Wendy here.

We're packing up, getting ready to leave Salt Lake City this morning. It's a rice krispies, coffee, and orange juice kind of morning, too; I had a brief scuffle with Caitlin over sitting at the computer while breakfast is being had. Caitlin and I have lots of scuffles but we love each other dearly and actually get along pretty well most of the time.

Three days in Salt Lake City is not enough. I don't think I've spent any significant amount of time here in... a long time. Last Christmas I was out for a few days. Before that I do believe was the Christmas before when I was out, again, only for a few days. This Christmas I need to make it out... though I wonder how likely it is that it'll be more than, significant pause followed by repetitious statement, a few days.

I spent the night at Grandma Randquist's the night before last night with the girls, with Jessica and William, with Cindy, Grandma, and Gandpa, of course. There was nail painting, hair dying, trampoline jumping (or, not so much jumping as laying down), move watching and couch sleeping. I feel like those ought to have dashes through them... but since I haven't E.W. White's Elements of Style I'll leave it at that.

I've been spending time at Grandpa & Great Grandpa Gilbert's as well. Sitting outside, listening to stories and laughing at pretty much everything, spinning great flying disks into the air for Robert to catch... it's all fun. It's all deserving of a longer post, too, but alas, there is packing to do. Next stop: Yellowstone National Park.

Out yall.

a few more pictures- Caitlin

In SLC by Caitlin

so, we made it to Utah!! but I'll get to that later.

We went to Yosemite two days ago, I took 1000 pictures. I'm not kidding, I literally took a little more than 1000 pictures!! we didn't see any bears even though everyone except Wendy wanted to see one, we still have Yellowstone ahead of us so there is still hope. we saw a few waterfalls, we got right underneath one called bridal veil and I got the picture of a double rainbow!

we also saw burned forest, it was interesting and sad and breathtaking in the same moment. this is one of the many pictures, its a little light but there will be many more on facebook.

I took so many pictures, its hard to describe them all.
other than that we just spent time at the camp ground in California. then yesterday we spent all day driving to SLC (Salt Lake City) we drove though the salt flats which was very cool, I didn't take any pictures because the camera didn't have any batteries in the camera so it just didn't happen.

but now we're in SLC with my grandfather and great grandfather. its nice to be here because we are going to be here for a few days. my grandfather gave me his old laptop, so now I am no longer relying on the kindness of my mom and sister.

Wendy Robert and I went over to her sisters house and had ice cream, and Robert got to jump on the trampoline, he got all wet because the tramp was hot and I didn't want Robert to get burned. so he got ALL wet.

well, I'll post more pictures in a little while.

Post by Caitlin

so its been pretty hectic. we left Las Vegas and crossed death valley. it was an impressive place, but getting out was scary! we went from an elevation of like 3000 to 100 below sea level to 3000 to like 400 to like 4000 all in the span of like 60 miles, in an RV towing a car. I think I would be all right if I never had to make that journey again.

we are currently at the base on the east side of the Sierra mountains. they are impressive. I mean the Rocky's are nothing to laugh at, but maybe I just haven't seen them in so long that these seem more impressive. last night we stayed at a camp ground that was right across from the highest mountain in the Sierra's, Mt Whitney, actually the tallest mountain in the contiguous united states. its 14,497 feet. which is most definitely impressive. we thought about going up into the mountains yesterday but after crossing death valley we weren't really up for it. so we just went to the camp and spent the rest of the day just hanging out. Its actually slightly cold here. which I love, but it just might be time to break out sweat pants and tennis shoes.

I got my GPS exchanged, so now we have more GPS's than vehicles which is nice because we would have been in a world of hurt when mine broke if we didn't have the other ones.

hopefully I'll be able to post some pictures I've taken when we get to SLC in a couple days. if not then it will just have to wait till we all get home.

Laurel on RV mountain travel and Death Valley

I write from an RV park outside Mammoth Lakes CA, where we take a moment to plug everything in and collect batteries. After the Grand Canyon, we took 93 up over the Hoover Dam to Vegas. It took some work to get across the Hoover Dam, I surmise because of terror plots and the like. Macy and Caitlin wanted to take pictures, so they jumped out of the RV and took off across.....and they couldn't get to the RV until a mile up. Oy. So then, Vegas. Yes, tatoos were had. And TWO buffets. Then, we left Vegas.

We entered Death Valley on the west side at about 6:30 p.m. If I've heard one person this week say "don't go to Death Valley," I've heard ten people say it, but after so long, you just got to do what people say you can't do, you know? Initially, I thought it would be too dark. Driving down was FRIGHTENING. We're in this massive RV (which, in spite of the check engine light on day 3 or so, has been really well behaved) and towing my Vue, so....it's a lot of momentum. We crested out at the bottom of the valley (our GPS read -75 feet, below sea level) at dusk, and one day away from the full moon. Spectacular. Heat in the 90s, but....this giant sand desert between these massive peaks. Wow. The drive back up was less nerve wracking,...until the switchbacks started. In the dark.

