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Driving across the USA
  • Elisa Gatti

Driving across the USA

A 150-day adventure by Elisa Read more
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  • Trip start
    April 4, 2018
    Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    One month to go

    March 5, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    In one month from now we will be at the airport going through immigration and then getting on a Qantas flight heading to Los Angeles.

    At the moment I am in organisation mode. I have traveled before for a few years across many countries, but I never left a house that I own with two dogs and traveling with a partner and kids in tow. And.. We are mostly camping.

    The trip consists of traveling for 3 months. About half of the 3 months is camping from California to North Carolina. We will have a few days in hotels and cabins, a week in a rented house in North Carolina, and the rest staying at friends and family mostly on the East Coast and North East.

    We originally were going to buy a crappy SUV and hope for the best but my mom and sister Danielle agreed for me to borrow the small SUV which was once my grandparents. My best friend Ger and her friend are going to drive across the East Coast, where it currently lives with my sister, and bring it to LA where we will meet her. Ger's brother moved out to LA and this was a great way to see him.

    One month will go by fast; and these are the things I have completed and still need to do to be ready to leave.

    House sitter is booked for 3 months
    Itinerary is almost complete and booked
    Disney is all paid for
    We all have US Passports and Australian passports other than Josh who has his visa.
    Dog tags with house sitters number ordered and awaiting delivery
    Packing has started with piles on study floor
    Still need to make sure all bills come via email

    As for things I needed to organise in the US.
    Bank accounts done
    Ordered AAA membership for the car
    Insurance going through Danielle
    Need to get an ezpass
    Tent is bought
    National park pass us bought
    Inara's B-Day present is bought

    I am getting excited, as well as nervous and Josh is ready to have our adventure. I just hope everything gets done and I don't forget anything. Brandon is upset he can't do auskick as we will be away all term, and he doesn't know yet that he is going to miss his "100" days party that he has referred to a few times. Inara has no idea of course and I just hope her 4 teeth that are on the verge of coming through do it in the next 30 days.

    Thanks for following us on our trip and will post again in a month.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    Here we go - Melbourne airport

    April 5, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    The day is here and it has been a rushed morning. We left on time at 530am but getting parking at the airport took super long. Luckily we had Bruce & Margaret to help with the kids as we maneuvered the luggage. We were rushed through by Qantas staff getting checked in,customs and security. Check-in with kids is great as we go to the front line and pretty much right unto the plane.
    Here we go... 14 hours to go..    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    Landing in the USA

    April 5, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    We made it to LA, and it wasn't too bad. Inara didn't sleep because she watched "the boss baby" a few times. We had a few hours of turbulence so Brandon got the best sleep as he doesn't take turbulence too well and slept through it. Such a deep sleep that he had an accident. Supposdly it happens every flight.

    Our home for the next 4 nights is the Grand hyatt regency orange county hotel. We have a awesome bunk bed for the kids and a brewery downstairs for the adults.

    Today was a write off as we needed to get over the 14 hour flight. Inara finally fell asleep as we went though customs, through the hour drive and stayed asleep for the next few hours as we waited to be checked in.

    The pool and the spa was a quick recharge but exhausted Inara and Elisa, as soon as they got back from the pool passed out on the bed. Brandon and Josh went to Target across the street and Brandon fell asleep in the trolley and josh had to carry Brandon and the bag backs on his own.

    Elisa and Inara walked a mile and back after their nap to get a local telephone number but was unsuccessful, but Brandon and daddy then had their turn to nap.

    Trying to get kids to bed as we have a big day tomorrow and hopefully we conquered the jet lag.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    Disneyland

    April 6, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    Elisa was ready to get to Disneyland when it opened at 8am but the kids had other ideas and slept in. We spent more than 12 hours (845am to 10pm) at the "Happiest place on Earth".

     We started with "It's a small world after all" and finished with the "Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room" before the fantastic fireworks display. Elisa's favourite ride was the buzz light year ride ride (Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters) , Josh enjoyed the Tea Cups in Fantasyland and was surprised at the sheer size of "Its a Small world" and "Pirates of the Caribbean". Inara seemed to enjoy the "rockets" but entered every ride with excitement. We think Brandon enjoyed "Star Tours - the adventure continues" the most but he is asleep at the moment to ask him.

