Pre Dive
We pulled up to Lanesville Shores and as Pete and Chris were deciding where to anchor, Laurant yells that he has just seen a whale. Of course, we looked at him like he was nuts. We were 30 ft offshore. The area where he saw it was just over some rocks by the mouth of Foley Cove. Laurent is swearing up and down that he has seen a whale so we look at each other and say let's go see if he did.
Off we went to find the whale. We are about 50 yards further out from the mouth of the cove. We have all taken an area to check. Then the shouts, "Whale". It was dead ahead. Only a portion of the whale surfaced, the blow hole then the back. The whale was a humpback, probably a juvenile. We thought it was about 40 ft long, it was about 8 ft across. Pete saw the tail.
I got into my dry suit really fast. I didn't even put on my fuzzy's. I wanted to get to the bow but also wanted to be dry while i filmed. Gave one camera to Pete who was on the upper deck and I took one to bow. Laurent had his camera too. With 3 cameras going we should be able to get something that is usable in the movie.
The whale would come up twice, first to breath then the second to get ready to dive. The whale would stay down about 5 minutes and then come up again. The depth of the water is only about 70 ft. The whale was just meandering down the cost.
This was the most awesome day of the year. This beats the sharks (sorry Veronica), the mola mola's, and lobzilla. Back to the dive log.
Lanesville Shores
After the whale sighting this was a let down. I was the last one in the water. I forgot to take in Pete's sea-doo. Very gloomy. Ears were squishy. Body cold. Only had on the dry suit, no fuzzy. Stayed in about 10 minutes and then decided I was done. Not much there.
Dive 25
Lobsters 14
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
August 21st - Dives 23 and 24
Egg Rock
Our first stop was Egg Rock. I started with only 2400 psi. Plus the new air gauge I installed yesterday had a huge leak. I started down the down line. I needed to take it slow since I didn't take any sudafed. My ears cleared pretty easy so I set off to find some lobsters.
Pete went in right after me with his new toy. A sea-doo scooter. I could hear him scooting around as I searched for lobsters. The sea-doo has a high pitched noise when it runs.
I followed a rift until it ran out then i headed up the towards shore. I pulled out about 5/6 lobsters with eggs. I think I was in the maternity ward. Found a bunch of notches that i swam along and saw jonah crabs, green crabs and small fish. I turned a corner of one notch and ran into a tautog. We both were surprised. The tautog was beautiful.
I was getting floaty so I knew I had less than 1,000 psi in the tank. I headed deeper so I wouldn't have to fight to stay down. I finally caught a lobster that didn't have eggs or a notch. It was just legal so it is somewhere around 6 to 8 years old.
The water temperature was colder than yesterday but not too cold. I'm still wearing my 5 finger mitts. I reached about 30 ft. The lobsters like to hang out in about 25 ft of water so i like to hang there too.
Air was low, under 500 psi so I decided to go back to the boat.
Kettle Island
Dive 24 was at Kettle Island. i hoped to find lobzilla again but first I wanted to use the sea-doo. The battery was weakening so I didn't have much time.
Fred and I went down and found a spot where he could film me using the sea-doo. We did about 5 to 6 takes before the battery died. Brought it back to the boat and got my bag and poker.
I went back down the downline and found lots of lobsters. Unfortunately it was another maternity ward. Swam towards shore since I was in about 30 ft of water. As I rounded one rock I spotted lobzilla. This one looked bigger than the one Laurent filmed. I went back to the boat to get Fred's' camera. I wanted to film it.
I set up the shot. the camera on the sand looking into the hole the lobster had made in the sand by a rock. It wasn't afraid, it just laid there looking at me. As the camera was filming a tiny lobster, a baby, fell down the side of the rock and into the shot. I'm hoping it comes out.
Dives 24
Lobster 14
Our first stop was Egg Rock. I started with only 2400 psi. Plus the new air gauge I installed yesterday had a huge leak. I started down the down line. I needed to take it slow since I didn't take any sudafed. My ears cleared pretty easy so I set off to find some lobsters.
Pete went in right after me with his new toy. A sea-doo scooter. I could hear him scooting around as I searched for lobsters. The sea-doo has a high pitched noise when it runs.
I followed a rift until it ran out then i headed up the towards shore. I pulled out about 5/6 lobsters with eggs. I think I was in the maternity ward. Found a bunch of notches that i swam along and saw jonah crabs, green crabs and small fish. I turned a corner of one notch and ran into a tautog. We both were surprised. The tautog was beautiful.
I was getting floaty so I knew I had less than 1,000 psi in the tank. I headed deeper so I wouldn't have to fight to stay down. I finally caught a lobster that didn't have eggs or a notch. It was just legal so it is somewhere around 6 to 8 years old.
The water temperature was colder than yesterday but not too cold. I'm still wearing my 5 finger mitts. I reached about 30 ft. The lobsters like to hang out in about 25 ft of water so i like to hang there too.
Air was low, under 500 psi so I decided to go back to the boat.
Kettle Island
Dive 24 was at Kettle Island. i hoped to find lobzilla again but first I wanted to use the sea-doo. The battery was weakening so I didn't have much time.
Fred and I went down and found a spot where he could film me using the sea-doo. We did about 5 to 6 takes before the battery died. Brought it back to the boat and got my bag and poker.
I went back down the downline and found lots of lobsters. Unfortunately it was another maternity ward. Swam towards shore since I was in about 30 ft of water. As I rounded one rock I spotted lobzilla. This one looked bigger than the one Laurent filmed. I went back to the boat to get Fred's' camera. I wanted to film it.
I set up the shot. the camera on the sand looking into the hole the lobster had made in the sand by a rock. It wasn't afraid, it just laid there looking at me. As the camera was filming a tiny lobster, a baby, fell down the side of the rock and into the shot. I'm hoping it comes out.
Dives 24
Lobster 14
Friday, August 20, 2010
Friday August 20th dive
Pete, Laurent and I "stole" the boat today and went to Kettle Island. I wanted to catch lobsters, Pete too. Laurent wanted to film.
We had a great time. We anchored on the seaward facing side of the island, a place we normally do not go to because of the wind and waves.
Beautiful place underwater. I used the down line and went forward of the boat. Found a nice crack in the rock and followed it; ran into Pete, who was ahead of me. I caught my first lobster there. Followed that crack until it stopped then went across a short plain towards some boulders. The plain was covered in a short green growth with area's of brown moss. The boulders had some neat seaweed growing from them. I was being followed by a group of perch about 6 of them.
