Oscar’s happy ending
Knitting friends are the best kind of friends, aren’t they? We reached a bit of a crisis in the search for a new home for Oscar, and Melissa (sadly blogless. You’re all missing out.) swooped in to the rescue. Her brother and his family have a pecan orchard in Missouri, where Oscar is quite welcome. There are two dogs, one other cat, and a fancy rooster, if I recall correctly. So he’ll be an outdoor cat, with no couches to destroy, but he won’t be joining a community of barn cats, so no barn cat hierarchy to worry about. And there’s a llama next door!
How perfect is that? Can you feel my relief pouring from your screen?
We’ll be dropping him off on our drive out west. Yes, we’ve decided to drive to Portland with the dog and the baby in the midsized handmedown car we’re getting from my mom. Maybe we’re nuts. We’ll be angling south from New York to visit Billy’s brother in Austin (and Anina! Anina, we’re headed your way!) and then tool around through New Mexico maybe and then up north to see Yellowstone and maybe some camping and then it’s on to glorious Portland.
Taking the southerly route at the end of August. We are nothing if not brilliant and blessed with impeccable timing.
Any sights we absolutely must see on our way across? I heard a vague rumor about a corn palace?
The Corn Palace is in Mitchell, SD, so it sounds like you’ll miss it…sad, truly. 🙂
Posted by: Amy
the drive across texas is interminable and dull. avoid utah, as salt storms are common this time of year and will wreck your car if you get caught in one; my best friend’s family made that mistake when she was a kid & drove back to OR with plastic bags for car windows.
Posted by: jen
The Corn Palace is in Marshall, MN. http://www.cornpalace.org/ Totally weird and cool in a very random way. I’ve only taken the Northern route out here, but I can tell you that Yellowstone is amazing, and the Old Faithful Inn is an incredibly cool building. If you’re coming up through the eastern side of the state Pendleton, OR has an underground city that is supposed to be very very cool. And then if you come in through the Gorge, Vista House is amazing, as are Multnomah Falls. And if you go through The Dalles there’s a kitschy restaurant named Cousins [I think it’s still open anyway] where the door makes a mooing sound when you go in.
Posted by: TheBon
Uffda, somehow I typed that wrong about the corn palace. It is in Mitchell, not Marshall. Marshall has something weird if I remember though. Or I just know people who grew up there. One or the other. Sorry for the mix-up!
Posted by: TheBon
The Corn Palace is in Mitchell, SD, so it sounds like you’ll miss it…sad, truly. 🙂
Posted by: Amy
the drive across texas is interminable and dull. avoid utah, as salt storms are common this time of year and will wreck your car if you get caught in one; my best friend’s family made that mistake when she was a kid & drove back to OR with plastic bags for car windows.
Posted by: jen
The Corn Palace is in Marshall, MN. http://www.cornpalace.org/ Totally weird and cool in a very random way. I’ve only taken the Northern route out here, but I can tell you that Yellowstone is amazing, and the Old Faithful Inn is an incredibly cool building. If you’re coming up through the eastern side of the state Pendleton, OR has an underground city that is supposed to be very very cool. And then if you come in through the Gorge, Vista House is amazing, as are Multnomah Falls. And if you go through The Dalles there’s a kitschy restaurant named Cousins [I think it’s still open anyway] where the door makes a mooing sound when you go in.
Posted by: TheBon
Uffda, somehow I typed that wrong about the corn palace. It is in Mitchell, not Marshall. Marshall has something weird if I remember though. Or I just know people who grew up there. One or the other. Sorry for the mix-up!
Posted by: TheBon
That’s great news about Oscar – but it will be interesting to see how you manage to hit both Missouri and Texas on the same trip. Definitely not the most direct route! 😉
Posted by: janna
austin? like austin texas? i’m in dallas, so if you’re driving through, be sure to let me know! i work at one lys and there are a few others as well. and also good food (a great vegan restaurant with vegan fried ice cream, ever) and beautiful views and heat like you’d never believe 🙂
and yes, the drive through west texas is very long, very hot, and very brown.
Posted by: maria
If you are going to be making the trip with a laptop, may I recommend that you spend 39.95 and buy microsoft streets and trips. It is the program that we use (truck driving) that tells us where all of the really interesting things are. Not only that, it will tell you the best way to go where you are trying to go. Also, if you are going to be staying in any hotels, make sure that you stop at the rest areas coming into the states and get the coupon books for the hotels. They will save you 45%-75% on hotel stays and you can plan where you want to stay because it has multiple states in each book. If there are multiple books in the rest area’s, pick them all up because they have different hotels in them.
If you are going to go from Austin to Yellowstone, cut up US 287 and US 87 in Texas to US 64 through NM and then angle across Colorado and Wyoming to Tetons and then up to Yellowstone. Having lived in Yellowstone (my Dad worked for the Park service) for 4 years, camping in the park is amazing, but keep all food up or locked away in the trunk of the car and the end of August plan to have at least sweat shirts for all of you, it can get chilly.
If you have any questions email me and I will try to give you interesting things to see or places to avoid. We have been to all 48 states and I seem to remember where the best places to stop and the worst places to avoid are.
Lynda
Posted by: Lynda Hitt
Oh, I am SO relieved you found such a good home for Oscar! Kickass.