    As a family we were able to go on most rides together which was great. When Inara slept we took turns taking Brandon. We waited an average of about 30 min for a ride which really wasn't that bad. The kids were pretty good and only had minor frustrations when they were tired and hungry at dinner. Brandon decided walking was too boring and had to skip holding hands. Inara was told to hold hands or go in pram so she decided to hold her own hands together. Cheeky girl.

    The adults were ready to leave about 8pm but Brandon really wanted to see the fireworks. Of course he fell asleep before the fireworks and Inara slept through all the fireworks.

    All in all it was a fun day and we really hope Inara remembers it, as we are sure Brandon will.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    Down Day

    April 7, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Today was a down day between visiting the two theme parks. Leah came over to the hotel to meet us and Elisa and Leah went out to Vodafone to get a local phone number. It was great to hang out with Leah and catch up. Brandon and Josh played in the pool but it was pretty cold. Later on that day, Ger and Luke drove over with her nephews and dropped off the car which will be our home for the next 3 months.
    The kids were still on Melbourne time and we had to take them down to the hotel foyer area for them to run off their energy.
    At least the small convenient store was open in the hotel so were able to get some drinks.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    California Adventure Park

    April 8, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 16 °C

    Today was a great day at Disney's California Adventure Park. We started off later than originally attended as the jet lag set in the kids didn't go to bed until 1:20am, so they slept in a bit longer. It was a bit more relaxed and less crowded than Disney.

    We had lovley chats with people in line and Brandon makes friends everywhere. We even got tips on how to use the "fast pass" and "parents pass" correctly as we didn't use it in Disneyland. Brandon got to go on the grizzly bear ride twice as well as Guardians of the Galaxy.

    We even saw the Frozen 1 hour stage show which was amazing. The set design, movement, digital effects crammed with all the music from the movie is a must see.

    It was another late night but it was a great family fun day..

    Notes:
    Having Inara wear shoes with lights was great and good for all the rides that are dark when waiting on line
    Not sure if bunk beds was worth it as it was musical beds with the bunk beds and our king bed.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    Off to San Diego

    April 9, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    We are off on our road trip across the US. We are leaving magical Disneyland and heading south to San Diego. We have our car, bought some camping stuff at Target and now need to do get our car roof rack.

    Before our trip we looked at the items we wanted at Walmart.com and we needed to grab a roof bag for the car to hold some of our stuff. We have a bag each, a camping bag, a tent, a stroller and we each have a smaller bag. Add a cooler (esky) and food, a small SUV won't hold it all. Well, none of the 8 Walmart's in the area had the roof bag we wanted. We then went to Pep Boys and we were sold a temporary strap on roof racks along with a roof bag to hold the luggage.

    Josh spent almost an hour in a McDonald's parking lot while Inara slept in the car and Brandon and I had lunch inside. I wonder how many McDonald meals we will have on this trip, as it's easy, cheap and almost everywhere.

    We were driving down the highway I-5 south, only having driven 15 miles, when the bag lifted up, taking the roof racks and luggage with it unto the highway. Luckily we were in the left HOV lane and the van behind us was not riding our butt and was able to swerve. We quickly stopped on the left emergency lane and Josh jumped out to grab our stuff, hoping we didn't lose Inara and Josh's clothes bags.

    It all ended well and the kids were great in the whole ordeal..Brandon even calmed Elisa, saying mommy. "Daddy will be OK, it will be ok", as Josh had to go on the major highway to retrieve the items. A cop even stopped by from the other side of the highway to see if we were OK and if there was an debris left.

    We finally made it to the San Diego Metro KOA, a bit more squished with all the luggage stuffed into the car. A highlight of the day was that the 2 min pop up tent really only took a little over 2 min and Elisa was able to do it on her own. This was a good buy.

    We had a great yummy and cheap Mexican meal that we all enjoyed just a few minutes from the KOA.

    I hope this is the worst situation that happens on our adventure.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    Down day in San Diego

    April 10, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Today was a relax sat, but we were in a new city so we had to adventure out somehow.

    Not to have to stress about the roof racks, we bought a roof bag from Walmart online and we were waiting for a email to advise when we can pick it up.

    In the morning we played at the pool at the KOA before we headed into Seaport Village in San Diego. At the pool we met a local family who was staying at the KOA as they had an insurance claim and thought the KOA was fun for the kid.