Found another lobster, this one huge, it came out easy so I think someone was there before me. The lobster had eggs so I put it back in its hole. I found lots of lobsters but they were either too short or had eggs.
My air gauge was broken so I couldn't tell how much air I had left but I knew I was going low because I was getting light. Had to find a deeper place since I was going low. I know that sounds crazy but I wasn't even close to running out of air. I still had about a half hour left.
As I was going around I found a notch and swam down it. As I followed it I found 2 lobsters. They were both a good size so I was happy. I caught 3 of them on one dive. I usually catch 1 per dive. There was another one, even bigger, but I couldn't get it because one of the other lobsters I caught was holding onto the side of the bag and I couldn't close it. If I went after that last lobster then I risked losing the entire bag.
Went to Ted's place afterwards to get a new air pressure gauge. Stole lots of tomatoes from Ted's place. They were great!
Dives 22
Lobster 13
We had a great time. We anchored on the seaward facing side of the island, a place we normally do not go to because of the wind and waves.
Beautiful place underwater. I used the down line and went forward of the boat. Found a nice crack in the rock and followed it; ran into Pete, who was ahead of me. I caught my first lobster there. Followed that crack until it stopped then went across a short plain towards some boulders. The plain was covered in a short green growth with area's of brown moss. The boulders had some neat seaweed growing from them. I was being followed by a group of perch about 6 of them.
Found another lobster, this one huge, it came out easy so I think someone was there before me. The lobster had eggs so I put it back in its hole. I found lots of lobsters but they were either too short or had eggs.
My air gauge was broken so I couldn't tell how much air I had left but I knew I was going low because I was getting light. Had to find a deeper place since I was going low. I know that sounds crazy but I wasn't even close to running out of air. I still had about a half hour left.
As I was going around I found a notch and swam down it. As I followed it I found 2 lobsters. They were both a good size so I was happy. I caught 3 of them on one dive. I usually catch 1 per dive. There was another one, even bigger, but I couldn't get it because one of the other lobsters I caught was holding onto the side of the bag and I couldn't close it. If I went after that last lobster then I risked losing the entire bag.
Went to Ted's place afterwards to get a new air pressure gauge. Stole lots of tomatoes from Ted's place. They were great!
Dives 22
Lobster 13
Monday, August 16, 2010
Diving August 15th
Another great dive day!
We went North again due to the South wind. Long slow ride up the Annisquam River however we did see 1 boat run aground and 3 others that were high and dry. Glad it wasn't me.
Fred had us drive by Cathedral Rocks so he could get some footage for the movie. Then we drove back to Lanesville Shores for the first dive. Had to push everyone in the water.
Noticed 2 divers on the surface without their float. One headed to the shore while the other headed out to get the float. The float was being pushed out to sea by the wind so Chris decided to row out and help. Luckily for Chris the wind was at her back so she got there quickly. She met up with him and was talking to the diver.
The other diver finally made it to the boat and we got him on and out of his gear. He was tired. Unfortunately for him, he arrived at the boat with his mask around his neck. Fred had a lecture going about it as soon as he touched the boat. Yikes. I agree with Fred. You should not put your mask around your neck because you then can't put your mouthpiece back in until you move your mask. Having a mask on your head is NOT a sign of trouble.
Chris was having trouble rowing against the wind so we decided to meet her and see if she needed a tow. We couldn't take the boat because all of the divers were under the boat. We took an extra float and headed out. We met Chris and she told us the father was alright and was going back to shore on the bottom. We towed Chris back for a while then she decided she could row back to the boat.
Once back at the boat I decided I would scuba for a while since I still have 1200psi left. Went down the down line and found it very fuzzy and dark (not just because I was under the boat). I held onto the down line and went for "ride" as the boat swung around. Bored I went back up.
The father had made it closer to shore so they asked the son if he wanted to go back to shore. He couldn't wait to get off the boat. Ha Ha! I yelled up that I would swim him back just to make sure he got there safe and sound. As we reached the shore we found out the son had forgotten his weight belt. I was shocked to find out that the son had 30 lbs of weight. He had 20 on a belt and 10 on his bc. He must sink like a stone when he has everything on.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Weekend Dive August 14th Folly Cove
Great Weekend for Diving! The weather was wonderful this weekend. It was clear and sunny on both days.
Saturday, August 14th
We had a full boat of 6 people. We went North up the Annisquam River because the wind was coming from the south side of the cape. We went to Folly Cove because Chris was teaching a student. We dropped the two of them off at the beach and then anchored the boat at AR/ER. These are letters that have been spray painted onto the wall. The letters have been there since before I started diving in 1994.
I jumped in and used the down line to get to the bottom. We were shallow and I was floaty. Probably because I still had some air in my dry suit. I went back to the boat for another 5 lbs. I was too heavy but at least I was down. I hadn't taken any sudafed so I was afraid my ears would not clear.
Lots of small fish (cunners) and green crabs. Looked at the lobsters but they seemed small so I didn't even try to catch them. I did get 2 sand dollar. I was in for about 20 minutes. Grabbed an apple while I sat waiting for the other divers to come back. Noticed Chris was bringing her student back on the surface. He was facedown looking into the ocean. Chris was on her back pulling the inflatable. Decided to swim over to them and see if I could help.
Before jumping in I pumped my drysuit up with some air. I reached them and asked Chris if she needed anything and she asked if I would help take Jon's weight belt off and put it in the inflatable. Unfortunately I had to toss my apple in order to get the belt into the boat. Then Jon, Chris and I towed the inflatable back to the boat.
Dive number 2 - The Restaurant at Folly Cove
I didn't want to push my ears beyond their breaking point so I decided to sit this one out. However I was starving, no breakfast, and didn't want to chips and crackers. Decided to swim to the restuarant and bring some lunch back to the boat. I had to take the inflatable because it was the only way to get the food back dry. I swam over in my dry suit, hat, sunglasses and fins. I dragged the boat up out of the water and climbed up the rocks to the restaurant. The other patrons were surprised, the kids were curious and the dogs weren't really sure what to make of me. I went around front and placed my order. I wasn't sure who else was going to be eat so I got 2 hot dogs, french fries and a salad. I was overheating from the sun so I found some shade to sit in while waiting for the order. I didn't want to sit inside since I was still wet. I carried the food back down the rocks and gently placed it in inflatable. I was slightly worried when I came back becuase the tide was coming in and the inflatable was now in the water. Put my fins on and swam back to the boat. I loved it!!!
