Brie and Auntie Me

Finally on Friday, we came out of the desert, cleaned off the sand, and went to town to see the Wilmore clan.  We hooked up with Brett, Peg, Joe, Brittany, Timmy,  SeungCheol (visiting foreign exchange student) and 2 of SeungCheol’s fellow students for a hike up to Bridal Veil Falls.

Douglas Springs

Hanging with Timmy in the desert

The day wrapped up with an insanely good meal at Takamatsu for Korean BBQ.   SeungCheol and the boys did a lot of the ordering so we assured to have the best.  Each table has a grill in the center where you grill your own meat and vegetables.  At our table, Tim, Brittany and Bernie (Brie’s best buddy) got all-you-can-eat sushi, Joe and I grilled up ribeye, pork belly, and marinated pork with all the Korean fixin’s.  We walked out stuffed.  Once the kids settled in for the night, Brett, Peg, Tim and I decided the best way to top an night of BBQ was a visit to Dunkin’ Donuts for a donut and a coffee.  All the calories burned during our week in the desert were replenished in one night.   We topped the  donuts with martinis at the Hideout.   The bouncers were very pleased when we offered them donuts from our supply on our way out.

Next day we packed up to begin our drive North.  Our ultimate destination is Park City for 429apalooza.  We are taking the leisurely route, with a 4 day side trip to Scottsdale to see Ann and Scott.   On our way, we stopped to take advantage of Scott’s Christmas present:  one session for Tim and I in a Skydiving Simulation Chamber.  Crazy.  Thankfully we had an instructor in there with us or we’d have been blown through the roof!

Tim's heading up

and up...

My turn

We'll learn this trick on our next lesson

The next stop on the journey towards snow and ice was Friday night  in Vegas.  We had to stop in to place some Superbowl bets.  We arrived to the Mandalay Bay parking lot at about 11 pm and walked into the casino.   5 hours later we returned to Frank only $30 dollars poorer (thanks to some offsetting wins at the black jack table), full of chicken and margs.

Vegas Stopover

Saturday morning, we hightailed it out of Vegas (1 night is enough!) and settled at our favorite camp spot outside of Hurricane.  In 20 hours we managed to squeeze in 2 bike rides down the JEM trail before driving to SLC.  We’ll spend the next 3 days with Jimmie and Keri Shell-Schwab before the 429ers arrive on Thursday.  Thank you to the snow gods who are ensuring that it will once again be an epic weekend!

 

Posted from Hurricane, Utah, United States.

A Bike Ride:


A Tarheel Win:



Posted from Scottsdale, Arizona, United States.

Sunrise Start

The trail is was designed by IMBA and completed over the past 5 years.  There are small sections that are not yet complete or involve jeep/ATV double-track, but these are less than 5% of the total mileage.  95% of the trail is singletrack, and it’s all good.  Even in the descent from 4,000 foot elevation start near Prescott, AZ to 2,000 feet end on the Carefree Highway north of Phoenix, there is still 5,000 vertical feet of climbing.

Finding Singletrack

It’s difficult to choose a favorite, but I would choose the section between Black Canyon City and Table Mesa (despite the significant climbing, which hurt on this ride).  The ‘Skyline’ section and descent to to the Aqua Fria river would be my recommendation.

Bumble Bee Trailhead - Mile 25

We completed the trip in 9 hours and 30 mins, with a little bit of daylight to spare.  We started at 7:30 a.m. and finished around 5:00 p.m.  Here are the statistics:

Total distance: 113.75 km (70.7 mi)
Total time: 9:31:05
Moving time: 8:20:36
Min elevation: 472 m (1549 ft)
Max elevation: 1276 m (4188 ft)
Recorded: 12/23/11 7:13 AM

68 Miles of Singletrack - Black Canyon Trail, AZ

Table Mesa Trailhead

Sunrise on the Black Canyon Trail

Posted from GRAND CANYON, Arizona, United States.

We’ll start with Hurricane and the 25 hour Frog Hollow Race. On November 5th, Tim, Noah, Sam, Gretchen and Brad banded together as team 9 Cloud Cycling for the world’s longest 1 day race held on Daylight Saving’s fall back day. When they made the decision to race in the warm comfort of a Jackson Hole September Indian Summer Day, no one predicted 30 degree temperatures in normally temperate Hurricane UT.