    We choose Seaport as they had a Ben and Jerry's and it was free cone day. We walked around this very touristy area, which was designed by Disney people. As we were near the bay, we thought maybe we could do some kind of boat tour\ride and Brandon really liked that idea.

    The ride that was available was the Seals tour and Brandon wanted in it. It was a transformer and the vehicle went from land into the ocean. Brandon was hysterical the whole ride and Johnny the 1st mate loved Brandon.

    The ride took us around seaport, next to the airport (the busiest single runway airport in the country and the 2nd busiest in the world) and then we drove into the Bay and viewed the bay. We saw local sea lions, pelicans, cormarans as well as a variety of different military helicopters and even a destroyer ship.

    San Diego has the largest military complex (navy, army, Coast Guard and reserves) in the world, and we were looking at a large part of it. Every year they graduate 21,000 marines.

    That night, the lovely family we met at the pool invited us to their cabin for drinks. We had a lovely time hanging out with April, Chris and the two kids Xena and Hunter who were in between Inara and Brandon's age. The kids played well, had smores and we had nice adult conversation.

    Update on roof bag... I received an email from Walmart stating the bag is out of stock and can not get them....    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    San Diego zoo

    April 11, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Today was planned on the itinerary for the San Diego Zoo. Before we could do that, we had to go another 15 min South, toward the Mexican border to go to a roof bag factory which Elisa found online late the night before.

    It was perfect... A company that only makes roof bags, has a 2 year warranty, great reviews, less than $100USD and the lovely sales lady even help put it in the car. Perfect.

    The San Diego zoo was big, clean, with a complex map with aviary's everywhere and hills. Inara's, Brandon and Elisa's favourite part of the zoo was the Tiger. He came right up to the glass and was only inches apart from his face. Inara hung on for life. Josh liked the Pandas even though they were sleeping. We also took the double decker bus around the zoo as it was a bit much to walk around the hilly environment and there was no way we were going to see it all. The penguins were a highlight and the leopard sharks that shared a enclosure with them.

    The zoo mostly held animals that were rescued or were on the endangered list and was trying to breed them. The amount of plants and plant species that the zoo grew was amazing..they grew most of the plants that the many different animals ate, including bamboo and eucalyptus.

    It was a tiring day but glad we went. The skyfari (gondola) was a good way to finish the visit.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    Driving to Joshua Tree National Park, Ca

    April 12, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌫 19 °C

    Today was our first real driving day and we were driving with our new and awesome roof bag. We packed up our gear and drove 3 hours east. We said goodbye to our friends who were enjoying the pool on a warmer afternoon.

    We had a 3 hour drive but before we reached our destination we saw the signs for Palm Springs, California. We met some Rv'rs at the KOA and they said to have a stop there, so we did, but Elisa couldn't remember why. As soon as we pulled into the little town, we saw the Aerial Tramway.

    The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—the world’s largest rotating tram car—travels over two-and-one-half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting riders to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Once you reach the Mountain Station—elevation 8,516 feet and a was about 5 degrees.

    As we are traveling before tourist season, just at the beginning of Spring, we were able to walk right unto the next tramway. It seemed to be a very busy area during season as there was A to J parking lots. We parked in A. Palm Springs seemed to be a small town that was built around the Casino. There didn't seem to be anything else.

    The air up top was brisk and Pristine. We weren't wearing the correct clothes so we were only able to walk around for about 20 min, but there were miles of hiking trails up top. We also couldn't stay long as we needed to get our tent up before dark.

    We made it to Blackrock Campground in Joshua Tree National Park. The day was extremely windy as we drove, and the wind in the top of Mt. San Jacinto sounded like a freight train was coming through and the wind still did not let up as we put up the tent and made dinner.

    It was a cold windy night and Brandon seemed to be the only one who slept as he was all rugged up in a onsies, flannel pjs, sleeping bag and fleece blanket.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    Joshua Tree National Park to Lake Havasu

    April 13, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Today we spent driving around Joshua Tree National Park. Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. 

    We had lunch at Quail stop and then did a 1 km loop at Hidden Valley. Brandon walked all the way around and made it without being carried. Inara wanted to be carried most of the way but insisted on walking anything that was up. It was beautiful and everything looked the same. The ranger yesterday told Brandon that he needed to stay close to us as it looks all the same and it's very easy to get lost. It does.

