Finding my Southern Roots

In Vacation Bible School, SO many years ago, Miss Debbie told us about Heifer International.  All week long, we brought in loose change and small donations and at the end of the week, we had enough to purchase a goat for a family in need.  That stuck with me.

Over the years, my family and I gave gifts of animals through Heifer International.  Eventually, I got the school involved in Read to Feed where the children raised money for Heifer.  I applied for and was granted an incredible opportunity to travel with Heifer with fellow teachers from across the country (remember Lori who I stayed with in St. Louis?) to Honduras to see the work they are doing there.  A few years ago, Mom and I traveled to the Heifer Ranch in Arkansas for a women's lambing weekend where we got to watch lambs and kids being born.  Needless to say, Heifer holds a very dear place in my heart.

So, I planned it just right so that I could be at Heifer headquarters in Little Rock this morning as I travel homeward.  I enjoyed, once again, learning more about their mission of ending world hunger through sustainable education world-wide.  Despite my seemingly vast knowledge of Heifer, I am continuously impressed with the great work that it does.  The more I learn, the more I love this organization!

Herman and I enjoyed the small museum and the gift shop where I purchased my very own goat tube.  Yes, goat tube.  This tube is just the right height to hold 480 quarters.  Any idea was can be purchased with 480 quarters?  That's right, a goat!  I'm excited to add it to my classroom next year.

I continued driving southward.  Crossing the Mississippi River was quite the thrilling experience.  Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love to travel, and I would not have traded this road trip for anything, but I am a southern girl, and proud of it.  Once again being east of the Mississippi felt good, it felt right, and although still miles from home, I felt at home.

Eager to get home, but hungry and hating to pass up one more stop, I stopped in Memphis and wandered down the famous Beale Street, known for its blues music and BBQ.  

Decisions as to what to eat were quite the challenge as I wanted just about everything on the menu, thrilled to see so much fried food again.  I went with, and was not disappointed by, a bar-b-que sandwich and sweet potato fries.  This southern girl was in hog heaven (pun intended).

With a full belly and a happy heart, I headed home, on my last stretch.  I had some trouble somewhere around Jasper.  Of course I would get lost less than 50 miles from home!  After finally finding my way through road construction and a GPS that did not know about it, I drove into Birmingham and arrived HOME where my wonderful parents were eagerly awaiting my arrival!

What a truly epic adventure I have had, one that will never be forgotten, one that I am SO glad I took!  But for now, I'm glad to be home!

Until my next adventure... :)

Miles traveled: 435

Hours in the car: 7

Gallons of gas purchased: 4.8

States: Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Sweet Home Alabama

Surry with the Fringe on Top

Today is a big milestone for me.  Today marks one month that I have been on this epic adventure.  It was also on this date one year ago today that Jessica and I climbed a mountain, Snowdon, in Wales.  And two years ago, I was in Washington, D.C., meeting my "life-swap" (if you don't know what I'm talking about, check out my Tales of a Traveling Teacher blog!) and staying in a hotel by myself for the first time.  Wow.  Just two years ago, the thought of staying in a hotel by myself seemed daunting.  Just look what I accomplished over this past month!

When planning my route home, I realized that I had two options: a little bit of Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas or all of Texas.  I opted for the first option just so I'd I have a bit more change of pace, or at least change of state.  This also meant I could sing cheesy musical songs as I traveled through Oklahoma.

As I neared Oklahoma City today, I began looking out for signs of Garth Brooks.  Garth, you see, is one of my very favorite people.  When I was in middle school, Garth Brooks came to Birmingham and I got to see him as my very first concert.  Although I've been to many others throughout the years, no one came close to impressing me like Garth did.  Over the years, I fell deeper in love with this musical talent, waking up early to rush and get his new CD, typing up the lyrics to help me learn the songs, and even naming a cat (who "sang" a lot) after him.  And yes, I was a bit heart-broken when he decided to stay home with his daughters rather than make music, but equally proud of him for choosing family.

