Day 21 - Nebraska to Chicago

So 21 days, a little over 5600 miles and 12 states later, I'm back where I started. On my couch in Chicago, with Rumble staring forlornly out the window. We're both glad to be home but a little sad as well that our current adventure is over.

Trip today was fairly uneventful until we hit Illinois. The freeway I was on was shut down so we took a scenic tour through Illinois while we found a new route. The good news is, despite it being Friday of a long weekend and hitting the city pretty close to 5pm, we only hit bad traffic about 5 miles from home. Thanks goodness for small favors!

So the car is unpacked and I have 3 days to clean up and recover. I will be posting all my pictures online this weekend - there are several hundred and I will not be offended in the least if people skim through them but they are fun!

Some final thoughts. Out of all the places I went, excluding California because I am unfairly biased to that state, I would have to say that Park City Utah and Sedona were my favorites. Park City is ranked slightly higher but that may be because it is most fresh in my mind. I think Park City and Sedona were my favorites because they were new and I was able to spend so much outdoors. The hiking was also gorgeous and I am reminded of how much I miss doing this.

Best advice I received on my trip was from my sister and that was to do what I wanted. I had not made many plans outside of hotel reservations but I was still a little stressed as to a) packing tons of stuff in and b) trying to coordinate people to catch up. Once my sister made this comment, I relaxed even more. I stopped worrying so much about cramming stuff into every minute of every day. I also stopped worrying about making plans with people - I simply made my own plans and let people know when and where I would be and it worked out great!

And finally, you may ask, did I learn anything about myself on this trip? Well, I had many hours and miles with only Rumble and myself to talk to so yes, I learned some things about myself. Both good and bad. And I may or may not decide to share these learnings but I do plan to make some changes. :-)

So thanks to all who followed my journey and provided constant encouragement along the way. And I promise to keep you informed of future adventures!

Day 20 - Colorado to Nebraska

Today was a busy busy day! Didn't sleep well but still woke up early - never really understood why I can't sleep in on my days off but can't seem to get out of bed early for work.

Anyway, we were up early and out of the hotel by 8:30. The woman who checked me in recommended a great hike in Boulder so we headed out to give it a try. She told me there were two hikes and recommended that I try the more difficult. I decided to follow her recommendation and we proceeded to climb like a billion stairs up the side of the mountain!! After the stairs, it was a fairly aggressive hike up and we passed (and were passed by) several people and their puppies. No wonder people in Colorado are so in shape if this is how they spend their morning!

We didn't make it to the top but we made it pretty high and got some nice pictures. My legs were shaking so badly on the way down I thought we were going to tople down but we made it okay. Not too shabby of a way to start the day!

We got on the road to Nebraska a little before 11am and the drive was pretty except for the last 90 minutes. We hit a massive storm, black sky, heavy rain and lightning - it was crazy!

But now we are safe and sound in our hotel - enjoying pizza delivery. One more day of driving - can't believe we will be home by this time tomorrow night!

Day 19 - Colorado

To put it bluntly - I am EXHAUSTED! Didn't sleep too well last night - probably too many cups of coffee. Another long day driving but we made good time and got to Longmont CO (about 10 miles outside of Boulder) around 3. There are not too many people staying here so they upgraded me which is nice - the hotel room is about the size of my apartment. Despite being tired, we got back in the car and headed to Boulder for dinner and a beer. I found a dog friendly restaurant called Boulder Brewing company which is dog friendly. As for the beer, in my opinion, coming to Colorado and not getting a beer is like going to California and not getting wine - Just WRONG! Especially when you can try the local brews.

So now we are back in our hotel, enjoying another beer and contemplating passing out. Tomorrow my goal is to get up fairly early and go for a quick hike in Boulder before heading out to Lincoln NE. Two more days till Chicago! I'm ready to be home.