    We finished the visit with a stop at Key View which was breathtaking, windy and cold.

    When we got to the camp, it was so windy and not fun that we decided to change our plans. We couldn't walk as it was too windy, and we couldn't have a fire, the tent felt like it could break and it was cold. It was no fun for anyone.

    We were supposed to have a 2nd night here, then to pack up and a 6 hour drive to Flagstaff Arizona. We packed up late in the afternoon, drove 3 hours and decided to stay a night in Lake Havasu in a motel in the area.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti
    2

    Lake Havasu to Flagstaff & Inara's bday

    April 14, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    Lake Havasu was beautiful and we wished we had more time here. We are so glad we called it and left windy Joshua Tree and was spontaneous to drive here. In the morning we left our hotel "Island Inn Hotel" and adventured out to the 2nd most popular tourist attraction in Arizona.

    In the morning we went down to the famous London Bridge. In 1967 the London Bridge in London, England decides to sell its bridge as it needed to be replaced and this oil guy decided to buy the bridge and put it across the man made Lake Havasu. Lake Havasu is a man made Lake and is a reservoir for the Colorado River.

    We had a nice walk along the channel. Inara greeted many dogs and Brandon enjoyed running. Inara even dipped her feet in the cold brisk lake. There were people out on boats and jet skis, running, walking dog's and enjoying the area. It would be such a great place to relax for a few days.

    We could have stayed all day but we needed to meet Elisa's mom at the Flagstaff airport at 3pm and had to check in to the motel before that so there would be room in the car for her.

    We had a 3 hour drive to Flagstaff. Arizona is a beautiful country with such different landscapes. The kids did great in the car as usual. The roads had Dips and the kids loves them as we made it feel like we were on roller coasters.

    For the next 4 days we are staying at Highland country Inn. We choose not to camp as its Spring and the weather is inconsistent and can be very cold. Flagstaff has an altitude of 6910 feet (2106 m), which is the 9th highest city in the US.

    We picked up grandma at the airport and we were given rooms adjoining each other which worked out very well.

    That night, as Inara turned 2, we celebrated at Black Barts Steakhouse and listened to the wait staff sing show tunes and sing along songs. It was a fun night.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    A drive to Sedona, Arizona

    April 15, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    We had 4 nights in Flagstaff at hotel Highland Country Inn and 3 full days to be tourists. Today we were going to hop in the car and head down to Sedona and take a scenic drive. We didn't really have any specific plans while in Flagstaff other then seeing the Grand Canyon.

    The windy roads and gorgeous red cliffs made for a lovely drive. We drove past Slide Rock State park which Elisa really wanted to see, but with the kids it would have been hard. We stopped at Crescent Moon picnic ground at the upper Red Rocks loop rd. It was a cute area and we did a short hike which had terrific landscaping in the background, that led to a creek which the kids played in.

    On the way back we stopped in the town of Sedona where it was super busy with tourists, but it's understandable as its so beautiful.

    That night we had dinner in the hotel and just hung out with grandma in the hotel as we knew the next day would be super busy.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    Grand Canyon

    April 16, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    We booked our Grand canyon train ride months ago. We drove to Williams from Flagstaff and then took an hour and half train up to the South Rim.

    The train was an old train and we were in the oldest carriage and was refurbished. We were able to move the seats to look at each other.

    The hostess of our carriage told us history and geology of the Grand canyon and surrounding area. The train started up in 1990 and due to this the little western town came alive again.

    Once up at the Rim we had about 3 hours to explore. It was a very windy day and a bit on the cold side. We decided to do some walks incorporating the shuttle service.

    It was very pretty but it was a very long day for everyone.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    Down day in Flagstaff

    April 17, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    Today was a day of not doing much. The kids needed some downtime. What do people do with little kids in Flagstaff ? We looked for a play centre like we have at home, but no such luck. The best we could fine was a free play space at the mall. They had fun and we sat and watched.

    We had lunch at a pizza place where the kids got dough to knead and play with. It was also half price wines which is always nice.

    We decided that after a few days camping with a cheap Wal-Mart inflatable matresss that our nights were going to be sleepless, so we bought a nice lower to ground inflatable mattress from REI. Elisa also spent time going to both Wal-Mart's to return the not so comfy mattress but had no luck.

