boarded a few yards away. To our disbelief, the wetsuits really did keep us comfortable in the cold water. Once Shannon was done surfing, it was my turn. Though I didn’t stand on the board, I did get to my knees, and I was pretty satisfied with that. On my last attempt, I remember looking down and seeing the nose of the board tipping forward, and at that point I knew I was going to take a beating. The crashing wave pushed me over the board, and I plummeted into the ocean. I rolled around underwater with my eyes closed and I felt my head smack into the sand (which was surprisingly hard), and then I felt water rush into my ear canal. It took me a minute to find my footing, but then my head came above water and I stood up. Everything was spinning and I could barely stand. I tried taking a step and almost fell. Then I finally got some of my balance back and walked over to Shannon. She walked me up to where our belongings were and sat me down. My head was pounding and I was afraid that I had a concussion. What scared me even more was what happened to my ear. It was throbbing and I couldn’t hear out of it. I’ve always had problems with my ears and being in water, so going surfing was probably very poor judgment on my part. I’m certainly not invincible. Soon enough the dizziness went away, but my ear was still injured. When we decided to leave the beach, we stopped at CVS and picked up some drops to dry out the water. Our next stop was the pool to meet Sharon, my Uncle Steve and his wife and kids, and my grandma. We got there and the first thing I did was sit down. Minutes later I had Ryan put in the drops. Almost instantly my inner ear started burning from the alcohol-based drops and as much as I tried to hold back my tears, the pain was too much and I started crying. Ryan hugged me and rubbed my back, and eventually the pain ceased. I decided that I was NEVER going to place those drops in my ear again.

  The entire family made their way back to Sheryl’s house for a little barbecue. Unfortunately my ear still bothered me and I went to lie down for a little bit to drain the water out. Hours passed and Ryan waited with me. I still felt like my ear had more water to drain, and so we waited. My younger cousin Emily came in to talk to us and helped distract me from the pain. She’s a very sweet-natured girl and she’s probably one of the younger cousins that I connect most with. Although my other cousins don’t remember me too well, she’s always right there waiting to talk to me like she sees me all of the time. I can’t help but to have an attachment to her, and sometimes I get afraid that people are going to walk all over her. At the same time, she’s very mature for her age and I think that’s another thing that makes me feel so bonded with her.

Emily asked me if my ear was okay and then she brought me some fruit. We talked about how she felt about her sister (Brittany) getting married and moving to North Dakota with her husband, and she admitted that she felt very lonely since Brittany was the sister she felt closest to. It made my heart sink a little and I gave her a hug and tried to reassure her that they can still be close. She told Ryan that he had really pretty eyes, and then she talked about a Demi Lovato concert the previous day. She told me about school, soccer, and cross-country. Then we both shared how neither of us liked running. However, she does love to play soccer.

  Finally after being fed up with my ear not draining, we all walked out of the room and started talking to everyone. As time went on, everyone had to leave and all of cousins went out back to take group photos. I said my goodbyes to everyone and told them I’d see them again in December. I gathered my belongings for the departure to Yosemite the next morning, and watched part of a movie with Sheryl and her kids. Then I went into the room Ryan and I were staying in, and before I knew it, I fell asleep. I woke up with a little bit of diluted blood that had drained out of my ear and decided that I’d go to the doctor’s in the morning. After cleaning my ear and determining I had most likely ruptured my eardrum for the umpteenth time, I went back to sleep. In the morning my aunt and uncle left to drop off the kids at school and go to work. Before they left, we said our goodbyes and she told me where to go about my ear. Then a little while later, Ryan and I went to the doctor’s.

  Once we got to the counter, the front desk lady told me that they do not accept HMO’s (the type of insurance that I’m on), and that put a damper on things. It was a $100 charge for visiting the doctor’s but we decided to stay. After signing in and waiting to be called back, the nurse called my name. We were taken into a little room where I sat on the patient table and Ryan sat in the chair. Finally the doctor came in and looked at my ear. I expected to get ear drops to prevent an infection, but she instead told me I should see an ear doctor. Feeling a little frustrated, I said thank you and she gave me a number to call. Ryan and I sat in the car and I started crying out of frustration from my ear and also because I found out that my insurance cannot be used outside of Pennsylvania. Finally I made the appointment for the ear specialist and we waited around until the appointment time. Once we got in, the doctor had me lie back in a chair and he took a look into my ear. He told me there was definitely a perforated eardrum and lots of scar tissue (gee, I’ve never heard that before). He then sucked some of the fluid and white gunk out of my ear and said it may or may not heal. He seemed a bit egotistical, and I knew that my eardrum would heal because this isn’t this first time I’ve had a ruptured eardrum. He added to my annoyance as he me it was silly of me to be going into the water and recommended that I stay away from things such a s scuba diving, surfing, swimming, etc. Though he really irked me, I felt satisfied when he prescribed me ear drops. I would have asked him if there was anything to help my ear such as getting tubes or taking out my tonsils, but I decided that since he acted like my case was unusual, he probably wouldn’t know what he was talking about or give me misinformation. I guess it wouldn’t be California if I weren’t welcomed back with another ear misfortune. Oh, the nostalgia.