Dives 21
Lobsters 10
Saturday, August 14th
We had a full boat of 6 people. We went North up the Annisquam River because the wind was coming from the south side of the cape. We went to Folly Cove because Chris was teaching a student. We dropped the two of them off at the beach and then anchored the boat at AR/ER. These are letters that have been spray painted onto the wall. The letters have been there since before I started diving in 1994.
I jumped in and used the down line to get to the bottom. We were shallow and I was floaty. Probably because I still had some air in my dry suit. I went back to the boat for another 5 lbs. I was too heavy but at least I was down. I hadn't taken any sudafed so I was afraid my ears would not clear.
Lots of small fish (cunners) and green crabs. Looked at the lobsters but they seemed small so I didn't even try to catch them. I did get 2 sand dollar. I was in for about 20 minutes. Grabbed an apple while I sat waiting for the other divers to come back. Noticed Chris was bringing her student back on the surface. He was facedown looking into the ocean. Chris was on her back pulling the inflatable. Decided to swim over to them and see if I could help.
Before jumping in I pumped my drysuit up with some air. I reached them and asked Chris if she needed anything and she asked if I would help take Jon's weight belt off and put it in the inflatable. Unfortunately I had to toss my apple in order to get the belt into the boat. Then Jon, Chris and I towed the inflatable back to the boat.
Dive number 2 - The Restaurant at Folly Cove
I didn't want to push my ears beyond their breaking point so I decided to sit this one out. However I was starving, no breakfast, and didn't want to chips and crackers. Decided to swim to the restuarant and bring some lunch back to the boat. I had to take the inflatable because it was the only way to get the food back dry. I swam over in my dry suit, hat, sunglasses and fins. I dragged the boat up out of the water and climbed up the rocks to the restaurant. The other patrons were surprised, the kids were curious and the dogs weren't really sure what to make of me. I went around front and placed my order. I wasn't sure who else was going to be eat so I got 2 hot dogs, french fries and a salad. I was overheating from the sun so I found some shade to sit in while waiting for the order. I didn't want to sit inside since I was still wet. I carried the food back down the rocks and gently placed it in inflatable. I was slightly worried when I came back becuase the tide was coming in and the inflatable was now in the water. Put my fins on and swam back to the boat. I loved it!!!
Dives 21
Lobsters 10
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
My Scorpion Story..
Alright, I'm pulling a 501 bid on the price is right. Sorry Fox, I'm trying to meet Drew Carey.
I remember my first trip to Andros Island in the Bahamas. I was getting certified by Fred, as long as i passed a few things, including buddy breathing. I digress. I decided to turn in early one night. While brushing my teeth I walk around my room. I asked for, got and paid for an extra large room. I hate sleeping in twin beds. I had shut the door to my room because we had a strong breeze off the ocean. As I brushed I noticed an interesting shape on the door. I thought the owners had painted images on the back of the door and went to look more closely. I'm standing there brushing my teeth and thinking I'm looking at a picture of a scorpion, ok i was tired, and then it moved.
The only advice I can give others is when you find a live scorpion make sure you have thought through how you are going to catch it. On the coffee table in the room was a set of 4 glasses, and i took one and put it over the scorpion. Now I'm stuck holding the glass over the scorpion while I try to figure out my next move. On the same table was a piece of paper I could use however I couldn't reach it by leaning. I had to pull the table over using my foot so i could then get the paper to slide under the glass.
All's well that ends well. I got the paper and slid it under the glass. I was then able to put the glass on the table with the scorpion safely inside. Then I ran. First to my neighbor who was half asleep and thought it was a good thing to find scorpion. After that I ran back to the lodge and found my friends and told them. Lynn and Pete came back to the room. I was freaked out because I had never seen a scorpion before tonight. I thought there might be more in the room.
Pete asked; "do you want me to flush it or let it go?" I was shocked. Who in their right mind is going to let a scorpion go? I have him my best; are you shitting me look and told him to kill it.
The scorpion got flushed and I slept horribly that night. The next day i had my room fumigated.
I never want to meet another scorpion!
I remember my first trip to Andros Island in the Bahamas. I was getting certified by Fred, as long as i passed a few things, including buddy breathing. I digress. I decided to turn in early one night. While brushing my teeth I walk around my room. I asked for, got and paid for an extra large room. I hate sleeping in twin beds. I had shut the door to my room because we had a strong breeze off the ocean. As I brushed I noticed an interesting shape on the door. I thought the owners had painted images on the back of the door and went to look more closely. I'm standing there brushing my teeth and thinking I'm looking at a picture of a scorpion, ok i was tired, and then it moved.
The only advice I can give others is when you find a live scorpion make sure you have thought through how you are going to catch it. On the coffee table in the room was a set of 4 glasses, and i took one and put it over the scorpion. Now I'm stuck holding the glass over the scorpion while I try to figure out my next move. On the same table was a piece of paper I could use however I couldn't reach it by leaning. I had to pull the table over using my foot so i could then get the paper to slide under the glass.
All's well that ends well. I got the paper and slid it under the glass. I was then able to put the glass on the table with the scorpion safely inside. Then I ran. First to my neighbor who was half asleep and thought it was a good thing to find scorpion. After that I ran back to the lodge and found my friends and told them. Lynn and Pete came back to the room. I was freaked out because I had never seen a scorpion before tonight. I thought there might be more in the room.
Pete asked; "do you want me to flush it or let it go?" I was shocked. Who in their right mind is going to let a scorpion go? I have him my best; are you shitting me look and told him to kill it.
The scorpion got flushed and I slept horribly that night. The next day i had my room fumigated.
I never want to meet another scorpion!
Monday, August 9, 2010
August Diving
I had a 4 day weekend and was lucky enough to spend most of it diving off of Gloucester. 3 of us, Pete, Laurent and I, dived Rafe's Chasm on Friday. Beautiful spot however we rarely ever go there because it is exposed to boat traffic and the open ocean. I had 2 goals; lobsters and filming a scene for Laurent.
Laurent had me swim down the anchor line than when I was about 10 ft above him to let go of the line and swim over his head. After that scene I was then to swim back around and swim over him again so he could get me swimming away. That was easy.
The lobstering was tougher. Lots of small lobsters but very few that were "legal". I was able to find 3 good sized ones. The water was freezing and somewhat fuzzy but that was because we were so close to shore and the chasm. Lots of swaying.
Saturday was fun too however we had to reshoot the scenes from Friday. The water was too fuzzy. We went to Graves Island also called The Wreck of the New Hampshire. We all wanted to search the area for trinkets from The Wreck. I went shallow and found a nice place I thought would be a good area to search since there were stones that looked like they had been on fire. I found alot of small nails. I had a lobster bag with me that I could put my stash in to however i didn't get anything big enough to put in it. While I was busy trying to clear the area a hand thrusts a lobster in my face. Of course I jump! The lobster is good so I put it in the bag, wave at the group that has been watching me and go back to my digging. It was very hard to dig and make sure i didn't crush the lobster. Finally looked at my gauges and saw i was under 500 psi. Took one last look at the hole and turned back to the boat.