    The day was to spend time with grandma and have downtime. Brandon got to watch the sandlot with grandma while Josh and Inara had naps. Elisa vacuumed the car, shopped and organised.

    It was a dinner in the hotel and a relaxing night. Grandma had an early flight out the next morning.

    Notes:
    The coffee shop in front of the hotel is the best coffee we have found yet.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    Final destination St George, Utah

    April 18, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Today was a planned all day driving day from Flagstaff to St George, Utah. The drive straight with no stops is just under 5 hours.

    When we planned the trip we knew we where we wanted to go and then kind of picked areas to see between those two points. We knew flagstaff was cold so that is why we were in a hotel and not camping. When grandma left for the airport this morning it was -1 degree C. Cold and brisk.

    The plan we had in mind was to drive around the North Rim of the Grand canyon, little did we know that it was closed until May. Ooops.. There is so much to see in Arizona that we would have no problem with finding things to see on our drive. While we were on the Grand Canyon train we heard about Antelope Canyon which is half way through our drive. Perfect other than you need to see it on a tour and they book up weeks in advanced. Elisa called all the tour companies and only one would take kids and they were all sold out.

    Elisa stopped at the Flagstaff Visitors center yesterday, got a map and some ideas. Our first stop was Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monument. We stayed much longer than anticipated and Brandon got his junior ranger badge at Wupatki Monument. He was so excited.

    We then continued toward Utah, stopping at Horseshoe Bend view which is part of the Glen Canyon area. We did a nice round trip mile walk, getting out in the sun and taking in fresh air. It was very touristy and the government was just starting to make it a proper tourist attraction with rails on the cliffs. It was a bit nerve wrecking at the cliffs. Josh held onto Brandon for dear life and Inara was being carried on Elisa's back. Elisa didn't trust herself and 11 kilos on her back to get close to the edge at all.

    Horseshoe Bend was only a few miles away from Lake Powell so we drove across the bridge where the colorado river was dammed up. We didn't have the time to see anymore of Lake Powell as we didn't realise that Utah was on a different time zone than Arizona. It's already 5pm (6pm Utah time) and we had another 2.5 hours to drive, check in at St George KOA and set up the tent.

    We just made check in at the campsite by 10 min, at 850pm. We saw a beautiful sunset setting behind large cliffs near the Arizona/Utah boarder (the 2nd time to cross the state's border on this drive).

    Arizona is a gorgeous country with dramatic views and different landscapes but we both thought Arizona was too dry and we couldn't live here. Utah is exactly what Elisa pictured it would be and the plains, overbearing colorful cliffs and rugged landscape is breathtaking.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    Day trip in St George, Utah

    April 19, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    The day started with laundry, mini golf with an awesome background and then off to the little town of St George.

    Our first stop was the Dinosaur discovery Center. This was opened up in 2000 when dinosaur tracks were discovered at the very location. It would have been more interesting if we had more time to devote to the exhibit rather than the kids. Josh was disappointed that Brandon didn't enjoy it as much but he is still too young to understand. The kids enjoyed the outside area where they could dig for fossils and play in a sandpit.

    The best part of the day was the St George children's museum. It was perfect for all ages and we had so much fun. We were each $5 and spent a few hours there exploring and doing imaginative play. We all put a dinosaur together and Josh even spent some time putting together pipes for a ball to go down.

    To top of the fun, the museum is on a square which had a fun water play. Even though it was only like 18/64 degrees or so the kids got in and had a blast. The sun was shining so it made it more enjoyable.

    Last night was a bit cold for sleeping so we stopped off at another Wal-Mart. We got more food and the last of the camping gear that we need. Elisa feels like we are always shopping but we don't have much t9om for food so we only have a few days of food with us at a time. This shop also included wood for a fire and marshmallow sticks for Smores.

    The evening turned a bit windy so we ate dinner at the clubhouse of the KOA camp ground Brandon got to play some pool. After dinner the wind stopped so the fire sounded possible other than rain came in.

    As Elisa writes this the rain has gotten a bit stronger. We are in bed reading books and staying warm. We haven't had rain in this tent yet so we don't know how well the water will stay out. We have moved everything from the sides and we are a bit squashed.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    Snowy canyon state park & Red Cliff Rec

    April 20, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    Today started out chilly and wet. It was a cold night and the rain hit down on and off all night. The tent lasted and nothing was wet inside. The tent keeps impressing us that we may just need to bring it home with us. The 2nd sleeping bag was a needed by yesterday for the cold night.

