Arizona Bound/Snow Bound

Departed Silver Spring MD this morning about 5:15AM in a freezing rain on 495, drove through snow in Fairfax on 66, then slush and snow on 81. By the time we got to 40 the pavement was wet and the rain intermittent. Made 700 miles today (Kingston Springs TN) and all things considered that wasn't bad.

Holiday Recap in Pictures

Arrive the day before the snow fell after 2400 miles without a need for windshield wipers.

Our hosts (son Ethan and his lovely wife Nicole)

Hobie Cat (top dog)

Jimmy and Aunt Nancy (Nicole's father and aunt) (Maureen and Nicole (mother and daughter)

At its peak there were five dogs, eight people and two cats; a very joyful chaos.

Dave Paige and Ethan (I remember a time many years ago when I was taller than Ethan, I had hair then too I think)

For anyone who is wondering Gypsy is doing great!

Washington National Cathedral and lunch

Just two Metro trains and a brisk 1 mile walk from Silver Spring is the Washington National Cathedral, built on a hill (mountain to Easterners) northwest of the Capital Mall. Built with private monies on private land the name "National" does not nor should it imply any official affiliation with the US government. Construction began in 1907 and completed in 1990.

Then down the hill (a mile) and two Metro trains to Ben's Chile Bowl. We lined up in the alley in a chilling winter wind; 15 minutes later were in (or as they say in the east "on line") waiting to place our order; yes it was good eats.

Arlington and The Wall

Downtown again with a stop and hike through Arlington National Cemetery, which included the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solder, Gen. Lee's home, the Kennedy Memorial, including Teddy's grave recently added nearby. Then a short drive across the river to Constitution Ave and a walk to the Vietnam Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. The pictures speak louder than anything I could say.

Went to the Mall today

The National Mall that is, no shopping.

The Day After

Out around 9:30am and cleared the snow from the walk and driveway, Ethan helped inspite of have other things he needs to do. Done before 11am. Got my get-fit, stay-fit time in today.

Walked to the store....

for tonic and lime. An hour and four miles later all is well.

This fun and we are having it!

Morning has broken in the midst of the Great (yet to be named) blizzard of 2009. After driving four days and 2400 miles without using the windshield wiper once, oh well! Ginger is still on schedule but barely tolerant. According to Paige our greatest concern is the lack of lime and tonic water. Ethan loves his mother and will walk out to get some if necessary.

We have arrived.

An easy 440 miles today and we arrive a day before the an impending winter storm with 2 plus feet of snow predicted, we shall see. Looking forward to seeing DC covered in snow.

The Way East (part 2)

Spoke to soon, after settling last night new motel guests arrived in the room next to us about 9pm. They also had two dogs and it took them 90 min to move into the room. Dozens of door slams and knocking at their door, etc. Those of you who know our dogs know this is not good. So at 3am one of the neighbor dogs needed to go out so it started again. We were up early and on our way by 5:30. Hope we didn't wake them. Covered 645 miles today and still no weather issues so far. From here (Bulls Gap TN) to Silver Spring MD is a mere 440 miles so a much shorter day tomorrow.

The Way East (Maryland)

Today finds us in Arkadelphia AR, the end of our second day of travel east. So far so good, the dogs are behaving better than usual (not great but better) and the weather, while cold has been dry and easy driving (the Jeep). No pictures, sorry, but if you have driven I-10, I-20 across Texas and I-30 to Arkansas then you know nobody is missing anything.

Good Guys AZ 2009

Scottsdale AZ Good Guys 2009: Acres of cars, oh so many. Along with all the customs and hot rods were a couple of classic sports cars. Most very shiny and few needing one of everything. It is hard to imagine the the depth of the current depression after the spectacle of this show, I hope this is a good sign. The two videos below were meant to be snap shots but I had the camera on the wrong setting.