Monday, June 14, 2010

The Plan

Or rather, the history of the plan.

We started exploring honeymoon options a few months after we got engaged and had a ferocious list going within days. Greece, Costa Rica, Africa, South America (that's right, the whole continent). SO MANY PLACES TO GO. And the best part was, we knew we'd have that precious little thing called time, so we wanted to stretch it out as long as possible. And then began the budgeting. Even using Brian's parents' timeshare partnership, we were still looking at spending several thousand dollars for 7-10 days. Something about that was just ... scary sad sickening frustrating not okay. No way were we going to have the lengthy vacation we wanted on our not-so-lengthy budget.

You can see where this is going. The good old U.S. of A. started looking a whole lot more appealing to our wallets, calendars, and general wild west sensibilities. So we set the wedding for May, set the move to Chicago for August, and left a big chunk of time in the middle for a great American road trip.

The trip has taken many forms over the past six months or so, but we've finally settled on a loose route covering the West side of the states. Obviously we'd love to do the whole country but we're pretty sure that all six weeks are going to get whittled away by the southwest and pacific northwest, so why fight it?

Our plan is to hit a few major spots and allow ourselves time to dawdle and explore the places in between. We'll target National Parks and sleep in our sweet camper van (which we'll post about separately). Musts include the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Yosemite, Oregon, and Yellowstone. Possibilities include anything else that we discover along the way, and we're hoping you guys will help us by leaving some suggestions on the blog as we make our way near something you know about! We've got books, games, a Garmin GPS, an iPod, a DVD player, and hiking gear out the wazoo (putting all those wedding gifts to use!). We'll keep you posted every couple of days as possible and can't wait to hear feedback!

13 comments:

  1. Even though my denial worked for a little while, I can't believe you guys are actually leaving. However, I'm super excited for you and to read this blog. You know camping is not my expertise but VEGAS is. :) Holler if you're playing craps and need some stellar tips, ha. Love you guys both so much and can't wait to hear how this goes.

    p.s. make a sweet video (slash 1000) of them like last trip!!

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  2. Yay! This'll be fun to follow along. From a distance, of course. Hellloooo honeymoon!!

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  3. You two are going to have so much fun! I totally suggest, when you get to a town you want to explore, talk to some locals and find out what the "hidden jewels" are! Have you watched Diners, Drive ins and Dives? I've seen some amazing places out that way that you should check out!!

    I can't wait to read all about your adventure!!

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  4. Try and make it here:
    http://redwoods.info/

    MG

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  5. that is going to be an amazing adventure! you need to post your route. then we can let you know if you are close to some cool offbeat sites. Yosemite is amazing. make sure you take your time and pull off the road whenever you want to take in the scenery. can't wait to hear more about what you guys are doing.

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  6. God bless Google Reader so I can stay up to date on your adventures. We'll miss you (obvi) but wish you the best time on your trip!

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  7. Glad you decided to pull the trigger and pick up a sweet VW camper- they are so choice. Enjoy the open road you two!

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  8. We are so excited as you take off on this adventure on Friday. We will be checking in and foloowing you along. Have a great time.
    Love you both !!
    Rai and Rod

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  9. Go for it, sounds so exciting!! Be kind to each other and have fun!!
    co-worker of Rai & Rod!!
    Ann

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  10. I don't know how to work this GD thing...how do I post my name?? Anyways...seeing as my parents basically went on their 6 week honeymoon following your wedding, I'll ask them for some choice places...I know they LOVED Sedona and San Diego... I recommend Lake Tahoe...AMAZING!! And when you hit Vegas bet on 13 and try to see either LOVE, KA, or the New Elvis Show...my parents went to all 3...of course, but my mom said (after saying she loved them all 13 times) Ka was her favorite. I just looked through my Australia book and you two better be ready to hit New Zealand on Contiki..summer 2013!
    Love, Chrissy

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  11. If you're in Santa Fe, near Old Town, there's a fantastic Mexican food restaurant with great chiles rellenos. Can't recall the name, but it's the biggest one near the square. Maybe you remember it from when you and I went there when you were little?

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  12. Hope you have a great time. Can only give you help on san Diego or San Fransico but don't think you are going that far west. But if you do there are a couple of great local place that I know. Let me know. Try some of the local New Mexico wine, so of it is great especially the red.

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  13. If ya make it up to the Bay Area in Cali I'll be there from June 30th-July 18th. Also while in California you should try to see Muir Woods. It's quite serene but beautiful. Check it out http://www.nps.gov/muwo/ Plus it's on the way to all the vineyards too. :) Have fun!

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