    As it was rainy, going to Zion National park was not going to happen as planned. We started at the Red Cliffs Desert Visitor Center. It was a really informative small center with tortoises, tarantula and lizard called a gilamonster which is rare to see.

    On the recommendation of the visitor centre we went up to Snowy Canyon and drove around. It was rainy and cold so the kids didn't get out of the car much but Josh and Elisa got our here and there for photos. There was one walk which Elisa was keen to do with the kids, and the weather wasn't horrible. We layered up with jackets and hats and took a mile hike tp Jenny's Canyon. It was beautiful and perfect walk for the kids. We also were shielded from the rain and the wind and was able to enjoy what we have found.

    We left the canyon and had a cute lunch back into the town at the crepery. The day was starting to look better and the rain has stopped and the sun was slowly peaking out.

    Inara had her nap in the car and our last stop was the red cliffs recreational area. This was a highlight for us all. We were supposed to hike to a water fall but there was no water fall, and we kept going which meant scaling up the rock face. We even had to use a rope and dig our heels into holes for feet. Brandon did awesome and Josh did it all with Inara on his back. It was a busy area and there was many people to help us with the kids and we even met one couple who took photos of us and videos, and later sent them to us by email.

    All and all it was a great day for the entire family.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    Bryce Canyon

    April 23, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    This is an amazing place and should be on the must see for everyone at some point. The day itself was struggle and one of the hardest days with the kids.

    It took us forever to get into the park,get a junior ranger booklet, get a shuttle and then finally to point 2, where Brandon had to listen to a geology talk to get his ranger badge.

    Bryce is different than the rest of the Colorado platue, as an ordinary process,the tectonic plates moving, 15 million years ago made extraordinary results due to the altitude of the canyon and leaving the hoodoos rock formations. It is no longer really a canyon anymore either.

    Bryce is small compared to some of the other national parks and it is able to be seen in a half day. We decided to hike the canyon, and took the sunset trail to sunrise trail along with Navajo trail. It was about 3 miles and it was down hill into the canyon and then back up.

    If it wasn't for kids (or Brandon), it would have been a fairly nice hike but it was a struggle for brandon. There was tears, tantrums and lots of complaining. No bribing worked this time. He made it though and we saw the beautiful national park.

    Brandon completed his ranger book and got his 3rd ranger badge. He also had 10 stickers on his rewards chart from various rewards for helping out and such so he was able to get a walking stick for future walks.

    That night we had a nice home cooked chicken dinner and even saw some deer at dinner time. We had an early fire and smores.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    To Salt Lake city, Utah

    April 25, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Today we left Bryce Canyon area and made our way to Salt Lake City.

    Before we headed off we stopped at moss cave trail outside of the Bryce Canyon National Park.

    We had a small walk to a waterfall. Brandon had a bit of a fall and scraped his leg and arm but he was a strong boy and kept going. We did not go and see to cave and brandon wanted to clean up his scratches.

    We had a 4 hour drive. We stopped in a little run down town called Scipio where we were lucky enough to find a picnic table. The drive into the city is beautiful. Just mountains and more mountains with snow caps that are slowly disolving as the sun beats down on them.

    While we are in Salt Lake we are staying with a old highschool friend Carla and her family.

    Carla made us a lovely Puerto Rican dinner that the kids loved and had second and third helpings.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    Antelope Island park and The Salt Lake

    April 26, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    We had a lovely nights sleep in Carla and Wallys apartment. Brandon slept in the big kids room on his blow up bed.

    Isla and Raffie got a day off of school and the whole gang of us went to see Antelope Island State Park.
    Antelope Island is the largest of the Salt Lake islands and is surrounded by the Great Salt Lake. The Salt Lake is the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River.

    It was as warm day and visiting the island and seeing the lake was great, minus the biting gnats which just hatched. We saw pronghorn Antelope and 11 wild Bison that roam the island. We spent time walking out to the lake and feeling the hard rock\sand. We had lunch at the small grill on the island.

    Back at the apartment the kids soaked in the sun with water balloons and scootering. That night we also had smores at the cute public bbq\park area that the complex provides.

