Another Long and Tiring Trip

 Remember early January posts indicated our quick trip to Utah and back made at the end of December.  I had indicated never again.  And yet it happened again – longer drive and almost a week with more than one destination.

 I don’t remember when Kevin called Richard to invite him to a convention to take place in Las Vegas.  Catch was he would have to drive four hours north to Portland airport.  I joked that he might as well just drive to Las Vegas.  I should have just kept my mouth shut and allowed him the four hour drive to Portland instead of the mileage we put on the car not to mention the drainage to ourselves.  We are not young anymore.

 

I thought Richard was capable of the long distance drive so long as he has a book on tape to listen to – but also would need assistance of someone to change the discs in order to continue the story.  I didn’t want to go.  Jaime and I both reminded him of what happens.  I even had a bruise on my leg not to mention other excuses.  I was planning on staying home until the very last minute.  I saw him drifting off and thought I should go with him just to make certain he stayed hydrated and didn’t push himself but would stop when appropriate.

 It was a long trip.  Two destinations: Las Vegas, Nevada and Gilbert, Arizona.  Richard’s plans were to leave on the 18^th although Kevin wouldn’t be showing up until the 20^th.  I didn’t realize Richard had wanted to have a date night by taking me to a show.  Only that never happened.  I had been stubborn about going and he was just as stubborn about waiting for me.  We didn’t leave until after 2:00 p.m.  We found lodging in (or near) Sparks Nevada.

8 out of 34: Not quite 25%

 

I found the above photo on facebook with the caption that the most one might have seen in person from the above list is five.  I have been to eight.  Below I have posted memories and links to those places I have visited.

 

from this post

Statue of Liberty – never been, but I have read countless books on the history of the statue and Ellis Island.

Grand Canyon – went with my family when I was 12 or 13.  I don’t remember a whole lot from that trip.  But I do remember driving to the North Rim with my mom, sister and Grandma.  Some highlights are found in this post. 

Walt Disney World – honestly don’t have the desire.  I’m content with Anaheim’s original Disneyland

Zions – continues with same trip found on this post 

Space Needle – my first time was in June 1982 (see this post) It was probably seven years later when I met up with a friend in Seattle and had gone there with her 

Hollywood Sign – I’m sure I had seen it on one of the many California trips I had taken with my family – I just don’t remember.  Jaime was hoping to see it when we went down there for Labor Day weekend.  Richard and I were even in Hollywood!  But no sign.

Las Vegas – many times.  As a kid the strip wasn’t near the size it is today.  There wasn’t a choice to bypass the town on the freeway.  I relate a story of leaving Corey in LV in this post    Most recent visit was from this post 

 Yellowstone – several times as a youth.  Only a few times as an adult (here) 

Golden Gate Bridge – I was a passenger in the car that took the Oakland Bridge more than Golden Gate, but I believe I had crossed the Golden Gate at some point during my many visits to San Francisco.

Niagara Falls – actually my most recent adventure from this list (here)

 Alcatraz - I'd gone to the island prison only one time; I had gone with a group of theatre students who were completing at Berkley.  1979 probably

my dad in the San Francisco Apt.

 This is quite a long post but does have some amazing pictures of San Francisco (at least in my opinion) written from my brothers point of view, but many of my memories are the same. 

Day 10: Crash and Burn

I suppose we could have gone to church right after we returned home – at least the second meeting – but I wouldn’t have gotten anything out of it.  I spent most of the day sleeping.  Jai wanted so badly to get Bonnie.  I was willing once I was rested, but it appears that the kennel is closed on Sundays.  Thus we went on Monday morning right after we had dropped Jaime off at the church.

In addition to already being fatigued from the trip itself, I was sent into a coma by the wind.  Neither Richard nor I felt motivated to do anything that first week.  He said he couldn't understand why he was so tired.  "Well, because you have done 100% of the driving, Buddy"

 I did offer during the long stretches of nothing. No city driving for me.  No driving for me period.  I was a drowsy passenger.  Before we returned home, Richard seemed like a grouch.  But hey, it's understandable.  We are both almost back to normal.  Jaime didn't seem fazed either way.  I think she enjoyed returning to school.    

Here are some more photos from the trip: 

Las Vegas - on the way to my brother's house

Happy Birthday, Steven

taken in Beatty, NV

In the News

                When the schools initially closed, the staff had given the students the impression that they would be back in two weeks.  Our governor then sent out the word that schools would not reopen until April 28.  I would hope not.  I would not be willing to return as an aide.  But just a few hours ago it was announced that the governor stated that all schools will be closed for the remaining of the academic year.  Now there’s a shocker.

  

                 Governor Brown did make the statement to have all beaches and national parks and playgrounds closed.  Anyone caught at said beaches, parks or playgrounds (thus far walking path is still available in city parks – but I expect that will change too) before the nation took a stand on closing the parks – probably a week before. 

                Corey posted several pictures he had taken of the Las Vegas strip.  There were cars in a lot of the pictures, but no people except one where there was a security guard.  Emptiness where it is normally crowded. 

                I would never have imagined living through something like this.  And yet amidst this absolute strange chaos I feel so blessed.  There are still so many things to be grateful for.