Terrifying.

Then we found camping and had lunch in Bishop CA and headed up here and here we are, waiting on Yosemite, tomorrow, We followed some 15 miles of an access road into Kings Canyon, but those 7%, 8% grades......they're just frightening, and, there did not appear to be much in the way of turn-around space. Tomorrow, we'll take the Vue up through the whole of Yosemite....to the Sequoia groves and waterfalls on the other side.

Also, having some network problems. My computer, too, got dropped (the "big" one) and is not recognizing any networks, so we're a little out of touch.

Las Vegas baby! -Caitlin

so we're in Las Vegas... it's nice to be here since I am now old enough to drink and gamble... although I lost the first time out on the floor, I played craps and taught it to macy a little, I lost. so I dont think I will be playing again... I think I prefer to play with fake money... its more fun!! lol... we also had dinner at this crazy buffet, they had pretty much everything you could think of and then some. like fresh made crepes with anything you would like inside! they also had sushi, and creme brulee made fresh and flan and several different kinds of pasta and cheese wedges and salmon with herbs, it was very good.

we all got tattoos today... I got my dogs paw print on my foot with her name under it, and it hurt so much more than my last one!! I mean SO MUCH MORE!! I was pretty much the wimp of the family (although I was laughing instead of crying) but the only thing that kind of redeems myself is that everyone else got one on their back and mine was on my foot, so it went over quite a few more bones...

I didnt fully think about the fact that I will be unable to go swinning on the rest of this trip... everyong else will be able to get in the pool they will just have to be careful that they dont submerge their backs... I'll let everyone else say what they got on their own blogs... its nice though wendy and I almost checkened out but I think it will be a nice way to remember this crazy trip...

I'm a little sad we will be leaving tomorrow, I dont feel like we have spent any real time here, there is so much to do and we have only just barely scratched the surface... well, on to the next thing.



I'll let eve

Wendy here.

I took about 250 pictures at the Crystal Forest - I am in love with petrified wood. A whole forest of rocks that were trees - I couldn't ask for better. I want to show about half of the pictures I took... but alas for upload time I'm having issues getting one up before generator hours are over.

This is an up close look at the inside of a piece of petrified wood.

Out yall.

robert's petrified forest experience

I like that we are on our vacation.
we love each other.
its a beautiful day out.
it's beautiful.
a pie cone.
we went our the things were boring.
the rocks they were branches or rocks.
there were drawings on rocks.
we saw the drawings on the rocks
and we're on our vacation driving
but not right now.
were at the grand canyon right now.
we saw some ostrich's

petrified forest- Caitlin

so, we went to the petrified forest in Arizona, it was pretty cool. lots of trees that have turned into rocks, for me, I wasn't as interested in the rocks but actually thinking about how once upon a time they were living (Triassic period) I liked how the whole area was once a flood plain. we also saw a bunch of petroglyphs, which were drawings that people made on rocks a long time ago.

we also saw a petrified log bridge, and painted mountains and tipi rocks which were rocks that had a red and blue layer as well as the natural rock layer.

we also went to an ostrich farm which was weird...

then we drove though a wildfire, on the freeway we were right next to it... kind of crazy...

well we're at the grand canyon now, so, bye

Roberts Post

we like our vacation.
we love each other.
we got some rocks
we went to the wolf thing
we went in an ice cave. it was really cold.
we saw a volcano what exploded a long long time ago.
I got a new stuffed wolf. because I wanted it. because I thought it was the best thing that they had what I liked.
claitlin bought it for me because I ran around the rv 10 times!
I like it.
we saw real wolfes. I like seeing thew wolves. we howled and then they howled. we liked it.
we like out vacation. and we liked it.
we brought claitlin dad mom wendy and me, call dad macy.
we really like our vacation.

ups and downs - Caitlin

so today, we saw several cool things that weren't originally on the schedule. First we went to an ice cave in New Mexico and then along with that we climbed to the rim of a volcano. the ice cave was amazing. its hard to describe how it felt to be in 80 degree weather and then walk down about 50 steps and shiver because its so cold. I really liked the whole hike because there were quite a few really cool little stops that explained about different locations and had interesting little facts like about how trees have problems growing on the volcanic rock (which I know doesn't have to do with the ice cave but it was on the hike to the ice cave) so the trees twist, and not just a little twist the whole tree is twisted like if you twist strings together. we also learned about the algae growing in the ice and how when new layers form the algae freezes in the ice, and since the ice can be dated back 3400 yeas I wondered if there was algae from back then and if there was, then I wondered if anyone had drilled to take any samples to study. but then I realized that it was more a private park so probably not. we also saw some really cool green and orange lichen and moss, I was a little suspect about whether there was really orange lichens but in fact there are and they are almost as orange as well an orange.