The next dive was to the backside of Kettle Island. This is where Laurent and I refilmed the scene. Back down the line and up and over Laurent as he filmed. We went deep because and found lots of tiny lobsters. Saw one that was no longer than my finger. It was hanging under a piece of seaweed that I moved to see if there was a lobster behind it. Laurent pulled my fin to get my attention and when I turned I jumped. He had the biggest lobster I have ever seen and I have caught a 10lber. He hands me the lobster so he can film and I had to use both hands to hold it. He grabbed my bag and poker in his claws so I let go of them. Once I relaxed my grip slightly so I could still hold him but let him move around a little he calmed down. I put my hand on his crusher claw and he tried to bite me with his other claw. Even if I spread my hand out it wouldn't fit across the crusher claw. Pictures will be coming. Laurent is going to send them to me. We think he was about 20 lbs. To figure out whether it was a male or female I looked for a notch in his fin and since there wasn't one I turned him over and found he was a male. How was he able to survive this long without being caught. Amazing.
At the end of the day I had 6 lobsters to bring to a dinner party that night. Life is good!
Sunday morning my ears were feeling a little squishy, that is a medical term, so I took 2 sudafed. Laurent wanted to film some more but I didn't think my ears would take it so we put it off until next weekend. We went to the restaurant at Folly Cove, a nice dive. I went down the down line which helped me control my descent so I could clear my ears slowly. I made it down and came across the anchor. Was going to head towards an area where I heard there is scarlet solstice but then saw Pete and decided to follow him. He went deep out into the cove. It was cold and dark and sandy. I was wondering where he was going because there was nothing out there but then we started seeing lobsters sitting in holes in the sand. The lobsters dig holes and hide in them when they feel there is danger. As we swam we came across huge boulders that housed more lobsters. They were all shorts. I did find a shell from a moon snail. Very nice. While we were deep, 65 ft, I added air to my drysuit and now that we were going shallow I was very floaty. I was holding onto rocks to get the air out but it wasn't working. We ended up back under the boat and decided to call the dive. My ears were holding up so I decided I would go in on the 2nd dive.
The last dive of the weekend was in Hoop Pole Cove. Lovely place, the cove slopes down and then comes back up in the middle and then slopes back down (like a mountain in the middle of a bowl). The rocks are covered with Irish Moss. I only saw shorts so I decided to go back to the boat. About an hour later my ears where a little sore then by the time I got home they hurt a lot.
Totals
Dives: 20
Lobsters: 10
Laurent had me swim down the anchor line than when I was about 10 ft above him to let go of the line and swim over his head. After that scene I was then to swim back around and swim over him again so he could get me swimming away. That was easy.
The lobstering was tougher. Lots of small lobsters but very few that were "legal". I was able to find 3 good sized ones. The water was freezing and somewhat fuzzy but that was because we were so close to shore and the chasm. Lots of swaying.
Saturday was fun too however we had to reshoot the scenes from Friday. The water was too fuzzy. We went to Graves Island also called The Wreck of the New Hampshire. We all wanted to search the area for trinkets from The Wreck. I went shallow and found a nice place I thought would be a good area to search since there were stones that looked like they had been on fire. I found alot of small nails. I had a lobster bag with me that I could put my stash in to however i didn't get anything big enough to put in it. While I was busy trying to clear the area a hand thrusts a lobster in my face. Of course I jump! The lobster is good so I put it in the bag, wave at the group that has been watching me and go back to my digging. It was very hard to dig and make sure i didn't crush the lobster. Finally looked at my gauges and saw i was under 500 psi. Took one last look at the hole and turned back to the boat.
The next dive was to the backside of Kettle Island. This is where Laurent and I refilmed the scene. Back down the line and up and over Laurent as he filmed. We went deep because and found lots of tiny lobsters. Saw one that was no longer than my finger. It was hanging under a piece of seaweed that I moved to see if there was a lobster behind it. Laurent pulled my fin to get my attention and when I turned I jumped. He had the biggest lobster I have ever seen and I have caught a 10lber. He hands me the lobster so he can film and I had to use both hands to hold it. He grabbed my bag and poker in his claws so I let go of them. Once I relaxed my grip slightly so I could still hold him but let him move around a little he calmed down. I put my hand on his crusher claw and he tried to bite me with his other claw. Even if I spread my hand out it wouldn't fit across the crusher claw. Pictures will be coming. Laurent is going to send them to me. We think he was about 20 lbs. To figure out whether it was a male or female I looked for a notch in his fin and since there wasn't one I turned him over and found he was a male. How was he able to survive this long without being caught. Amazing.
At the end of the day I had 6 lobsters to bring to a dinner party that night. Life is good!
Sunday morning my ears were feeling a little squishy, that is a medical term, so I took 2 sudafed. Laurent wanted to film some more but I didn't think my ears would take it so we put it off until next weekend. We went to the restaurant at Folly Cove, a nice dive. I went down the down line which helped me control my descent so I could clear my ears slowly. I made it down and came across the anchor. Was going to head towards an area where I heard there is scarlet solstice but then saw Pete and decided to follow him. He went deep out into the cove. It was cold and dark and sandy. I was wondering where he was going because there was nothing out there but then we started seeing lobsters sitting in holes in the sand. The lobsters dig holes and hide in them when they feel there is danger. As we swam we came across huge boulders that housed more lobsters. They were all shorts. I did find a shell from a moon snail. Very nice. While we were deep, 65 ft, I added air to my drysuit and now that we were going shallow I was very floaty. I was holding onto rocks to get the air out but it wasn't working. We ended up back under the boat and decided to call the dive. My ears were holding up so I decided I would go in on the 2nd dive.
The last dive of the weekend was in Hoop Pole Cove. Lovely place, the cove slopes down and then comes back up in the middle and then slopes back down (like a mountain in the middle of a bowl). The rocks are covered with Irish Moss. I only saw shorts so I decided to go back to the boat. About an hour later my ears where a little sore then by the time I got home they hurt a lot.
Totals
Dives: 20
Lobsters: 10
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Follow Up
So here are some notes and annecdotes from our trip.
Mileage - 1 week we drove 1600 miles. thank god the mileage was unlimted.
