Phase 1: The Land Trip

We left the West Coast July 11 and immediately had our baptism by fire: electrical issues, tow issues, a blow-out on the 15 past Baker (turn-off for Death Valley) in 115 degree sunshine. Mike: "That really sucked." But then the fun began and really, truly, other than another bizarre electrical blip in Yellowstone and a plumbing mishap in the Tampa Bay area, we had NO problems with the RV. We all toasted a good 3 months of travel looking back at 2004.

Oceanside
Following a brief stay in Point Loma, we lived out our last days of California surfin' safari (Oceanside surf was fun, but a bit tough!) and Chris's birthday before the odyssey begins.

Las Vegas
Quick visit to Naomi, Mark and the Thomsen cousins, and of course, the Strip. "Twenty-two! Twenty-two!"

Mesquite, NV
Up the road to spend a little time with Ted and Helen, Mike's parents. GREAT Mexican food.

Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim)
Yahoo! We saw the big hole in the ground. It was spectacular and the North Rim is wonderfully uncrowded, even in mid-July.

Bryce Canyon National Park
A change in plans: it was too interesting to pass by and did not disappoint.

Grand Teton National Park
A change in plans: Hwy 89 was so beautiful through Utah ("best part of the trip," says Mike in retrospect), why not continue and see the mountains in Wyoming? Stunning views, beautiful wildflowers, the Snake River... Change is good.

Yellowstone National Park
No more maybe about it. We fought the tourists for some wonderful days at Grand Teton and Yellwstone National Parks.

Mt. Rushmore
Saw the Presidents, saw Deadwood, did not stop at the Corn Palace or Wall Drug, however. Best find: the Reptile Gardens just outside of Rapid City; very nicely done.

Marshall
Jo's hometown on the prairie. Saw old friends, had a memorable bike ride at Camden, got to the Wooden Nickel; didn't get to the farm.

Minneapolis
Great fun with Eric, Sue, Isaac and Claire-bear. The guys were adequately entertained while Jo went off to visit as many childhood and college friends as possible...

Wisconsin
Wis-CAN-sun. The lakes were beautiful, but the fish didn't bite as much as the mosquitoes. It wasn't too bad though--we had every meal outside until a spell of cold rainy weather hit.

Decorah, IA
Visited the Norwegian Heritage museum, toured an ice cave, falls springing out of a rock, trout hatchery, and Luther College. Home of the family farm and much family history.

Springdale, AR
They have really good fried chicken there. Found the true meaning of relaxation in hammocks at Ingrid, Scott and Amy's new cabin on Tablerock Lake.

Natchez Trace, TN
It was a beautiful campground and a quiet rest.

Atlanta, GA
Many years overdue, a visit to Uncle Carsten, Jo's early mentor in music and writing.

Orlando
Because we can camp at the Thousand Trails there for free...but we didn't actually go there, due to hurricanes. Maybe mouse-land sometime before we cast off...

Fort Lauderdale
The proposed and actual destination, purchase of a beautiful boat, hanging out in a beautiful city, but will we ever get out of here?

STAY TUNED FOR THE CARIBBEAN!