Monday, February 12, 2007

The Long Version

Here's the schedule. We're starting bright and early Wednesday morning (this means 9 or 10) and driving up through Canada. We'll stop at a Dundas Conservation Area for some Canadian hiking and then drive down to Buffalo for a couple days with my grandparents and various aunts and uncles. Then drive a little further to Jamestown, New York for a couple days with my parents and friends.

Down through Pennsylvania with a quick stop overnight at a cheap little motel and then into Maryland and Virginia (stopping for a few hours to hike in Shenendoah National Park) to visit a high school teacher and his wife whom I haven't seen in ten years. I'm pretty excited about that visit.

South Carolina looks just warm enough this time of year for a two-day stop. (Not to mention, perfect to hike at Mount Rogers National Park.) I am always surprised at how easily it is to lose track of friends who you thought you would be close to and know forever, which is why this trip seems so meaningful to me. A chance to spend some seriously good time with friends I haven't had a chance to spend any time with in years.

OK. After SC we're driving straight through to Bradenton, Florida (maybe with a stop in Orlando to meet fellow blogger Jen?!) to visit hubby's Grandma for a night and then on down to Fort Myers for a few days with my favorite sister-in-law and her hubby!! Days at the beach, shopping and generally just vacationing. Ahhh.

Back up through Florida (stopping again at Grandma's for lunch) continuing to Atlanta and visiting my fabulous aunt (I'm so ready for a haircut, too! She always does the BEST!) and cousin. I'm been tempted with the possibility of stopping at IKEA. Our car is going to be so full. Good thing it's a wagon...

The very last stop is for two nights in Gatlinburg, TN. We've rented a cabin in the woods (complete with full kitchen, pool table, jacuzzi & hot tub!) and will be relaxing all by ourselves as well as doing some serious hiking in the Smokey Mountains.

And that is our trip. The only unfortunate part is that we have to go to work the very next day we get back, so hopefully that last bit is very very very relaxing!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Anne, Here are some simple ideas that don't take a lot of prep time.
Cleaned and sliced raw vegetables; grape or cherry tomatoes
Apples, oranges, bananas, grapes
Snack size dried fruit (such as raisins)
String cheese
Yogurts in a tube
Pretzels
Roasted soy nuts
Baked, flavored rice or popcorn cakes
Sugar free Jell-O cups / fat-free pudding cups (with plastic spoons)
Reduced fat cookies/crackers
Fruit juice boxes; mini cans of low-sodium V8 juice
Whole wheat bagels with light cream cheese (bring a plastic knife; slice bagels before leaving)
Sandwiches made with lean luncheon meats and lowfat cheese or hummus and fresh spinach
Enjoy your road trip and hope your visits with family and friends is a very special time for you both. Have a safe trip. Wish I could fit into one of your suitcases and ride along, sounds like a fabulicious time you have planned.

Michelle B said...

Oooh... we stayed in Pigeon Forge for our honeymoon and hiked in the Smoky Mountains... super fun! We did a nice - mid-effort trail to a waterfall - I'll do some digging to see if I can find the trail name. It's beautiful!

Carbon said...

Ooooh, sounds like a lot of fun coming your way. I'm jealous. I need to get away :) Soon hopefully! Have a great trip!

Hillary said...

HAVE FUN!!!

Jean said...

I hope this will be a grand adventure with Andy and that the two of you will find relaxation and have a blast together. What great memories you'll have!!!

Michelle B said...

I just checked and we hiked to the Grotto Falls but online it days that trail is closed due to mudslides - bummer. Enjoy your trip! And eat beef jerky - or turkey jerky.

Cheeky said...

We will miss you! Come back soon and thanks so much for the apron. Dan is making me take it off and hang it up--he will not allow me to sleep in it. I can't wait to wake up and cook something in style in the morning!

Ryan said...

Hi Anne -

I stumbled on to your blog and I must say I quite enjoy it. I hope that you have a great vacation. Sounds like you have a lot of things packed into short period of time. Good luck and enjoy.

Stop by my blog sometime!