Best Lines -
Sarah - 3 years old - walks up to the bus waiting to take people back to the main area at the grand canyon after walking for over 1 mile. I tell her not to get on because we are going to sight see at hermits rest, the last stop, and she cries in a high pitched 3 year old voice. "Why are you making me walk past the bus?" Stomping her feet.
She was better after she had hot cocoa and a Cinnamon bun.
Brooke - 6 years old - "Cousin Maggie, can i borrow your i-phone?" She had it figured out after one night with the phone. amazing.
Pat - no age given - "You're putting on the damn shirts and I'm getting a picture whether you like it or not."
Mileage - 1 week we drove 1600 miles. thank god the mileage was unlimted.
Best Lines -
Sarah - 3 years old - walks up to the bus waiting to take people back to the main area at the grand canyon after walking for over 1 mile. I tell her not to get on because we are going to sight see at hermits rest, the last stop, and she cries in a high pitched 3 year old voice. "Why are you making me walk past the bus?" Stomping her feet.
She was better after she had hot cocoa and a Cinnamon bun.
Brooke - 6 years old - "Cousin Maggie, can i borrow your i-phone?" She had it figured out after one night with the phone. amazing.
Pat - no age given - "You're putting on the damn shirts and I'm getting a picture whether you like it or not."
Friday, April 9, 2010
April 9th - Colorado Springs, Co
We drove back to Colorado Springs today. What a bummer. This was the most awesome trip I've been on in a long long long time. Plenty of fun stories and pictures.
Will miss all of my family very much!!!!
We are lucky in that we get to catch Brooke's first soccer game tomorrow morning!!!!
Will miss all of my family very much!!!!
We are lucky in that we get to catch Brooke's first soccer game tomorrow morning!!!!
April 8th - Pagosa Springs, CO
We are glad we came here. Bravo Lisa!!! The hotel has about 20 mineral spring pools on the property so you can just hop from pool to pool. The pools were awesome. Some were hotter than others. One was called the lobster pot and we couldn't even put our feet in it it was soo hot. There is also an entry into the river that runs past the hotel property but we were not brave enough to do it. Since there are springs the area does smell. Brooke covered her nose most of the time. The rooms were nice, basic but very roomy. They also give you bathrobes for walking around the property.
Lisa and I had adjoining rooms so it was a blast having the kids come in and run around. I also got free computer work done on my computer. Thanks Mark!!!
Sue, Maggie and I had massages at the spa at the springs. Wonderful!!! A must if you are staying in Pagosa.
We went to dinner at this place called J.J.'s. I ordered pasta pomodoro which came out in a red cheese sauce. I ate pieces of everyone meals. Thankfully the kids didn't finish their dinners. Enough said about this place.
Had breakfast this morning at the Rose Restaurant in town and it was fabulous. Definitely a place everyone should have breakfast and/or lunch.
Lisa and I had adjoining rooms so it was a blast having the kids come in and run around. I also got free computer work done on my computer. Thanks Mark!!!
Sue, Maggie and I had massages at the spa at the springs. Wonderful!!! A must if you are staying in Pagosa.
We went to dinner at this place called J.J.'s. I ordered pasta pomodoro which came out in a red cheese sauce. I ate pieces of everyone meals. Thankfully the kids didn't finish their dinners. Enough said about this place.
Had breakfast this morning at the Rose Restaurant in town and it was fabulous. Definitely a place everyone should have breakfast and/or lunch.
April 7th - Farmington, NM
We came here to visit the 4 corners; where 4 states meet. I had seen a sign earlier in the day that the 4 Corners Monument was closed but thought they just meant the Monument itself. Nooooo, they meant the whole area was closed. We arrived there to see construction fences and heavy equipment. We didn't even stop for a photo at the gate. Oh well. We will just have to come back another time.
Well what can I say about Farmington, NM; not much because there isn't much there. Thank god the hotel had an indoor pool because at least the kids got to go swimming. Yippee. The bartender does make a great Margarita.
Well what can I say about Farmington, NM; not much because there isn't much there. Thank god the hotel had an indoor pool because at least the kids got to go swimming. Yippee. The bartender does make a great Margarita.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Grand Canyon, Tusayan, AZ
What can I say about our hotel? We are close to the Grand Canyon and the rooms are large and clean. The food needs alot of help and the sports bar downstairs needs a bit more organization. I'm glad we are this close to the Canyon entrance (5minutes).
The breakfast at our hotel was marginal. Sue said, "Food for the masses." I really only need tea. Tomorrow when we leave we are going to McDonald's. Pretty sad.
The Grand Canyon is unbelievable and breathtaking. We felt insignificant! The canyon is a host of amazing colors, browns, reds, and whites. We arrive and get lost. Miss the road to the visitor center. We end up at the end of the Canyon where the hotels are. We hop on the buses for the Greenway trail or Rim Trail. The trail only allows the park buses. You can get on and off the buses as many times as you want. There are 9 stops going towards the Hermit Pass. We stayed on the bus until the 2nd to last stop then got off and walked to a mile to the Hermit Pass. It was wonderful!!!
The best line of the day was, "Why are you making me walk past the bus?" from a completely tired 3 year old who had just walked a mile.
The Pass was fantastic! There is a store and coffee shop which was nice. We all got hot chocolate and then walked around the area. After a rest we got on the bus and headed back to the village. We had a nice casual lunch at one of the lodges, cafeteria style. After lunch Lisa and Mark drove us to the Red Feather Lodge so we could walk down in the Canyon. We went to the Blue Angel Trail which is supposed to be somewhat easy but a little steep.
We started down the trail and it seemed easy but then we turned a corner and the trail was full of ice with a steep cliff on one side. I walked down this path like a grandmother in orthopedics. At one point a man came across the path and told me it wasn't that icy. Little did he know I'm afraid of unprotected edges. He held out his and I grabbed it like it was the only thing keeping me from falling off the cliff. I think I crushed his hand. Oops.
We went down another half a mile or about a half hour before Sue called it. The view was fantastic but the trail was terrifying. As we were all debating whether to turn around something caused a tree above us to crack loudly. We took it as a sign to head back up. Then as we started up the trail the wind gusts picked up. We had to stop every 100 ft or so to catch our breaths. We drank lots of water at each stop.
This was the most exhilarating hike I've ever done. You should try it when you come here.
The breakfast at our hotel was marginal. Sue said, "Food for the masses." I really only need tea. Tomorrow when we leave we are going to McDonald's. Pretty sad.
