2023 Trip West

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Trip start
May 30, 2023
2023 Trip West Bill Kirschner
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Day 1
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 4:08 PM
🌧 82 °F
Altitude: 1,093 ft
United States Lathrop 39.545046, -94.27275639°32’42” N 94°16’22” W
First stop Emporia, Ks
May 30, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 82 °F
There is nothing special about Emporia. It is just a stopping point on our way to South Padre Island. We were going to stop at a candy shop in Smithville, MO, but one of my past scoutmasters, who I was going to see, got sick, so we stopped by the hospital instead. Dinner at Joe's KC Barbeque.Read more
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2023 Trip West Bill Kirschner
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Day 2
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 11:48 AM
☀️ 82 °F
Altitude: 1,060 ft
United States Blackwell 36.810477, -97.33768436°48’38” N 97°20’16” W
Day 2 on the road to Plano, Tx
May 31, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F
Woke up early and had a surprisingly awesome breakfast at IHOP. Now on the way to Plano to see my Niece, Mara, her husband Mike and their two kids, Max and Mila. After dinner we go on to Wacco, TX our stop for tonight.Read more
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2023 Trip West Bill Kirschner
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Day 3
Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 12:04 PM
⛅ 84 °F
Altitude: 725 ft
United States Fratt 29.521055, -98.3948829°31’16” N 98°23’42” W
Day 3 on the road to South Padre
June 1, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F
Had a great night sleep. Breakfast at the hotel, then off again to our first real destination, South Padre Island. We are stopping for a late lunch at a totally gluten free restaurant called the Lookout in Corpus Christi. It is on the water.. More about this later. Some traffic unusually heavy for mid morning.

Our late lunch turns out to be paradise on several levels: 1. It is right on the water. We are sitting on a deck, wind lightly blowing watching the boats. 2. This restaurant is dedicated gluten free which is extremely hard to find. Jill can have anything on the menu! Very fun!

We made it to South Padre!

Checked I and went to see some comedy acts. (Not so great, but it was free and we had fun. Then saw a nice fireworks display, and topped it off with a Pina Colada while listening to Clay Underwood. Off to bed now because tomorrow is another funday!Read more
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2023 Trip West Bill Kirschner
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Day 4
Friday, June 2, 2023 at 6:14 PM
🌬 82 °F
Altitude: 30 ft
United States South Padre Island 26.10151, -97.16879326°6’5” N 97°10’8” W
Day 4 South Padre Island
June 2, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 82 °F
This morning we went to a place called the Grapevine. Never had a shrimp omlette before. It was good. Went shopping for a SPI hoddie. Haven't quite decided yet. Had an ice cream then went for a walk on a most beautiful beach. Then off to Louies Backyard for an all you can eat seafood and prime rib buffet. Too stuffed to move!Read more
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2023 Trip West Bill Kirschner
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Day 5
Saturday, June 3, 2023
☀️ 84 °F
Altitude: 30 ft
United States South Padre Island 26.1015, -97.168826°6’5” N 97°10’8” W
DAY 5 Saturday, Funday!
June 3, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F
What an unbelievable day! Started out with breakfast at the Grapevine again. After a quick stop to purchase a couple of chairs, we jumped into the most amazing pool. The hot tubs were embedded in side the pool! We have never seen that before.

Then we went to the Gulf Beach and played with the waves for several hours.

We had dinner at the hotel and then jumped in the car to go dolphin watching.

This was the most amazing day! But best of all, I got to share it with Jill.Read more
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2023 Trip West Bill Kirschner
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Day 6
Sunday, June 4, 2023
🌧 82 °F
Altitude: 722 ft
United States Alamo Heights 29.479869, -98.46367229°28’48” N 98°27’49” W
Day 5 Driving to San Antonio
June 4, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 82 °F
Today was a driving day. Had breakfast at the hotel, packed and left. The traffic off the island was terrible and caused a long delay. Then another delay as we had to tell customs officers we were US citizens.

We arrived in San Antonio just before 5pm. Checked into the hotel and met some friends for dinner at a place called Bar B Cutie. Great food.

We went back to the hotel, unpacked the car, and relaxed, watching several episodes of The Good Doctor, Jill's favorite show.

We are hoping to pack alot into one day tomorrow.Read more
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2023 Trip West Bill Kirschner
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Day 7
Monday, June 5, 2023 at 7:48 PM
🌩️ 79 °F
Altitude: 748 ft
United States Alamo Stadium 29.465529, -98.47796929°27’56” N 98°28’41” W
Day 6 San Antonio River Walk
June 5, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌩️ 79 °F
Got up early, ate breakfast at the hotel, and walked to the river walk. Started out with a boat tour of the river walk. After the boat tour, we started on foot, looked at a few shops, and then meandered over to the Tower of the America's. 750 ft. Tall. Looks like a taller version of our space needle at the fair.