But no matter that snow was in the forecast, the race was to go on. Starting at 10 am, the first rider (Tim) ran the 100 yards toward his bike in a La Mans style start. Then for the next 25 hours, teams traded out riders in a relay around a 12 mile rocky, rolling 12 mile course. Teams range from 1 person, to 2 man up to 10 person corporate teams. The most popular division, the 5 person coed hosted 2 Jackson Hole representative teams.

9 Cloud Cycling, roared to 4th place out of 12 teams despite cold, flu and darkness. Fellow Jacksonites, Kurt, Jaclyn and Clint, joined us in the bitter cold temperatures with Team Honey Badger for an all night sufferfest.

Sam finishes his lap, looking good in pink

Gretchen heads out on the first of her four 12 mile laps

Brad sweeps the last lap

Noah's Morning Finale

Celebrating that it's done!

Abby, Juniper and I were “support”, ie doughnut, icecream cone, cowgirl.  Everyone did her part.

Abby and I show our Sweet Support

Wigged ladies, Juniper, Gretchen and I

What does this have to do with Canada?  To be continued….

Bozeman Montana and The Gallatin Valley (from camp)

Things have finally slowed down this week as we catch up with the preparation train.  The past few mornings we’ve had gorgeous cool summer sunrises in the mountains above Bozeman.  This morning a moose trolled by the van eating leaves and I couldn’t help taking some time to reflect on how extremely lucky we are to be outdoors so much.

Last week we celebrated Mary Lynn’s 40th birthday at Chico Hot Springs while finalizing details for the wedding.  Her birthday dinner was another absolutely beautiful evening in Paradise Valley punctuated by dramatic lightening storms.  Now that most of the plans are in place, we are getting very excited to have so many great friends celebrate with us in such a  beautiful and special place.

40th Birthday Champagne Toast @ Chico Hot Springs

Now is the time to absorb and enjoy the buildup to this celebration.  It’s going to get hectic, but that’s what makes it so much fun!  Don’t stop the Carnival!

Posted from Bozeman, Montana, United States.

It was a beautiful hot May day in West Virginia. The back of Nanny and Granddaddy’s house was decked out in new gardens and even a new walkway for our family processional. Ross and Brett never looked better in their 80’s stylish suits and feathered hair. We were all excited for the day. John had won us all over. As Brett recalls he had the coolest Fiat, the coolest dashiki and as a great volleyball player, he was a ringer at picnics. Most importantly he and Mom made each other really happy.

30 years later nothing has changed. John is still the coolest, and he and Mom are still really happy. Happy 30th Anniversary to you both. We love you!


Posted from Hurricane, Utah, United States.

We spent the next day enjoying amazing weather, working, eating fabulous Dan Burgers and relaxing with BJ, Lisa and the Staeblers.

Grillmaster Joe

Tuesday we hit the road again for the longest leg yet.  We were driving South to Prescott for my Dad’s birthday on the 26th.  We packed up Frank after the work day, said goodbye to everyone and drove off the Mesa towards Flagstaff.  5 hours later, we’d setup camp near the Sunset Crater National Monument.  By noon the next day, we were comfy working in the Prescott Starbucks.

That night we celebrated Dad’s 72nd with Lisa, Dad, cousins Amy and Russ and their entertaining and very  precocious daughters Holly and Annie.  It was the start of an awesome weekend of family get-togethers.  We relaxed in Dad and Lisa’s welcoming home, dined on Dad’s delicious grilling, and laughed at great stories.  My brother Brett joined us with Peggy and kids, Joe, Cypress, Brittany and Timmy on Friday and the weekend was full of people, sunshine, biking and the occasional jello shot.

Wearing the Colors

Dad

Lisa and Timmy Listen to Senator McCain

Wreaths from the Mothers of the Deceased

Prescott is one of Tim and my favorite towns.  It’s big enough to be interesting, small enough to be friendly and very patriotic.  On Sunday we joined the festivities.  The entire family drove out to the VA hospital to attend the Memorial Day celebration.  John McCain spoke to the crowd, commendating the Prescott WWII veteran who was being honored that day and reminding us to never take for granted the liberty we enjoy thanks to the sacrifices of so many.  It was a powerful speech.

Dad talks to Senator McCain

Joe and the Senator

Brett introduces himself

After the ceremony, we had an opportunity to shake his hand.  When Dad mentioned the Wild Weasels of Vietnam as he introduced himself, the Senator’s eyes lit up.  He pumped Dad’s hand while sincerely thanking him for his service.  It was tangible moment of connection and was an honor for us to watch.