I knew Garth was from somewhere near Oklahoma City, but I wasn't certain as to where until I passed the boulevard named after him and signs proudly claiming their famous resident.  I was just picking up my phone to call my best friend, Monica, a fellow Garth-lover whose first ever concert was also the king of country, when I got a text from her saying Garth was touring again, and he was coming to Atlanta!  Oh my goodness, I'm so excited!  I had always said that I would pay good deal money to see him again.  I just hope we can get tickets!

Another reason that I had planned on coming through Oklahoma was so that I could meet up with an old friend.  Jesse is my grand-big sister, meaning that she's my big sister's big sister in Alpha Xi Delta.  She was two years older than me at Auburn, and although we did not spend a whole lot of time together, she had a major impact on my life.  Jesse, also an education major, did her student teaching in New Zealand through the COST program.  After talking with her about that opportunity, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue.  Having the opportunity to teach in New Zealand was one of the most meaningful experiences I've had.  

Jesse and I have communicated sparingly since college, but when she saw that I was traveling the country, she got in touch to let me know she was in Oklahoma.  Just one more good reason to avoid driving days through Texas.

We decided to meet at the Oklahoma City Memorial, a museum and memorial dedicated to the 168 people that lost their lives in the bombing that took place there in 1995.  I remember the expression on my mom's face when she picked me up from 5th grade that day.  I don't really remember what was said, besides, "Something really bad happened today," but the tragedy of that day was, ever so lightly, etched into my memory.

Being so young, I really did not remember much of the horrors and devastation of that day.  The museum and memorial were absolutely stunning.  Full of stories of those that lost their lives, of those that survived, of those that helped and the outpouring of love that followed were heartbreaking, moving and inspiring.  

At one end of the reflecting pool, a gate marked with 9:01 and at the other, a matching gate marked with 9:03 surround the time of the bombing.

The Survivor Tree.  A lone tree, thought to be about 100 years old, that once stood in the parking lot of the now destroyed building that amazingly survived the bombing.  Its' blossoms were a sign of hope and strength for all who gathered around it to remember.

Each chair, representing a victim in the tragedy, is strategically placed to represent what floor he/she was on.  The small chairs represented the children that were killed.

Jesse and I were nearly silent as we left, blown away by what we had just seen, glad to have taken the time to visit the memorial.  But of course, we also needed some time to catch up, so although it was three in the afternoon, we drove on to Shawnee where Jesse is living and found a place to grab a late lunch.  Shawnee is actually the birthplace of two American icons: Brad Pitt and Sonic!  So, obviously, it was a place I enjoyed very much! :)

After miles and miles and miles of driving, the scenery tonight is starting to remind me a lot of home.  I am getting so close now, I can almost taste it! 

Miles traveled: 607

Hours in the car: 10

Gallons of gas purchased: 21.5

States: Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas

Small World

Do you remember me saying that we may go out for a margarita?  Well... I will blame it on Santa Fe's extremely high altitude, but this morning I did not feel well.  In fact, this early bird barely got out of bed before lunchtime.  BUT everything happens for a reason!

My grandmother (and my namesake), Becky, was also in Santa Fe at the same time traveling with a friend.  She only lives about two hours from me, and it is not common for her to travel, so this was quite an exciting adventure for her.  I was unsure of exactly what my timing to Santa Fe would be, so we had not planned to meet up, but when I realized I would be here when she was, I began calling her cell phone.  And calling.  And calling.  So, here I was, staying in the same city as my grandmother, but not having any idea how to find her.

I had planned on getting an early start, knowing that I had a long road ahead of me, but my morning did not go as planned.  When I finally emerged, I wanted to find a small bite to eat, so I found a smoothie and a muffin.  I decided to make the most of the town before heading out again, and so I took my midday breakfast into the park where I planned to find a bench and enjoy a little people watching.

On one such bench, I spotted my grandmother and her travel companions!  Boy, did I surprise her!  What fun to truly run into someone from home so far away from home.  So, because I was not feeling so well, I got a late start to my day, and because I got a late start to my day, I got to see and spend some time with my grandmother.  See, it was all for good reason!

I had heard stories of Santa Fe's famed Canyon Road and so before leaving town, I decided I should explore it just a bit.  This narrow lane is jam-packed with talent.  Each small gallery was overflowing with whimsical creations, exquisite artwork, hand-made furniture, statues made out of just about anything you could imagine and ornate pottery.  I enjoyed wandering in a few of these galleries with intimidating price tags, but I must admit that home is beginning to call me.

