So back to the trip...
I left Houston a day later than scheduled, which made the momma happy and let me goof off for one more day in Houston. Friday morning I got an early start and left Houston at about 7:30am. I stopped off at the World-Famous-Even-Though-YOU'VE-Never-Heard-Of-It OakRidge Smokehouse west of Houston and picked up some yummy snacks and the best pecan roll I've ever laid lips on.
In one amazing day I managed to get through west Texas, which is pretty much nothing but sand until El Paso which made me happy to not live there. I did see the Davy Crockett Monument in Crockett County and I did get pulled over for speeding by the Texas Highway Patrol (87 in a 75 = $121, but I deserved it), but overall Texas was uneventful.
After the never-ending stretch that was west Texas, I was finally in New Mexico which I cleared in about 2 hours, but not without enjoying the views and entertaining road signs reading "Prison in Area, Please Do Not Pick Up Hitchhikers". Um, duh. I also saw an actual road runner. it ran right across the road in front of my car. Go figure.
Arizona is beautiful, but it was getting dark and I had to make a decision whether to stay in Tuscon or try to push all the way to Phoenix. Against the momma's helpful suggestions on the unreliable cell phone, I decided to head all the way to he burning city of Phoenix where I was to stay with Roy, aka Mr. Fabulous. I slept on the best air mattress ever (sorry Manda) and went to a fab breakfast the next morning. Roy showed me the town and I showed him the real reason I didn't go straight to LA.....Last Chance. Last Chance is the Nordstrom outlet outlet. Yes, twice. This is the stuff that didn't sell in the outlet, folks. Some trash, some deals...all fun. It was like they put a Nordies in the ghetto. $120 later I was a happy girl with some new shoes and plans to return.
I left Roy on Saturday and made track to the big hole that is the Grand Canyon to try and catch he sunset. I made it as far as the Grand Canyon Inn about 30 mins south of the GC and camped for the evening. The drive was breathtaking. I rolled the windows down and almost froze. At 7000 feet above sea level it was a weather wonder. The $89 per night GC Inn turned out to be worth the cash and was a very enjoyable sleep. I got to watch TV. Not a big deal to you, but I had been in the car with a DVD player and episodes of The Beverly Hillbillies and watching the Olympics was REALLY cool at this point.
I made it to the GC on Sunday. B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L. $20 for the National Parks Fee was TOTALLY worth it. The park was VERY well maintained, well signed and easy to navigate. The main attraction, of course, was the Grand Canyon. Indescribable. You really MUST go. Really.
After the GC, I took a little detour back east to see the Painted Desert where I found another big hole in the ground and took some more photos. Again, Fantastic scenery. SO worth the trip.
Made to to California late on Sunday night after another long drive that included a stretch on famous Route 66 and a greasy diner at the Roadkill Cafe. Yes, Really.
Stayed in Barstow, CA overnight at a lovely hotel that I won't remember the name of until the AMEX bill comes and hit the road early for LA.
LA was, well, LA. Hollywood was cool, but busy and I snapped pics going down the road. I managed to stop long enough to walk the stars and brush the leaves off of Queen's star then it was back in the car to drop it off a Matson, my shipper of choice.
MATSON IS NOT ON THE TOP OF LESLIE'S RECOMMENDATION LIST. This is the same company that called me 2 hours before the household container was supposed to arrive at the house for my stuff and let me know that they couldn't make it until next Tuesday. Matson sucked, but I lived and ended up with 7 bags of stuff to cart around LAX. NOT FUN. Checked with ATA for my ticket the next day and went to a FAB, FAB, FAB hotel near the airport.
Left early the next morning for Honolulu after a bump to first class and slept most of the flight. I was SO nervous to see my new home and my old hubby. :) The flight in was beautiful and seeing Matt was GREAT. Got leis from him and Will. Will's momma picked us up and we went to lunch. The rest is below in reverse order.
Thanks if you actually read all of that. I'm impressed I know that many words. What a trip. Literally. Happy to be, um, home.
Job interview with Max Studio today and Friday we find an apartment. Will update.
Oh! Matt took me to diner just after the photo below was taken and we sat next to and met our first celebrity, Jim Neighbors. Yes, folks, I met Gomer Pyle. Here's the photo. Live vicariously as needed.
Love you all!
Leslie