Posted by: Bertha
Too funny! My parents did that exact trip to Oregon from NY, but in a convertible and towing a boat, and with two kids (including me @ six months old) and no pets in 1970. Even the trip to Yellowstone. We have a picture of a black bear trying to climb into the car. They couldn’t afford the hotels so they camped in an old army tent on the way. Sounds like a fun trip, expecially if you’re not on a tight schedule. Enjoy!
Posted by: Gabrielle
That means you’re coming through Utah! If you need ANYTHING please let me know. We’d be happy to help.
Posted by: margene
Can’t wait for ya’ll to get here!!! It will be fun meeting another internet friend who is not a total nut job. 🙂
Posted by: shannon in oregon
two words:
Cadillac stonehenge
need I say more??
Posted by: Abbey
How about Boulder, Colorado, vegetarian Buddhist mecca?
Posted by: Anne
That’s great news about Oscar – but it will be interesting to see how you manage to hit both Missouri and Texas on the same trip. Definitely not the most direct route! 😉
Posted by: janna
austin? like austin texas? i’m in dallas, so if you’re driving through, be sure to let me know! i work at one lys and there are a few others as well. and also good food (a great vegan restaurant with vegan fried ice cream, ever) and beautiful views and heat like you’d never believe 🙂
and yes, the drive through west texas is very long, very hot, and very brown.
Posted by: maria
If you are going to be making the trip with a laptop, may I recommend that you spend 39.95 and buy microsoft streets and trips. It is the program that we use (truck driving) that tells us where all of the really interesting things are. Not only that, it will tell you the best way to go where you are trying to go. Also, if you are going to be staying in any hotels, make sure that you stop at the rest areas coming into the states and get the coupon books for the hotels. They will save you 45%-75% on hotel stays and you can plan where you want to stay because it has multiple states in each book. If there are multiple books in the rest area’s, pick them all up because they have different hotels in them.
If you are going to go from Austin to Yellowstone, cut up US 287 and US 87 in Texas to US 64 through NM and then angle across Colorado and Wyoming to Tetons and then up to Yellowstone. Having lived in Yellowstone (my Dad worked for the Park service) for 4 years, camping in the park is amazing, but keep all food up or locked away in the trunk of the car and the end of August plan to have at least sweat shirts for all of you, it can get chilly.
If you have any questions email me and I will try to give you interesting things to see or places to avoid. We have been to all 48 states and I seem to remember where the best places to stop and the worst places to avoid are.
Lynda
Posted by: Lynda Hitt
Oh, I am SO relieved you found such a good home for Oscar! Kickass.
Posted by: Bertha
Too funny! My parents did that exact trip to Oregon from NY, but in a convertible and towing a boat, and with two kids (including me @ six months old) and no pets in 1970. Even the trip to Yellowstone. We have a picture of a black bear trying to climb into the car. They couldn’t afford the hotels so they camped in an old army tent on the way. Sounds like a fun trip, expecially if you’re not on a tight schedule. Enjoy!
Posted by: Gabrielle
That means you’re coming through Utah! If you need ANYTHING please let me know. We’d be happy to help.
Posted by: margene
Can’t wait for ya’ll to get here!!! It will be fun meeting another internet friend who is not a total nut job. 🙂
Posted by: shannon in oregon
two words:
Cadillac stonehenge
need I say more??
Posted by: Abbey
How about Boulder, Colorado, vegetarian Buddhist mecca?
Posted by: Anne
Abbey’s Cadillac stonehenge is outside of Amarillo (which if you take Lynda’s advice and go up 287 (which is what we do), you’ll go right by it). There is a great yarn shop in Austin, and if you come though Fort Worth there’s the shop I work at 🙂 and lots of fun things to see, including a daily cattle drive and the world’s biggest honky tonk! (And some great vegan Mexican food.)
Posted by: Jenn
Ah, so glad to hear that Oscar will have a lovely new home!
Well, if you do decide to drive, the offer of a baby-friendly place to stay in Lawrence, KS still stands. The Yarn Barn is always a nice place to visit. It’s a pretty college town too.
Oh and as for other attractions, there are some pretty cool caves in Kentucky if you go the southern route across the country. I went there as a kid on a family road trip and it was great!
Posted by: Elinor
Yay Austin, my town! Hill Country Weavers is a great yarn shop on South Congress, and if you’ll be in town long enough it is totally worth a stop.
This should be one of the few Augusts in the last 50 years that it WON’T be brown all the way across Texas. We’ve had more rain this year than since before WWII. But it is FINALLY starting to feel like summer – sunny and in the 90’s! Just in time for your visit.
Posted by: fay
I really like White Sands a whole lot. i don’t remember where it is, other than it’s in New Mexico.
When I was younger, we used to drive from Kansas City to Las Cruces every other summer to visit my aunt and uncle and cousins. I say go do anything and everything you can in New Mexico, it’s gorgeous.
Posted by: Rachel
When my boyfriend and I moved to Eugene from Texas 3 years ago, we went through New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and then through eastern Oregon. He’d moved up here a month earlier and gone through California, and he found the traffic to be a bit much to handle.
I don’t remember if Santa Fe was actually on our way or if we just stopped there because we knew people, but it’s an awesome little town – and it is a lot smaller than people tend to think that it is. A very artsy community. Oh, and if you do decide to visit White Sands, I want to say it’s in Alamogordo, NM… but it’s been years since I lived in NM, so I could be wrong.