I'm sorry that I left Santa Fe for the end of my travels because once I begin to head home, well, it seems I am always very ready to get there.  I'll have to return to this city another time to discover all of the treasures I left still buried.

Once again in my travels today, I drove through vast expanses of nothingness, what seemed like an ocean of desert as far as the eye could see.  Tonight, the sunset was in my rear view mirror.  At the beginning of my journey, it seemed to be my destination, but now, it is where I have been.

Miles traveled: 283

Hours in the car: 5

Gallons of gas purchased: 11.8

States: New Mexico and Texas

Best Quote: Woman checking me in at the motel: "I know where Vestavia is!  I was in jail there!"

Four Corners

Today, I was able to be in four states at once. No, it's not a magic trick, but rather the only spot in our great country where there are four states that meet at one location: Four Corners. It is here that four squarish states: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado meet.

Even from our hotel (which was the closest one around), it took us two hours to get to Four Corners. There is truly nothing near by. I have found lots of nothing on this journey, so much in fact that I no longer feel I can tell people I grew up in the middle of no where. Far from that actually!

I must admit that while I really wanted to see this attraction, I was a bit apprehensive. I feel like many of the attractions in our country that involve the Native Americans are of quite depressing and I'm often overcome with grief so that the attraction becomes less "attractive." That is not what I encountered today! 

After waiting in short line (yeah for our timing!), and posing in multiple ways at the actual meeting of the four states, we looked around at the booths. Out from each corner, there was a row of booths where local artisans would sell their creations of pottery, jewelry, belt buckles, paintings and more. The people were eager to chat, friendly, proud and not at all pushy. If you ever find yourself in this middle of no where, I'd recommend stopping by. Your challenge? Come up with your own unique pose.

We drove on to our next destination, several hours away: Santa Fe. I had heard for years of Santa Fe's beauty, mainly from my parents who loved the artsy mountain town and I was eager to see it. We splurged a bit on the hotel so that we could be in the middle of town and enjoy what the city had to offer without having to get back in the car. 

The city reminds me a bit of New Orleans with narrow streets and two-to-three story buildings with upstairs balconies, a square in the center of town with large old trees and a gazebo where musicians entertain those passing by. A beautiful city, well taken care of with a great southwestern flare.

If your wallets were larger than mine, you could buy fancy cowboy boots and matching hats or unique artwork designed by those lucky enough to call this place home. You could have purchased jewelry adorned with turquoise and pottery still created in ways developed by those who first lived here. We did however find fun things to purchase in little knick-knack stores and jewelry vendors set up on the street.

Now we are off to enjoy a night on the town and hoping to find some delicious foods and perhaps even a good margarita!

Miles traveled: 353

Hours in the car: 6

Gallons of gas purchased: 6

States: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado

Fiery Furnace

Don't worry, I'm still here to talk about it, so I did not get completely incinerated in the fiery furnace! :)

Months ago, when I was researching for this trip, I came across a ranger-led hike through a specific part of the park.  Thinking at that time that I would be on my own, I decided to reserve a ticket, only to realize that tickets, even at that time were hard to come by.  So I adjusted my timing just a bit to be here when there was an available ticket, and even then, there was just one ticket.  Then, thankfully, Jessica decided to join me.  We had discussed this along the way and decided we would just sort of play it by ear.  Tickets were free, but as the size of the group was very limited, only a certain amount could be reserved.

We decided to leave it up to fate.  So, as we left the park yesterday, scorched and sore, I stopped in to the ranger's office to ask if there were any extra tickets and if there were not, I would turn mine in.  No harm done as the reason I had wanted to do this hike was so I could do a hike through Arches, but well, we were still recovering from one.  I approached the desk and asked if anyone had canceled.  The ranger said, "How many do you need?"  I explained my situation and how there were two of us, but only one ticket needed.  He said, "You're in luck, I had one person cancel earlier today."  The fates had spoken; we, once again, the day after our painful journey through the desert, would be hiking through the Fiery Furnace.