Thank You Veterans

It was very reluctantly that we said goodbye Monday to make the long drive back home.  We’re leaving perfect 85 degree weather to drive to raining 50 degree Jackson.  We may even get a taste of snow.  I guess there is no place like home.

Posted from Prescott, Arizona, United States.

Birthday Boarding

He and Tim grabbed their longboards and skated to the Italian restaurant while Keri and I followed by foot beneath the darkening storm clouds.   We feasted on veal, salmon and piles of pasta.  Tim and I had lost a couple lbs from our earlier flu and this weekend we were destined to put it all back on and then some.  Charley and Amanda joined us midway through our meal and we had kicked back with wine and Bud Light (the restaurant’s only beer choice….we love SLC).

Stuffed, we walked across the street to Dick & Dixie’s for obligatory Birthday tequila shots.   By this time, the clouds had opened up and torrents of rain were flooding the streets.  The ladies opted for a car ride home, but Tim and Jimmie stuck with their original commitment and longboarded through 3 inch puddles to get back home.

Lucky!

The next morning, we got an early start.  It was Trish Hauschild’s graduation from the University of Utah Medical School and we knew there would be a fight for seats.  We arrived just in time to join Jimmy H, his mom Anne, sister Janice and brother Mike and nephew Nicholas for the festivities.  3 hours later it was official – a Dr. Hauschild was in the house.  Next up is a surgery residency at the U.   Our friend Jahan is also a new surgical resident, heading to Mass General.  We had a lot to celebrate.

Doctors!

We piled in the car and headed up to Park City for the party.  Somehow the amazing Trish managed to not only graduate, but then put together a huge spread for friends and family.  We ate and toasted and ate and toasted the new docs.

Stuffed…again, we returned to SLC.  Jimmie Shell had an early flight to Virginia the next morning so we finished the night with bike ride around the park (girls biking – towing Tim and Jimmie on their longboards) and a low key bonfire.

Happy Hauschilds

Sunday morning was the first pretty day we’d seen since arriving to Salt Lake on Friday.  We put on our Sunday best and drove Frank to the Grand America Hotel.  Jahan’s family was throwing a huge brunch graduation celebration and we were invited as honorary Hauschilds.   This Salt Lake institution knows how to put on a brunch.  Sushi, lamb, waffles, prime rib, omelets, crepes, crab, shrimp, ceviche were just a few selections on the incredible buffet menu.  Did I mention the 3 foot tall chocolate fondue fountain?

It was a joyous and filling feast.

After our enormous meal and hugs all around, Tim and I said goodbye.  After this whirlwind dining fest in Salt Lake, we were traveling  back down to Gooseberry Mesa on our way to Prescott, AZ.  Before pointing Frank back down I15, we checked in with friends Dirk and Nicole for a quick hello on our way out of town.  Then it was back on the road for another 270 miles and another celebration.

Posted from Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.

Senor Diaz or El Diablo?

The next day we caught up with Rebecca, Dan, their daughter Sydney and a recovering Sam.  It was great to be back on the Mesa.  We retold tales of past trips where Vertical Media employees came down to celebrate springtime while it was still snowing in Jackson.  Senor Diaz, the unofficial (imaginary) mascot and good luck charm of the Mesa was alive and well.  The sun was warm and it was good to reconnect.

Tuesday we saw Senor Diaz’s nasty side – El Diablo.

Tim and I were working when Rebecca came by the van.  “It wasn’t the papaya”, she announced.  Dan was now sick and so was Sid.  Stomach flu had hit camp.  We placed orders of Gingerale with BJ and Lisa who were on their way up from Springdale.  By evening Rebecca was green too.   Tim and I greeted BJ and Lisa alone and had a quiet dinner while Dan and Rebecca stayed in bed.

Next day El Diablo dropped by Frank for a 24 hour visit.  By 10 am Tim and I canceled work and were flat on our backs.  It took 16 hours of sleep before we started feeling better.

Pre Sick

Once 75% of the camp was ill, BJ and Lisa wisely drew a clear (and actual) line in the sand.  Nobody crossed it and they remained healthy.  Thankfully the flu was short lived and the next day we were all cautiously eating again.  We celebrated non queasy stomachs with a batch of Carne Asada purchased from the Mexican Carniceria in Fruita.  For anyone traveling through Fruita, you MUST stop at this small authentic Mexican market for the best marinated steak in the area…tortillas are homemade that day too.