If you go through Arizona at all, Yellow Horse’s Trading Post was a fun place to stretch your legs – they have a little area set up kind of like a Native American campsite, and some bison out back. One came up to the fence when we said, “Here, kitty kitty” and hammed it up for the camera. Unfortunately, I can’t remember where it was, exactly. I want to say it was on the state border, but I can’t remember which one.
Posted by: Crissy in Oregon
On your way up from New Mexico to Yellowstone is there any chance you’ll come through Salt Lake City??
Posted by: Miriam
I vaguely remember a corn palace somewhere near Purdue University.
Plan lots of stops. Both baby and dog will need them.
Posted by: Suzanne V. (Yarnhog)
Austin is one of my favorite places on earth. I did my graduate school years there. If you like Indian food, the Clay Pit is tasty. If you’re into Mexican, Luna Y Sol and Guero’s are wonderful. I’m not 100% certain you could find veggie plates there, but knowing Austin, it’s entirely possible. You have to check out the Capitol building, too. It’s almost kitsch in some ways, which is very fun. There are also some good coffee shops in the area – not just Starbuck’s. There are also some beautiful hilly areas to the west of Austin (that whole area is called the hill country). I don’t know how you’re going to like traveling west in that heat, though. Have a great trip, anyway.
Posted by: Krista
Abbey’s Cadillac stonehenge is outside of Amarillo (which if you take Lynda’s advice and go up 287 (which is what we do), you’ll go right by it). There is a great yarn shop in Austin, and if you come though Fort Worth there’s the shop I work at 🙂 and lots of fun things to see, including a daily cattle drive and the world’s biggest honky tonk! (And some great vegan Mexican food.)
Posted by: Jenn
Ah, so glad to hear that Oscar will have a lovely new home!
Well, if you do decide to drive, the offer of a baby-friendly place to stay in Lawrence, KS still stands. The Yarn Barn is always a nice place to visit. It’s a pretty college town too.
Oh and as for other attractions, there are some pretty cool caves in Kentucky if you go the southern route across the country. I went there as a kid on a family road trip and it was great!
Posted by: Elinor
Yay Austin, my town! Hill Country Weavers is a great yarn shop on South Congress, and if you’ll be in town long enough it is totally worth a stop.
This should be one of the few Augusts in the last 50 years that it WON’T be brown all the way across Texas. We’ve had more rain this year than since before WWII. But it is FINALLY starting to feel like summer – sunny and in the 90’s! Just in time for your visit.
Posted by: fay
I really like White Sands a whole lot. i don’t remember where it is, other than it’s in New Mexico.
When I was younger, we used to drive from Kansas City to Las Cruces every other summer to visit my aunt and uncle and cousins. I say go do anything and everything you can in New Mexico, it’s gorgeous.
Posted by: Rachel
When my boyfriend and I moved to Eugene from Texas 3 years ago, we went through New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and then through eastern Oregon. He’d moved up here a month earlier and gone through California, and he found the traffic to be a bit much to handle.
I don’t remember if Santa Fe was actually on our way or if we just stopped there because we knew people, but it’s an awesome little town – and it is a lot smaller than people tend to think that it is. A very artsy community. Oh, and if you do decide to visit White Sands, I want to say it’s in Alamogordo, NM… but it’s been years since I lived in NM, so I could be wrong.
If you go through Arizona at all, Yellow Horse’s Trading Post was a fun place to stretch your legs – they have a little area set up kind of like a Native American campsite, and some bison out back. One came up to the fence when we said, “Here, kitty kitty” and hammed it up for the camera. Unfortunately, I can’t remember where it was, exactly. I want to say it was on the state border, but I can’t remember which one.
Posted by: Crissy in Oregon
On your way up from New Mexico to Yellowstone is there any chance you’ll come through Salt Lake City??
Posted by: Miriam
I vaguely remember a corn palace somewhere near Purdue University.
Plan lots of stops. Both baby and dog will need them.
Posted by: Suzanne V. (Yarnhog)
Austin is one of my favorite places on earth. I did my graduate school years there. If you like Indian food, the Clay Pit is tasty. If you’re into Mexican, Luna Y Sol and Guero’s are wonderful. I’m not 100% certain you could find veggie plates there, but knowing Austin, it’s entirely possible. You have to check out the Capitol building, too. It’s almost kitsch in some ways, which is very fun. There are also some good coffee shops in the area – not just Starbuck’s. There are also some beautiful hilly areas to the west of Austin (that whole area is called the hill country). I don’t know how you’re going to like traveling west in that heat, though. Have a great trip, anyway.
Posted by: Krista
How about Graceland, Memphis TN. I’ll now be humming the Paul Simon song for the rest of the day: ‘I’m going to Graceland…’
I wish you a wonderful trip.
Posted by: Karin
Nice! And your cross-country trip sounds like a dream. I need that in my life, a cross-country trip. I have not seen enough of the U.S.
Posted by: Norma
By the way, have no fear about Utah “salt storms.” I have lived here for over 30 years, most of that time near the shores of the Great Salt Lake, and never experienced such a thing! What you will see is great mountains, amazing red sandstone deserts, and many, many knitters!