Day 18 - Park City Utah

So I'm not going to lie - I had doubts about Park City Utah. After we checked in last night, I searched online to determine what Rumble and I would do while here. Online it looks like Park City is not really that dog friendly but oh how wrong I was. Turns out, here the locals know best. I checked with the guy at the front desk today for his recommendations and today has turned out to be an AMAZING DAY!

We slept in till about 7am, adjusting for the lost hour. Had breakfast here and then hit the road. The guy at the front desk recommended Deer Valley Resort so we headed over there first thing. Got a little lost which ended up being ok - pulled off the road and trekkend down what looked like an old logging road. Didn't go too far but what I saw was beautiful! Can definitely feel the impact of the altitude though - by the time Rum and I were back to our car we were both gasping for breath.

Finally found where the hotel guy recommended, a moderate hiking trail up into the mountain. We only went up about 1/2 mile and I kinda wish we had done more but I knew we had tons planned for today. Got some really good pictures though - the trail went up through the trees into a beautiful meadow before heading back into the trees. Rumble kept trying to chase the squirrels (in his defense, they kept chattering at him). Stumbled once and twisted my ankle a bit but not enough to slow down my day!

After working up an appetite, we headed into historic downtown Park City. Can't believe how many dogs are in this city and most are off leash. Rumble was jealous but he just isn't as well behaved as them so he's stuck on a leash. We found a great little coffee shop that allows dogs in door so I grabbed a cappuccino while we both caught our breath. After, we explored Main Street, which is actually on a big hill so more walking. We found a little patio that allows dogs and grabbed some lunch (rawhide for Rumble, bacon cheeseburger for me - YUM!) Spent some time talking to the waiter at the restaurant and he let me know there are trails all over Park City if you keep your eyes open.

Sure enough, on the way back to the car, we found a great little trail that wound through some parks, along a stream. Ran into a grandpa with his grandsons so we walked a bit with them and he was kind enough to take a picture of us (see above).

Spent some time back at the hotel, coffee for me, nap for Rumble. I tried to take a nap but all the coffee today made that pointless. Giving up caffeine when I get back is going to SUCK! Oh well, that is to stress over next week.

After some much needed relaxation, headed back to Historic Park City to pick up some dinner. On the way, I had wanted to stop and hike a little more but kept having problems finding someplace to hike. Finally, after a wrong turn, I again found a cool spot at the Park City Resort. There was another old road which went up this long hill - again the altitude kicked our bums but we finally made it to the top. It was a beautiful trip up with fields of wildflowers.

We trekked back in and called in my order to the bbq place. I had noticed a cute little picnic area on our walk after lunch so stopped there and ate dinner outdoors while Rumble explored and ate my tri tip - YUM!

After a quick stop at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for chocolate covered strawberries (seriously going to need to get back on the program next week) we are back at the hotel to pack and relax. Ok - take a benedryl and go to bed early as we are beyond exhausted!

Off to Colorado tomorrow for our second to last leg of the trip. I can't believe it is almost over but what an amazing time.

Day 16 & 17 - Bay Area and Park City UT

Right now, I'm sitting on a hotel bed, with some super yummy pizza, watching a cheesy Agatha Christie movie - a perfect way to end a very exhausting day!

But again, I get ahead of myself. Yesterday was another day catching up with old friends. On my way out of Monterey, I stopped at a little cafe for coffee which ended up being dog friendly so I had a nice little breakfast outside. Then we headed up north to Fremont. I was staying at my friend Chantelle's house and we wanted to get together early to make sure our dogs got along. At first, Rumble and Shea (Chantelle's sweet mixed breed girl) did not get along but we walked them around for awhile, and Rumble's submissive side soon took over and they were getting along famously! Once the pooches were settled, we headed up to Tiburon for brunch. Tina laid out a sumptous spread and we just hung out, catching up which was fantastic since I had not seen either Tina or Chantelle in a few years.

