Family Vacation 2010
I woke up this morning thinking that I should record some thoughts, observations, and travel logs of our trip this year. However, am sitting here after a long day on the road, slightly stressed and trying to relax. It is very evident that I am not relaxing. I am going to have to work on that one.
The plan and final destination was Disneyland. We have yet to see any ominous ears, but I have seen several little princess' dressed to the nine. I doubt that any of ours will do that type of dressing, but they were quick to change to pool attire and find their way to the water. I think we could just stay here for the week and they would be fine.
Saturday morning started early as we went to the airport to rent a vehicle that would accommodate the entire crew. I am glad that we did so. I know that I would be even more stressed after the drive we have had knowing that half the family was in another vehicle trying to follow what appeared to be psychotic directions to our hotel.
We had reserved a lovely vehicle with the specifications that it would accommodate 7 with 2 large and 2 small suitcases. When I got out to the lot, the keys they handed me did not fit such an animal. Yes, it did accommodate 7, but the only way it would accommodate the suitcases was if we had a carrier for the luggage rack. They were not willing to share one with us. We spent the next 30 or so minutes haggling over another vehicle. When all was said and done, they pulled the exact make and model from the back lot and ran it through a quick rinse cycle. It has been apparent that it was on the back lot for an interior cleaning, but we were just happy to have room and space for all.
We were on the road by 9 and headed south. Our first destination, "Much Ado About Nothing". It took us about 2 hours less travel time than we had allotted. We spent the time wandering the halls and walkways of SUU and the Shakespearean Gift Shop. Princess fell in love with a charm, and each of the boys a pimped out sword or dagger. We will have to make another trip for the pointy ended souvenirs.
The show was well worth it. I would recommend it to all. After walking out of the theatre, we agreed that we should make the trip more often. This is something that would be a great family tradition. We just need to find a food joint there or along the way that will make it fulfilling as well.
From the vineyards of Italy, we slid back on to the freeway and continued south. We decided to spend the night in St. George. We were surprised to find that we were one of three families spending the night in the hotel. The boys were thrilled, it meant the pool would be theirs for the taking. We grabbed a quick bite to eat and relaxed for the evening in our own individual ways.
Sunday morning started early again. Our intention was to attend a local Sacrament meeting and get back on the road. Since we only had two showers to share between the 6 of us, we divided our time between the dining hall and the water. It was all well worth it. We were dressed, pressed, and stuffed in record time to make a 9 a.m. meeting.
When we pulled into the chapel parking lot, we thought it odd that there was not a single car in the lot. As we were plotting the next chapel's address in to the GPS, we were joined by a couple of locals. They were just as confused as we were. They told us where the stake center was, but we chose to find a Sacrament Meeting.
We put the the pedal to the metal and head for our next destination. It was some 6 miles away. We were duly surprised to find the parking lot there empty as well. I had inquired about a Spanish Branch that was close, but no one was interested in it. I would suspect that if the other wards were in some sort of stake or regional conference, the Spanish Branch would be doing the same. We decided to head over to the temple and bask in the spirit of the day there.
We arrived just a few minutes after 9. There was a chapel across the street. We jumped out of the car in hopes to at least catch the Sacrament only to find they too were setting for a conference of some sort. We took the out and wandered across the street.
The missionaries at the center were very gracious. We were glad we stopped. It was nice to learn a little about the building of the temple.
At 10 or there bouts, we headed back to our rooms, change into traveling clothes, and hit the pavement again. We were on the road by 11.
It was a lovely drive. The mesa's had been dampened with a morning rain. We listened to a couple conference talks and church music through out the drive.
When we plugged our destination into the GPS unit, we were informed that it would take about 5 hours and 50 minutes. When we pulled into Las Vegas about 90 minutes later, I thought we were making record time. Surely the machine was mistaken. However, as we pulled out of the city limited the two lane roads seemed to fill with vehicles from unknown locations. Every time we crested a hill before entering a valley, we could look a head to see the same packed roads for miles and miles ahead of us. It was treacherous. We never knew when we were going to be able to travel freely or not. Just as the speedometer would peak out at 60 or 70 mph, the cars in front of us would apply their brakes. We would slow to a stand still and then suddenly be allowed to increase our speed. This patterned continued until we left the city limits of Victorville, CA. I think our average speed was between 40 and 45 all the way from Vegas. It was nerve racking.
We filled our tank in Victorville for fear that we might have to continue in the same pattern into the San Bernadino Valley. I am glad we did. We would have surely found ourselves on the side of a busy freeway in the valley with the crazy directions our GPS unit was giving us. We did our best to follow it's guidance, but it almost sadistic in its instructions. One second it was telling us to keep left and the next it was telling us to be right and exiting. When we did exit, it turned us around and had us back tracking a couple of exits to go the other direction. Then just when we thought we might be getting close, we were instructed to exit and turn around the other direction to find ourselves back where we were some 5 or 10 minutes prior.
Have I ever mentioned how much I loath driving in heavy traffic. It was Sunday, but volume was high. I count my blessings that it was not Monday afternoon traffic that had to be maneuvered. I don't think I could ever live in this area again.
Driving into the valley did bring back many memories. Fond memories that I hope many of you share with me. I have googled Cardinal Street, Palm Court, and many of our old haunts. The houses look vaguely familiar, but have changed greatly of the past 20 some odd years. Even the old chapel has been remodeled. Take a look, see if you recognize the place.