Posted by: LiterateKnitter
That’s such great news about Oscar! If you’re taking the southerly route and driving up through CA, I have some suggestions. We took a more northerly route across the country, so I’m sadly lacking in ideas there. But at the very south of CA, the San Diego Wild Animal Park (*not* the zoo) is one of the most awesome things ever. The drive up PCH 1 along the coast is *gorgeous*, and will take you past Santa Barbara, a truly fabulous beach town, Hearst Castle, which is fun, Big Sur, which is breathtaking, and Monterey, where we live! We have a good aquarium. 🙂 And then further to the north, Half-Moon Bay, San Francisco, and some good wine country before Yellowstone.
On our first (childless) cross-country drive, we stopped in Albuquerque for a day and loved it. If you head through southernly-ish Utah, the Monument National Park is phenomenal.
Enjoy! (The car has a/c, right? 🙂
Posted by: Amy
I am sure Oscar will be very happy in his new home. I was wondering if you were going to fly or drive to Portland. Good move, I think. You will have a much richer experience by driving. Be sure to pack enough yarn for the drive!
Posted by: knittripps
Oh yay for the Oscar Solution. I bet he’ll be ecstatic with that lifestyle. And apart from the heat and possible saltstorms (yikes), that sounds like a fun trip.
Posted by: Lizbon
That’s wonderful news about Oscar. What a relief!
Posted by: alison
Try to drive along the Mississippi. The area around Lansing IA & De Soto WI is beautiful. You get to see the “backwaters” that feed the Mississippi. It’s also in bluff country so you get these great vistas. Both of those cities have web pages & Pool’s 9, 10 & 11 on the Mississippi have some great pics online.
Enjoy the trip. I look forward to reading about it.
Posted by: Laura
If you’re going to go through Albuquerque, be sure to visit Fiesta yarn’s outlet and Village Wools. And Scout, for that matter!
Eat green chili while there, as well. Yumsters.
Posted by: beverly
How about Graceland, Memphis TN. I’ll now be humming the Paul Simon song for the rest of the day: ‘I’m going to Graceland…’
I wish you a wonderful trip.
Posted by: Karin
Nice! And your cross-country trip sounds like a dream. I need that in my life, a cross-country trip. I have not seen enough of the U.S.
Posted by: Norma
By the way, have no fear about Utah “salt storms.” I have lived here for over 30 years, most of that time near the shores of the Great Salt Lake, and never experienced such a thing! What you will see is great mountains, amazing red sandstone deserts, and many, many knitters!
Posted by: LiterateKnitter
That’s such great news about Oscar! If you’re taking the southerly route and driving up through CA, I have some suggestions. We took a more northerly route across the country, so I’m sadly lacking in ideas there. But at the very south of CA, the San Diego Wild Animal Park (*not* the zoo) is one of the most awesome things ever. The drive up PCH 1 along the coast is *gorgeous*, and will take you past Santa Barbara, a truly fabulous beach town, Hearst Castle, which is fun, Big Sur, which is breathtaking, and Monterey, where we live! We have a good aquarium. 🙂 And then further to the north, Half-Moon Bay, San Francisco, and some good wine country before Yellowstone.
On our first (childless) cross-country drive, we stopped in Albuquerque for a day and loved it. If you head through southernly-ish Utah, the Monument National Park is phenomenal.
Enjoy! (The car has a/c, right? 🙂
Posted by: Amy
I am sure Oscar will be very happy in his new home. I was wondering if you were going to fly or drive to Portland. Good move, I think. You will have a much richer experience by driving. Be sure to pack enough yarn for the drive!
Posted by: knittripps
Oh yay for the Oscar Solution. I bet he’ll be ecstatic with that lifestyle. And apart from the heat and possible saltstorms (yikes), that sounds like a fun trip.
Posted by: Lizbon
That’s wonderful news about Oscar. What a relief!
Posted by: alison
Try to drive along the Mississippi. The area around Lansing IA & De Soto WI is beautiful. You get to see the “backwaters” that feed the Mississippi. It’s also in bluff country so you get these great vistas. Both of those cities have web pages & Pool’s 9, 10 & 11 on the Mississippi have some great pics online.
Enjoy the trip. I look forward to reading about it.
Posted by: Laura
If you’re going to go through Albuquerque, be sure to visit Fiesta yarn’s outlet and Village Wools. And Scout, for that matter!
Eat green chili while there, as well. Yumsters.
Posted by: beverly
Yeah for Oscar! Now as a person who travels with pissy cats, may I recommend that you find a carrier with a mesh or grated bottom so if (and when) he does pee he doesn’t have to have a bath when you arrive at the end of your long driving day. I’m still looking for one but so far have found that lots of shredded newspaper and a vaste amount of paper towels are good substitutes. Also invest in a cat harness and leash and keep it on him the whole time you travel. That 6 feet of leash might save him from being lost and you from worry.
On a happy and not so strident note (sorry about that) I am so excited about you driving across the country! I SO want to do that but the guy is less than excited saying he’s done it 6 or 7 times already! I say doesn’t count as I wasn’t present. One More Time!
Posted by: Ande
if you go to yellowstone, definitely stay in the Old Faithful Inn–the old part. the bathrooms are communal, but the view of old faithful from your bed makes up for it. Make a reservation early, but if you can’t get one, just keep calling. people cancel all the time.
Posted by: amy
i hear that “carhenge” in nebraska is cool…
Posted by: amberpixie
Devil’s Tower in eastern WY is really cool.