The Grand Canyon is unbelievable and breathtaking. We felt insignificant! The canyon is a host of amazing colors, browns, reds, and whites. We arrive and get lost. Miss the road to the visitor center. We end up at the end of the Canyon where the hotels are. We hop on the buses for the Greenway trail or Rim Trail. The trail only allows the park buses. You can get on and off the buses as many times as you want. There are 9 stops going towards the Hermit Pass. We stayed on the bus until the 2nd to last stop then got off and walked to a mile to the Hermit Pass. It was wonderful!!!
The best line of the day was, "Why are you making me walk past the bus?" from a completely tired 3 year old who had just walked a mile.
The Pass was fantastic! There is a store and coffee shop which was nice. We all got hot chocolate and then walked around the area. After a rest we got on the bus and headed back to the village. We had a nice casual lunch at one of the lodges, cafeteria style. After lunch Lisa and Mark drove us to the Red Feather Lodge so we could walk down in the Canyon. We went to the Blue Angel Trail which is supposed to be somewhat easy but a little steep.
We started down the trail and it seemed easy but then we turned a corner and the trail was full of ice with a steep cliff on one side. I walked down this path like a grandmother in orthopedics. At one point a man came across the path and told me it wasn't that icy. Little did he know I'm afraid of unprotected edges. He held out his and I grabbed it like it was the only thing keeping me from falling off the cliff. I think I crushed his hand. Oops.
We went down another half a mile or about a half hour before Sue called it. The view was fantastic but the trail was terrifying. As we were all debating whether to turn around something caused a tree above us to crack loudly. We took it as a sign to head back up. Then as we started up the trail the wind gusts picked up. We had to stop every 100 ft or so to catch our breaths. We drank lots of water at each stop.
This was the most exhilarating hike I've ever done. You should try it when you come here.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Day 2 - Monument Valley, Utah - View Hotel
YOU MUST GO HERE!!! This is the most beautiful stunning, grand, incredible, desolate, and magnificent place on earth.
We arrived at about 2pm. Checked the front desk but check in isn't until 4pm. How do you fill up 2 hours in an area where there isn't much to do at the hotel? You take a 2.5 hour private tour of the Monument Valley with a Navajo guide. This is the most incredible tour ever. We saw John Fords point where he would contemplate his movies. We saw these Buttes that are indescribable to some3one who hasn't seen them. They took us into the restricted area of the reservation (you must have a Navajo guide to do this). More than worth the $65.00 for the trip.
As one guide explained the significance of the area the other would play the flute which just adds to the ambiance. We saw Anasazi ruins and petraglyphs, wall writings, at one site. Amazing. Great pictures. At another site, the eye, they had us lie back on a rock and look up through an arch which is shaped like an eye and the contours and color of the surrounding rock give it eye lashes. While we were there our guide, Larson, shouted towards one area and the echo kept returning even after a minute. Lovely.
The next stop was at a place that is shaped like an ear. We climbed a sand dune across from the ear arch to get some great pictures and then climbed the dune closer to the ear arch for even more impressive pictures.
The other sites included one with the picture of a Navajo with a headdress and an eagle. The pictures are due to the different minerals leaching out of the stone and weathering of the stone.
We went to a place which they consider a "Hogan". A Hogan is a structure representing a woman's belly. The stove pipe is the belly button. The 9 posts are the 9 months of pregnancy. You must enter the Hogan clockwise or else bad spirits follow you. The structure was a stone arch with a hole in the center. They had us lean against a rock and look up at the hole and Larson played a song on the flute. Then Misa sang us 2 songs; one in Navajo and one in English.
Then Larson took us 4 wheeling in a vehicle that isn't really made for 4 wheeling. Loved it!!!! We were bouncing around the seats.
We visited 4 or 5 more sites which were all spectacular. The only issue with the trip was the wind. We are visiting during the windy season. I had sand in places where .... My hair was so matted I had to wash it twice and condition it twice. Our tour was only supposed to last 2.5 hours but we were out for more than 3 hours. Our tour guides were awesome.
The View Hotel is 5 star. While it doesn't have a pool, you don't need one. You don't want to be in a pool. Also it only has wifi in the lobby and the same is true. You don't want to be in your room all day. You need to be outside seeing this slice of heaven. The rooms are large and well done. Navajo blankets on the bed.
Our rooms were Star Rooms on the 3rd floor. They were perfect for viewing the stars. I had no obstructions except for the clouds that eventually came in. While I do not know the stars (constellations) I found still found a few easy ones. Loved it!!!! Called the front desk to find out when sunrise was and it was a civilized 7am. Slept beautifully in a very comfy bed.
6:45am woke up in time for sunrise. Called Sue and she came over for coffee. The only disappointment was they didn't have a regular tea bag. Lisa eventually made it over with the tea bags. We sat on my balcony and watched the reds stream across the sky as the sun rose. The buttes went from sitting in darkness to be bathed in the red light. Gorgeous!!! Also, watched as some of the people who live in Monument Valley commuted down these rutted dirt roads towards civilization.
There are 10 families who are allowed to live in the Valley because they were here when the treaties were signed and they were given leases for 300 years. The leases can be passed down through the families. However none of the families have running water, indoor bathrooms and heat. They have wood stoves, and outhouses. For all the hardship they live in one of the most incredible places on earth.
If it is a choice between Monument Valley and The Grand Canyon go to Monument Valley!!!! Also check out Mystery Valley. People have just started to visit it.
We arrived at about 2pm. Checked the front desk but check in isn't until 4pm. How do you fill up 2 hours in an area where there isn't much to do at the hotel? You take a 2.5 hour private tour of the Monument Valley with a Navajo guide. This is the most incredible tour ever. We saw John Fords point where he would contemplate his movies. We saw these Buttes that are indescribable to some3one who hasn't seen them. They took us into the restricted area of the reservation (you must have a Navajo guide to do this). More than worth the $65.00 for the trip.
As one guide explained the significance of the area the other would play the flute which just adds to the ambiance. We saw Anasazi ruins and petraglyphs, wall writings, at one site. Amazing. Great pictures. At another site, the eye, they had us lie back on a rock and look up through an arch which is shaped like an eye and the contours and color of the surrounding rock give it eye lashes. While we were there our guide, Larson, shouted towards one area and the echo kept returning even after a minute. Lovely.
The next stop was at a place that is shaped like an ear. We climbed a sand dune across from the ear arch to get some great pictures and then climbed the dune closer to the ear arch for even more impressive pictures.
The other sites included one with the picture of a Navajo with a headdress and an eagle. The pictures are due to the different minerals leaching out of the stone and weathering of the stone.
