Day 0 - The night before

So I've never done a blog before so I apologize in advance for any newbie errors.

It's about 9pm central the night before Rumble and I head out. For those who are not aware, I decided to drive cross country and back with my dog, Rumble. I decided to do this because a) I was already planning on being in California for my brother's 40th birthday and Dave/Andrea's wedding - each a week apart. And b) I wanted to.

So this trip began to grow in both scope and duration when I was briefly laid off in March. I decided at that point to drive old Route 66 to California and a more norther route back. And instead of compressing everything into 2 crazy weeks, I added a third week so I could actually enjoy myself.

So here I am, trying to get everything packed for a 3 week cross country trek...with my dog. I'm super stoked but nervous as well.

And as promised, I've created a blog so those who care can track my progress. I can promise pictures and stupid stories. I cannot promise that at times I won't whine. But heh, if you don't like it, don't read the blog :-)

Below is a brief itinerary of my adventure to come. Enjoy and I hope to see most of you soon!
Day 1 - Leave Chicago...early. Drive through southern Illinois, St Louis Missouri and stopping for the night in Branson MO. Holla (Jen, that was for you)
Day 2 - Leave Branson to continue down old route 66. Day two will involve trekking through a tiny corner of Kansas, Oklahoma and stopping for the night in Texas. Should have some good pictures from this portion, especially Cadillac Ranch
Day 3-5 - From Texas I continue my trek Southwest for a beautiful three nights in Sedona. Rumble and I will spend a glorious few days hiking the red rocks, exploring vortexs and old Indian Ruins. I promise lots of pictures!
Day 6 - This will be one of the longest drives, leaving Arizona for California. Meeting the family for a long weekend at the coast
Day 7-9 - Family time (and my brother's birthday) at the coast. Will probably include throwing Rumble in the water.
Day 10-11 - After leaving the coast, will spend a couple of days in T-town. Playing with the kids and hanging with Cydney. Can't wait to meet Ian!
Day 12 - Head to Monterey to catch up with friends. Hoping to meet Shary and Linda for dinner.
Day 13-14 - Quality time with T and the girls. Hopefully catching up with her family, Stacey and Dani. And some quality Brit time
Day 15 - Dave and Andrea's wedding. Yay!
Day 16 - Head up north for brunch at Tina's with Chantelle and the gang.
Day 17-18 - Another long day of driving and then two fun and gorgeous nights in Park City Utah. Hopefully more hikes
Day 19 - Head out to Denver CO. Wish I could spend more time here but should be able to see some of the sites
Day 20 - Last leg of the trip. Leave Denver, heading East. One night in Lincoln NE
Day 21 - Leave NE and head home. Home sweet home Chicago.