Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Air Travel - Why I'm Rethinking How I Pack

I have a few friends who are flight attendants and every time a plane goes down they are amazed that people go for their carry-on bags before evacuating the plane. Apparently there are rules about how fast they have to empty the plane and you grabbing your laptop or bag in the over head bin (really people!) Slow things done tremendously and could cost someone their life.
The last time a friend complained about this, I asked myself: What is normally in my carry-on bag that would tempt me to grab it? Things I may have an immediate need for (identification, credit card, phone) and my camera (or more specifically the SD card out of my camera).
None of these things are ever placed in the over head bin but wrestling my bag from under my seat may take precious time that I don't have, in event of of crash. So naturally the next question I asked myself was: How can I pack differently so these things are on my person and there is no need to go for a bag? I'm one of those lucky people who always needs a jacket. My roommates believe it's because my natural body temperature is lower then average but that's beside the point. Even on airplanes I have to have a light jacket, I've only been on one flight where I swear the air did not work because even I was sweltering hot. Everything that would tempt me to grab my carry-on, now gets packed in the zippered pockets of my jacket I wear on the plane, so I am always ready in event of an emergency.
What are the things that would tempt you to go for your bag? How can you pack differently so that you won't need to grab a bag to have them? Share your suggestions in the comments.

Saturday, July 30, 2016

The Great Mid-West Road Trip

This road trip takes you on a tour of Historic Water Mills, Covered Bridges, LDS Temples and LDS Historic sites.

We started our trip in Dallas, TX, each stop was really perfectly (accidentally) timed for the need of a stretch break, we only made a view unplanned stops to take a quick break but even the unplanned stops added to the awesomeness of the trip. I've added the unplanned stops and things we would have done differently had we known when planning what we know now.

Day 1

Stop 1: Choctaw Rest Area Home of the really big chair and a wigwam (maybe?? - we're not actually sure what it was)


 

Stop 2: War Eagle Mill
Address: 11045 War Eagle Rd | Rogers, Arkansas 72756
Fees: Free

This stop was so cool! You have to drive over a one lane historic wooden bridge to get to the mill. The history of the War Eagle Mill is tragic, it was originally built in 1832 but had been re-built several times between fires and floods it's had a hard existence. It's currently on it's 4th building. 
They have a delicious cafe on the top floor of the mill, perfect for a quick lunch break. (be sure to try one of their cobblers - they are fantastic. 


Stop 3: Marion County Courthouse (We needed a stretch) 

The courthouse is a beautiful historic building - we walked around the block for a quick stretch. In the yard of the courtyard they have a 7,000 lbs double water turbine which we thought was appropriate for the theme of the day.

Stop 4: Hodgson Water Mill
Address: Richland Township, MO (just google it - google will know what you're talking about)
Fees: Free

 The Hodgson Water Mill comes out of nowhere! We were seriously doubting our GPS when it said it was ahead. It isn't currently open to the public and has unfortunately fallen into disrepair but you can explore the grounds. If I had enough spare money laying around I would totally buy this mill and restore it into an event center because the grounds are magical!



We stopped for the night in Sikeston, MO but there are plenty of spots to stop along the way. You will travel through the Mark Twain National Forrest so if camping is your thing you can do that too.

Day 2

Stop 1: Bollinger Mill and Burfordville Covered Bridge
Address: 113 Bollinger Mill Rd, Burfordville, MO 63739
Fees: Donations accepted for upkeep of the site

 
Unlike the other water mills this mill had a water turbine in the basement instead of a water wheel - not that we could see it because the mill is not in use and silt has covered the turbine. It's got a museum on the first floor (It's 5 stories!) that shows the process of milling grain that was pretty awesome and guided tours are available to see the upper floors on an hourly basis - we're not a fan of guided tours so we skipped that. (If you go please tell us what we missed)


Stop 2: Sandy Creek Covered Bridge (not originally on the itinerary but only a 20 minute detour so we figured why not)
Website: https://www.mostateparks.com/park/sandy-creek-covered-bridge-state-historic-site
Address: 9001 Old Lemay Ferry Rd, Hillsboro, MO 63050
Fees: Free

It was raining when we stopped here so we didn't explore a whole lot but the little bit that we did explore was fun.