We went to a place which they consider a "Hogan". A Hogan is a structure representing a woman's belly. The stove pipe is the belly button. The 9 posts are the 9 months of pregnancy. You must enter the Hogan clockwise or else bad spirits follow you. The structure was a stone arch with a hole in the center. They had us lean against a rock and look up at the hole and Larson played a song on the flute. Then Misa sang us 2 songs; one in Navajo and one in English.
Then Larson took us 4 wheeling in a vehicle that isn't really made for 4 wheeling. Loved it!!!! We were bouncing around the seats.
We visited 4 or 5 more sites which were all spectacular. The only issue with the trip was the wind. We are visiting during the windy season. I had sand in places where .... My hair was so matted I had to wash it twice and condition it twice. Our tour was only supposed to last 2.5 hours but we were out for more than 3 hours. Our tour guides were awesome.
The View Hotel is 5 star. While it doesn't have a pool, you don't need one. You don't want to be in a pool. Also it only has wifi in the lobby and the same is true. You don't want to be in your room all day. You need to be outside seeing this slice of heaven. The rooms are large and well done. Navajo blankets on the bed.
Our rooms were Star Rooms on the 3rd floor. They were perfect for viewing the stars. I had no obstructions except for the clouds that eventually came in. While I do not know the stars (constellations) I found still found a few easy ones. Loved it!!!! Called the front desk to find out when sunrise was and it was a civilized 7am. Slept beautifully in a very comfy bed.
6:45am woke up in time for sunrise. Called Sue and she came over for coffee. The only disappointment was they didn't have a regular tea bag. Lisa eventually made it over with the tea bags. We sat on my balcony and watched the reds stream across the sky as the sun rose. The buttes went from sitting in darkness to be bathed in the red light. Gorgeous!!! Also, watched as some of the people who live in Monument Valley commuted down these rutted dirt roads towards civilization.
There are 10 families who are allowed to live in the Valley because they were here when the treaties were signed and they were given leases for 300 years. The leases can be passed down through the families. However none of the families have running water, indoor bathrooms and heat. They have wood stoves, and outhouses. For all the hardship they live in one of the most incredible places on earth.
If it is a choice between Monument Valley and The Grand Canyon go to Monument Valley!!!! Also check out Mystery Valley. People have just started to visit it.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Day 1 - to Durango, Co
Left the Springs about 9am and made our first stop at 9:10am at Starbucks. I'm with a Starbucks crowd on this trip. They do have excellent hot chocolate! Back on the road. The car is not big enough. We should have rented the rv. Next time.
Stopped in Blanca, CO which lies just below Blanca Peak beautiful place. We ate at this small roadside diner, Lu Cafe. The food was excellent. Very basic but tasted great. The girls loved being out of the car. Sarah wanted to walk so Lisa, Mark and Maggie took turns taking her outside. Asked the waitress how far we were from the dunes and she said about 20minutes.
Back in the car finally figured out that Sue's gps was still on east coast time. The gps said we weren't getting there until 2pm and if was noon. Who said weren't bright!?
Arrive at the Dunes. The wind is gusting to 45mph. We didn't know this until we got out of the car at the foot of the dunes and had trouble keeping the car doors from slamming shut. The Dunes are magnificent. There is a plain or beach of sand that stretches for a 1/4 of a mile then the dunes rise up. The wind wasn't too bad when we first started but when we were on the plain the sand was pinging off of our faces. I could feel the sand in my shoes. Half the party turned back but Lisa, Maggie and I pressed on. I'm here and I'm getting to the top of a dune! The hike only took about 10 minutes. Walking up the dune was a great workout. Not only are we sinking in the sand but we are also at a higher altitude. I stopped to try to catch my breath, facing away from the wind. Took pictures with Lisa's camera. I didn't dare take out my nikon.
Walked back to the parking lot and took some pictures from within the scrub trees. Everything is dormant right now waiting for the water to return. There are rivers running under the sand and every so often you would see wet sand like at the beach. Amazing. Will post pictures as soon as Maggie teaches me how to do it.
After a quick pit stop at the visitor center we are back in the car and off to Durango, Co. Supposedly a 2 hour rider. we are all taking turns sitting in the last row. Actually the ones who can fit in the back row are taking turns. Mark and Lisa are exempt. I can't really see much out the back so I watch a movie.
I stop watching when I feel the car turning for the second time. What is Sue doing up there? I look out and we are on a switchback. This is the most awesome view I have ever seen. The valley below stretches for miles and you just look out over this expanse of snow covered land dotted with rivers and trees. Breathtaking! Then I realize we are turning again and Sue is applying the breaks more heavily now. Gulp! This is a roller coaster ride! We finally reach the valley floor and breath a collective sigh of relief. We stop in a town at malt shoppe. Lovely chocolate shake. The chocolate chip cookie I bought is gobbled up by the hordes in seconds. I think they liked it. Sue is stealing my chocolate shake. Just like old times.
Finally make Durango at 6pm. The hotel is very nice. We all get rooms on the first floor. I have a king size bed. Love it. We go to dinner at Ken and Sues' in downtown Durango. awesome food. We just have lighter fare since we have been eating in the car all day.
More later! Must eat breakfast. God forbid I skip a meal!
Stopped in Blanca, CO which lies just below Blanca Peak beautiful place. We ate at this small roadside diner, Lu Cafe. The food was excellent. Very basic but tasted great. The girls loved being out of the car. Sarah wanted to walk so Lisa, Mark and Maggie took turns taking her outside. Asked the waitress how far we were from the dunes and she said about 20minutes.
Back in the car finally figured out that Sue's gps was still on east coast time. The gps said we weren't getting there until 2pm and if was noon. Who said weren't bright!?
Arrive at the Dunes. The wind is gusting to 45mph. We didn't know this until we got out of the car at the foot of the dunes and had trouble keeping the car doors from slamming shut. The Dunes are magnificent. There is a plain or beach of sand that stretches for a 1/4 of a mile then the dunes rise up. The wind wasn't too bad when we first started but when we were on the plain the sand was pinging off of our faces. I could feel the sand in my shoes. Half the party turned back but Lisa, Maggie and I pressed on. I'm here and I'm getting to the top of a dune! The hike only took about 10 minutes. Walking up the dune was a great workout. Not only are we sinking in the sand but we are also at a higher altitude. I stopped to try to catch my breath, facing away from the wind. Took pictures with Lisa's camera. I didn't dare take out my nikon.
Walked back to the parking lot and took some pictures from within the scrub trees. Everything is dormant right now waiting for the water to return. There are rivers running under the sand and every so often you would see wet sand like at the beach. Amazing. Will post pictures as soon as Maggie teaches me how to do it.
