Day 13

Jen and the kids got bumped from the Denver to KS flight and wtayed there for the night. Denver was a stop on the original itinary. I am glad they got to CO and that made 9 states on their trip.

Stats

~2300 miles, 200 bathroom breaks, ~40 different license plates (We did find Alaska. No Hawaii, Conneticut), 32 PopTarts, 16 bottles of wine, 8 states, 1 bloody nose, 1 lost tooth, 0 vomit

Favorite Things

Joe: Park City
Pete: California
Abby: Lake Tahoe
Bop: Yosemite
Jen: Lake Tahoe
Donna: Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Cheyenne, WY

Day 12: Last Day

I really wanted to fly a kite in SF as it is one of those images I have of SF. Jen and kids have a flight from San Jose Airport that leaves at 5 pm and Bop at 6. A. Honey is staying a few extra days. So we have plenty of time to fly a kite. I get up and take the kids to Walgreens to buy the kites, get some coffee and we head back to the hotel. Bop and I did not properly clear the room in Park City and left Jen's car seat bag in that hotel. So Jen, A. Honey and the kids head out for breakfast and to find a bag to pack those bulky things (eg pillow, blankets, car seats) for the plane ride home. We are able to find a bag but took a little longer than expected. We have another yummy breakfast and then go back to the room to pack everything up. We drop my stuff off at my new hotel (unfortunately, our hotel was fully booked on Sat night and I could not stay there) and then there head for the Pacific Ocean thinking we might have 10 minutes or so to fly a kite. We get there and we only have time to dip our toes in the ocean. We all head back into the car and they drop me off near my hotel. I was very sad to see everyone go. It was a great trip.

Day 11 San Francisco: Farewell Dinner

We all knew we wanted Chinese food for dinner and at breakfast I asked our helpful waiter for a recommendation. He did oblige and while it appeared to only be 8 blocks away we knew from our previous outings it was 8 blocks all up hill. As we are walking out, I ask the lady at the front desk (who is Asian) if she is familiar with this restaurant. She is not but recommends the K&G Lounge and calls a car service for us. We all get into a snazzy white town car and head off to our dinner celebration. We have a great chat with Chris Choi our driver who was born in China but has lived in SF for 19 years. He apologized for his broken English but I thought it was pretty good. While the kids try to figure out where China is in relation to Kansas and California, I insist that Chris tell me what authentic dishes I should order as I do not want any American Chinese. He makes some recommendations (eg a whole steamed fish but picking through those bones is no good for me) and we decide the princess chicken would be a good choice.

Well...we get to the restaurant and they tell us the wait is over 1 hour. Imagine the disappointment... We walk out and I say, let's put our name in anyway. When I go back, the hostess is telling, more like ordering, people to go downstairs, go upstairs, go over there. I say can I put our name in for a party of 6. She looks at me sternly and says is your party all here. I say, "yes" and she says, "go upstairs." I run to get everybody outside and we go upstairs. You never know.

Armed with my knowledge of authentic Chinese cuisine, I firmly and confidently order the princess chicken. The waiter says, "No. I bring you house style beef". We ordered a few more items including the Mongolian beef, lemon chicken, chow mien, pineapple and shrimp rice. We all get our drinks and make a toast to wonderful trip!

The first thing to come out is the house style beef and it is delicious. So tender and tasty... The kids do a good job with the chopsticks and everyone enjoys the farewell celebration. Chris is not available to drive us home so we walk up to the Hilton and get a taxi home.

We get home and little Joey Boo Boo who has had a loose tooth the whole trip had a tooth fall out tonight. Fortunatly, the tooth fairy was able to find us!!!!

Day 11: San Francisco Part 1

I was very excited for today. We had planned to ride the cable cars, walk on the Golden Gate Bridge, and have an authentic Chinese feast in Chinatown. We did all of this and more.

We start the day off with a yummy breakfast at a local cafe. I had already forgotten about my vow to eat cioppino three times a day and went for the veggie breakfast burrito. Jen also went for the BB, Bop some french toast and the kids got smiley pancakes. This waiter was very helpful and provided us with some good tips or the day. With a full belly, we head off to tackle the first item on the agenda, the cable car ride and I could not wait. Well, I would have to wait about 30 minutes more because there is a line, a long line. But the good news is that we were the first ones on the trolley and we got to choose our seats. Bop, Jen and the kids sit on the outside and I stood on the platform and held onto the bar. Just like in the rice-a-roni commericals. It was very cool.

We walked a bit around Market St and Union Sq, go to the bathroom in the elegant St. Francis Hotel, and then try to hop a trolley back home. The cable cars were very crowded and we had to split up. We made a plan to meet in La Beuna Vista for our Irish Coffee. Jen and Pete get on the first cable car. Turns out an exhausted Peter falls asleep on the ride home and we met up with Jen in the Starbucks vs. the bar because there was no room in the bar.

But no honky, we chat with other travelers for a while and then we move on to the Golden Gate Bridge. I got the car, we loaded up and headed for the Fort at the base of the bridge. It is a beautiful day. The wildflowers were in bloom, the views of the bay were spectacular and it was not too windy. A.Honey who is always cold had to take her coat off. Unfortunately, Abby is having a bit of trouble with her ears and is not able to make it all the way to the bridge. Joe, Peter and I walk about 300 yards up onto the bridge, snap a few shots and we make our way down the hill. There is great bookstore and cafe called the Warming Hut where we enjoy some popsicles and cold beverages at a picnic bench. Over yonder we see they are setting up for a wedding, we see the wedding party arrive in what appears to be Indian (not native american) style garments but the people appear to all be Caucasian who are wearing them. We are confused by this.

We make a stop on the way home to get some medications for Abby and I impress Bop with parallel parking skills. We go back to the hotel to rest up for our last night on the town.

Day 10: Arriving to San Francisco

About 30 minutes outside the city I am truly shocked to still see windmill farms and little to no signs of the great metropolis. It was like Park City all over again. All I can say is good for us. There was no traffic and we get to hotel with no problem. Then we unload the car again (but sadly for the last time) only to find out that our hotel room is in another building. I thought JMJ and then I ask the bellhop can I borrow their cart to move to the other building when he remarked the cart stays with him and he will move the bags to the other building. You have to remember we have a lot of bags so this was no small task in hilly SF.

We freshen up a bit and then hit the town. First we go Pier 39 on Fisherman's Wharf and check out the sea lions, the amusement rides and other touristy things. We had a couple of missions in SF. 1) A. Honey was going to eat cioppino 3 meals a day and 2)BOP wanted to continue in her family tradition to have an Irish Coffee in a bar near the hub for the cable cars. We do not have the name of bar but I was willing to try a few different places for the sake of a family tradition. But then as we head up to Ghiradelli square, I see the wooden turnaround wheel for the cable cars and then a Irish bar called Tiernan. I thought BINGO. For some reason BOP was immediatley skeptical. She goes in and turns out BOP is right. The famous Irish Coffee is found in a bar across the street call La Beuna Vista. Now that we have that figured out we can all focus on my cioppino. We find a wonderful place for dinner that has something for everyone. My cioppino came in a sourdough bread bowl which I was not a fan of but they were very happy to bring me a bowl.

Day 10: Leaving Yosemite

As you have read by now Day 9 was pretty busy and any travel day is always a bit hectic as you have to repack the entire car so we get up and at them. I take Joe and Peter to the Adventure Ranger show in the ampitheater which we all enjoyed. The park offers a full range of educational and entertaining programs. In fact,they say that all national parks programs are modeled after Yosemite.

After the car is packed and we make final purchases in the gift shop and go to the restroom, we all sit and listen to the waterfalls from the ampitheater one last time. We are all very sad to leave Yosemite and talk about when we will come agian.

Then this is where sadness turn to nausea.... Oh man, as previously reported I was a bit car sick on my first trip to Yosemite. Bop and Jen were kind enough to let me drive as it helps to have a distraction (eg like keeping everyone alive on those crazy, windy, hairpin turns). We make it out of the area okay and we are on our way to San Francisco.

Day 9: Yosemite Part 2

FYI, it is very hard to get rooms at the Yosemite Lodge in the summer. Originally I had booked unheated tent cabins in Curry village thinking it would be a nice treat. Upon further consideration, I decided it might not be a good idea. Therefore, I called everyday for a week until I got one room for two nights.

Since Bop and Pete had a bit of cabin fever from being inside in the afternoon and the rest of us had successfully recuperated from our hike, we decided to check out the Curry Village in the event we might want to stay there in the future. So the whole crew gets on the shuttle and we decide to make a quick stop at the Visitor center to view the displays and then we head for Curry Village to get dinner and check out scene. Well it was a bit dark by the time we got there and so we could not really walk around. But it was a bit more lively than the lodge crowd. The mountaineering school is located here and there were a number of people hanging out sharing their stories of that day's adventures. We decided on the buffet but unfortunately it was closing as we got there and the selection was limited. So we eat dinner and then decide to head home.

Turns out the shuttles are not as efficient in the evening and we wait a fair amount of time in darkness and the chilly night air to get back to the lodge.

Day 9: Yosemite Part 1

Today was a great day. The morning started off with a 2 hour tour of the Valley Floor tour in an open air tram. Ranger Karen Powers was the tour guide and she described how this magnificient valley was formed, told the native american myths and legend, and shared various love stories involving Yosemite. We stopped to see climbers on El Capitan. She said it takes 5 days to climb to the top and that people bring mats to sleep on, tubes to go #1 & 2 in, and if needed, the rangers will provide them with additional water as it is cheaper to give them water then do a rescue. These people looked like teeny tiny ants on this massive granite wall. I highly suggest this tour to anyone going to Yosemite.

In the afternoon, Jen, Joe, Abby and A. Honey went to Happy Isles for a short hike to the bridge at Vernal falls. Pete wanted to watch a movie and so Bop watched him. We took the efficient Yosemite shuttle service to the trailhead, got our water and trail mix and we were off. About 10 minutes into the walk, Abby got a bloody nose but that stopped after a few minutes and she was happy to continue on. While the view from the bridge at the base of the fall was spectacular, we thought why stop here. So we decided to go to the top. The trail is also know as the Mist trail as it sprays a fair amount of water on you as you climb to the top making the path just a bit slippery. The trail was not too crowded and everyone was very courteous as you make your way up the last 500 slippery steps. Well if you think it sounds scary going up, going down, well you just imagine. We went down slow and steady and everyone did great! In all it was 3 miles and graded moderate to strenous. Great hike! I highly suggest this hike as well.

As a bonus, we saw a bear frolicking in the river on our way back to the shuttle.

Day 9: Yosemite Pictures

Too tired to blog today.

http://picasaweb.google.com/pesansky/HikeToVernalFalls?authkey=Gv1sRgCK2Hj66Uqa7E1wE&feat=email#

Day 8: Pictures

http://picasaweb.google.com/pesansky/RoadTripDay8?authkey=Gv1sRgCLLB7JKXkv2rSQ&feat=email#

Day 8: Bear signs

Prior to coming to Yosemite we reviewed the appropriate precautions and what to do in case of a bear sighting. Desite this review, Abby still seemed to have a heightened nervousness about the bear situation. So upon entering Yosemite you see these red bear signs that say "Speeding Kills Bears". After the first sign we saw, Abby suggests, "Donna, if you see a bear, speed up."

Day 8: No stars but one scary raccoon

I was sitting in our room wondering if I could see any stars and so I go out on the deck. I do not see any stars but here something rumbling in the leaves down below. For some reason I think it is going to be something cool like a bear. It is a perfect evening and so I linger a little longer on the balcony and invite Jen and Bop to come here the sounds of Yosemite wildlife. Jen is in the bathroom but Bop comes out and of course the sounds stop. Bop remembers that I brought my flashlight and suggests I get it, which I do. As suspected, nothing was down in the leaves and then for some reason I quickly flash the light on the deck next door and a big raccoon is sitting on the deck rail staring right at me. Bop and I both scream, run into the room, lock the sliding glass door, Jen comes running, and the racoon strolls along our deck rail. I think I might have screamed again. You have to take wildlife precautions seriously here in Yosemite.

Day 8: First Yosemite Hike

So we arrive to the Yosemite Lodge and check into our hotel. We have a nice room that overlooks the pool and because of the very wet spring, the falls are in full stream and we can hear them clearly from our room. We had dinner in the food court and then decided to take a hike to the base of the Yosemite falls. It was a great 0.5 mile hike and everyone did very well for their first time hiking. Please note that the path was paved and is wheelchair accessible. Bop said "hiking is not so bad." Let's see how tomorrow's hike goes.

Day 8: Travel to Yosemite

Well on Day 7 A. Honey rented a paddleboat at the beach on Lake Tahoe and as you will see in the pics I was having a bit of trouble. Those who know me well know that water sports tend to make me a bit motion sick and/or disoriented. Because of this, I accidently left my driver's license at the marina rental place at Camp Richardson. So we had to start Day 8 by going back to the rental place, an ~30 minute detour. But thankfully I was able to get my license and we were on our way to Yosemite. The drive from Lake Tahoe was cool. We had to drive pretty high up and we saw amazing views once out of Lake Tahoe area we continued to drive by all sorts of picturesque mountain lakes. It was pretty neat but pretty desolate. Finally, we reached a town outside the Yosemite gate and was able to get some gas and lunch.

I knew I wanted to go to Yosemite on this trip because a couple of years ago, I went with Matt and it was awesome. But I also knew it was a long, windy and nauseting drive to the Yosemite valley floor. Because I can have a tendency to get car sick, I drove from the entrance to Yosemite to the valley floor (~65 miles). The pics say everything. We got as high as 10,000 feet, Joe and Pete posed on the snow, we saw a bear, and of course awesome views of some of Yosemite most famous sites including Half-Dome, El Capitan and the waterfalls.

Day 7: Lake Tahoe Wine Tasting Part 2

After the beach and the hail storm, Bop and A. Honey went back to Wines on the Lake for a tasting. We tried 3 local wines a red zinfandal, a sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon with and without the Eisch glasses. The Amador county red zinfandal was delicious it was light and very refreshing. The sangiovese was also light and I really liked it. Bop likes the big cabs but did not like this one. You could taste a difference between the Eisch stemware and the normal stemware. It kinda took the "edge" off and made it slightly more enjoyable for me. The sommelier was very interesting and she gave us the whole DL on Tahoe and local winerys. I wish we had more time in Tahoe.

We bought a couple of bottles of wines and went home to share our knowledge with Jen.

Day 7: Pictures

I have some work to do on the blog but here are the pictures. In essence we picked up the kids from the Science Camp, went to the lake, rented a paddle boat and had a great beach day!

We came back and then 30 minutes later a wicked but very cool hail storm started. See pics.

http://picasaweb.google.com/pesansky/RoadTripDay7?authkey=Gv1sRgCJat_8nZ17CNYA&feat=email#

Day 7: Lake Tahoe Wine Tasting Part 1

As previously reported, the kids were in Science Camp and we were out and about and made another interesting stop to a store called, Wines on the Lake. This store had glasses made from a special raw material mixture in lead free crystal. This process changes the molecular structure in the glass allowing it to breath. The name is Eisch glassware and it appears that the glass would aerate the wines in a minute or two versus the say the hour or two you would normally allow to decante the wine and aerate. They also had an interesting wine tasting menu but seeing as it was only 10:45 ish am, we thought we should wait until evening.

Day 7: Lake Tahoe: Negative Heel Earth Shoes

Well it is a beautiful morning in Lake Tahoe.

The kids all went to a Science Camp for 1.5 hours and we went exploring Lake Tahoe but really only got as far as the stores with an European flair in the resort complex. By this point you all know about my fear of being too cold so we go into the Patagonia store trying to find a discounted jacket/fleece/vest in the event I get too cold. (Once I get a chill, it can takes days for me to shake it.) Jen, Bop and I are completely enthralled with the Patagonia store. As a woman, you can never have enough shoes, bags or coats. For the shoes, we were introduced to the Earth ExerFit with Kalso negative heel technology shoes. The unique design can contribute to fat-burning effects at a rate of up to 4x that of conventional footwear. They create a longer hip-to-ankle lever that can actively recruit leg muscles. And all the calorie burning effects of an 3.5 degree inclinded treadmill.

Needless to say Jen, Bop and A. Honey walked out with our black, green and bronze sandals, respectively on their feet (other bags were in hands which is the subject of another post). In just one day Bop claims to have already lost 5 pounds. If anyone else wants a pair let me know before 10 am PST on Tues.

Happy Birthday Pete!

The lodge has a great kids camp for tots 4 and older.

Day 4, 5 , 6 Pic

http://picasaweb.google.com/pesansky/RoadTripDay456?authkey=Gv1sRgCJHbtdjlp-rTQQ&feat=email#

For those keeping count

We have traveled ~1800 miles and have ~400 miles to go to get to San Francisco.

Day 6: Lake Tahoe

Well about 30 minutes outside Carson City and at the base of some majestic mountains you see the incredibly beautiful Lake Tahoe. While the last lake experience was a bit traumatic, that memory was long gone and we all became very excited to get to our next destination.

So as we are driving into town, we see a bike tour going on, The 18th Annual "America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride-Lake Tahoe." This is a 100 mile tour around the lake and according to the website the ride is well known for its spectacular scenery. Well I think this bike ride is appropriateley named. You got the mountains some with snow, a beautiful lake, the woods and then casinos. One lane was blocked off and because traffic was moving a little slower than the 90 MPH we were used to, we were able to roll down the windows and provide so much needed words of encouragement to cyclist as these were some steep hill. After checking into our room at the Marriott Timber Lodge, we checked out the amazing 2 bedroom villa. (You have to love the off-season.) We have a wonderful view of the Heavenly Gondola which takes you 2.4 miles up the mountain; however, it is not operational until June 13. (You have to hate the off-season.) After unpacking a few things, we went right to the beach. The air was cool, the water a bit cooler but it was sunny and a perfect way to spend the late afternoon. There was a playground for the kids and we were able to just soak up the warm sun.

Day 6: Carson City

Well without really knowing it this roadtrip turned into a tour of capital cities including Lincoln, NE, Cheyenne, WY, and Salt Lake City, UT and so it seemed only fitting that we stop in Carson City, NV on our way to Lake Tahoe. Well not much to report here. There was a railroad museum. We also stopped in Reno and went to the Old Navy to pick up so warmer clothes. I get very concerned about potentially chilly weather and not being properly prepared.

Day 6: California here we come

Well we are packing up and heading for South Lake Tahoe today. I think it is about a 4 hour drive and we are not planning any stops but who knows............

Day 5: Nevada

Because of all the time zone changes I am not really sure what time we actually get to Nevada. Bop had done some research and was very interested in checking out a real ghost town called Battle Mountain. (Little did we know all of Northern Nevada is a real ghost town). So we get off I-80 to check out the town. The Visitor Center is only open from Mon-Fri 12-2 pm so we were on our own. We drove around, and a couple minutes later we got back on I-80 to tonight's destination of Winnemucca, NV. Evidently Winnemucca is featured in several country songs and is a hub for the railroads and is halfway between Salt Lake City and San Francisco.

But we did not make any hotel reservations for tonight so I made a few calls and found a wonderful place called "Winners Casino and Hotel" that was only $38.50 a night plus tax. I thought we were all set. I mean how do you go wrong with a place called Winners. Some were skeptical that at only $38.50 the accommodations might be questionable. Given that we are not allowed to pick-up hitchikers or take showers in the truck stop, I thought staying at Winners would be the little adventure this trip needed. Well we opted out of the $38.50 a night room and we are enjoying our Day 5 night in Holiday Inn Express complete with indoor pool, mexican restaurant and slots.

Day 5: Bonneville Salt Flats

Well now that we were done with the "Great" Salt Lake and recovering from Pete's allergic reaction. We were now officially off to Nevada. Along the way, we could not help put notice the super cool Salt Flats. Per Wikipedia, The Bonneville Salt Flats are a 159 square mile (412 km²)[1] salt flat in northwestern Utah. The depth of the salt has been recorded at 6 feet (1.8 m) in many areas. It is the largest of many salt flats located west of the Great Salt Lake. Each rainfall erases tire marks and flattens the densely-packed salt pan that is inhospitable to plants. The area is extremely flat and aligned nearly perfectly with the shape of Earth. You may be aware of the speed racing that goes on here.

It is really cool because it looks like a blanket of snow in the desert. Of course we stop to check this out. See pics.

The restroom attendant makes you wash off your shoes before use the restrooms so we oblige, do our business and get on the road again.

Day 5: Visiting the Great Salt Lake

Well I was so happy that everyone survived the in-room jacuzzi (spa/whirlpool etc) and that we were getting closer to goal of getting to CA. But maybe I counted my chickens to soon.... We decided to stop at the Great Salt Lake on our way out of town. Now I knew that this lake was not a swimming, picnicking, good time kinda a place but I had no idea it was one bitch-bastard of a lake. It was quite beautiful to see the mountains, lake and beach but then it goes downhill fast. The walk to the water-line was a good 10-15 minute. First you notice the stench which for me was manageable what I did not like was the beach started off muddy so I took my shoes off, then it would be rough and out all dried out like sandpaper and without shoes it was quite painful. Next we thought we found some dinosaur fossils but realized it was just dead seagulls. Lots and lots of dead seagulls everywhere. We finally get to the water, dip our feet in, and then decide we had enough. Well on our walk back S. Pete was getting a little whiny but we were all a little uncomfortable and he was continuing to walk. By the time we got to the car area he was in noticeable discomfort. He kept saying his shorts hurt. By the time we got to the car S. Pete broke out in a terrible rash on his legs. It was very scary. There was a hose and we all washed off and got as far away from the Great Salt Lake as fast as we could. We stopped at the nearest Travel J to gather ourselves. I suggested we take advantage of the $10 showers but no one seem interested. A little shower, a little neosporin and a little cherry coke and S. Pete was almost as good as new.

Day 5: Travel to Winnemucca

So we are busy packing up and getting ready for another 6 hour car drive. We are going to miss our beautiful mountain retreat complete with in-room jacuzzi.

Day 4: Olympic Park

How could I forget the visit to the Olympic Park. In 2002 Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. Park City hosted the skiing events and we visited that site. It is a beautiful facility and the mountains have the Olympic insigna on the ski jump. We drove around for a few minutes and took some pictures.

Day 4: Downtown Park City

So after a long and complicated trip home because all of the I80 on ramps were closed to get out of SLC, we decide to have lunch in downtown Park City. We went to the Wasatch Brew Pub for lunch and enjoyed some pub food and some delicious locally brewed beers. We strolled down the town and took the trolley up the hill. Abby & Joe rang the bell, we all hopped off and went back to the condo.

Day 4: Salt Lake City

Because everyone was so pooped from Day 3, it was an earlier night to bed and everyone slept pretty well. A. Honey, Joe and Pete went out for an 8AM walk to get Starbucks for the group. When we got back, we all had some breakfast and then we were off to Salt Lake City (SLC) around 10:30.

It was a little rainy and overcast but it was a short and easy drive to SLC and we arrived ~11:15 am. Our goal in SLC was to tour the Church of the Latter Day Saints (LDS))/Mormon complex called Temple Square (Temple Square is to Mormons what the Vatican is to Catholics), listen to the organ concert, see one or two Osmonds, maybe see the lake. We get to main gate with zero problems and go to the visitor center and then it starts. Women standing in pairs, in long skirts and a shirt and vest holding their Book Of Mormon and other notes welcoming you with a very pleasant smile and asking you if you would like a tour, do you have any questions or if you knew anyone who might have some questions. Now maybe I am too cynical but it really freaked me out. We were able to fend off the first wave because we said we wanted to hear the organ concert at noon and there was not time for the tour. And so we walked around the visitor center, saw a 40 foot tall Jesus and some sort of presentation were going on. Pete was totally mesmerized by the mega Jesus but the women there said we have a movie for families. Jen thought it was good to have a place for the kids to not bother other people. We were then ushered into a room and we thought this was not so bad since we have few minutes. Well here is lesson learned #4. When someone in Utah asks you if you want to see a movie. You say NO.

The “movie” was in 5 or 6 parts and you moved into different rooms where there was a set. You listened to the vignette and then moved to the next room. Bop escaped because we realized that we did not put any money in the meter. The rest of us stayed and we learned how a family has to stay together for all of eternity. I was thinking I like the "til death do us part" feature of our religion. I mean it gives you the option. Anyway,after the movie, they made us fill out comment cards and asked for names of friends who may have questions. So we gave some of them your names and numbers so you know, be ready.

We were not allowed in the Temple and there were no Osmonds and so after the organ concert in the Tabernacle, we were approached by more pairs of women and I had just had to get out of there. I want to say everyone was very nice and this was not threatening or too awful, it was just weird.

RoadTrippers Background

I was writing this blog like an epic and in any good epic the main characters have all sorts of interesting aliases. For those of you who do not enjoy epic, I will provide some clarification/background at this time.

On the trip we have six people.

Peter P (previously known as Stinky Pete) has spent several months reworking his image and claims he is no longer a stinker and would prefer to be called "Skateboard Pete". He is 3 years old and his favorite past times include biking, scooting, and of course, skateboarding. His stated goals for the trip include "punching" and going to the pool.

Joseph P. who is also know as JJ, Joe Jr., Joe Joe, Little Joey Boo-Boo, JDUB, Joey Boots, Boots, Joey Rigatoni, Joey Joe Joe Shabadoo or Joe is the 5 year old on the trip. He likes all sports including basketball, golf, baseball, soccer but seems to really enjoy his DS. He is very concerned about government waste and does not like green peppers in quesadilla and probably enjoys the cacuzzi the most of all the kids.

Abigail P who may be referred to as Snabby, Abbadosh, Abby, and Abbadabbado just turned 7 and loves make-up. She has mastered the art of applying liquid eyeliner in the car. Her favorite hobbies include doing handstands, drawing, playing jacks, cards and keeping A. Honey from drinking too much diet soda. Her goals for the trip including getting a pedicure and to just have a few minutes alone to relax. She has been recording the list of state license plates we see and is very optimistic that we can get all 50. She has waited her whole life to see El Capitan and now it looks like her dream is coming ture.

Jennifer Cheney P. is also called J. Pen or Jenny Penny or Jen. She is 29, married to my brother and is the mother to Pete, Joe and Abby. Her hobbies include running the kegerator on Granada Lane, going to 3,5 & 7 year old children sporting events, and photography. Jennifer was born on a army base but claims to never remember being on a base prior to Tuesday. Their family moved to Kansas last January and have covered the KS to PHL and KS to NC route several times. She felt it was time to head west.

Barbara Lawn Cheney is BOP. Bop is also 29 and the grandmother to Abby, Joe and Peter and mother to Jen. The name came from Abby when she was trying to say Barbara but all that came out was Bop or so the story goes. Yesterday, Abby was talking about how Bop was a little slow on the alpine roller coaster ride and the attendant turned to Abby and said, "What is a Bop." Bop has been taking on the most of the driving on this trip and all of the sleeping on the sofa bed. We called the front desk for help and fortunately, we were successful in inflating the sofa bed last night.


Donna Henry accepts all of the following names 1) Donna, 2) Aunt Honey,3) A. Honey, 4) Xansky. Little Joey boo-boo has been calling me Aunt Sweetie or Aunt Honey Sweetie. Since I was able to free up a few months from my calendar and I was informed that kids were out of school by the end of May, I called J. Pen and said let's head west. Bop who also recently freed-up some time on her calendar wanted to go and so here we are sitting in Park City, UT on our way to Winnemucca, NV and then to CA.

Other names: T. Money= Todd Smith, a favorite cousin-in-law. Dude= The Pesansky family dog. Matt = Aunt Honey's husband.

I hope this helps.

Day 3: Park City, Utah Pictures

http://picasaweb.google.com/pesansky/Day3ParkCityUtah?authkey=Gv1sRgCOGtiYPkvp-0jgE&feat=email#

Day 3: Park City Moutain Resort

Today we all decided we are not getting in the car at all. Close to our resort is the Park City Mountain Resort. While there is no snow there are some really fun summer activities. We bought the all day pass and A. Honey, Bop, Jen, Abby, Joey Boots, Pete enjoyed the Alpine Coaster, Alpine Slide, Miniature Golf, Legacy Launcher (a fancy trampoline), Zipline, a climbing wall, and other kiddy rides.

The very first thing we did was get on the ski lift and go to the Alpine Slide. The ski lift had just opened for the day and there was several mountain bikers ahead of us and then a few couples and then us. It was very interesting to see how people dress for mountain resort activities in Park City, UT. The lady in front of us had on 5 inch heels. While initially I felt under dressed for the day and I thought I could go back and get my 2.5 inches heels from the hotel, I remembered I just had my bunion removed and it would not be possible for me to wear those sandals afterall we bought the all day pass. Anyway, the ski lift ride was ~15 minutes. The kids were so good. We all hopped off, grabbed our sled and headed for the slide. Abby was tall enough to ride by herself and so was Bop. A. Honey & Joe and then Jen&Pete rode together. It was a long and fast ride downhill.

It was a beautiful day. Needless to say, everyone had so much fun. Check out the pics.

Day 3 Park City - #3 lesson learned sofa beds

So BOP has been insisting on sleeping on the sofa. Jen and I make the half-ass offers to give her a real bed but if she insists, she insists. While we could not figure out how to pull the sofabed out at the AFB inn, we did manage to pull out the one in Park City. It did not look good but it was late and she had enough wine to compensate for any shortcomings on the bed. I thought I will give her my bed tomorrow night and did not lose too much sleep thinking about it. So in the morning while enjoying our coffee and the kids are in the cacuzzi, Bop & Jen find a folder next to the sofa, open it and it contains the instructions for inflating the sofa bed. Basically, Bop slept on a deflated air mattress on top of a sofa bed frame. That must of really sucked. Well we see if Bop takes the real bed tonight. Lesson learned #3: Sofa beds are now made with inflatable mattresses.

Day 2: Park City, UT All we hoped it would be...

Because it is the off season, we have not been too concerned about reservations. So we only made reservations on Day 2 for Days 3-5. When speaking with the reservation agent on the day we were checking in he asked if I would like a jacuzzi tub for an extra $20. I thought sure it would be nice to take a bath with the bubbles. So we arrive to our hotel and I walk in and hidden in the corner next to the fireplace is a 6 person hot tub/spa. ...... Is there a standard nomenclature for spa/whirlpool/jacuzzi/hot tub or "cacuzzi" as the kids say? How am I supposed to know what is what? One time in Las Vegas, Matt and I rented a place with a "spa" and it was outdoors and had bubbles but only cold water. T. Money likened it to a big wine bath/cooler. I still can not figure out what that was. ..... Anyway, I know I digress but I think it is important that someone straighten this nomenclature issue out.

Anyway back to Park City, after settling into our 2 bedroom, 2 bath, hot tub/spa/whirlpool, kitchen, washer/dryer place we set out to explore the town. Well, all I can say is that it is as charming as any little mountain retreat could be. We got some groceries, had some dinner, took a "cacuzzi" and went to bed.

Additional Pictures from Day 2

http://picasaweb.google.com/pesansky/RoadTrip2009Day1?authkey=Gv1sRgCKWnmuzk5-nD8gE&feat=email#

Note: Pictures from the road trip. Most of the pictures were taken from the car while driving on route 80 going 80mph!

Day 2: Cheyenne to Park City, Utah

While I loved every minute of the FE Warren AFB, it was time to move on. We left ~noonish for our trip across Wyoming and into Utah. It was approximately 400 miles and 5-6 hours to Park City. The drive was beautiful but the weather was intense. We had fog, black skies, white puffy clouds, some blue skies, rain, and some bright sunshine. The temperature ranged from 44-78. While it certainly started off a little rough, (ie the fog was so bad we could barely see anything) it was an amazing drive. Jen took pictures that you could see.

While the weather was fascinating, the mountains were breathtaking. Peter thought the little shrubs looked like broccoli and of course that made everyone hungry. So we stopped ~2.5 hours in at Penny's Diner. We all had great meals and got back in the car for the last 3 hours. Along the way we noticed all the animals there were cows, deers, sheep, horses, etc and these very weird structures that some believed to be fences, some thought were solar panels. This debate continues. In addition, we saw numerous trains that were very long and double stacked.

We played the license plate game and in all we saw 36 different license plates. We had to take one more break before Park City. (We are becoming very fond of the big truck stops.) At the stop, we all watched as the deer climbed down a very steep mountain. See the pics.

We all got back in for the 1 hour trip to Park City. Fortunately, it was an easy drive to Park City. A. Honey was concerned that with only 5 miles to go there was no sign of civilization but that is just the way it goes out here. Bop got us to our hotel successfully and we were all very relieved to get out of the car for 3 days!!!

Day 2 Tour of AFB

So everybody was achey from sitting in the car for over 1o hours on Day 1. Even though it was 44 degrees we thought we needed to stretch our legs before getting in the car again. Joey Boots, Snabby, Stinky Pete and A. Honey went for a walk on the main street of the base. Immediately Boots noticed and became very concerned that there were 2 sidewalks. A big sidewalk next to the buildings (~10 feet wide) and then a smaller sidewalk about 3 feet away and that was about 3 feet wide. For about 5 minutes he shared his feelings on what a waste it was to have 2 sidewalks. Abby and Joe then debated the sidewalk issue intensely. Abby thought one sidewalk could be for walkers and one could be for bikers but Joe dismissed that as why would anyway take walks in Wyoming when it it is so cold. I had to agree with Joe. It was June 3 and only 40some degrees and very windy. Well finally we reached a museum on the base and it was great fun. The base has historical importance which you can research on your own but we tried on old clothes, viewed rooms as they were in the 1900s and were able to view actual missiles. Very cool. Most importantly the docent was able to provide insight to the 2 sidewalk issue. You can ask Joe when you see him why there are 2 sidewalks. We were too cold to walk all the way back so Bop and Jen picked up us. We packed up our suite, visited the BX (base exchange) to buy some warmer clothes and got back in the car for 500 mile drive to Park City, Utah.

Pictures Day 1 and Day 2

http://picasaweb.google.com/pesansky/RoadTrip2009Day1?authkey=Gv1sRgCKWnmuzk5-nD8gE&feat=email

Day 1 Frances E. Warren Air Force Base, Cheyenne, WY

So after 633 miles we arrive at our first night's stop. Because BOP has special connections with the US government, we were able to spend our first night at the Frances E. Warren Air Force Base. Immediately upon arrival we were treated like any important dignitary, and offered a spacious 2 bedroom suite with kitchen in the base Inn. I think I might have been the most excited as I have never been on a military installation prior to this. FE Warren Air Force base was the first operational ICBM wing in the nation with the Atlas missile, and now have Minuteman III missiles poised across 12,600 miles in Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming. Today, every minute of every hour, the men and women of the Mighty Ninety remain poised to accomplish their vital mission: "Global Strike: On time, Any time, Every time." Needless to say given the current issues in Korea, I felt very safe.

Bop and Jen went out to get some dinner. Upon return to the base, there was some issues and Jen was pulled aside for questioning. Fortunately, they believed her story and there was no detour to a military prison. We all had dinner and went to bed.

Day 1 - And we are off

Ok..
So the car left Granada Lane at 10:36 AM. We set the GPS, said our prayers, and at 10:39 AM we have the first request to stop for lunch. Our first official stop was 11:16 AM at a RT 29 Rest Area stop for a super quick Pete Potty break. I know that does not sound impressive but by 12:44 PM we have been in three states KS, MO and IO. We were a little surprised when we entered Iowa as we did not see that we would be going through IO on the GPS or our kids coloring book atlas and thought maybe we were going the wrong way but we weren't and everything is ok. At that time (~12:45 pm), we decided we should considered buying a real map. By 12:57 PM we hit Nebreska and we are going to be in Nebreska a long time. Our first lesson learned buy map before trip. 2nd lesson learned when you are in the mid-West and you see civilization and you are kinda hungry, you should stop. We were driving through Lincoln ~200 miles into the trip , ~1:30 and even though it was Interstate 80 this was a business route. We commented on all the restaurants but thought we have good momentum and we should go a bit further. So the Interstate starts again and there is no place to stop for an hour. We did all survive as we did pack enough food to cross the country 10 times but it was an important lesson learned nonetheless. So for lunch on the first day, Joey Boots made a request for McDonald's and since he was the most hungry we all agreed. Then we went to Walmart and bought more provisions but most importantly an US atlas!!! We hit the road and did not stop again until we hit Cheyenne, WY.

Day 1 - Getting ready to go

9:54am We are still packing. Dude is notably upset but everyone else is very excited. We are targeting to leave at 10 am.

Itineray

June 2, Day 1 Drive to Cheyenne, WY. This is about 9 hr drive from KC. We are staying at an Inn at Air Force Base. (PS. A. Honey has never been to an AFB)
June 3, Day 2: Drive to Park City, UT (~5 hours from Cheyenne.)
June 4, Day 3: Salt Lake City for the day.
June 5, Day 4: Park City, UT
June 6, Day 5: Leave for Lake Tahoe. Tonight we are staying in a ghost town in Nevada. Bop loves scary ghost towns in NV. (Drive about 5 hours)
June 7, Day 6: Drive ~3 hrs to Lake Tahoe. We are staying in the Timber Lodge in South Lake Tahoe. Should be nice!
June 8, Day 7: Lake Tahoe.
June 9: Day 8: Happy Birthday, Big Joe. Drive to Yosemite (~4 hours).
June 10, Day 9: Yosemite.
June 11, Day 10: Drive to San Francisco (~4 hours)
June 12, Day 11: San Fran
June 13, Day 12: San Fran. All but A. Honey fly home

Day 0

Bop and Aunt Honey arrived safely in Kansas City. Provisions were purchased, the car was secured, and hotel reservations were made. Day 1 will be very busy so everyone went to bed early to get ready!!.

Day -01

The Blog has been set up.