    Later that night Carla and elisa had free time and went to a local bar that had live reggae music. The bartender explained that in Utah, the draft beer can only have 3.2% alcohol while the canned\bottled beer can be any percentage. The state also recently moved the driving limit to .05 from .08 as well. You also can only buy liquor and wine in a liquor store. The wine also is very expensive here.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    Wheelers heritage farm, hiking & fun

    April 27, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Today was pretty relaxing. Josh and elisa took the kids to a heritage farm which was only a few minutes from the apartment. They got to see farm animals, ride on the moo train, and played on the playground.

    Once the kids got home from school Carla took us all to a hike up in Little Cottonwood Canyon, checking out Lisa Falls. The drive there was only 20 minutes but the view of the Mountains waa amazing. Salt Lake City is a in the plateau of numerous mountain ranges. Some of the peaks still have snow on top and is just breathtaking. The day was a high 80\25 degrees so the waterfall was very fast and high due to all the snow melting.

    The hike was quick and steep and came right to the falls. As it was higher than usual, getting across to the center area meant to take shoes off and walk across the very cold water, or step on the rocks very carefully.
    Inara and brandon loved climbing all over.

    After the hike we went straight to dinner, which was at Classic Fun Center. This massive play place was overwhelming. The kids had a choice of skating\scootering, jumping on bouncy castles, jungle\climbing area that was the whole venue, Arcade games, a laser tag area and more. It was nuts. Brandon choose the scooter and bouncy area. He was in heaven. We had pizza and Inara just watched the kids scooting and skating. We didn't leave till 9pm.

    The night didn't finish there, as when we got back to the apartment, Wallys had his large family over to watch the Utah Jazz basketball team play in a play off game. Player number 2 is Australian too. It was a loud night with lots of Spanish being shouted from Wallys and his Puerto Rican family.

    Carla and Elisa left the apartment again and got a drink at the Wasatch brewery in the sugarhouse area of the city.

    Salt Lake is much smaller than we realized. We think that the name sounds like a big city, but the greater area is only over a million and is the same size as buffalo, New York. It is also warmer in the summer than expected, having summer days higher than 100. Cold is below freezing but they don't get tons of snow.    Read more

  • Elisa GattiDriving across the USAElisa Gatti

    Salt Lake City

    April 28, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Today we went into the city. Our family, Carla, kids and neice all went on the Utah traxx, which is the public transport system. It is like a tram as it is on the main roads and has frequent stops.

    It was another warm and sunny day and the tulips in the temple of the Mormon church were gorgeous. We had a talk around the busy area and the kids were drawn to the numerous fountains in the complex. We didn't go into any of the buildings as a combination of 5 kids, a busy area and a nice day would have been stressful for us all.

    We then walked a few blocks to a developing retail area that has a splash pad. The splash pad was surrounded by fake grass and chairs for us to sit in. Around the area was cute little ponds surrounded by rocks to look like they natural environment.

    Brandon got soaked right through playing in the splash pad. Inara got undressed and ran around with her white body soaking in the sun but did not go into the water. She finally decided she liked the ponds but we were told by the security guards that they are not for kids to play in.

    We had our picnic lunch there and was there for an hour or so before we headed back to the apartment.

    We had an early dinner compared to the last few nights. Carla grilled hot dogs, chicken drums with BBQ sauce and chicken and vegetables skewers and we finished off with more s'mores. Carla has also introduced us to using peanut butter Reece's cups rather than Hershey's with the s'mores and we may never go back to original s'mores again.

    The stop here in Salt Lake visiting an old friend was great. It was nice to be in reality a bit, having conversation and the kids being able to play with other kids. Carla, whom Elisa has known since 7th grade or so and hasn't really seen her in for about 15 years or so, and at points haven't talked in years (but thanks to FB has reconnected) opened up her apartment, took off work and cooked us amazing dinners. Her kids were also accomodating. Isla slept in her brothers room Raffi and Franco, while Josh, Elisa and Inara used her room and brandon slept on the floor in the boys room as well. It was a perfect visit and we are very appreciated with the hospitality (and letting us so all our never ending laundry).

    Utah is a lovely state, has so much to offer and the people around the area are a bit friendlier than other places visited. We will definetly have Salt Lake on our visits again back to the States and maybe we can get a chance to snowboard on the majestic mountains that make Salt Lake City so unique.

    Tomorrow we are back on the road and more hiking to come.    Read more

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