Posted by: Kathode Ray Tube
Rotfl – I remember Cadillac Stonehenge! We used to drive by it every summer on our way from Oklahoma to New Mexico! I have countless blurry pictures of it from the car 🙂
I second the rec for the lodge by Old Faithful. Pretty amazing building.
Glad to hear Oscar has found a home!
Posted by: Kate
You will have a blast. We drove from New Mexico back to New York in January and had so much fun.
My tip: Get the book ROAD FOOD by Jane and Michael Stern, to show you all of the great cheap eateries along your way. (There’s a website, too.)
My regret: Not stopping at Faulkner’s house in Oxford, MS.
Extra credit: If you’re hitting New Mexico and go through Roswell, check out the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art. I think you’d get a kick out of it. (The alien museum is only fun for its swag.)
I confess to a vague sense of wistfulness that you are leaving New York, which is amusing since we have never actually met.
Posted by: YTT
PS Thanks for the nice comment on my socks!
Posted by: YTT
I agree with YTT, but I’m so happy you are finally moving toward your goal! I’m also so happy that you found a home for Oscar. As for sights, it may sound cliche, but truly the Grand Canyon is not called one of the wonders of the world for nothing. I can send you a link with pics if you want. 🙂
Posted by: Sneaksleep
If you are driving through St. Louis I can recommend some cool things to see. Cahokia Mounds(A world heritage site) in Illinois; The Gateway Arch(Kitschy but neat) in St. Louis; The New Cathdral in St. Louis (Home to the largest collection of Mosaics in the western Hemisphere). Those are all assuming you would be taking I-70 through.
Posted by: Amy in StL
Yeah for Oscar! Now as a person who travels with pissy cats, may I recommend that you find a carrier with a mesh or grated bottom so if (and when) he does pee he doesn’t have to have a bath when you arrive at the end of your long driving day. I’m still looking for one but so far have found that lots of shredded newspaper and a vaste amount of paper towels are good substitutes. Also invest in a cat harness and leash and keep it on him the whole time you travel. That 6 feet of leash might save him from being lost and you from worry.
On a happy and not so strident note (sorry about that) I am so excited about you driving across the country! I SO want to do that but the guy is less than excited saying he’s done it 6 or 7 times already! I say doesn’t count as I wasn’t present. One More Time!
Posted by: Ande
if you go to yellowstone, definitely stay in the Old Faithful Inn–the old part. the bathrooms are communal, but the view of old faithful from your bed makes up for it. Make a reservation early, but if you can’t get one, just keep calling. people cancel all the time.
Posted by: amy
i hear that “carhenge” in nebraska is cool…
Posted by: amberpixie
Devil’s Tower in eastern WY is really cool.
Posted by: Kathode Ray Tube
Rotfl – I remember Cadillac Stonehenge! We used to drive by it every summer on our way from Oklahoma to New Mexico! I have countless blurry pictures of it from the car 🙂
I second the rec for the lodge by Old Faithful. Pretty amazing building.
Glad to hear Oscar has found a home!
Posted by: Kate
You will have a blast. We drove from New Mexico back to New York in January and had so much fun.
My tip: Get the book ROAD FOOD by Jane and Michael Stern, to show you all of the great cheap eateries along your way. (There’s a website, too.)
My regret: Not stopping at Faulkner’s house in Oxford, MS.
Extra credit: If you’re hitting New Mexico and go through Roswell, check out the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art. I think you’d get a kick out of it. (The alien museum is only fun for its swag.)
I confess to a vague sense of wistfulness that you are leaving New York, which is amusing since we have never actually met.
Posted by: YTT
PS Thanks for the nice comment on my socks!
Posted by: YTT
I agree with YTT, but I’m so happy you are finally moving toward your goal! I’m also so happy that you found a home for Oscar. As for sights, it may sound cliche, but truly the Grand Canyon is not called one of the wonders of the world for nothing. I can send you a link with pics if you want. 🙂
Posted by: Sneaksleep
If you are driving through St. Louis I can recommend some cool things to see. Cahokia Mounds(A world heritage site) in Illinois; The Gateway Arch(Kitschy but neat) in St. Louis; The New Cathdral in St. Louis (Home to the largest collection of Mosaics in the western Hemisphere). Those are all assuming you would be taking I-70 through.
Posted by: Amy in StL
Oh, I am SO glad that everything has worked out! I’ve been thinking about you and Oscar!
Posted by: Annie
We drove from Portland to Texas and back; each way taking a different route, which was an amazing seven weeks that we were gone. My family and I always vacationed in Red River, New Mexico and visited Taos, too; great moutain country! My fiancee loved Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes, right beyond the NM border, and we camped there and had a great experince.
We also went to the Tetons and Yellowstone on the way back; really lovely time in both, camped out three to four days if I remember right. Also loved touring diff muesuems in Denver, CO- ended up spending an extra day there because of them!
I have lots of triple AAA books if you guys need!
Posted by: Kelly
We drove from Portland to Texas and back; each way taking a different route, which was an amazing seven weeks that we were gone. My family and I always vacationed in Red River, New Mexico and visited Taos, too; great moutain country! My fiancee loved Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes, right beyond the NM border, and we camped there and had a great experince.
We also went to the Tetons and Yellowstone on the way back; really lovely time in both, camped out three to four days if I remember right. Also loved touring diff muesuems in Denver, CO- ended up spending an extra day there because of them!
I have lots of triple AAA books if you guys need!
Posted by: Kelly
Have fun on your trip cross-country! (I live in Portland, welcome!)
I lived in New Mexico for several years and it’s well worth the detour. There’e many beautiful drives, especially in the northern mountains and off the freeway. If you make it to Santa Fe on a Saturday and you’d like a slice of true Santa Fe, I recommend the Santa Fe swap meet for the weirdest, most interesting flea market I’ve ever been to. It’s right next to the Santa Fe Opera and runs every Saturday morning.
I lived in Albuquerque. There’s a lovely tram that goes several thousand feet to the top of the local mountains and offers a fabulous birds-eye view (not for the faint of heights). If you get a chance, you might want to try New Mexican food – somewhat distinct from Mexican food. Sadie’s in Albuquerque is pretty good (OMG the potatoes, moan) but I’m sure the food blogs could recommend the best. (Thankfully there’s someone at the Portland farmer’s market that roasts green chiles in the fall so I can get my green chile fix a thousand miles north of NM.)
White Sands is in southern New Mexico – I haven’t been but heard it’s neat. if you’re coming up via El Paso, I recommend Carlsbad National Park. The caves there are AMAZING. You can either ride an elevator down a few thousand feet to the main caverns, or hike down from a top entrance. It’s really like nothing I have ever seen. These aren’t small caves but enormous vaulted things.
If you’re into the nerdy, the VLA (very large array) is outside of Socorro. It’s a set of enormous radio telescopes.
If you’re passing through southern Utah, I highly recommend visiting Zion National Park, which features jaw-dropping scenery; big canyons and brightly colored red rock. Arches National Park is down there too, with lots of natural rock arches (the beginning of Indiana Jones 3 and a whole mess of westerns have been filmed near there).
Yellowstone is worth your time if you can make it, but beware that it’s pretty busy even through September. We camped there in late September and it was already dropping below freezing at night, so just make sure the coats are handy if you choose to camp there. Drive up to it through Grand Teton park for an AMAZING view of lakes and huge grandiose mountains.
Maryhill (most of the way to Portland, but on the Washington side of the river), has a full-scale replica of Stonehenge (if you feel like doing the ‘henge tour-o-America), but out of reinforced concrete. The cool thing is it’s on a bluff far far above the Columbia and has a great view.
I love driving down the Columbia Gorge, it’s amazing. If you need a place to stop for a break, avoid The Dalles and stop in Hood River, only about 1.5 hours out of Portland. There’s a great ice cream shop 1 block off the main drag – try the huckleberry shake, made with fresh wild huckleberries. yum.
Sorry, I’ve written a book. Have a great trip!
Posted by: BigAlice
I’ve lived in New Mexico my whole life so if you need anything while you’re in the area, please let me know. I live in the Albuquerque area and there’s so much to do this time of year…State Fair, Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, Santa Fe Indian Market, etc. Feel free to contact me.
Posted by: Rebbie
Lots of comments/suggestions for you.
1. Take plenty of water. Freeze it and put it in an ice chest to keep some necessities cold.
2. paper towel, handiwipes, purell, wipes that clean hands and whatever in case you get ahold of something sicky
3. Get AAA road side service
4. Take the dogs for walks at the rest sites.
5. Toilet paper
6. Achohol wipes/emergency kit
7. Toys and books for thumper (something he hasn’t seen yet)
8. Camera
9. Food coupons Mcdees, hardiees, burger king (I know but these are emergency only items)
10. Travelors checks
11. dog beds
12. Don’t leave the dogs in a hot car
13. Tent with supplies
14. Names phone number contact info for people that may be able to help you along the route should you run into trouble.
15. The south is hot and humid during the summer make sure the ac in the car works. Not kidding. INVEST
16. You might want to consider driving some evenings and early mornings and during the heat of the day when you stop someplace.
17. If you plan to stop in maryland you can stay at my place. We really live in the country.
18. Have times when you check in with family members by phone.
19. virginia is one big state—in my one drive south, I thought I would never get out of the state of Virginia. Just saying…
Patty
Posted by: patt
Just saw this– woohoo! But I may not be in Austin when you come by (arrgh!)– I’m going to visit the ‘rents in Missouri August 22-29. So tell me you’re coming through on the 30th, pretty please!!! Of course, you could stop by my parents’ house, which would have room for you, but also lots of meat and dairy. 2 nephews for Thumper to play with, ages 7 and 3.
Posted by: anina
I got nuthin’ on the trip advice side of things, but DUDE! How exciting that you get a road trip in the bargain. I don’t know if that makes you nuts, but if it does, what the hell? You’ll be in control of your own starts and stops, the dog with be Much, Much less stressed, and you have an opportunity to see parts of your country you may never get to again. Awesome.
And I’m SO pleased about Oscar’s good news. What a great note to start your journey on.
Posted by: Rachel H
Oh, I am SO glad that everything has worked out! I’ve been thinking about you and Oscar!
Posted by: Annie
We drove from Portland to Texas and back; each way taking a different route, which was an amazing seven weeks that we were gone. My family and I always vacationed in Red River, New Mexico and visited Taos, too; great moutain country! My fiancee loved Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes, right beyond the NM border, and we camped there and had a great experince.
We also went to the Tetons and Yellowstone on the way back; really lovely time in both, camped out three to four days if I remember right. Also loved touring diff muesuems in Denver, CO- ended up spending an extra day there because of them!
I have lots of triple AAA books if you guys need!
Posted by: Kelly
We drove from Portland to Texas and back; each way taking a different route, which was an amazing seven weeks that we were gone. My family and I always vacationed in Red River, New Mexico and visited Taos, too; great moutain country! My fiancee loved Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes, right beyond the NM border, and we camped there and had a great experince.
We also went to the Tetons and Yellowstone on the way back; really lovely time in both, camped out three to four days if I remember right. Also loved touring diff muesuems in Denver, CO- ended up spending an extra day there because of them!
I have lots of triple AAA books if you guys need!
Posted by: Kelly
Have fun on your trip cross-country! (I live in Portland, welcome!)
I lived in New Mexico for several years and it’s well worth the detour. There’e many beautiful drives, especially in the northern mountains and off the freeway. If you make it to Santa Fe on a Saturday and you’d like a slice of true Santa Fe, I recommend the Santa Fe swap meet for the weirdest, most interesting flea market I’ve ever been to. It’s right next to the Santa Fe Opera and runs every Saturday morning.
I lived in Albuquerque. There’s a lovely tram that goes several thousand feet to the top of the local mountains and offers a fabulous birds-eye view (not for the faint of heights). If you get a chance, you might want to try New Mexican food – somewhat distinct from Mexican food. Sadie’s in Albuquerque is pretty good (OMG the potatoes, moan) but I’m sure the food blogs could recommend the best. (Thankfully there’s someone at the Portland farmer’s market that roasts green chiles in the fall so I can get my green chile fix a thousand miles north of NM.)
White Sands is in southern New Mexico – I haven’t been but heard it’s neat. if you’re coming up via El Paso, I recommend Carlsbad National Park. The caves there are AMAZING. You can either ride an elevator down a few thousand feet to the main caverns, or hike down from a top entrance. It’s really like nothing I have ever seen. These aren’t small caves but enormous vaulted things.
If you’re into the nerdy, the VLA (very large array) is outside of Socorro. It’s a set of enormous radio telescopes.
If you’re passing through southern Utah, I highly recommend visiting Zion National Park, which features jaw-dropping scenery; big canyons and brightly colored red rock. Arches National Park is down there too, with lots of natural rock arches (the beginning of Indiana Jones 3 and a whole mess of westerns have been filmed near there).
Yellowstone is worth your time if you can make it, but beware that it’s pretty busy even through September. We camped there in late September and it was already dropping below freezing at night, so just make sure the coats are handy if you choose to camp there. Drive up to it through Grand Teton park for an AMAZING view of lakes and huge grandiose mountains.
Maryhill (most of the way to Portland, but on the Washington side of the river), has a full-scale replica of Stonehenge (if you feel like doing the ‘henge tour-o-America), but out of reinforced concrete. The cool thing is it’s on a bluff far far above the Columbia and has a great view.
I love driving down the Columbia Gorge, it’s amazing. If you need a place to stop for a break, avoid The Dalles and stop in Hood River, only about 1.5 hours out of Portland. There’s a great ice cream shop 1 block off the main drag – try the huckleberry shake, made with fresh wild huckleberries. yum.
Sorry, I’ve written a book. Have a great trip!
Posted by: BigAlice
I’ve lived in New Mexico my whole life so if you need anything while you’re in the area, please let me know. I live in the Albuquerque area and there’s so much to do this time of year…State Fair, Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, Santa Fe Indian Market, etc. Feel free to contact me.
Posted by: Rebbie
Lots of comments/suggestions for you.
1. Take plenty of water. Freeze it and put it in an ice chest to keep some necessities cold.
2. paper towel, handiwipes, purell, wipes that clean hands and whatever in case you get ahold of something sicky
3. Get AAA road side service
4. Take the dogs for walks at the rest sites.
5. Toilet paper
6. Achohol wipes/emergency kit
7. Toys and books for thumper (something he hasn’t seen yet)
8. Camera
9. Food coupons Mcdees, hardiees, burger king (I know but these are emergency only items)
10. Travelors checks
11. dog beds
12. Don’t leave the dogs in a hot car
13. Tent with supplies
14. Names phone number contact info for people that may be able to help you along the route should you run into trouble.
15. The south is hot and humid during the summer make sure the ac in the car works. Not kidding. INVEST
16. You might want to consider driving some evenings and early mornings and during the heat of the day when you stop someplace.
17. If you plan to stop in maryland you can stay at my place. We really live in the country.
18. Have times when you check in with family members by phone.
19. virginia is one big state—in my one drive south, I thought I would never get out of the state of Virginia. Just saying…
Patty
Posted by: patt
Just saw this– woohoo! But I may not be in Austin when you come by (arrgh!)– I’m going to visit the ‘rents in Missouri August 22-29. So tell me you’re coming through on the 30th, pretty please!!! Of course, you could stop by my parents’ house, which would have room for you, but also lots of meat and dairy. 2 nephews for Thumper to play with, ages 7 and 3.
Posted by: anina
I got nuthin’ on the trip advice side of things, but DUDE! How exciting that you get a road trip in the bargain. I don’t know if that makes you nuts, but if it does, what the hell? You’ll be in control of your own starts and stops, the dog with be Much, Much less stressed, and you have an opportunity to see parts of your country you may never get to again. Awesome.
And I’m SO pleased about Oscar’s good news. What a great note to start your journey on.
Posted by: Rachel H
I’m an Austinite! For great home cookin’ vegetarian definitely go to Bouldin Creek Coffeehouse on S. 1st Street while you are in town. Barton Springs Pool is a must. It’s a natural spring in Zilker Park just south of the river in downtown. It’s been closed of late due to the excessive rains, but might be open again by the time you get down here. If you are in town for a while and would like a morning knit, Saturdays at 10am a bunch of fantastic knitters like Caro (Splityarn), Yarn & Order, etc., get together at Cafe Caffeine on W. Mary. I go if my work schedule allows it. I’ve been reading your blog for a year or so now. Thumper was born about the same time as my niece so it’s been nice to watch him grow! Have a great trip!
Posted by: Sarah L.
I almost forgot, there is a “Fiber Trail” in New Mexico. It is divided by region and links you to fiber artists that work independently and would otherwise be more difficult to locate. There are stops all throughout the state.
Posted by: Sarah L.
SPAM museum in Austin, MN – a good visit, even for a vegetarian. Mustard palace in Wisconsin. Giant ball of twine in Iowa (I think). The Green Giant in MN.
All these places and more you’ll sadly miss by driving too far south. Sigh. Enjoy the drive. I’m glad we’re only doing a 10 hour run to Michigan (also with a baby and two cats).
Posted by: Jenni
Sounds like you’ll be in New Mexico in early September, right? Which is just in time for the fall green chile roasting. The air will smell awesome, like a wood fire with a hint of spicy chile and papery char. Be sure to try lots of dishes with chile in them. Not all are super hot if you don’t like heat. Stuffed sopapillas are especially good. There is also an amazing Japanese spa in Sante Fe (www.10000waves.com) that isn’t too spendy. Although maybe it’s not baby-friendly?
Posted by: LauraC
I just returned from a road trip to Portland and back and listened to several books on my ipod downloaded from iTunes. It was GREAT and passed the time so well. I love the music but tend to get a little bored.
If you go through Yellowstone Park (yes, do it)and then want to head north to I-90 you could stay in Billings, Montana. We have a yarn shop called Wild Purls in case you run out of sock yarn! It’s a decent town too. The trip into Portland on I-90 (to Spokane and then down through Tri-cities to the Oregon side of the Columbia gorge)is pretty straight and flat, but nice scenery.
You’re getting great travel trips form lots of people – but for some more tips on entertaining the little guy while driving – He’s probably a bit young for legos (which my guys always had in a tub between them on the car seat)but perhaps Duplos would keep his hands busy….that will be a challenge to keep a little walker in a carseat for so many hours. Good luck!
Posted by: Shelley
I’m an Austinite! For great home cookin’ vegetarian definitely go to Bouldin Creek Coffeehouse on S. 1st Street while you are in town. Barton Springs Pool is a must. It’s a natural spring in Zilker Park just south of the river in downtown. It’s been closed of late due to the excessive rains, but might be open again by the time you get down here. If you are in town for a while and would like a morning knit, Saturdays at 10am a bunch of fantastic knitters like Caro (Splityarn), Yarn & Order, etc., get together at Cafe Caffeine on W. Mary. I go if my work schedule allows it. I’ve been reading your blog for a year or so now. Thumper was born about the same time as my niece so it’s been nice to watch him grow! Have a great trip!
Posted by: Sarah L.
I almost forgot, there is a “Fiber Trail” in New Mexico. It is divided by region and links you to fiber artists that work independently and would otherwise be more difficult to locate. There are stops all throughout the state.
Posted by: Sarah L.
SPAM museum in Austin, MN – a good visit, even for a vegetarian. Mustard palace in Wisconsin. Giant ball of twine in Iowa (I think). The Green Giant in MN.
All these places and more you’ll sadly miss by driving too far south. Sigh. Enjoy the drive. I’m glad we’re only doing a 10 hour run to Michigan (also with a baby and two cats).
Posted by: Jenni
Sounds like you’ll be in New Mexico in early September, right? Which is just in time for the fall green chile roasting. The air will smell awesome, like a wood fire with a hint of spicy chile and papery char. Be sure to try lots of dishes with chile in them. Not all are super hot if you don’t like heat. Stuffed sopapillas are especially good. There is also an amazing Japanese spa in Sante Fe (www.10000waves.com) that isn’t too spendy. Although maybe it’s not baby-friendly?
Posted by: LauraC
I just returned from a road trip to Portland and back and listened to several books on my ipod downloaded from iTunes. It was GREAT and passed the time so well. I love the music but tend to get a little bored.
If you go through Yellowstone Park (yes, do it)and then want to head north to I-90 you could stay in Billings, Montana. We have a yarn shop called Wild Purls in case you run out of sock yarn! It’s a decent town too. The trip into Portland on I-90 (to Spokane and then down through Tri-cities to the Oregon side of the Columbia gorge)is pretty straight and flat, but nice scenery.
You’re getting great travel trips form lots of people – but for some more tips on entertaining the little guy while driving – He’s probably a bit young for legos (which my guys always had in a tub between them on the car seat)but perhaps Duplos would keep his hands busy….that will be a challenge to keep a little walker in a carseat for so many hours. Good luck!
Posted by: Shelley