Thursday, August 30, 2007

My Windshield on the World, Wyoming & Utah Edition (Part 8, probably)

Here we are, two days from the weekend that, in the United States, marks the end of summer. Sure, go ahead and wait until September 21st if you'd like, we'll all sit by while you pretend it's not the end. And we'll secretly laugh at you because everyone knows you're just living in a fantasy. Truth be told, I'll live in that fantasy with you a little bit anyway. We've still got those Indian Summer days ahead of us out West here, and if you think I'm packing up the flip flops before the first snow, well you don't really know me at all.

It has been quite the trip, this summer. Months filled with babies getting older, pirates, unforgettable moments of turquoise water and perfect days, friends and fireworks, live music, oh so much music, refusing to let Summer go by too fast, early mornings, calling it quits, sisterly bonding, and realizing that life, no matter my inability to predict, has some really great things in store. And if all that isn't a reason to take one more week and live it up for all it's worth, it ought to be.

Tomorrow I'll be hitting the road one more time for the year. I'm headed through corn country, then up the corn belt (I have totally made up these names and really have no idea what is or is not identified as corn country or the corn belt). All this for, you guessed it, friends. I'm meeting one, and going to do the race in the hometown of another. Hey, we do what we gotta do.

Upon returning, I'll spend a total of twenty-four hours at home before heading out again, but this time, there will be no race. Remember this little scenario from a few weeks back? Well, a decision was eventually reached. After careful examination of personal schedules, work schedules, flight schedules (and availability) and, well, a little bit of pure fantasy, we decided we'd head to the beach. I know how shocked you are right now, that I would make that decision. I promise, I did not coerce my friend. I can't help it if I'm really super excellent at travel research.

I will admit, it was not our first choice. We considered New York City (more hustle than we wanted, and I mean that in a good way), New Orleans (flights just did not work- this was a huge disappointment), and the West Coast (but then realized there were some flight restrictions and it made no sense to start in the middle of the country, head East and then turn around and head West). So, when it came down to it, South of the border became the obvious choice.

I'm about to cover more miles than I can count, set foot in approximately seven cities, three airports, several corn fields (how could I not) and several more cantinas. I plan to update in between to the two so as not to confuse corn and tequila but in the meantime, I'll leave you with some windshield commentary from my last trip.

Happy Labor Day weekend, my fellow Americans. And happy end of Summer/whatever season you may be leaving behind right now to all.




Utah, via Northern Colorado and Wyoming:

After getting through the madness that is North Denver these days, you're reminded Northern Colorado still has some wide open spaces. And thank God for that.

But as soon as you cross into Wyoming, you're also reminded that fireworks aren't legal in Colorado.
Lucky for us, Pyro City is just a drive away.



Once you're all stocked up on the sparklers, you can head out into the wild blue yonder that is Southern Wyoming. Wind farms, a repaving project and, oh yes, a little red Corvette (look closely, waaaay up ahead) kept me company for hundreds of miles.



Sooner than you think, however, you'll be near Utah and entering the beautiful Wasatch Mountains. Or at least the sign says so.



Then, if you're really lucky, you'll participate in a 178 mile relay with eleven of your closest and sweatiest friends. And it will be beautiful!
And if you're really, really lucky, the van your team uses is a rental so when you back it into a tree in the middle of the night because you're driving barefoot and parallel parking, it will not matter.


All too soon, though, you'll be headed home.
As you drive those hundreds of miles back, you'll stare out into the wild blue yonder that is southern Wyoming and know that every mile, both driven and run, was totally worth it. Because they always are.


22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Have fun and safe traveling.

Anonymous said...

oh that sounds like so much fun! i love road trips. i wish i were going somewhere this weekend. have a blast!

Sizzle said...

happy jetsetting!!

singleton said...

Every mile is worth it, because they always are".....
Captured perfectly....
camera, words, summer....
Enjoy!

Barbara Bruederlin said...

You know you have to eat as much sweet corn as humanly possible (without jeopardizing your run, if you know what I mean).

Have a great trip. And if you can handle the extra "u", happy labour day from your Canadian friends.

Anonymous said...

I thought happy cows lived in Wyoming...where are they all hiding?

And I absolutely trust in your ability to distinguish between corn and tequila so happy travels!

Unknown said...

Safe travels! Have a great time...

anne said...

look at those blue skies!

enjoy them all. have a great vacation.

The Exception said...

Have a fabulous time!

Jen said...

wow that sky! Lucky you! : )

Danielle said...

Yet again, I'm jealous. Man, you're going to be getting pretty close to me. Where in IA? I ran a really great marathon down there last June.

Appletini said...

Sounds like soooo much fun! :)

Anonymous said...

Psst...PSSST... you know I'm in Iowa, right? Just sayin'...

justacoolcat said...

Oh don't tell me you are going to Iowa and not driving up the Mn . . .

Craver said...

Happy happy trip.
If you get a hankerin' for more summer - head to NC. It's shorts warm here til November.

Just keep it in mind.
JC

Bre said...

I do so love these! Also - Philly version should come soon! :)

Nat said...

Great pictures! Sounds like you will be having a ton of fun!

Sister Buckle said...

I know there were other things in that post but all I can think of is PYRO CITY!

One day, maybe, just maybe, one of my children will grow up to be a pyrotechnician.

Do I dare to dream?!

singleton said...

If you're still doing seven cities and miles of memories, Enjoy girl! We'll look forward to the postcards!

Joe said...

Sniff, sniff...goodbye Summer, we hardly knew ye.

Anonymous said...

Those are great pics! I've never been to either of those places...just gorgeous.

Database Diva said...

Me again. I'm pretty sure that New Orleans didn't work out because it is your destiny to go there in February when it isn't so humid. I hear they have a little race there, and that you can run it with a hangover ;) I've also heard that there will be some really fun people there.