Finally Able to Eat Again

The next morning we bid farewell to our recovering Mesa friends and started driving north.  It was Friday and Jimmie Shell’s birthday.  We had dinner reservations for Jimmie’s favorite meal, spaghetti with red sauce, and we didn’t want to be late!

Posted from Hurricane, Utah, United States.

A Chilly Ride

By the time Saturday rolled around, it was chilly but clear and Wolste and Tim decided to take the 30 miles Edge Loop up and around the Book Cliffs.  They left at noon, assuring me they’d be back in about 4 hours.  After their ride we planned to go into town and join the Fat Tire Festival fun that evening.

Short Hauling down the Waterfall of the Edge Loop

I spent the afternoon riding closer to camp, climbing Chutes and Ladders and joining up with another group of ladies for the ride.  I got back to the car thinking that I’d be just in time to meet Tim and Wolste after their big loop.  4 o’clock turned to 5 and then 5 moved to 6 and I started getting really worried.  By 7:30 I was googling how to reach Search and Rescue and debating whether I should wait until after dark to call or not.  It was right about then when two mud covered riders rode back into camp.

Tim and Wolste had had a great first 12 miles before running into the mud bog.  It looked like it should be short so they hoisted their bikes over their shoulders and started to walk.  6 miles later, caked in heavy clay, they were finally able to climb back on and ride out the rest of the trail.  By the time they rolled into camp, they were exhausted and ready for dinner and then bed.

We missed the Fat Tire celebrations this year but that was the most appreciated meal we’ve ever had.

Guard Dog

Our next few days were full of work, rides and finally sunshine. By Monday we’d settled into the best camp at the Book Cliffs and started to gather more Jacksonites.  This weekend 8 ladies of JH are racing together in the Fruita 18 Hour Race and folks were starting to move south. First Jaclyn and Kurt joined us and then BJ and Lisa pulled into camp.

Fruita = Biking

Sam Grins during Zip

Flying

Wolste Downhill

We hadn’t seen BJ and Lisa for 18 months and stories flowed.  BJ brought a helmet cam ( the Go Pro Hero) with him and he shot some amazing footage of bike rides over the following days.  Below is Tim riding one of the hairiest rides in the Book Cliffs, the steep, exposed Zippity Doo Da Trail.  (Music is inspired by the camera’s classic name).

Desert Riding

By 2 pm, we’d reached Moab and met up with Jimmie Shell in the parking lot of City Market. Moab was rocking. This town knows how to market itself, and every weekend throughout the spring is a hot rod rally, Jeep safari or Hummer extravaganza. This weekend was the Classic Car Show and every make and model of American vehicle from the 50′s to the 70′s paraded up the streets.

The La Sals in the Distance

We decided to escape the mayhem of town and camp at one our favorite outposts on Willow Springs Road, 6 miles from town. This BLM tract of land is a great spot for free, spacious camping with great views of Arches National Park in the distance. We wound up and down all the 4 wheel drive roads until we finally found a spot tucked away in a wash.   Here we settled in with burgers and margaritas and made ourselves at home for a night by the campfire.

Sunday was cool but sunny morning and we got our bikes ready. We were headed to Porcupine Rim, one of Moab’s most acclaimed bike trails. With 5 miles of uphill and 10 miles of technical downhill, it’s a local favorite. We started riding at noon and by 2 had reached the top. I was feeling pretty nervous about the next 10 miles of rocky drops and steep pitches that I remembered from my rides 10 years earlier. Tim and Jimmie were fabulous though. They stuck with me for the entire downhill, showing me the best lines and how to drop the foot high ledges without shooting over my handlebars. For me, the ride is still scary, but at least it wasn’t terrifying…which in the scheme of things is a huge improvement.

Impatiently Waiting for Post Biking Burgers

Monday and Tuesday were work days, but thanks to the Wilson Booster, we were able to get strong cell service to stay put in our sandy site on Willow Creek. Monday evening fellow Jacksonites, Wolste and Hillary, joined our camp and we celebrated their arrival with spaghetti and horseshoes.

Windy Days

By Wednesday, our blue skies came to an end. We’d watched a huge storm approach from the Pacific and our red sand campsite was about to turn into a wet mucky mess. We packed up and turned back to town for the work day. We found the Wake and Bake Coffee Shop who put up with us all day. Jimmie drove home and Tim and I spent the evening cleaning Frank, washing clothes and shopping for the next few days, while Wolste drove East for a new and less messy campsite.