after the ice cave we walked up this mini mountain to the rim to see into the crater of the volcano that erupted 10,000 years ago. I wasn't as impressed because it was just a crater, had there been lava still flowing I would have been more excited, but it was probably better to not be near an active volcano with a 6 year old. we had enough problems making sure he didn't fall off the side of the mountain! there was this part of the valley that the lava had flowed out of, it was called the devils playground, there was a few times where he was walking near the edge of the path, it was just a little scary.

then we got to my favorite and least favorite part of the day. we went to the wild spirit wolf sanctuary in New Mexico. we got a guided tour and it was really cool to learn about wolf dogs. the old problem was that it was a very long tour and we didn't bring any water on it, so that was a mistake!! but the wolves were very cool. it was interesting and fun to hear all about the personality's of each of the wolves we saw and about how they acquired each of the different wolves.

after that we tried to go to the pueblo ruins but we found out once we got there that there isn't really have any more 'ruins' because they have modernized most of the buildings.

today was a pretty good day, it stated earlier than I would have wanted and its ending fairly late, I have a sunburn even though I wore sunscreen (the worst part was where I put the sunscreen on!!!), a headache, my hair has dried out, but wee in Arizona, wee going to be at the grand canyon tomorrow and we will be in LAS VEGAS a few days after that... well, I will update more as we do more.

Caitlin

PS. I reread this all for grammar issues, and to put in R's because that key is kind of broken on this computer, and I can see that there are, but my mind is just scrambled enough that I cant fix it right now, so I probably never will... enjoy!

Wendy here.

I just won a round of rock, paper, scissors with Caitlin, which means that she has to go outside and help mom pick everything up from last night's dinner and I get to stay in the relaxed, air-conditioned RV. I thought that made up enough content for a post in the family blog, but since there's more to write about, I'll bore you with details.

There are, first of all, mountains in New Mexico. They're covered in brush and bramble, they're red and brown and dusty and a lot of them, instead of peaking, reach a point of sheer rock cliffs that ascend into plateaus. I won't lie; I want to abandon camp, abandon civilization, and head out across the desert to climb one of these mountains. I would make it to the top of one of those plateaus and look out over the barren landscape. I am a desert girl. The barren landscape is one of the most beautiful in the world once you realize how well life actually DOES thrive amidst the rocks and the cacti - hell, the cacti are clearly an example in themselves.

I still have no pictures. Whatever happened to uploading pictures everyday? Clearly this family does nothing as planned.

Today we're heading out, supposedly, to actually DO stuff. Like stomp around in the dirt and visit wolves who were bred in captivity, abused, and then rescued. I do quite adore wolves so I think that's what stuck out the most in my mind about what we're doing today. I'm going to end this entry now, reminding you how much I love mountains and how much driving amongst them makes me feel free and connected to the land. Indeed.

Out yall.

Robert wants to post

we like our vacation.
we love each other.
we like each other.
we can do jump rope.
our vacation is fun.
we like it.
we ate honey me claitlin mom and robert and wendy not dad though cause he didnt have honey.
and we brought netflix for the wii.
and we brought games for the wii.
we saw a dead lizard it was at the wall on the place where we ate the toast at.
we got to we saw a flower on one of the cactus's.
we like that we saw some cactus's.
were going to different states.
and we're in new nexico right now.

Roberts Post

we like our vacation and we like that we brought the wii.
we like that we brought food.
we have been driving.
umm we're going to go to fun places,
like to buy rocks.
we have seen trucks cars rvs and all that.
we saw a old gas station, it was from the movie Cars, but it was real!
we're going on different roads and different states.
we have been doing in playing the Wii.
we got Gatorade.
when we saw the gas station, we ate dinner at taco bell, when we saw the gas station.
the gas station was old. they made it in 1930. the flowers were purple.
we're going to different places.
we're bringing my mom, my dad, my sister Wendy, and Robert and Claitlin
we're seeing colorful cars different colored cars.