When we got back to Chantelle's, the dogs were still playing strong, which was great since I wanted Rumble exhausted for our trip today. We had dinner, wine, the chocolates from Dave's wedding and brownies for dinner - altogether a very pleasant day!

Today on the other hand was not nearly so relaxing! Today we drove from Fremont to Park City Utah, a 12 hour drive from door to door. Chantelle had packed me snacks, and lunch which helped but it was still a very long day! Not to mention losing an hour with the time difference. We just got to our hotel an hour ago, which is very cute but has a weird dog policy. You have to sign a sheet stating that you will not leave your dog alone in the hotel room or they will call pet services - should make tomorrow entertaining!

Oh well, we are settled in now. And ready for a good nights sleep and a fun day tomorrow!

Day 15 - Marina/Monterey

Today was another jam packed day! We woke early and Rei asked very nicely for french toast so yours truly obliged. Morning was hectic as everyone tried to get out the door for Rei's big game but we all finally made it down there (pictures were today, hence everyone trying to get down there early). The game was so much fun! Imagine a couple of hundred 4 and 5 year olds, all running around, trying to play soccer - so very cute!! Rei and her team did really well and Coach Dan rocks! It was especially cute when Rei decided to not focus on playing and dance in the middle of the field.

After the game, we headed back to the Devlins for a quick lunch and then I was off again. Shortest drive to date (about 20 minutes) to Monterey. Checked into my hotel to get ready for the wedding. Hotel is cute but given how little time I am spending here probably should have gone cheaper but OH WELL. Headed out to the wedding at Hollman Ranch. For those who are not familar with the Monterey Peninsula, the weather is normally slightly foggy, about 65 degrees. Today was close to 90 degrees and hot hot hot! The ranch handed out the little parasols to help keep everyone cool. The wedding was beautiful though with gorgeous views! It was great to catch up with everyone - our table was comedy. I hadn't really spent too much time with some of the people seated with me and we ended up laughing most of the time. The after party plans kinda fell apart though (my being one of the only sober people didn't help) which is why I now have time to type up the blog.

Tomorrow I head up to the bay area for brunch - can't wait to see the girls.

PS: Quick shout out to Tara - thanks so much for my beautiful picture!! Can't wait to get back to Chicago and hang it up and then show it off!

Day 13 & 14 - Marina

I know people are getting sick of hearing about this but another awesome two days! Yesterday went to First Awakenings, one of my favorite restaurants, for breakfast with Tara, Reilly and Elliott. Then we took a nice drive down to Asilomar, enjoying the views and taking some pics. After, T took the girls home to nap and I headed down to the Brit to catch up with Paulie and enjoy more coffee and curry fries. Mmmmm curry fries (and for those who are wondering, YES my clothes are getting tight). After the Brit, tried to go hiking in Point Lobos but pooches are not welcome so I pulled on my big girl panties and drove the twisty road down close to Big Sur. Not much hiking along that road that you can do with a dog but gorgeous views! I took tons and tons of pics. Back down to the Brit for dinner and catching up with old friends. It was so nice being back and seeing so many people.

Today Rumble and I were up early and out to the grocery store. Picked up stuff for big breakfast, which big girl Reilly helped me make for lil sis Elli and T. Then we all packed into the cars and headed to Carmel Beach for Rum's and my big photo shoot!!! We had so much fun - T took over a hundred pics and we ended the morning with Rum and I running into the waves (yours truly fully clothed). And Jen - Rum did so well right up until he realized what he was doing. Then big panic attack and right back out. Oh well, puppy steps.

After the beach, hung out with T while the girls napped and then off to Rei's soccer practice (the big game is tomorrow) and then to Ventana for Dave and Andrea's welcome reception. Not only do I love Ventana wines, but was able to see and catch up with several old co workers. Now just hanging out, waiting for the Devlins to get home.

So two very busy but fantastic days! Tomorrow is another big day. Have Rei's soccer game in the morning, lunch with T's family and then off to the wedding. YAY! And there is still one more week left.