Pretty much every evening these days, we are spending time planning. He sits at the table with his atlas, I get on the computer with Google Maps and Woodall's website open and we discuss and decide. I have been also mapping out each part of the trip on a calendar, with mileage, destination and campground listed for each stop. This seems to work for us. He is looking at the big picture, while I flesh out the details. All in all, a good partnership, but lots of work to keep it all straight!
We have decided to go to Lake Mead after leaving the Grand Canyon, taking in tours of both the Hoover Dam and Las Vegas while we are there. We are not gambling folks, but would love to see the Strip and visit some casinos, as well as taking in a show.
Sadly, for various reasons, from weddings to vandalism on a motor coach, we have lost our traveling companions, so once again, it will be just us! I am beginning to realize that it takes a combination of determination and good fortune to execute a trip this big. But, here's hoping! We have made reservations for our time at the Grand Canyon, and I will make others on the road, so we have the flexibility to change our minds along the way.
As it stands now, here is the trip:
We have decided to go to Lake Mead after leaving the Grand Canyon, taking in tours of both the Hoover Dam and Las Vegas while we are there. We are not gambling folks, but would love to see the Strip and visit some casinos, as well as taking in a show.
Sadly, for various reasons, from weddings to vandalism on a motor coach, we have lost our traveling companions, so once again, it will be just us! I am beginning to realize that it takes a combination of determination and good fortune to execute a trip this big. But, here's hoping! We have made reservations for our time at the Grand Canyon, and I will make others on the road, so we have the flexibility to change our minds along the way.
As it stands now, here is the trip:
- Thomasville, GA to visit friends and do some sightseeing.
- Mobile, AL to visit family.
- New Orleans
- Sulphur, LA as a stopover point
- San Antonio
- Ft. Stockton, TX
- Carlsbad, NM
- Deming, NM
- Phoenix, AZ to visit family
- Sedona
- Grand Canyon
- Lake Mead, NV
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Salt Lake City
- Lava Hot Springs, ID
- Grand Teton National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Buffalo, WY as a stopover point
- Mt. Rushmore National Park
- Sioux Falls, ID as a stopover point
- St. Joseph, MO as a stopover point
- Branson, MO
This one gets us as far as Branson, MO. More to come later!
Of course, we have not gotten back home yet, so more planning to do! One stop we are considering is a return trip to the Outer Banks. Our first trip there ended before it started the last time due to electrical issues with the trailer, which was still "new to us" at the time.
In the midst of all of this, we are remodeling our guest bathroom, so he stays quite busy with that during the day! I found an old dresser online locally, which he has refinished and we are re-purposing for our vanity in there. So lovely! Still a work in progress, but almost ready for her new home. It never ceases to amaze me what he can, and is willing, to do!
In the midst of all of this, we are remodeling our guest bathroom, so he stays quite busy with that during the day! I found an old dresser online locally, which he has refinished and we are re-purposing for our vanity in there. So lovely! Still a work in progress, but almost ready for her new home. It never ceases to amaze me what he can, and is willing, to do!
This is what we started with. We are keeping the mirror in the bathroom.
Progress so far. I was quite happy with how well the old hardware cleaned up!
My head is spinning as I contemplate all that will need to be done before we go "wheels up' but my excitement mounts daily. We still have to figure out the rest of our trip, get all our prescriptions moved to Walmart, since that should be the easiest place to find on the road when refill time comes, and decide what food and how much we want to take with us. Since I am a couponer, I prefer to take as much from home as possible, since I tend to get pretty good deals. Another big area of concern to me is what clothes to take, and do we have enough clothes to not be doing laundry every time we turn around? I am grateful to have our adult son back at home, so at least that is one area we don't have to worry about. Nice to know he is here to tend the cats and the property, as well as filter our mail while we are gone.