When we arrived at our designated meeting spot, I was quickly reassured that we would be able to keep up on this hike when I saw that our ranger guide was very... mature.  I couldn't have been more wrong.  The spritely old man challenged even some of the most in shape hikers as he scurried between crevices, climbed over rocks and marched through sand.  As in Glacier National Park, though, I was very glad to be on a ranger-led hike partly so that the horrifying feeling of being lost, so fresh in my mind, was not a fear, and for the valuable information that he taught us along the way.

You are not allowed to hike through the Fiery Furnace unless you are with a ranger or you have a special permit due to the possibility of getting lost.  We quickly figured out why.  The Fiery Furnace was like a maze of narrow canyons, that to the untrained eye, all looked eerily similar.  This hike was infinitely more pleasant than our hike yesterday (although probably won't be as much fun to retell in the future), not only because we felt safe in the care of a ranger, but because being in the narrow canyons provided a plethora of shade.

There were challenging places where we had to scoot on our rears, with our feet flat on a rock well while our legs were over a crevice; places that required careful attention as we leapt across rocks high above the ground; and places where we walked through thick.  There were places the ranger said we could challenge ourselves, like crawling through one of the smallest of the over 2,000 arches in the park, and of course, even on fear of getting stuck, we took on the challenge.

Like naming clouds and naming rocks, naming arches is a fun pastime.  Many of the thousands of arches in the park are named, but even if they have official names, who can be expected to remember them all?  So, the ranger allowed us to use our creativity and name a few on our own.

The official name of this is Twin Arch, but I preferred Glasses Arch

I believe the most common name for this one is Heart Arch, but my favorite was Kissing Turtle Arch.

In the middle of the Fiery Furnace, we also came across something I had not at all expected: water.  In one large rock we came upon there was a huge hole in it, appearing almost like a well.  Since these "potholes" are in rock, the water can last a long time which has provided a home for some incredibly hardy species.  In these potholes you can often find shrimp.  Yes, shrimp.  A specific type of shrimp that is able to survive, in specific stages of its lifecycle in extreme droughts.  I never expected to hike in the desert and find shrimp!

Our last stop on the hike was to Surprise Arch, so named because it is a true surprise, a treasure to come across as it is well hidden amongst the narrow canyons.

Surprise Arch

We survived another hike in the desert, one that seemed infinitely easier than our adventure yesterday.  We went into Moab to have a meal before setting off to our next destination and ran into a movie star:

Mater, from the Disney Cars movies apparently lives here in Moab!

Our next destination was Monument Valley, a place I believe you will all recognize even if you've never heard about it.  It was here that a very well known, fellow-Alabamian ended a really long cross-country run: 

Driving down the highway, I could tell we were getting close to this scene, really the main reason I knew about the area, but for some reason, this was the time I decided not to pull off a take a photo like I had done SO many times before.  It was only when we got to Monument Valley that I realized I had already driven through the famous scene and as daylight was escaping us, I chose not to turn around, but I can still say I drove down the road that Forrest ran down, even if I don't have the photo to prove it.

Right on the border of Utah and Arizona (in fact, we drove out of Utah into Arizona and then back into Utah on the two mile road) lies Monument Valley.  This park is run by the Navajo Nation, and I must say it is very different than visiting a national or state park.  Due to poor planning on my part, Jessica and I were in separate cars and each had to pay $20 to enter even though the park would not be open for much longer that day.  The park is basically just a road that runs through the monuments, a road not made for the shy of heart nor the low-to-the-ground cars.  Thankfully, Jessica had a jeep that was able to withstand the potholes and seeming deep ravines along the dusty road which allowed us to see some of the monuments and try to picture them as their names suggested.  Some of which, like the Mittens below were quite easy, while the Elephant and the Three Sisters took a bit more of a keen, or perhaps creative, eye.

Mittens

We drove a little further to the booming metropolis of Kayenta, the one red-light town, where we are currently staying for the night.  The hotel is actually quite large, no doubt one of only a very few places to stay which is in 100 miles of both Monument Valley and Four Corners, which we will visit tomorrow.

Miles traveled: 191

Hours in the car: 5

Gallons of gas purchased: 6

States: Utah and Arizona