Interesting facts:

1. Became 31st state on September 9, 1850 

2. Home to the world’s largest tree (General Sherman in Sequoia National Park) 

3. Home to the original Disney theme park, Disneyland 

4. Barbie was created in California. As well as Apple computers, fortune cookies,      and blue jeans. 

5. Named after the character Queen Califia from a book written by
     Garcia de Montalvo 

6. More turkeys are raised here than any other state

Likes:

1. Home state 

2. The Pacific Ocean 

3. Amazing food 

4. Mountains 

5. Santa Barbara Zoo 

6. Nice people (most) 

7. So many different areas

Dislikes:

1. Most populated state 

2. Not enough backroads 

3. Parents no longer reside here :(

Rate: 10/10 because I am biased

Ry under the pier

With Auntie Sharon

With Auntie Sheryl

BIRDS!

At the beach with Ry

I'm a bird!

My butt

Port Hueneme Pier

Shy Ryan

Cookie Monster Hill

Cousins with Grandma Bea

(First Row: Jackson, Me; Second Row from left: Averi, Sabrina, Emily, Rachel, Zane, Grandma; Third Row from left: Shannon, Bianka, Isabella, Nathan) 

With Em

With Shannon ad Grandma

Taken by Emily

Utah

The route that we took to Zion National Park wove in and out of Arizona through Utah, until we had reached the town of Springdale, Utah. The drive up was beautiful. As the sun was setting, a golden shower cascaded over the canyon and its valley below. I was in absolute awe of the park and the charming town just outside its gates. Soon, we found our lot and set up camp. I walked over to the recycling bins to throw out a few plastic bottles, and the first thing I were two deer right in the campgrounds! So I quickly rushed back to Ryan, got his camera, and started snapping away. Closer, and closer I got until I decided to stop about three yards away to give the animals their space. It was as if they hadn’t even noticed my presence.

Shortly after spotting the deer, Ry and I decided to go to sleep early. The forecast had called for rain, but the skies looked pretty clear…until later that night. Around two in the morning I stirred from my sleep as droplets of water landed on my temple. Moments later as my senses also awakened, I heard rain pelting my surroundings. As I listened closer, I heard an even more consistent and more amplified drip, drip, drip coming from within the tent! It was a very rough night as I realized our tent was leaking water, and I was debating if I should go out to the car and seize my pots and pans in order to contain the water. However, I had enough of the rain and decided to stay (moderately) dry inside our little tent and wait it out. Finally, two hours later, I stopped worrying and fell back asleep. Hours later when we awoke to start our adventuring, we found that some of our clothes had gotten wet and there were a few puddles on our tarp floor. With a new hurdle to overcome, Ryan and I were both a little agitated the first few minutes until we worked together to clean up the muddle. After that, we decided to drive into town for a nice breakfast and a look around town (the forecast called for more rain and lightening). We met an elderly lady who told us all kinds of stories about her past, her eight children, her grandchildren, her GREAT-grandchildren, and how she wants to have a Celebration of Life party with all of her family surrounding her when she reaches 90 (in three years). We were intrigued as she told us about her travels, and the love that her and her husband shared. We witnessed the tears caught trapped in her eyes as she told us about her husband and son passing away from cancer only a short time apart, and we felt our hearts warm up with the willpower and love she still has to give. Before we left her shop, she gave us a piece of advice- to be thankful for what we have and never take anything for granted. This woman, named Mary-Anne, is one of my favorite people I have met on this trip. All I wanted was to hug this woman or grasp her hand show her how much she touched my heart and that in that instant, I felt very bonded with her. However, I am a fairly shy person and thought it was perhaps inappropriate. So instead, we signed her guest book and thanked her for sharing her memories with us. I wish the best for Mary-Anne.

