The Perfect Roadtrip: Part Three

Part Three-Final: Las Vegas, Nevada to Conestoga, Pennsylvania.

We planned to travel to Arizona around July 4th so we could see the fireworks at the Grand Canyon. A great idea, however, with the drought, not possible to see any fireworks. The only thing grand about the trip was the canyon. For July 4th, we would have had to drive over 100 miles just to see a laser show on the 4th. We passed on the laser show, disappointed to not be home to see our awesome fireworks and cannon display, and instead enjoyed a dinner at Applebee's and went to see Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood at the local theater. Not what we were expecting for July 4th at the Grand Canyon.

The next day we kept driving in hopes of seeing the Pueblo's in Colorado, however, with the extreme drought that year, fires were prevalent, and we were not able to enjoy their beauty. Next trip I'll be taking advantage of that! We travelled onwards to Lima, Colorado where we spent the night at a KOA next to a creepy single guy. Not our best move.

Another suggestion that ties in with Las Vegas. If it doesn't seem right, move on or ask for a switch in your campsite or hotel room. Thinking back on it, who knows what could have happened to us, but thankfully, we only awoke to a downpour of rain, our soaked belongings and the guy was gone. We began our morning drying off and quickly packing up while feeling sorry for the bikers who were camping near us. They were never going to get dry that day. Fortunately, that was only 1 of 2 times it rained the entire trip. That was amazing to us, but also proof of the horrible drought suffocating the country.

Our next journey was a short one: a mere 5 hours to Kansas. At this KOA we enjoyed an awesome cool pool in the middle of nowhere. After a dip, we went to a local mall where we encountered our next big hit. Literally. My co-pilot inadvertantly backed into a brand new Lincoln. I freaked of course, with it being my car. Well, this stuff just happens. By then we were both just annoyed with being with each other for every minute of every day, but this just added fuel to the fire. Thankfully, the owner brushed it off, since there was little to no damage and we went on our way. The next morning I got the second speeding ticket of the trip. I now hate Kansas.

By the time we arrived in Saint Louis, Missouri, we were just tired...mostly of each other, but also in general. Once we got settled onto our campsite, we journeyed into the town of Saint Louis where we had heard about an air show taking place. It was awesome! It was a beautiful day, in a beautiful town, and just a nice change of scenery. For a little humor, it should be noted that apparently my shorts split at the bum and I exposed the entire Saint Louis air show crowd to my pink underwear. Embarressing nonetheless, but it definitely was funny!

The next morning, well rested and in much better spirits we explored the famous Saint Louis Arch. To get up to the top faster, we each rode in different cars. Of course, my co-pilot got in the car with the cute boys, while I got stuck with the a-typical dysfunctional American family. Fun. The view from the top was well worth the interesting ride there and you could see for miles. I was awe-struck.

Tip number, 2,000,013. Ask around! Don't hesitate to talk to strangers and locals during your trip. They will give you the best tips and advice to explore the town which they choose to call home. You will be suprised by all the fun things you can see and do from these tips!

From Saint Louis, our last stop before coming home was Columbus, Ohio. Although we could have stayed on the road another 6 hours to be home, we needed rest and thankfully chose that KOA to have it. They had beautifully cared for grounds as well as great amenities such as an awesome pool and showers. It was just what we needed to end the last part of our journey.

Coming home to little Conestoga was odd, especially having traveled around 8000 miles in 15 days. It was a quick, amazing, wonderful trip that I will always remember and cherish. Wherever your journeys take you, always remember to sit back, take in the scenery and enjoy the ride. Unfortunately, some places we visit may never be the same again. New Orleans is forever changed, and tragedy will strike again in the United States. So for now, enjoy your travels and take in every moment and every memory.