There aren't many people that could handle traveling with me so I am thankful that my husband has learned my traveling quirks and that I found that Rachel and I can hang together pretty well! (You're the bomb, Rachel! ...Still planning our next trip! (; ) I wouldn't say that I "vacation" very well. I believe that I have said it before and I will say it again, I am GO GO GO from the moment my eyes wake up to the moment I give myself two seconds to lay down.
I have had a few people tell me, "Send me your itinerary, it sounds like so much fun!"
*insert gif - You SURE about that?*
Here are the ups, the downs, and the "are you freaking kidding me?!" or our trips and the laughs that go along with it. <3
How did this trip happen?
A little back story since I am writing my travels out of order, two years ago (2021) Rachel was planning a 30th birthday trip for herself and I don't even remember in what context, but I remember saying "that sounds like so much fun!" She asked if I wanted to come and of course my answer was, "HELL YEAH!" There will be more on that trip soon!
Picture to the right is us at the Great White Sand Dunes.
My 30th birthday trip was as spontaneous as I like spontaneous to be. I remember one day in February I ran into Rachel and her boyfriend, Michael, in tractor supply and I casually mentioned that I am ready for another trip out west. Of course Rachel had to hit me with the, "You tell me when and I will be there!". Little did she know I was going to go home ASAP and check to see if there were any flights on sale.
BINGO. Four travelers, round trip on Frontier for approximately $1,700. Are you kidding me?! What a DEAL?!
I texted back and forth with Rachel for a few days. Cody gave me the go ahead. Michael gave Rachel the go ahead and the rest if history.
MY 30TH BIRTHDAY TRIP, LET'S BEGIN!
Day 1 - Travel Day
Back in 2021, I flew Frontier Airlines by myself to Denver, where I was going to pick up a rental car and drive to Kansas to pick up Rachel to start her 30th birthday trip.
These "cheap tickets" were through Frontier Airlines and never having an issue with them before I was not deterred, aside from the crappy times we were having to fly.
4:11 PM leave and head to Atlanta.
8:56 PM leave Atlanta and head to Las Vegas.
....or so we thought.
Our plane got delayed so many times I don't even feel like going back through my emails and text
messages to figure out how many times we got delayed before we finally left DC. I am going to estimate that we got delayed about 3 times didn't get to leave DC until about 5:30 PM. Once we got to Atlanta (probably around 9 PM) this is where things got... annoying.
We tried to waste some time in Atlanta and still didn't get to waste enough time. We walked around, we ate and grabbed some drinks. We continued to get notification after notification that our flight was being further and further delayed. Then there was a terminal change. After a free complimentary coupon voucher for our inconveniences (everything was already closed at this point.. it WAS 11:30 PM after all). We were FINALLY able to board our plane. Only after some cussing and arguing, between passengers and staff. For a brief moment, I really didn't think they were going to let the plane take flight because of all the "high tension". Atlanta airport is wild, y'all.
This short blurb doesn't even do JUSTICE to the things we saw and heard in Atlanta, but I really don't want to harp TOO MUCH on the negative. Just know that this Atlanta debacle comes up at the end of our trip!
Day 2 - But also day 1 still... lol
We made it to Las Vegas, FINALLY!
After contemplating taxi vs uber vs waiting 45 minutes for a shuttle to take us to the rental car place, we wound up having to wait for the shuttle since there were NO taxis or ubers available that time of night.
We finally arrive at Hertz. We walked up to the screen with our reservation and parking spot. Row f. Parking spot 462.
We walk to the back of the parking lot and...
No car. YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME.
In the midst of Michael figuring out what they were going to do about someone taking OUR rental vehicle, we noticed that Michael and Rachel had their luggage lock cut and their stuff had been rummaged through.
I am going to spare you the details of what all was going through our heads at that exact moment, but we finally got a vehicle and even an upgrade.
Needless to say, we were all extremely tired; Not only physically tired, but mentally tired as well. However, the show must go on!
I cannot say that I was too impressed with Las Vegas. I had in my mind all the shiny lights, the flashing colors everywhere and I didn't seem to see that. I have seen much smaller towns shine
brighter than Vegas did that night. Even though it was nearly 3 AM when we arrived, I thought Vegas was much like New York in the aspect of, "it never sleeps".
We made our way through Vegas and to our hotel. Rachel and I spend many texts back and forth trying to figure out the best view and most incredible hotel to stay at while we were in Vegas. Y.O.L.O. So, we decided on The Venetian.
Little did we know, we would be checking in after 3 A.M., even contemplating NOT sleeping and just continuing on our journey.
We decided to lay in the bed for just a moment, to experience a comfy bed since we knew that it might be the last time we see one of those on this trip... lol. We then said goodbye to the coolest hotel in Vegas and then go and get breakfast and hit the road. It was a comfy few hours while it lasted.