After looking at most of the shops, we went back to the tent since there was clearly no rain to come. I was tired from my lack of sleep, so I told Ryan to explore a nearby trail while I got to take an hour nap. On his return, he gently woke me up, and I put on my hiking shoes. We took a shuttle to one of the trails. I looked out the window on the way up the canyon and saw how muddy and swollen the Virgin River had gotten from the week of rain. There was even a landslide that blocked one of the roads. It was a disappointment because Ryan and I wanted to hike The Narrows- a trail that literally goes through the river- but there was NO way I was going to hike through fast moving waters…especially when a woman went missing the day before we got there. Once we got to our stop, we got off and started hiking. We conversed about the animals we saw, our disappointment about the Narrows, and how beautiful Zion was. Eventually we made it the “end” of the trail, or where The Narrows really began. Two men were walking back from The Narrows and I think it got Ryan a little hyped about The Narrows, because he kept saying how much he wanted to go and tried to ask. However, I still said no. I could tell he was upset, and I can say was equally disappointed, but eventually he agreed that it was much too dangerous to venture into the waters during a flooding period. As an alternative, we went back into town and got some supplies for a campfire. We made tea and chicken sandwiches for dinner, and soon after we went to bed.

The next day we packed up the car because we had decided to leave for California a day early. After everything was done, we went on our way to hike The Emerald Pools, which were so refreshing. I took in the scenery around me, and I thought to myself that the canyon looked like nature’s version of New York City…and it was a place I’d much rather be. The sandstone looked perfect against the blue sky that had sprinkles of white clouds. Though it’s considered a desert, the shrubbery and trees that festooned the valley made it feel like an oasis. I can’t wait to come back one day.

Interesting Facts:

1. The average snowfall in the mountains near Salt Lake City is 500 in. 
2. State symbol is the Beehive representing thrift and industry. 
3. The name Utah comes from the Native American Ute tribe meaning 
    "People of the mountains." 
4. Utah was acquired by the United States in 1848 in the treaty ending the              Mexico War 
5. Utah has the highest literacy rate 
6. Became the 45th state on January 4, 1896

Likes:
1. Very nice people 
2. Gorgeous National Park 
3. Small-town charm 
4. Felt safe 
5. Phone Reception 
6. Lots of different level trails for everyone (easy, moderate, strenuous) 
7. Showers in town if you need them (for a fee)

Dislikes:
1. Did not get to hike The Narrows 
2. Ants bite! 
3. Some flash flooding in places


Rate: 9.7/10

On our way to Zion Pre-Storm. Hmmm...inspiration for Disney's Cars?

Into the storm!

AHH!!

Welcome to Zion National Park!

Zion

One out of two deer

Ants that bite!

Dusk at Zion

Pottery and flowers in one of the shops

A silly squirrel scavenging for food

An intriguing beetle

Unsafe water/Beginning of The Narrows

Me

Ry on our way to the Emerald Pools

And again

Ry and I

Colorado/Arizona/New Mexico/Utah (Four Corners and Mesa Verde)

  This was the first day we really ran into any trouble. As we made our way out of Texas, and into New Mexico, the day seemed reasonably decent. A few hours into our trip the sky decided that it wanted to rain, so we pulled off to the side of the road to tie a tarp onto our baggage that sat on top of our roof so our clothes wouldn’t get soaked. After awhile, it was my turn to drive. That’s when the real trouble began. The further we got, the worse the rain came down beating on us. We kept chugging through until water started dripping into the car from our tie down straps and we hydroplaned. After that, it was no more driving and into a parking lot we went. After waiting about half an hour until the rain turned into a steady drizzle, we left. Eventually the skies cleared up and we saw the aftermath of the rainstorm. The town we went through had flooding on almost every street and I was a little nervous about going through even the smallest of puddles. It only got slightly better on the back roads as mud slicked the pavement and delayed travelers. Soon enough we climbed to higher elevation where the roads where clear. Finally, we entered Colorado. The view was breathtaking, as lush mountains seemed to pop out in front of us every which way we looked. The skies looked like the gates to Heaven as sunlight shone though clouds that shrouded the mountain peaks, giving it a regal appearance. We then headed to Mesa Verde to see cave dwellings from hundreds of years ago.