I am sure the week will be filled with many more adventures. I hope to relax and be able to share them with you. We pray you and we will be safe. Until next, God bless you on this Sabbath Day.
The plan and final destination was Disneyland. We have yet to see any ominous ears, but I have seen several little princess' dressed to the nine. I doubt that any of ours will do that type of dressing, but they were quick to change to pool attire and find their way to the water. I think we could just stay here for the week and they would be fine.
Saturday morning started early as we went to the airport to rent a vehicle that would accommodate the entire crew. I am glad that we did so. I know that I would be even more stressed after the drive we have had knowing that half the family was in another vehicle trying to follow what appeared to be psychotic directions to our hotel.
We had reserved a lovely vehicle with the specifications that it would accommodate 7 with 2 large and 2 small suitcases. When I got out to the lot, the keys they handed me did not fit such an animal. Yes, it did accommodate 7, but the only way it would accommodate the suitcases was if we had a carrier for the luggage rack. They were not willing to share one with us. We spent the next 30 or so minutes haggling over another vehicle. When all was said and done, they pulled the exact make and model from the back lot and ran it through a quick rinse cycle. It has been apparent that it was on the back lot for an interior cleaning, but we were just happy to have room and space for all.
We were on the road by 9 and headed south. Our first destination, "Much Ado About Nothing". It took us about 2 hours less travel time than we had allotted. We spent the time wandering the halls and walkways of SUU and the Shakespearean Gift Shop. Princess fell in love with a charm, and each of the boys a pimped out sword or dagger. We will have to make another trip for the pointy ended souvenirs.
The show was well worth it. I would recommend it to all. After walking out of the theatre, we agreed that we should make the trip more often. This is something that would be a great family tradition. We just need to find a food joint there or along the way that will make it fulfilling as well.
From the vineyards of Italy, we slid back on to the freeway and continued south. We decided to spend the night in St. George. We were surprised to find that we were one of three families spending the night in the hotel. The boys were thrilled, it meant the pool would be theirs for the taking. We grabbed a quick bite to eat and relaxed for the evening in our own individual ways.
Sunday morning started early again. Our intention was to attend a local Sacrament meeting and get back on the road. Since we only had two showers to share between the 6 of us, we divided our time between the dining hall and the water. It was all well worth it. We were dressed, pressed, and stuffed in record time to make a 9 a.m. meeting.
When we pulled into the chapel parking lot, we thought it odd that there was not a single car in the lot. As we were plotting the next chapel's address in to the GPS, we were joined by a couple of locals. They were just as confused as we were. They told us where the stake center was, but we chose to find a Sacrament Meeting.
We put the the pedal to the metal and head for our next destination. It was some 6 miles away. We were duly surprised to find the parking lot there empty as well. I had inquired about a Spanish Branch that was close, but no one was interested in it. I would suspect that if the other wards were in some sort of stake or regional conference, the Spanish Branch would be doing the same. We decided to head over to the temple and bask in the spirit of the day there.
We arrived just a few minutes after 9. There was a chapel across the street. We jumped out of the car in hopes to at least catch the Sacrament only to find they too were setting for a conference of some sort. We took the out and wandered across the street.
The missionaries at the center were very gracious. We were glad we stopped. It was nice to learn a little about the building of the temple.
At 10 or there bouts, we headed back to our rooms, change into traveling clothes, and hit the pavement again. We were on the road by 11.
It was a lovely drive. The mesa's had been dampened with a morning rain. We listened to a couple conference talks and church music through out the drive.
When we plugged our destination into the GPS unit, we were informed that it would take about 5 hours and 50 minutes. When we pulled into Las Vegas about 90 minutes later, I thought we were making record time. Surely the machine was mistaken. However, as we pulled out of the city limited the two lane roads seemed to fill with vehicles from unknown locations. Every time we crested a hill before entering a valley, we could look a head to see the same packed roads for miles and miles ahead of us. It was treacherous. We never knew when we were going to be able to travel freely or not. Just as the speedometer would peak out at 60 or 70 mph, the cars in front of us would apply their brakes. We would slow to a stand still and then suddenly be allowed to increase our speed. This patterned continued until we left the city limits of Victorville, CA. I think our average speed was between 40 and 45 all the way from Vegas. It was nerve racking.
We filled our tank in Victorville for fear that we might have to continue in the same pattern into the San Bernadino Valley. I am glad we did. We would have surely found ourselves on the side of a busy freeway in the valley with the crazy directions our GPS unit was giving us. We did our best to follow it's guidance, but it almost sadistic in its instructions. One second it was telling us to keep left and the next it was telling us to be right and exiting. When we did exit, it turned us around and had us back tracking a couple of exits to go the other direction. Then just when we thought we might be getting close, we were instructed to exit and turn around the other direction to find ourselves back where we were some 5 or 10 minutes prior.
Have I ever mentioned how much I loath driving in heavy traffic. It was Sunday, but volume was high. I count my blessings that it was not Monday afternoon traffic that had to be maneuvered. I don't think I could ever live in this area again.
Driving into the valley did bring back many memories. Fond memories that I hope many of you share with me. I have googled Cardinal Street, Palm Court, and many of our old haunts. The houses look vaguely familiar, but have changed greatly of the past 20 some odd years. Even the old chapel has been remodeled. Take a look, see if you recognize the place.
I am sure the week will be filled with many more adventures. I hope to relax and be able to share them with you. We pray you and we will be safe. Until next, God bless you on this Sabbath Day.
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