We stopped at a coffee place in the hotel and grabbed coffee and macaroons and found breakfast at one of the best breakfast places that I have ever eaten - Scrambled.
The amount of food you received, holy moly! I ate what I could and I took half of mine with us and nibbled on it throughout our drive that day. Also, FRESH fruit - I can always appreciate that.
Our first destination of the trip wasn't too far away, only about 50 minutes from Vegas - The Hoover Dam!
We parked and walked up the stairs to The Hoover Dam and across the bridge exactly half way and marveled at how massive this dam really is. Before we left for vacation, Ghost Hunters actually did an episode at the dam, so it was really neat to put the place into perspective.
If you know me, I collect (arguably too many things) smushed pennies for my collection book, Christmas ornament from everywhere I go, and when it comes to the National Parks I purchase a patch, a sticker, a hiking medallion and I HAVE to make sure I get a pass in my passport!
You can get my national parks passport here: https://amzn.to/3PZnoyr
And my smashed penny collection holder! https://amzn.to/44yRiOw
On the way we stopped and took a picture with the Arizona sign. Because, tourists - duh.
You can't really tell in the picture, but their sign says, "The Grand Canyon State"
We continued on and headed to our FIRST national park of the trip - The Grand Canyon! The drive was actually the longest leg of our trip so it did take us 4 hours and 30 minutes to get there, but we made it. We went to the visitor center to get our passports stamped and grabbed our collectibles and then headed out to our first of many hikes.
From the visitor center we rode the shuttle to the South Kaibob trail head and we hiked to Ooh Aah Point, which gave you beautiful views of the canyon below. From the south Kaibob trail head it was about .9 miles of switch backs down to the point (so remember you have to come back UP).
But the trail was well maintained and there were many people of different athletic abilities that were able to do it. Some people needed a little extra break than others, but we did go during the hottest part of the day, so I am not surprised. There were also only a couple of places that gave you minimal shade from the sun, so I would make sure to bring a lot of water and make sure you're wearing sunscreen!
I do wear a camelback I got as a gift from my brother some years back. Here's the newer model: https://amzn.to/3NWr9lj
Even though mine is an older model and I no longer use the bladder, but it's the perfect size for most of my hikes!
I typically carry two water bottles, sunscreen, chapstick, some first air supplies, a knife, some bug repellant, and a whistle.
The hike went super quick and then we boarded the shuttle again and decided to jump of at the next stop and check out the view from there. We took a few pictures from a viewpoint off the shuttle stop and then we boarded the next shuttle that took us back to the visitor center.
We left the Grand Canyon and grabbed pizza at a local pizza joint and stayed in an Air BnB that was about an hour away from Grand Canyon, headed towards our next destination, outside of Williams, Arizona. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect from the pictures of the Air BnB listing, but it actually met my expectations. It did not have two separate rooms with a wall, but it had two queen sized beds with enough privacy and there was also two bathrooms and showers that sort of separated the two "rooms". They certainly made the best use of space. I liked how cost efficient this place was so I would most definitely stay there again if given the opportunity.
https://www.airbnb.com/trips/v1/cbdf48c9-dca8-49a6-9d83-18fc83eece0a/ro/RESERVATION2_CHECKIN/HMA42P9XN9
We were SO ready for a good nights sleep...
Day 3 - Petrified Forrest National Park
I can't speak for anyone else, but I slept really good that night.
Part of day 3 happened because of another accident. So, the night before, we drove through Williams in the dark and thought it looked so cool. It was literally more impressive to me than Las Vegas was, in my opinion. The amount of people still walking through the town around 8:00 PM and all the neon lights was enough for us to ask, what's so cool about this place?
We had to go through Williams, anyways to head towards Petrified Forrest National Park, so we got coffee at a local coffee spot called Brewed Awakenings. Peep Rachels shirt - it says it all. We then breakfast at a cute little diner in town and walked around the town. Williams, Arizona lies on the intersection of Route 66 and Route 40. This little town was all I never knew I needed. The amount history that is packed into this small little railroad town reminds me a lot of our little 'ol Harpers Ferry. We walked up and down the streets after breakfast and coffee and met a man named Buck, that I hope I never forget.
He's one of those older gentleman that if you don't have time to chat... Well, you might as well cancel your next appointment. You could tell that it was a mix between he probably doesn't get a lot of people in his store and MAN at the life experiences he can tell you. I found him so interesting that I actually googled him after our trip. I couldn't make this up, how can one guy be all the things he was...and yet he was. "A Marine. Ohio deputy sheriff. LAPD officer. US Marshall. Gunsmith. Gun draw and bullwhip Guinness world record holder. Among so other things."
I found a blog post of some sort from a guy that PERFECTLY explained all that Buck was and I please ask that you take the time to read that too.
https://unpackingmybottomdrawer.com/2019-grateful-47-made-in-america/
After probably a 30 minute conversation with Buck it was time to part ways. We started walking down the street and I told Rachel, "we have to turn around. We have to go back. We need a picture with Buck!" Literally one of the most fascinating people I have ever met on this planet. I can't forget that.