Really?

It was a good thing too. This morning we woke up to the unusual April sight of snow in the desert. Fortunately we were on good hard packed ground and easily left with Frank to our final destination for the week, Fruita CO. Here we’ll stay for the next few weeks, biking, working and biking…as soon as the snow stops!

Desert Morning Ride

McDowell Mountain located just outside of Fountain Hills, AZ (home of a towering 300 foot fountain that goes off every hour in the middle of the desert) put us right in the middle of some truly great mountain bike trails. Tim began riding nightly 20 milers in preparation for the Fruita 18 Hour Race he’ll be riding in this May. My treks were shorter but still very fun. In fact I experienced a bike riding break through thanks to unexpected inspiration. As mentioned earlier, McDowell Mountain is home to a ridiculously high population of Western Diamond Back Rattlesnakes. This guy slithered right through our campground and settled into Frank’s shade one afternoon.

Diamondbacks

Well on one particularly long ride I stopped my bike. There 10 feet in front of me was a 3 foot rattler, relaxing across the trail. I threw some pebbles trying to scoot him along his way, but he completely ignored me. 5 minutes later he was ready to go and slowly crossed the trail. Well I knew I had 7 miles left to go on some particularly tricky terrain, and I was a little nervous. As good mountain bikers will tell you, the key to mountain biking is looking ahead and staying on your bike instead of walking through technical challenges. I am not a good mountain biker – but that rattlesnake was the best thing that ever happened to my riding. My eyes were glued to the trail 20 feet ahead of me…and there was no way I was putting a foot down near one of those ankle biters. It was a great ride.

The following week we were back at Ann and Scott’s where we relaxed and enjoyed the good company. Our last night together we headed into Tempe for some well reviewed Mexican at Macayos. Dinner was complimented by our 4 enormous ceramic Margarita chalices. Consuela, Phillippe, Hector, and Manuel accompanied us home that night and will be making their way to Jackson for future outings.

Macayo's Depot

Wednesday we finally packed up our things and began our journey north on the Carefree Highway. Tim tuned the Zune to some Gordon Lightfoot to pay tribute. Our next destination was Prescott AZ to visit my Dad and his beautiful bride Lisa.

On the way we stopped at Black Rock Canyon which Tim had heard a few reports about. It’s 23 miles of hand carved singletrack climbing 3000 feet through the desert, north of Phoenix. He only had time for the first 8 mile loop but he pedaled off into cactus covered hills with high expectations. 90 minutes later he was back and proclaimed it the Best Single Track in the West. This is a serious compliment from Tim. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so psyched about a trail. This is a MUST DO for any biker passing through.

Sunset - Black Rock Canyon Trail, Phoenix AZ

After his bike ride, we drove the final hour to Prescott to see Dad and Lisa. We were treated with delicious food and congratulatory engagement cake – now that’s a welcome. Though we considered staying the night in Frank, they wouldn’t hear of it. The temperature was dropping to 29 that night and we were glad to be inside. We’d been in 92 degrees 4 days later and our wussy blood is thin.

This morning we actually woke up to the first snow we’ve seen in 12 months. After some near misses this winter we’d managed to stay south of the snow line all year until we hit Prescott AZ. Ah well our perfect record was worth losing in order to spend 2 terrific days with Dad and Lisa.

First Snow 2010

Tonight we’re on the road again, this time off to Moab UT where we’ll meet Jimmie Shell tomorrow to ride Porcupine Rim. Next stop is Fruita CO where we’ll spend most of May. Then it’s home to Jackson for a few months. After thinking where we wanted to spend our summer, we realized there was no place more beautiful then our own front yard!

Let's Ride - Monument Valley!

]]> http://everyday.bechelbronn.com/2010/04/24/carefree-highway/feed/ 0 http://everyday.bechelbronn.com/2010/04/13/hot-finally/ http://everyday.bechelbronn.com/2010/04/13/hot-finally/#comments Wed, 14 Apr 2010 05:24:45 +0000 Mary Lynn http://everyday.bechelbronn.com/?p=3107 Tim and I wanted HOT and after 3 months of travel through semitropical climes, we finally found it in Arizona.   With temperatures in the low to mid 80′s every day, we are staying put for a while.