We had a wonderful lunch while the restaurant revolved, giving you a view of the entire city. This city was mostly built in the 1800s. Most of them are really old.

After lunch we did some more shopping, and then walked back to the hotel for a break, (I took a nap) and then found an amazingly authentic Mexican restaurant called Paloma Blanca just outside of town. It was super large, very busy, but the service was amazing as was the food!Read more
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2023 Trip West Bill Kirschner
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Day 9
Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 7:37 PM
🌙 88 °F
Altitude: 1,168 ft
United States Normal Junction 33.407143, -111.92640233°24’26” N 111°55’35” W
Day 8. On the road to Tempe AZ
June 7, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 88 °F
Today is our 36th anniversary. The drive to Tempe involved a bunch of cacti, sand and hills. We made it to tempe at about 2:30pm with the time change. Our home at the Embassy Suites for the next 5 days is absolutely beautiful! It even has a really cool desk for me to use on Friday when I will be working. (Jill will be busy that day at her convention.) We went to a place called the Keg and had an amazing anniversary dinner.Read more
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2023 Trip West Bill Kirschner
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Day 10
Thursday, June 8, 2023
☁️ 95 °F
Altitude: 1,194 ft
United States City of Tempe 33.384288, -111.92806133°23’3” N 111°55’41” W
Day 9 Scottsdale Az
June 8, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 95 °F
My dad's first cousin lives in Scottsdale and I have never met him or his wife. Huge loss! We pretty much spent the most wonderful day ever with them

We drove to their beautiful home and after an awesome visit, we left for the White Chocolate Grill for more visiting and an awesome lunch.

Then we had some time so they took us to Old Town. Nothing short of great. We went into many shops specializing in many areas from cowboy art to jewelry and everything in-between.

After more visiting at their home, we left to visit some friends while enjoying a great dinner. All and all a most memorable day.Read more
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2023 Trip West Bill Kirschner
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Day 12
Saturday, June 10, 2023
☀️ 99 °F
Altitude: 1,161 ft
United States Camelot Luxury Homes 33.364601, -111.92664433°21’53” N 111°55’36” W
Day 11 and 12
June 10, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 99 °F
Friday and Saturday could just go away as far as I am concerned. Jill was busy with her convention and I attempted to keep busy watching TV, etc. I had an appt to get our oil changed and I explored a mall in Scottsdale, I also worked Friday so that took up part of the day, but I started at 4:30am and finished at 1:30pm so much of the day remained.Read more
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2023 Trip West Bill Kirschner
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Day 13
Sunday, June 11, 2023
☀️ 93 °F
Altitude: 1,178 ft
United States Grace Bible Church 33.363587, -111.92650533°21’49” N 111°55’35” W
Day 13 Last day in Tempe
June 11, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 93 °F
We woke early and spent all morning at the Mesa Flea Market. They call it a "flea market" but everything is new. Unfortunately, we got kind of carried away, but had a blast. After that we met our friends, Rob and Linda for lunch at Portillos and had an awesome visit. Back to the hotel and then met Emmy and Corbin for dinner at a place called Nandos Mexican restaurant. Yet another great meal. ( When we get home it will be back to turkey sandwiches, oatmeal, and lots of treadmill time!) This was yet another great day!Read more
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2023 Trip West Bill Kirschner
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Day 14
Monday, June 12, 2023
⛅ 84 °F
Altitude: 2,162 ft
United States Flamingo Wildlife Habitat 36.116425, -115.17236436°6’59” N 115°10’21” W
Day 14 The road to Vegas
June 12, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F
Got up early again, packed the car, and we were on the road again! The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. The worst part of tempe was the price of gas. In some places over $5 per gallon!!!!

The Flamingo was amazingly large. I had to walk for over a block to get to the front desk. I was greeted by over 75 people waiting to check in! Luckily, they had self check-in kiosks.

After we dragged our luggage over 2 blocks to our room, we went downstairs to a restaurant called Bugsy and Meyers steakhouse. They told us it would be a 20 min wait, so we found a nature park (for lack of a better name). It was both interesting and beautiful.

The dinner failed to impress. The steak was raw and had to be sent back. Definitely a NWTM dining experience. (Not worth the money!)