  Once we bought our tickets, we drove twenty miles to get to the tourist sight. Midway up the mountain, we stopped at an overlook and got out of the car to admire the view. It was unexpectedly chilly and there was a continual gust of wind. We were both wearing shorts and only our Mexican ponchos to keep us warm. After we had enough of the howling gale, we rushed back to the car and continued on our merry little way. Unfortunately we missed the last tour of the dwellings, which really disappointed Ryan since he wanted to take the tour that his brother, Dan, recommended. Even though we missed the tour, we still got to indulge in the fact that we saw the dwellings (even if it was from afar). Once again, we got into the car and drove. This time we went to the museum and looked over all of the information that would have been mentioned on the tour. Finally satisfied, we decided to leave for the hotel and call it a night.

  Unfortunately by the time we got back to the car it was raining again and the straps were leaking water through the doors once more. Ryan and I drove down the mountain with extreme cautiousness due to the fog, lack of guardrails, and wind. I’m not sure if we even spoke during that half an hour. I know that I barely even moved because I felt so nervous and kept envisioning the wind blowing our car and hydroplaning off the slippery road straight to our deaths. Luckily we got off the mountain without anything too horrible happening. We made it to the hotel shivering, a little wet, and tired from all the setbacks of the day. So we ordered Chinese take-out, sat on the bed, and watched X-Men: First Class until we both fell asleep.

  Today we are traveling to Zion National Park in Utah, and even though we decided to sleep in from an exhausting day, we both woke up around 6 AM. Surprisingly there was no grumpiness or grogginess. After duck-taping the straps to repel any more rain, we headed off to the Four Corners Monument, a mere 35-40 minutes from our hotel. And yes, we got to travel four states (Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah) and two Indian territories (the Navajo and Ute tribes) all at the same time. We even got a few hand-made Native American crafts and jewelry (a necklace with a carved bear for myself, a carved stone for my brother, a bracelet for my sister, and a carved turtle for Ryan’s dad). On our way in, we got a little tour book and I paged through it. To my disappointment, it looks like the Navajo Nation has been more commercialized than is necessary. I’m all for the exploring the earthscapes and monuments and learning about the history, but the fact that there’s all of these casinos and other attractions seems like a slap in the face. I feel like we owe it to the Native Americans to preserve what is theirs and perhaps the casinos and such bring in money, but there’s probably a lot better ways of raising these revenues. In a way, the nations should remain sacred and for the most part untouched by mainstream America. However, maybe it is not my place to say what should or shouldn’t go on.

  After about forty minutes of visiting, we left for Zion. So far I have seen numerous trucks. It sort of feels like I’m in a truck commercial with how many I’ve seen in this part of the country. Despite my lack of interest in the vehicles, I will say that I understand why so many people out here own one. There’s nothing for miles around, and when you get rainstorms like the ones we’ve been encountering, it makes it much easier to trudge through water with a truck than a car like the Rio (or any other car for that matter). I’ve also realized that this is what “being country” seems to be about. Not listening to country music or wearing country boots. Not riding ATVs and seeing how dirty your truck can get from being in the mud. None of that. Out here it’s about working long and hard. This right here is the Great Frontier. There’s still a lot of unclaimed land and gorgeous canyons. I hope it remains this way for generations to come.

Interesting Facts:

1. Became the 38th state on August 1, 1876

2. Colorado is the only state in history to turn down the honor of hosting the    

      Olympics!

3. They decided against this due to the cost, pollution, and huge increase of 

      population

4. Known as the "Continental State"

5. Colorado means "colored red"

Likes:

1. Amazing scenery

2. It's not so crowded

3. Nice people

4. Four Corners

Dislikes:

1. Flash floods

2. No railguards on some parts of mountains

A nice break from the rain

Ry overlooking Mesa Verde Cave Dwellings

Cacti at Mesa Verde

Me at Mesa Verde

Ry and I at Four Corners 

Ry at Four Corners 

Navajo Jewelry at Four corners 

Four Corners Monument

Me at Four Corners 

Somewhere in the States (I don't remember) 

Texas

  Traveling to Texas was fairly uninteresting seeing as how the roads that led to the state was flat, boring, and a little windy. However, as I was sleeping in the passenger seat, Ryan saw his very first Dust Devil!

  We only stopped in Texas at a Super 8 Motel in order to take a rest for the night and we departed fairly early the next morning. The only thing I can really say about Texas is that the road we were on was busy and there were a lot of impatient drivers as usual. Also, on our way to Colorado I spotted a beef supplier. To say that the cows/cattle lived in poor conditions is an understatement. From the several seconds that I glimpsed, the poor creatures had no personal space, the surroundings were muck and metal gates, and the stench that snaked into the car was absolutely revolting. With tears welling in my eyes, I said good riddance to Texas. Perhaps the idea of becoming vegetarian isn’t so far-fetched. 