Sizing up the Cacti

First we dropped in on Tucson where we spent [...]]]> Tim and I wanted HOT and after 3 months of travel through semitropical climes, we finally found it in Arizona.   With temperatures in the low to mid 80′s every day, we are staying put for a while.

Sizing up the Cacti

First we dropped in on Tucson where we spent a day with my brother Brett and his wife Peg.  We barbecued (delicious high point), watched the WVU Mountaineers suffer a crushing defeat in the hands of Duke in the Final Four (ugly, hair tearing out, gnashing of teeth low point), and then bounced back with a late night sharing baby pictures, new music and great stories (much redeeming high point).  After an Easter Cowboy Omelet the next morning, Tim and I continued on to Scottsdale to see Ann and Scott.

Full Size

We always look forward to our visits with Ann and Scott and whenever we get together it’s like no time has passed.   They have rented a beautiful house in Scottsdale and Tim and I easily settled into a routine of working, breakfast all together catching up, more work (preferably in the sunshine by the pool), a bike ride exploring the miles of desert trails just a mile out the door, and then a yummy family dinner.   After so much travel, it is like coming home.

Endless Desert

After a week relaxing, we decided to explore the nearby McDowell Mountain Regional Park.   Just on the other side of the mountains from Scottsdale, McDowell is a beautiful, even lush, desert environment.  Twenty foot cactuses dot the hills and this spring, the flowers are in full bloom.  We were unprepared for the exotic pollen that hung in the air and our allergies let us know.  But regardless of our runny noses, we managed to enjoy every moment of the miles of single track bike trails that wind up and down over desert washes.

Watch for Snakes!

Known for it’s sweet singletrack biking and unusually large population of Diamond Back Rattlesnakes, McDowell is place to both enjoy and be very vigilant.  So far we’ve seen 3 rattlesnakes of various shapes and sizes.  When I asked the Park Ranger if there was any chance that the 3 foot long tan snake I’d seen sunning in front of the ladies restroom door wasn’t poisonous, she assured me that it probably was.

“great…” I said.

“It’s okay”, she said, “we have very low incidents of snake bites despite being one of the largest pockets of rattlesnakes in America.  And the good news,” she added cheerfully, “is that we have very few scorpions!”

Thank goodness for small favors…

So we ride and work and ride and make sure the doors are shut at night.  It’s good living here in gorgeous AZ.

View Rattlesnake Road in a larger map

Rattle Snake Road – 2 Snakes 1 Ride

Live Music Capital of the World

Even at 2 pm, music poured out onto the street from the 80 bars that showcase new talent. We had been concerned that we may not get into venues if we didn’t have SXSW Music Badges, but we quickly learned that we’d been wise to save our money. Rarely did we ever pay a cover, much less be blocked from the shows.    The 5 of us started the afternoon walking Austin’s famed 6th Street and then retired for the NCAA opening round in Champions Sports Bar. We called the day early, knowing that the weekend would be busy.

Gettin' Wild in TX

Friday morning we relaxed with several fine Austin Lone Star RV Park Breakfast Tacos and then bussed downtown mid afternoon.  It would be our first full night of music and we couldn’t get enough. The night was warm and open aired bars played until 2 am. We visited the bikini clad waitresses at….well, you guessed it…Bikinis, we went to Maggie Maes where 4 stages all play different genres, but really enjoyed the scene at the Blind Pig Pub. Here we saw one of our hightlights, Citizen Icon. Keri, Jimmy and I danced while Jimmie and Tim watched the many upsets of the Tourney in the back. The bar is the second floor with just a sheet of canvas overhead and you are dancing under the stars.

Birthday Crew at The Pig

As the night grew later we saw great bluegrass at Dublins, and then wound up at the LOUD and raucous Emos. By 2:30 am we were standing on the corner curb vying with 2,000 others for cabs. Jimmie came through by flagging down a gypsy cab, who whisked us back to the RV Park in her private car. It was actually a much more pleasant ride than your standard cab.

New Arrivals

Though Sunday was the official Birthday Day, the celebration began Saturday afternoon as we eagerly awaited Kevin Frazier and Mark Weiser’s arrival for their 24 hours in Austin. With the power of geomapping we could watch their travels towards Austin on a minute by minute basis. By 3:00 we were all together. The weather had turned and things had gotten chilly, but bundled up in our down we were back on the town. We proceeded to go BACK to Bikinis, perhaps not a surprise, and then make our way bar by bar to Stubbs BBQ for Tim’s birthday dinner. Stubbs was a madhouse. After an hour wait we finally made it into the dining room. There we had a the most amazingly rude waitress and watched as her manager asked a table to leave because they’d taken so long. The food was delicious, but the service was atrocious and when it was time for the bill we couldn’t believe we’d been autograted 18%.