Stop 3: St. Louis LDS Temple


There is nothing better then going to the Temple.

Stop 4: St Louis Arch

The grounds were under construction so we didn't go up it... that and claustrophobia. I have been up the Arch and it was pretty awesome (despite a slight fear of heights)



Our final destination for the night was Camp Nauvoo in Nauvoo, Illinois.  I love Camp Nauvoo, if you're looking for reasonable accommodations and don't mind sharing a shower house, I highly recommend it. All the cabins are air conditioned and a few even have heat - for those winter campers.


Day 3 - 6

Explore Nauvoo. There is so much to see here it takes 4 days to see it all! Below are my top 10 sites but really all the tours are fantastic.





10. David's Chambers & Hidden Arch - just west of Camp Nauvoo along the river, this is a peaceful park with a small waterfall. We used to hunt geod's here when we were young. A little further down Highway 59 towards Nauvoo is Hidden Arch - one of the original arches built to drain the swamp so Nauvoo could be built.


9. Trail of Hope - Parley Street - Be sure to park at the Seventies Hall and walk down to the river reading the sign posts along the way. It always touches me the sacrifices the original inhabitants of Nauvoo made leaving and on their journey west.





8. Carriage Ride and Oxen Ride - The Carriage ride goes out to Inspiration Point near where the north landing used to be along the Mississippi River. Stories are told of the lives of the saints who settled Nauvoo from a swamp. If you get up really early (be at the stables at 6:30 am) you can watch the horses get ready for their day of work, we seriously considered this but decided we liked sleep better. The oxen ride was also cool and informational - meaning I learned why the pioneers walked and walked and walked and walked.



7. Scovil Bakery - free gingerbread cookie at the end of the tour, need I say more?







6. Blacksmith and Wainwright Shop - free prairie diamond and if you're extremely lucky a mini horseshoe they make right in front of you.

5. Joseph Smith Sites walking tour (these are the only sites with a small fee)- the only way into the Joseph Smith sites is through the walking tour offered by the Community of Christ. You get to see the foundation of the 3 story stable Joseph Smith owned as well as hear of his plans for the Nauvoo House (a boarding house he had in the works) and see inside his Homestead and Mansion House - no pictures are aloud in the houses unfortunately I totally would have taken a picture of the floor plans of the Mansion House.
 

4. Nauvoo Fudge Factory - a must stop for all your fudge needs!

3. Carthage Jail - take the scenic route through miles of corn fields to get to Carthage where the Prophet was martyred, The jail had been lived in from the time of Joseph Smith until the LDS Church bought it at restored it to a jail. The original door with the bullet holes from the mob has never left the site.



2. The shows - Nauvoo is most alive during the month of July but the summer months are all packed with plenty of performances. There's (4) shows done by the LDS missionaries serving in Nauvoo all summer and currently (2) outdoor pageants that run the month of July. If you see the pageants, I suggest planning on seeing the British Pageant first and then the Nauvoo Pageant. They share a story line and chronologically the British Pageant comes first.




1. Nauvoo LDS Temple
This is my absolute favorite Temple, the architecture and stone work is remarkable. It's a re-construction of the original Temple built by the early saints and is a fully operational LDS Temple but the grounds are open to everyone.

There is so much more to see and do while in Nauvoo, way to much to elaborate on, you'll just have to go see for yourself,


Day 7

This day really was a bust - 

The Venneer Mill (a working Danish Windmill) was cool from the outside, and we enjoyed being able to go to the top of the windmill and see the blades up close but the tour guide was very long winded. 


The High Trestle Trail Bridge would have been really awesome, except it tried to kill Anna, she was allergic to something growing nearby. There's about a mile-ish 'hike' to the bridge itself along the trail from the closest parking area.


What we should have done is a tour of the Bridges of Madison County (Hogback Bridge, Cedar Bridge, Roseman Bridge, Holliwell Bridge, