2000 Miles of Pure Adventure

I decided to make the 2000 mile trip home somewhat of an adventure, rather then just a trip. And what better way to start an adventure then to buy a new car. Yep brand new 2008 CR-V, ain't it pretty. So now that I was riding in style I decided to start off on my journey. I made a little detour and headed up through Utah. I went with some dear friends of mine to the beautiful mountains of Zion where we faced an enduring hike through a river amongst some beautiful mountains. After our little hike at Zion I sadly said my goodbyes and went on to my next stop in Provo, Utah where I stayed with another close friend of mine and was able to see some other friends as well. For the 4th of July, we went to the Stadium of Fire where Blue Man Group and Miley Cyrus performed. There was also some amazing and powerful stories from the troops and an amazing fireworks show. This brought me to tears and I thought what an amazing way to start my journey across the country, to see all the amazing landscapes and beautiful places that we have the freedom to live in. The next stop was Denver, Colorado. The drive to Denver was absolutely incredible. I stopped in one of my favorite places ever, Vail, CO where I got out and sat by the river and took in all the beautiful scenery. After my little stop over in Vail, CO, I continued on to Denver and enjoyed catching up with an old friend. The next morning, I got up and went white water rafting and took on some class3-5 rapids. It was an amazing time and I felt totally adventurous. Although someone forgot to tell me how dang cold the water would be and my feet were completely frozen by the end of the tour. But hey, I didn't fall out of the boat and I looked dang good in my wet suit and rafting outfit. I ended up getting some grub from this awesome pizza joint in the middle of a small mountain town called Idaho Springs, CO. After my day of rafting I decided to take off early to conquer some driving time and ended up in North Platte, NE. So for all of those people that thought Colorado was all mountains and hills, well its not. As soon as I got west of Denver, thus began my journey of flat land and lots and lots of farm. It was actually some of the most beautiful simple landscape. On the way to Nebraska, I faced the first of many thunder storms. I don't know if they were actually as bad as I thought they were or if it was just the fact that I haven't seen that much water living in Vegas and all, but to say the least, I was saying my prayers. I finally made it to North Platte and well I stayed in Motel 6 and well I think I would have been better off sleeping in my car. I got up early and continued my drive into the beautiful state of Missouri. Here in Missouri I saw some of the bluest skies and greenest land I have ever seen. It was as though I was seeing these colors for the first time and they were so beautiful. I ended my drive that day in Maryville, MO. I liken this town to the movie Varsity Blues, basically because it is a small town in the middle of endless land and they have an awesome school - Northwest Missouri and well it just totally reminds me of that movie. I stayed with a good friends family and it was such a great time. I love the Lade family and they were so generous and they are just such loving people, plus their new home is a beauty. I also got a chance to catch up with my college trainer who lives in the same town. I took off the next day on what I considered to be the last leg of my journey. I drove through some more crazy thunderstorms. I honestly felt like I was working for the weather channel and I was hired to outrun crazy storms. I definitely kept my speed because I was convinced there was a tornado following me the entire time. Check out the picture of my side view mirror, that dark weather was seriously following me for miles. I ended up in a maze of corn only to end up in a town of 350 people, yep Donovan, IL where my sister and brother-in-law own a lovely piece of land with a beautiful home, 2 dogs and now a cool boat. We had an awesome meal and spent some family time together as we sat on the porch watching the fireflies and lightening and listening to the thunder, all while sitting in the sticky, humid weather. I have come a long way from the hot, dry, 100 something weather in Vegas. The next morning I woke up and made the 2.5 hr drive home to South Bend, IN where my loving parents a.k.a. my new roomies, my bro and our dog Cali were anxiously awaiting me. The entire drive home to South Bend was amazing. I even stopped on the side of the road and picked wild flowers. I definitely have a new appreciation for this type of landscape and beauty. I almost feel like I am looking at everything with a whole new set of eyes. So now I am home, at least "home for now". I really have no clue what the future holds, but I know it will be adventurous. The last time I came home for a visit I described my home that you almost feel like you are in a Disney movie with birds landing on your shoulder and them singing tunes and that when I went for a jog around the neighborhood, the only thing that was tired was my arm from waving hi to everyone I passed. And well I am still getting adjusted and trying to figure out life here, but let me just say my car insurance went from $150 to $50... so that is one plus. South Bend if so much different then Vegas in many ways. When I look outside at night the only thing lighting up the sky is the moon and stars not the strip, and there are animals and green here everywhere. This whole experience definitely embodies the word, change. It will take some adjustment and this is just one more experience to take in. I will never forget where I came from and everything and everyone that helped me get here, and I am anxiously awaiting the future and what it holds for me. So I guess I made it and that is one adventure down... for now. Thanks to the Schwerdts, Craig, the Lades and Katie, Brent and P and Costco for letting me stay with you.