After a quick pit stop at the visitor center we are back in the car and off to Durango, Co. Supposedly a 2 hour rider. we are all taking turns sitting in the last row. Actually the ones who can fit in the back row are taking turns. Mark and Lisa are exempt. I can't really see much out the back so I watch a movie.
I stop watching when I feel the car turning for the second time. What is Sue doing up there? I look out and we are on a switchback. This is the most awesome view I have ever seen. The valley below stretches for miles and you just look out over this expanse of snow covered land dotted with rivers and trees. Breathtaking! Then I realize we are turning again and Sue is applying the breaks more heavily now. Gulp! This is a roller coaster ride! We finally reach the valley floor and breath a collective sigh of relief. We stop in a town at malt shoppe. Lovely chocolate shake. The chocolate chip cookie I bought is gobbled up by the hordes in seconds. I think they liked it. Sue is stealing my chocolate shake. Just like old times.
Finally make Durango at 6pm. The hotel is very nice. We all get rooms on the first floor. I have a king size bed. Love it. We go to dinner at Ken and Sues' in downtown Durango. awesome food. We just have lighter fare since we have been eating in the car all day.
More later! Must eat breakfast. God forbid I skip a meal!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Altitude makes the walsh girls a little coocoo!!!
We arrived safely and on time in Denver. There was no delay out of Boston. We had a fun time at the hertz counter. Thank you Citibank!
We are all adjusting to the altitude. I had a headache for a short time. Sue is woozy. Even before the wine. Ha Ha! Kids are loving their cousin Maggie. She hasn't stopped running around the house.
Big Daddy has taken charge. In order to be on the road by 9am we are limiting morning showers. We call him "Da' Man"
The Walsh girls are in serious trouble. First, directional problems at an airport the size of a small shopping mall. Couldn't find the hertz counter. Drove around 3 times. I sent Lisa down a dead end road. Finally, after 2 circles around the airport we found the right road.
Second, my credit card was denied at the hertz counter. What a freakin day? Big Dog Daddy to the rescue.
Third, about to start wii rock band. For those of you who don't know my family we sound like dying cats meet the muppets when we sing.
Except for Maggie!!!
We are all goofy due to the lack of oxygen!!!!
This going to be one interesting week!!!
We are all adjusting to the altitude. I had a headache for a short time. Sue is woozy. Even before the wine. Ha Ha! Kids are loving their cousin Maggie. She hasn't stopped running around the house.
Big Daddy has taken charge. In order to be on the road by 9am we are limiting morning showers. We call him "Da' Man"
The Walsh girls are in serious trouble. First, directional problems at an airport the size of a small shopping mall. Couldn't find the hertz counter. Drove around 3 times. I sent Lisa down a dead end road. Finally, after 2 circles around the airport we found the right road.
Second, my credit card was denied at the hertz counter. What a freakin day? Big Dog Daddy to the rescue.
Third, about to start wii rock band. For those of you who don't know my family we sound like dying cats meet the muppets when we sing.
Except for Maggie!!!
We are all goofy due to the lack of oxygen!!!!
This going to be one interesting week!!!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Almost there!
Only 2 days before the big trip. Almost all set. Can't wait to see everyone. No big news on the trip front.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
One week and counting
Well, we are one week away from the start of the Great American Southwest Tour. We, there are 7 of us, will be cramming into a extra large Suburban and driving over a 1,000 miles through the southwest.
I sent out trip binders to Sue and Lisa which includes maps, paper and dividers. Next week our trip t-shirts get delivered to Colorado Springs. We will be taking a group photo in the shirts, front and back.
I can't wait to get there.
I sent out trip binders to Sue and Lisa which includes maps, paper and dividers. Next week our trip t-shirts get delivered to Colorado Springs. We will be taking a group photo in the shirts, front and back.
I can't wait to get there.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Monument Valley
Ladies and Gentleman, check out the smithsonian magazine for an article on Monument Valley. smithsonsian.com
Anyone interested in a Jeep tour around Monument Valley. Because you are going with a Navajo then you can go where others can't go. Very interesting.
Anyone interested in a Jeep tour around Monument Valley. Because you are going with a Navajo then you can go where others can't go. Very interesting.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
things to do while on vacation.
So today, Maggie and Sue told me they want to go on an airplane ride over the Grand Canyon. I think that's a wonderful idea. I don't think I'll get to sit in the co-pilots seat this time. I bet Maggie wants to sit there.
Lisa somewhere there is a picture of us standing by the plane in Hershey, PA. It was fun.
Lisa somewhere there is a picture of us standing by the plane in Hershey, PA. It was fun.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Planning the Vacation
I decided to write this blog so everyone, who wants to, can keep up with us before, during and after our upcoming vacation the Grand Canyon area of the southwest. The Walsh sisters, me, Susan Gallagher, and Lisa Wood along with kids and one husband are going to drive through the American Southwest.
This is going to be an interesting trip because there are going to be 7 of us, 4 adults and 3 kids in the car. Luckily the car is a Suburban and supposedly seats 7 adults and 4 pieces of luggage. I promist to pack light.
We made the most important hotel reservations today, the Best Western just outside of the Grand Canyon (2 nights) and The View Hotel in the Monument Valley(1 night). The view is by far the most interesting hotel on our trip.
The View sits below "The Mittens" butte inside the Navajo Reservation in the Monument Valley. We all upgraded our rooms so we are on the top floor. The allows of great views of the Mittens and surrounding areas. I thought this hotel was featured in the last James Bond movie but I was wrong. That hotel was in South America and really isn't a hotel.
We are still trying to decide where to stay for the other 3 nights. So many places to see and not enough time. Stayed tuned for more info. Let me know if you have any suggestions
This is going to be an interesting trip because there are going to be 7 of us, 4 adults and 3 kids in the car. Luckily the car is a Suburban and supposedly seats 7 adults and 4 pieces of luggage. I promist to pack light.
We made the most important hotel reservations today, the Best Western just outside of the Grand Canyon (2 nights) and The View Hotel in the Monument Valley(1 night). The view is by far the most interesting hotel on our trip.
The View sits below "The Mittens" butte inside the Navajo Reservation in the Monument Valley. We all upgraded our rooms so we are on the top floor. The allows of great views of the Mittens and surrounding areas. I thought this hotel was featured in the last James Bond movie but I was wrong. That hotel was in South America and really isn't a hotel.
We are still trying to decide where to stay for the other 3 nights. So many places to see and not enough time. Stayed tuned for more info. Let me know if you have any suggestions
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