I've lost track of my days and were only a few in

I always forget how much I love the west. I've never actually been to New Mexico before but it has the same flavor so far as Utah, lots of wide ope n space and we can see mountains now which always seem to make my heart thump like I've come home. the heat, yes it's hot, but it feels so different from ohio, no humidity really is just an amazing thing, I know that when we spend time outside we are sweating because it is so hot, but the simple fact that the sweat doesn't linger on your skin makes all the difference. I love the west and think that I will eventually have to move back...

so my new GPS broke, YAY!! it's sort of strange its just like the thing died, it wont turn on now so we stopped at a best buy to replace it, and they don't have the same one I had which I love cause it has bluetooth technology and lane guidance, although I haven't learned how to figure out the lane guidance so its not like its a whole lot of use to me right now, but the bluetooth stuff was awesome, it let me connect my phone so that while driving if someone called I could answer it on my GPS. the other one located here in Albuquerque only has one and the guy said that pretty much means they dont have one, so I guess we're going to wait to get it replaced in Las Vegas!!

we saw a gas station on old route 66 yesterday which was the gas station that Ramones in cars was modeled after. it was very cool, we took a bunch of pictures, I took some basic ones then I took a few black and white artsy ones, well, at least artsy for me, lol. but it was still cool to think about that once upon a time you could fill up the tank of your car and it was unfathomable to have the gas cost more than 9.99$, but then again I think well sure it was cheap, but they didnt have internet, or air conditioning or all the other amenities that we have now... I guess its a trade off.

I guess we're stopping soon at a camp world and then I think we might try to hit the Pueblo Aztec ruins... I'm really excited for it although I just realized that my camera is not charged... guess I better do that... ok well maybe later...

so my dog is doing well I think, shes so old its sort of funny, every time we stop I get her out and walk her around, and she is s l o w, she just isn't as fast as she used to be, which makes me a little sad but she is an old dog... she sleeps all the time, pretty much anytime were driving which is like all the time still.

ok well I'm off till we stop for camping

-Caitlin

Laurel Reflects on Days 1 - 3

So the "check engine" light just came on.

Posting from north Texas, after traversing (and putting stickers on the RV for) Oklahoma, Missouri, etc. etc. It has always bothered me that, across great swatches of Missouri and Oklahoma, there are no erected fences between the Interstate and the rest of the world. One notes a lot of dead dogs. Last summer when I drove this route, I remember seeing a child playing in a yard that had NO FENCES between where the child was playing and where I was hurtling by at 70 MPH. Sometimes, certain parts of the U.S. make me uncomfortable.

There are, too, so many systems to keep track of on a "rig" this size, it's frightening. I've taken to calling it a "rig" because I think this is the biggest "rig" I've ever powered, not counting the towing of the RV with the rented U-Haul between Atlanta and Dayton (don't ask). But on this "rig," there are too many systems, which leads to a lot of breaking down. In the time that it's taken to type this post, I've had the check engine light AND Caitlin's GPS just up and died.

Too many systems.

Assuming it makes it, we spend tomorrow and Friday bumming around the northern New Mexico / Arizona area. Pueblo ruins, methinks. Then, we check in at the Grand Canyon on Saturday.

Adios.

Robert's Post

we like it, we're having fun.
we drived so long and we played Mario galaxy 1.
we like that we have a small tv.
we like that we have Gatorade.
we're going to different states.
we're in a rv.
we're going to different places.
we're seeing different rv's and trailers.
and that we have a table.
and that we brought food.
we're bringing the rv and moms car.
I'm happy.
we're sleeping.
I brought my teddy bear and my lizard and we're seeing different flags.
we have a map and every state we're in we put stickers on the back of the rv.
and we're seeing different flags.
and we're seeing different cars.
and we're going to see grandpa in Utah.
were going to be back home on three weeks.
and we brought the wii.
and all the games we wanted.
I like that we brought my sisters and me and my mom and my dad.

Day 2

so, day 2. day one was sort of crazy, with lots of stuff breaking and trying to figure out how to make everything work... we didnt do very much though... we just drove and drove... played the wii, and read and wendy and robert colored... my dog slept most of the time, every time we stopped I made sure to walk her till we left which is more exercise than she is used to so she was pretty tired... I got to sleep on the kitchen table last night which was WAY better than the folded up couch... got a shower today, which was also nice if not a little awkward... but I feel very much so refreshed so its all good... we're going to try and make it to Albuquerque today but we still have to get through Oklahoma and Texas... we will see... I havnt taken very many pictures at this point but I plan to specially once we get to the places we are planning on stopping at... I think my mom is right and we should get Tupperware for each of our stuff cause I need a few cords out of my bag so that stuff can be recharged... well... were about to leave so I guess I better go... uhh.... bye

-Caitlin

Wendy here.

Wendy, posting the first post in our travel blog for this absurd month-long family vacation. We're three days in, so you'd think there would be more posts at the moment. But really we've just been driving. Long hours driving and we're not even in Oklahoma now! I'm drinking coffee and trying to race my sister, Caitlin, to the first post.

I can't wait for mountains. I'll have pics to post; really, I will.

Out, yall.