I am typically pretty generous but I had to speak up. I went to the manager and asked her to remove the tip.  She did, and in the meantime told me their tale. Stubbs is one of the most popular BBQ joints in downtown Austin. They had a line out the door for hours and meanwhile Bill Murray sat in the bar waiting for a table.  So she’d gone from table to table trying to uproot them to seat the famous comedian.  She was afraid for her job if she didn’t get him his table.  Meanwhile Bill left, most the patrons were angry and she was at her wit’s end.  By the time she’d finished I ended up leaving 20%.  Yes, I am a sucker, but that is a downright bad night. This is SXSW.

Michael Monroe

Meanwhile our night had just gotten started. Tim and I had briefly lost everyone and had no cell power left. We walked the 4 blocks back to the van in order to plug in and find out where everyone had gone. I guess we all had the same idea. 5 minutes later we were all reunited at the van, got on more warm clothes and went back out to the party. Bands led to more bands and we ended the night with Michael Monroe, an androgenous long haired heavy metal saxophone player who bounded from the top of the bar, back to the stage, to the top of the 6 foot tall speakers with vigor. Surrounded by great friends, there was no better way to ring in Tim’s 40th.

And More Michael Monroe

The next morning we were all pretty beat. We rousted each other out of bed and made our way downtown to Moonshiners. Here for $16 you can get everything from Belgian waffles to green chile cheddar grits to corn flake fried chicken to egg taco casserole. Even Weis who is not a breakfast eater found plenty to fill his plate. After brunch and a $3.00 Bloody Mary, we started to feel human again.

Weis says Go Heels...

Tim’s birthday was then spent doing what he likes best, watching basketball in fun sports bars followed by a whole mess of burgers at one of Austin’s finest burger joints.  Though our picks are a disaster following the games, it was an amazing day.

Cowboy Impersonator

But a Real Sheriff

Monday we reluctantly said goodbye to everyone.  Tim and I then drove out to McKinney State Park to quiet the ringing in our ears. With the exception of getting some new leaf springs on Frank and a terrific lunch with Laura Hancock, we’ve stayed holed up in our peaceful campground.  As fun as it is to party like a 20 year old…40 ain’t so bad either!

Sugar White Sands

We spent our week working through the chilly mornings and enjoying evenings outside at our campsite.  We rode our bikes out to Grayton Beach to take in the sparkling white sand.  Friday would be our day out on the town.   While I was busy taking a new website live, Tim did errands around the town of Destin.  As his 40th birthday approaches, he had to get his eyes checked for a new driver’s license.  It was no surprise when the optometrist wrote him a small prescription for his first pair of glasses.  Tim isn’t quite ready yet for his new moniker “Four Eyes Bradshaw” but it’s just a matter of time.

Beach Time

After his eye check, we returned to home where we settled in on the beach for the afternoon.  The weather was only about 55 but the sun was warm and we soaked in the vitamin D and flew the kite.

After a beautiful red sunset, we rode our bikes to the local favorite, The Red Bar.  Even during the offseason, this place is packed.  Filled with red furniture, red lights, red suede, and red cheeks, it is an experience.  Tim and I sat at the bar and ate blackened snapper and crab cakes.  The cheddar cheese grit cake that served as a bed for the fish was so delicious, we ordered another for dessert.

All Red

While we dined, we met many of Grayton’s extremely friendly down-to-earth residents.   This is another place to go on our shortlist of locations to return to.

Saturday morning we packed up again and began our 5 hour drive west.  We were leaving Florida for good.  After 2 months in the chilliest winter on record, our Florida experience was not what we envisioned it would be.   But even without the typical 80 degree weather, we enjoyed every second of our time here.

By 3:30 Saturday afternooon, we’d pulled into the New Orleans Airport to pick up  Casey.  She’d flown in 2 days early for a business trip and we were going out to experience New Orleans.  We first started our adventure finding our campspot….French Quarter RV Resort.

