The Transport Story: Just 50 miles out

Grand Canyon National Park to Pasadena, 401 miles, approx. 6 hours

The day started with a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon and ended with a ride in a tow truck! Just 50 some odd miles from Pasadena, the trip's destination, the van had a mechanical problem. Luckily, a good Samaritan behind the van alerted John (riding shotgun) of the issue. Able to get off the road quickly, we're hoping the damage is minimal. The really tough part is that Tim and John were denied that moment of triumph when they (would have) pulled into Joe and Sara's driveway. The van goes to the mechanic today to get sorted out. Keep it in your thoughts!

The Transport Story: Grand

Grand Canyon National Park to Pasadena, CA, 401 miles, approx. 6 hours

The Grand Canyon. A big, magnificent, hole in the ground! Who knew there were plague-carrying squirrels, or that Tim was thinking of becoming a Junior Ranger? Kidding aside, it's almost easy to dismiss it, it's so recognizable. But, take a moment, it's a sight in the making for some 70 million years! And for the rock geeks, the canyon has 16 sections with names that evoke everything from Bollywood celebs to political PACs or a familiar Boston landmark. From the bottom up : Zoaraster granite, Vishnu Schist, Grand Canyon Supergroup, Tapeats Sandstone, Bright Angel Shale, Muav Sandstone, Temple Butte Formation, Redwall Limestone, Watahomigi Formation, Manakacha Formation, Wescogame Formation, Esplanade Sandstone, Hermit Foundation, Coconino Sandstone, Toroweap Foundation, and Kaibab Formation. Wondrous!

 

The Transport Story: Life on the Road, Real and Vicarious

Albuquerque, New Mexico to Grand Canyon National Park, 320 miles, approx. 5 hours

For the past week, I've been sitting at my desk doing some contract work when my iPhone will chime. Often a text from Tim or John. One photo or several. It's as if I'm seeing the country fly past too though I'm stationary. We start off waking at the same time. Within a day, it's 10 or 11am here. It's just past breakfast there. I'm 1/2 way through my usual daily routine. Tim and John are observing what each mile brings to them. The tough part of the trip behind them, there's a bit more time to explore outside the van. And, the final destination feels much more real. I'm enjoying the vicarious experience. It makes me that much more excited for our journey from West to East in just two weeks time.

The Transport Story: A Four State Day

Lake Dardanelle State Park to Albuquerque, New Mexico, 811 miles, approx. 11.5 hours

In the land where you see weather coming

A true long haul today, it was not without adventure. High winds from impending storms made the drive, let's say, interesting. Rumor has it that John refused Tim his chance at a 72 oz. steak eating contest somewhere outside of Amarillo, TX. Friends don't let friends drive hangry.

The Transport Story: Father of Waters

Tuesday, July 29
Part One: Panther Creek Park to Nashville, 217 miles, approx. 3.5 hours
Part Two: Nashville to Lake Dardanelle State Park, Arkansas, 419 miles, approx. 6.5 hours

We left John and Tim at the Little Dutch Restaurant in Morristown, TN last night. The restaurant proudly displays photos of Calista Flockhart and her beau, Harrison Ford. (Turns out Calista Flockhart's parents live nearby. Apparently the cast of "The Evil Dead" also dines there!) Breaking camp at 6a, they made their way to Nashville, home of Third Man Records where John recorded a few songs in the Voice-o-graph booth. The Mississippi has been crossed, and Mac N'Cheese dinner awaits at the Lake Dardanelle camp site on the scenic Arkansas River.

The Transport Story: DC to Cumberland Mountain State Park

Monday, July 28: DC to Cumberland Mountain State Park, 560 miles, approx. 8.5 hours

 

Tim and John arrived at the door of our DC friends, Roger and Corinna, just about on schedule yesterday. Along the way, a Big Foot air freshener (is that an oxymoron?) joined Dashboard Bambi in the car critter category. A chance to breakfast with Marcus and RF and then back on the road towards Tennessee. A slight shift in plans when it was discovered that the six hours jotted down in notes about the route was actually a nine! Dining in Morristown, TN at the Little Dutch Restaurant and then off to Panther Creek Campground for the night. It will be the first official camp night on the road!

The Transport Story: The Wedding Road Trip Begins

Sunday, July 27, 2014: Somerville to DC, 445 miles, approx. 7.5 hours

Packed and ready to start their 6-day cross-country adventure.

At approximately 7:45am this morning, Tim and John, finished assembling, checking, rechecking and packing the van and headed off on their 6-day venture to bring the Westfalia, well, West! The backstory: Originally, Tim and I had hoped to buy our van in California and drive it East to our wedding. That proved tougher than we thought. We found the perfect van for our needs and budget at a dealer in North Carolina. In a whirlwind purchase, our 1984 Westfalia was in the driveway within the week. In hindsight, it was all for the best. While it did create the need to get the vehicle out to CA, it's given us time to get to know the van, and to make it ours. Tim has been hard at work on making sure the van will be safe on the road and adding some creature comforts. There's a new 8 foot awning, a stereo with Bluetooth so we can synch our phones, and a fantastic Sirois-designed cup holder that's getting rave reviews on The Samba. The first stop is Washington, DC and a visit with friends Roger and Corinna.