Tomorrow is another day.Read more
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2023 Trip West Bill Kirschner
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Day 15
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
☀️ 90 °F
Altitude: 2,116 ft
United States Bracken 36.112332, -115.16744636°6’44” N 115°10’3” W
Day 15 Vegas
June 13, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 90 °F
So in case you didn't know, we are not big gamblers. We woke in the morning and took a walk to an awesome restaurant in the Paris hotel called Mon Ami Gabi. Both the atmosphere were amazing.

After breakfast we walked and explored more and played with a few slots.

At 2:00, we met Jill's uncle Marvin for an awesome late lunch at the Peppermill. Jill's fruit salad was a repeat from 6 years prior and it didn't disappoint. It was huge.
It was wonderful visiting with Jim and the food was fantastic!

After lunch, he dropped us off at the Athena Show Lounge just outside the strip. We got there over an hour early because I got the time wrong, so we played cribbage online while we were waiting. The show was called All Shook Up and starred Travis Allen as Elvis. It was a wonderful show with him singing all the favorites. We both really enjoyed it. Took a Lyft back to the hotel. We watched 3 episodes of The Good Dr because Jill is totally hooked on it and can't stop watching.Read more
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2023 Trip West Bill Kirschner
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Day 16
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
☁️ 81 °F
Altitude: 4,596 ft
United States Grand Junction 39.063956, -108.55073239°3’50” N 108°33’3” W
Day 16 Driving to Grand Junction
June 14, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F
After waking and packing, we left the hotel and went to Bagelma for breakfast.
The food was delicious and Jill got her gluten free bagel.

On our way to Grand Junction, CO, the scenery was nothing short of breathtaking. Also, breathtaking was the extremely high gas prices.

After we arrived in Grand Junction, we checked in to the hotel and then went to Applebee's. We met friends Lindsey and Daniel, who drove over an hour to meet us. We had a wonderful visit and learned a lot about the businesses they are building. Jill and I are voting them most likely to succeed!

We watched yet another episode of the Good Doctor, which completed another day.Read more
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2023 Trip West Bill Kirschner
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Day 17
Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 6:42 AM
☁️ 55 °F
Altitude: 4,993 ft
United States Longmont 40.167132, -105.1003740°10’2” N 105°6’1” W
DAY 17 Drive to Denver and Longmount CO
June 15, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F
We awoke early again and started the drive to meet Jills cousin and her family in a suburb of Denver called Greenwood. We ate at a place called Modern Market. We enjoyed visiting with Audrey, Will, and Zoh. After lunch we drove to our hotel in Longmount-Firestone area. When we got our stuff into the room, we set out to do some exploring. We visited some shops, but 15 puzzles, (we are puzzle-a-holics) and began searching for a place to eat. We stumbled upon a place called the Wing Shack. Now being gluten free, Jill (who loves wings) can hardly ever have wings because of the shared fryer situation. But this place cooked their traditional wings in a separate fryer. She was in absolute heaven and they were extremely tasty. The service was fantastic as well.

After dinner, we went back to the hotel and had some fun in the pool and hot tub.

Topping off the night with an episode or two of the Good Doctor and off to dreamlandRead more
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2023 Trip West Bill Kirschner
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Day 18
Friday, June 16, 2023 at 7:00 AM
⛅ 45 °F
Altitude: 7,556 ft
United States Fall River 40.376464, -105.51967940°22’35” N 105°31’11” W
Day 18 Estes Park, CO
June 16, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 45 °F
After breakfast, we started our drive to Estes Park. Saying that the scenery was breathtaking is a gross understatement. After parking the car, we started exploring the different shops which are in abundance there. We each got some souvenirs, and spent some time watching a glass blower It was extremely interesting. . Lunch was at the Notchtop Cafe which was very good. We took a ride on their bus/shuttle and also explored Mrs. Walshes' garden.Read more
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2023 Trip West Bill Kirschner
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Day 19
Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 5:25 PM
⛅ 77 °F
Altitude: 1,194 ft
United States West Lincoln Park 40.836739, -96.72260340°50’12” N 96°43’21” W
Day 19 Lincoln, NE
June 17, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F
We woke early again, had breakfast, and started the drive to Lincoln, NE. Absoutely nothing special about Lincoln, just a way point beginning our way home. The hotel which was a Radisson, was the worst of our trip. I thought Country Inn and Suites was a nice hotel, but not at all impressed. We originally wanted to go to Omaha to get one of those famous steaks, but we decided to stop a little closer with way cheaper hotels. (if only I had known). Anyway, we ended up going to A plac called Laslows in a historic downtown district called Haymarket. The area was just as impressive as the eatery. After we were done eating, we walked around the area for a while. Then back to the hotel, a couple of Good Doctor episodes, and time to call it a day.Read more
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Trip end
June 18, 2023