Every time we drove into our new home for the next 4 nights, we cracked up.  Right on the edge of the French Quarter, in downtown NO, just 50 yards from the gravesite of voodoo queen, Marie Laveau, we parked Frank.  From the street, FQRV barrier walls blend perfectly with the exterior of the neighboring 1789 St. Louis Cemetery.  Inside we were treated to the nicest RV park we’d seen on our trip.   Sure Highway 10 buzzed loudly overhead, but the granite bathrooms, and tiled hottub stole our hearts.  A 5 minute walk to Bourbon Street sealed the deal.  We’d found a home.

On the Half Shell

Saturday night, the three of us walked down to the heart ot the French Quarter making a pact to not separate for the evening.  It was 6 pm.  10 hours later, the three of of us walked home- never separate and full of tales.  We kicked the night off with a  Hand Grenade.  Next we ate 3 dozen oysters with Perry the Oyster Shucker at the Bourbon Oyster House.  From there we traveled back to our favorite Old Absinthe House for a round of the formerly illegal drink.  Here we heard about Fritzel’s, the best place on Bourbon Street for Jazz.  On our way we stopped into Cats Meow for some hilariously questionable Karoake.

Absinthe Traditions

Testing it out Ourselves

Bourbon Street Late Night

When we got to Fritzel’s, we were led to the front of the house to the only free chairs in the room.   We soaked in the smoke and music, feeling we reached the heart of New Orleans culture.

Real Jazz

The band finally called it quits and it was now time for more food.  2 Gyros later, we cruised into a cabaret for dancing.   By the time the clock struck 4, we finally decided it was time to go home.   We walked out onto Bourbon Street and it was still packed.  New York isn’t the only city that never sleeps.

Just an Average Saturday Night

Sunday morning we rolled out of bed at 9.  Even with 5 hours of sleep, we knew we needed to rouse ourselves.  We had reservations at Brennans, and this was not to be missed.

Brennans

Brennans is a New Orleans cornerstone.   Tim’s grandparents had come here in 1965 and gotten a menu with the handwritten recipe for Brennans signature creation Bananas Foster by the Chef.  Sylvia and Leroy followed their footsteps and had a cookbook signed in 2004.  On Sunday, Casey, Tim and I sat down for the best breakfast of our lives.

What to Choose?

This is the kind of place that breakfast is a 3 to 4 course affair.  We started off with oyster stew and baked apples, followed with eggs hollandaise over sausage, mushrooms and tomatos respectively and then followed by 3 plates of Bananas Foster.  We had brought the menu and cook book which Tim’s grandparents had purchased 50 years before.  Lazone Randolph, the current executive chef, added his signature.  He’d just started in the kitchen in 1965, right out of high school.  It’s that kind of a place.  From the Chef to the attendant in the washroom, everyone had been there for decades.  It was an amazing experience.

Flaming Banana

When we wobbled full of food, out the door, the Smoking Time Jazz Band had set up in the middle of the street.  We stopped and listened to the music…..entranced.

Next we decided we should see some Bayou.  We drove to the Jean Lafitte National Preserve.  We walked past cypress knees shrouded in spanish moss, hidden water moccasins and alligators, and a pack of raucous boy scouts in the exotic wilderness.  We ended a perfect Sunday at the Acme Oyster Bar.  No matter the time of day, the temperature, or the number of people in town, the Acme Oyster Bar has a line.  We waited 45 minutes just out of curiousity.  What could be so good?

Down On the Bayou

We found out, it was 3 things: the people who waited on you, the food, the people who waited on you.  This was not elegant dining, but it was one of the most outstanding experiences you could have over a plate of food.  We sat at the Oyster Bar and were helped by Magic, a gold toothed oyster shucker who charmed everyone within 15 feet.   His shucking partner, Hollywood, told us the story of the origin of the enigmatic phrase “Who Dat”.  I would relay that origin here…but I could only decipher about every 3rd word through his thick Cajun accent.  It remains a mystery to this day….

We were exhausted by our 2 long days and we called it an early night while Bourbon Street continued to rock.

Mother's World Famous Ham

Monday was a work day for all 3 of us.   The beautiful weather had blown away for a blustery rainy day.  We finished up our cuilinary tour of New Orleans with another cornerstone of dining.  At Mother’s we ate red beans and rice, etoufee, jambalya, ham and turnip greens and finished with bread pudding.   Amazing.

Tim and I had almost bypassed New Orleans, but thanks to Casey we changed our minds.  It ended up being one of the best weekends of our entire trip.