We are here, Part Deux

We spent our first night in California in a mostly packed up apartment that smelled a little weird (Teira says A LOT weird) and even though it was 54 degrees last night, Teira was shivering. She is already adjusting quite well to California pansiness about the weather. Today we are going to get keys to our new place! (we hope.) We will post some pictures in the next few days!

WE MADE IT!

More to follow in the am...

Entering the Golden State

We are closing in on the California state line. I only wish Kristin and Leah could be here with their gee-tars to serenade us across the border. As I typed that, we just crossed!!! We should make it into LA around 11 PT as long as we don't stop to pick up a hitchhiker outside a correctional facility (that's frowned upon here apparently).

Forgiveness and Smartphones

We made it through Arizona (gorgeous) and started seeing our first palm trees at the Nevada border. We've had a spectacularly picturesque drive, but with reeeeeally spotty reception. We had a rousing discussion on the existence of aliens (Michael claims to have seen a UFO, but I'm quite certain that he's yanking my chain). Also, we just remembered that some of the rocky mountainsides in Utah were steaming - any clues as to why that would be? The drive has been perfectly pleasant today, with only a few disagreements brought on today by tunnel vision focus on smartphones. iPhones are certainly not wePhones.

Arizona!

We are in a new state and Teira's bladder is fixing to burst! And there are "sun dogs" mocking her pain.

Any of our loyal readers know what a sun dog is?

Be-Utah-ful

Black Dragon viewing point gave us some scenic pictures and ample opportunity for dragon impressions. We have been passing the time by discussing the possibilities of underground gov't bunkers in the area. So far, no evidence spotted. I would like to give Michael props for driving his fair share today through the beautiful mountains (he will later claim that means 90% of it, but he will be exaggerating.) This post was supposed to be how pretty Utah has been in the last hour or 2, but oxygen levels are low and it seems I strayed off topic.

Green River, Utah

Famous for award winning melons, Green River is ironically not easy on the eyes. Sure, it might not be fair to judge the town through a dense fog, but you never know...it might have helped. On a positive note, we did see a wild buffalo (not obstructing the road) and I think there is sunshine ahead.

We like Utah, we just can't see any of it

We made it to Utah, where they have the fog machine on high, but sadly no disco ball. We are driving through the ice world of Hoth and Michael just offered to cut open a taun-taun for me. Congratulations to the 2 readers who might get that reference.

Note to self and readers of blog

When Teira is irritated with my passenger seat driving, petting, surprisingly, does not soothe her.

On the road again!

Leaving Glenwood Springs CO after a pleasant night at the Hampton Inn. We got in at about 10pm last night, went for a dip in the hot tub, and Teira almost got in the pool after about half an hour of slowly easing herself in.

This morning, free breakfast! Although a bossy hotel lady told Michael he was using too much waffle batter. She took over for him and produced a waffle that looked like Aaron Eckhart's face in the Dark Knight.

But we are driving again through the beautiful Rockies. Teira thinks we should stop here and settle. She claims she knows some good places to mine, so we should be great.

A moment of self reflection

I'm a wee bit concerned about how my blog is portraying me. So far, I've been inpatient, paranoid, and physically abusive. I would like to call your attention to my previous concern for waterless cattle and my general tolerance for Michael's sarcasm as I typed this entry.

Pronunciation

If anyone would like to chime in on the correct pronunciation of "wolf," now would be your time.

Relationship status update

Teira: "We're almost halfway there and I still love you."

Anti-Meth marketing

Whoever is in charge of the anti-Meth marketing campaign, congratulations on grossing us out.

No, we don't ever plan on tearing off our own skin. Although the trip's not over yet...

FYI...

Here's a bonus question for all our dedicated readers!

Who recorded the classic song "My Baby Takes the Morning Train"?

The first to respond correctly will receive a special prize!

Driving controversy

Who has driven more?

Teira, who has driven 3 hours.

Or Michael, who has driven 4 hours.

The "answer" might surprise you! If by answer you mean what Teira thinks.

First outbreak of physical violence...

4:44pm CT.

Michael: "Wait, where is the cartop carrier?"

Teira: (heart skips beat)

Michael: (laughs)

Teira: (PUNCH)

Michael: (to self) That was worth it.

Teira's paranoia: (still intact)

Colorado!

We've crossed into colorful Colorado! And Teira's teaching me the proper twang for singing country. She is also concerned about the cows' water tank we just passed that was frozen over. ThIs is a big deal apparently. Runzas are still percolating.

Ogallala

Ogallala Nebraska -- the gas pumps are slow, the people are kind and the cow poop is plentiful! Teira's paranoia of having a low tire is beginning to affect morale.

Runzastic

Michael and I just enjoyed our last Runzas before we leave the Braska. FYI - Runzas are sandwiches with meat and cabbage and onions baked inside bread dough. Now that we have carb loaded, we are staying awake on diet coke...and hope.

On the road!

We are officially off!

Left at 9:22am. Milage: 37,180.

Coffees: 2. Waters: 2. Bladders: too small.

We are on I-80, and the car top carrier is intact!

Teira's patience with Michael: already dwindling.

How many Doubletrees are there in Omaha?

The answer is... More than one, as we found out last night when we showed up at the wrong one! Luckily, Teira's parents (who came down to help with the move -- and to haul off about three tons of furniture) managed to go directly to the right one and were waiting for us patiently to figure it out.

Thanks so much to Dick and Ione for all their help, and to Sean and Jared for all their hard work and brute strength. These guys should start a business; they are unstoppable. But sorry ladies, they're spoken for.

We also had the special treat of seeing the Gnidas: thanks so much to them for coming out and for making Teira look good in front of her parents!