(No photos of Texas...sorry!)

Likes:

1. It had some nice picture opportunities that I didn't end up taking

2. Dust Devils

Dislikes:

1. Cattle ranches

2. Angry drivers 

3. It simply did not appeal to me

4. Flat landscape

Interesting Facts About Texas:

1. It’s the second biggest State

2. Idk

Rate: 2.3 (Granted, I did not spend a lot of time at this stop)

Arkansas

  We left Tennessee around 8:20 AM, and the sun hadn’t even reached our campsite yet. We traveled down the winding road to get to our next stop- Bull Shoals, Arkansas. On our route out of the Smokey Mountains, I finally realized why they’re called “Smokey” Mountains. Even after 8 AM the sun still wasn’t burning through the fog that lingered above the mountaintops. Despite the haziness, it was a magical effect.

  The highway leading out of Tennessee was absolutely breathtaking and it was definitely something out of a postcard or National Geographic Magazine. I was very sad when we crossed over into Kentucky and Missouri. I felt like after five minutes of driving through, we had seen everything and all that lay in front of us was a vast, straight, unending road. Eventually we went over the Mississippi River and ended up in Illinois, with a lot of closed businesses. Whatever town we had to detour through was very eerie and I was so relieved when we got back onto the highway. After awhile the GPS lead us to a bunch of back roads for the last few hours of our trip. There was no town in sight, only houses every few miles (this went on for hours). To put things in perspective, there’s a Target or Wal-Mart every few miles on the East Coast. But from our destination, there wasn’t a Target for at least 82 miles in every direction. There was literally NOTHING but cows, cows, and more cows. Soon enough I started pondering that we’d probably reached the part of the country where cows turn into cattle as every mile they seemed to lose their trademark black spots and instead ended up with brown, black, or cream colored coats of fur. Eventually we made our way to Arkansas and found our next area of rest in Bull Shoals. By this point we were too tired and cranky from a day’s worth of driving to do anything other than eat and sleep. After setting up camp, we drove a few miles to a nearby restaurant overlooking the Bull Shoals Dam. We were seated in the corner of the building where floor-to-ceiling windows showed off a magnificent view of the landscape as the last few moments of daylight turned into dusk and fog literally began to roll across the lake. Rather than finding this scene to be out of a horror movie (though it would very well make a fantastic set-up for a zombie flick), I was in awe of the Southern charm and hospitality and couldn’t help feeling all warm and fuzzy as I admired the lake. 

  After dining on a delicious meal of chicken and bowtie noodles for myself and spaghetti with meat sauce for Ryan, we were ready to go to our tent and sleep. Unfortunately it was still muggy and 83 degrees outside even at 9 at night. However, we were able to enjoy a beautiful waning crescent moon with the Northern Star placed right next to it (unfortunately neither of our cameras lens’ work well enough to capture the essence of the moon). We both lied down on the air mattress without a blanket. Ryan was sweating and I could feel my own skin getting clammy. We stripped down to as little clothing as possible that still allowed us to appear decent, which unfortunately means a lot more clothing for a girl than a guy. Eventually we both fell asleep. In the middle of the night I felt Ryan roll over and pull me close and I was awake enough to gently squeeze his arm. Then he asked me if I just wanted to leave now. I looked at my phone to see the time and it was only 4 in the morning. However, I said, “Sure.” When that response came out of my mouth, I was thinking that we’d both be too tired to actually get up, but to my amazement, Ry got up and said he was going to take a shower in the communal bathroom. At first I was going to sleep for an extra half an hour while I waited for him to return, but I decided I might as well take a shower rather than wait until we got to Texas. So up I got and we walked to the car to get our clothes with lantern in hand. 

  When we got to the building, I felt a little scared (I’m a huge chicken) and asked Ryan if I could go into the men’s restroom instead. He said sure, and we made a plan that if anyone else were to walk into the bathrooms to take a shower, he’d get out of his shower first. So we both showered and got ready, then met each other back at the car to pack up the tent. I ended up driving first and it was still very dark by the time we left. On top of that, the fog was terrible. Finally after an hour of driving, we saw the sun rising behind us. I have to say that it was one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen. It really makes me want to become an early riser so I can experience many, many more of them. 