Thanks Buck, for sharing your words of wisdom. Your play on words and explanations. Showing us that we should probably carry a bull whip with us everywhere we go.
I hope when I grow up I see the world through your eyes. So much knowledge in one man.
This is why you travel. To meet great people like him!
On that note, we then drove the 3 hours and 17 minutes to Petrified Forrest National Park.
If you aren't familiar with Petrified Forrest National Park, it is in the northeastern park of Arizona. It was designated a national park on December 9, 1962. It is mostly known for it's large deposits of petrified wood. The whole park itself covers about 221390 acres and it has historic Route 66 going through a portion of it.
Once we got there, we went into the the visitor center and as you know, we purchased those things that we love to collect. Rachel also collects the same things, so you can judge her too! (;
We don't spend a ton of time in each park - so this just means I have to visit again if it's a good one! But we were in the park for about 4 hours where I had already looked at doing the Blue Mesa Trail. Blue Mesa trail really is the best bang for your buck if you are on a tight schedule and want to still feel like you got to experience the park a little bit. It is a 1 mile loop that isn't far from a parking lot and is well maintained. It's neat because you go down into what sort of feels like a basin and there is a nicely maintained trail that literally takes you around in a loop and back up the way you started.
I don't have any pictures of my from this park. Rachel has most of our pictures from that park and we have yet to share pictures two months later... haha! (We are hard ass working women!) But here is a sweet picture of Rachel up on a peak before you start down the trail. If you look to her right you can see the trail below.
We did the one mile loop and looked at all the cool colors that were in the rock faces. They have pieces of petrified wood scattered amount the side of the trail that almost look like they have been placed there on purpose. However, a cool little stroll, nonetheless.
We headed back to the parking lot and then headed out of the park. We have always learned that although you have to go into the visitor center / gift shop to get your passport stamped, the gift shops outside of the parks usually have more "touristy" stuff and typically a little cheaper. We stopped at a store outside of this park and I actually bought myself a couple pieces of the petrified wood for my memories. I wish I would have taken a picture of some of the things they made out of the petrified wood. The larger chunks of wood they have taken from around the park (because taking petrified wood from a national park is a crime) they made into chairs, statues and other odds and ends and they cost a BOAT LOAD of money. I literally purchased like three little chunks for $10 bucks.. hah.
Since it was hot, we stopped at a food truck that sold ice cream (it was their first day open) for home made ice cream sandwiches and then we drove on.
The goal was to get to the four corners, but for some reason in all my HOURS of research I didn't realize that... THEY CLOSED?! So on top of me not realizing that they closed, in all my research I also timed it wrong somehow (maybe it was a time zone issue) but what I thought would take us 1 hour and 10 minutes actually would have taken us a couple... AND THEY CLOSE.. I am still not over that. I really wanted to take a picture of me at four states at the same time, I didn't realize there was a time that this small piece of concrete was "closed". We decided not to chance making it to the four corners on time so we just continued to our next destination, driving historic Route 66 out of the park and to our next destination.
On the way to our last destination of the day (which was our AirBnB, we stopped at a Walmart to grab a cooler for some snacks and water. We then decided to get dinner somewhere and we all decided upon Cracker Barrel. This is a chain restaurant. What could even go wrong?. Now, I wouldn't be telling you this story unless it was a core memory of the trip... and it's in a bad way. This particular Cracker Barrel that we stopped with was literally the WORST customer service that I have EVER RECEIVED. I think it's laughable. The waitress came to our table.. maybe once. They messed up Cody's food
(gave him something other than what he asked for). Michael had the same thing happen. They brought out my chicken pot pit (but not Rachel's). One of the best pictures of the trip... look at Michael's face and LOOK AT THE POT PIE THAT THEY LITERALLY BROUGHT TO OUR TABLE. Her pot pie doesn't even look cooked, dude. There is no other way that I could say it besides, we were not welcome there...
We could not have sprinted out of that restaurant any faster and we were ready to get the HECK out of New Mexico.
This night we were staying in Cortez, Colorado. I did not know this until Cody told me, if you are into motocross and supercross, apparently this is where Eli Tomac is from?
We stayed at a cute 'ol country house that had an apartment connected to their back garage. It was a one bedroom with a full kitchen and a full sized futon. My favorite part about this air BnB was their hospitality. I have been to many places and this is the first place that gave us snacks AND fresh flowers on the counter. I mean, come on! How cute!
On the end of day three, I was just about as ready for bed as I am right now. I have been writing for 20 minutes here and there, off and on for the past week. Occasionally I get into these moods where I just WANT to write - I love those moments. 'Cause here I am two hours after I usually get into bed, just dying to finish this post.
I look forward to doing the next leg of our trip, because I am glad that I will have this written down to come back to for the memories! <3
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