  So far on this trip we have stopped over six times for gas; gathered numerous bug bites along arms, legs, and even our faces; listened to hours and hours of Coldplay, Blink-182, Ed Sheeran and Disney music (as to my request); and I can’t begin to tell you how many bugs I have witnessed hit my windshield as their lives have smeared across the glass. It hasn’t been a very pleasant sight.

This is goodbye, Arkansas and hello, Texas.

Interesting Facts:

1. Arkansas served the first fried pickles

2. Became the 15th state on June 15, 1836

3. Republican State

4. Wal-Mart was founded in Arkansas 

5. The toothbrush was invented in Arkansas

6. The state bird is the Mockingbird

7. Known as the Natural State

8. Fourteen meteorites have been discovered in Arkansas

Likes:

1. Scenery reminds me of Splash Mountain from Disney’s Magic Kingdom 

      (based on the movie Song of the South)

2. Great hospitality

3. Not a lot of main roads

4. Delicious food

5. Fog

6. Wildlife

Dislikes:

1. Too many back roads

2. No Target

3. Fog when driving

4. Humidity/Heat carries well into the night

5. There are loose animals (i.e. dogs) in the roads whose safety I feared for

Rate: 6.7/10

Leaving the Smokey Mountains

And again

Arkansas sunrise

More sunrise 

Fog rolling across the lake 

Tennessee

  Our journey began with waking up around 4:30 AM and shoving in the last of our bags into the little red Kia Rio5 and saying our goodbyes to our parents and our dogs. We set out before the sun even rose and from then on out the drive was honestly uneventful other than Mother Nature’s monthly gift and a lot of rude, impatient drivers who don’t use their turn signals. Hours later, we arrived in the town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Unexpectedly, the town reminded me of Las Vegas. There were no strip club business cards scattered around the streets or posters plastered inside the walls of phone booths for a little midnight rendezvous –no. Instead of the traffic jams and promiscuous feel of Vegas, there was the more commercialized effect. There were dozens of tourist attractions spaced on each side of the road including a Hatfields and McCoys dinner show, Ripley’s Believe It or Not zoo, and a Titanic exhibit. After about twenty minutes of driving, we finally turned off the strip and onto a road that had more of what we were hoping to see. Instead of the more modern wonders of America, we set our eyes upon the more beautiful, scenic, and less hectic tourist areas of the country…The Smokey Mountains. This is what our dreams were built on, and it made me proud to know that there was still something so common yet so overlooked that it can still attract nine million visitors each year.

  As we traveled up the mountain to get to our campsite, Ry and I took in the beautiful landscape and savored the fresh air (something we’re not quite used to). During our time at the Smokey Mountains, we drove into town and went to a pancake house for breakfast where we each had omelets with three small pancakes. We also observed the nearby Laurel Falls and enjoyed a nice, cool rest at the waterfalls. We even witnessed a man propose to his now-fiancée at the base of the falls! Everything went smoothly other than having to get up in the middle of the night to grab my comforter out of the trunk due to the sudden drop in temperature. We also had to throw out some food that was spoiled. Other than that, everything was great. (Un)fortunately, we saw no bears. Overall we both really enjoyed Tennessee and I’ll always remember its beauty. Definitely a treat on our road trip!

Interesting Facts:

1. There are only about 1,600 bears that roam the Smokey Mountains (about 

      two every per square mile)

2. Bears mainly obtain their diet from the wild berries that sprinkle the 

      mountainside

3. Tennessee has more than 3,800 documented caves

4.  Width: 120 sq. miles

5. Length: 440 sq. miles

6. Became the 16th state on June 1, 1796

Likes:

1. Gorgeous scenery

2. Nice and cool at night

3. The people are very nice

4. Very reasonably priced products from firewood to food to showering products       and so much more

5. The roads aren’t flat and boring

Dislikes:

1. We didn’t see any bears

2. The American in me is a little bummed that there’s no showers

3. The area around the mountain is too commercialized 

Rate: 8.5/10

Happy people at Laurel Falls 

A busy bumblebee by the Falls 

Porter (the car) in front of our campsite

We found a Cicada 

Ryan shows off a Cicada shell 

Kong...an attraction 

Smokey Mountain leaves

A wild mushroom

Muscle-man

Ryan takes a rest on our hike to Laurel Falls 

Hidden snail

The sneaky swift newt

S.O.S Titanic (Tourist Attraction)

A lone wasp on the forest floor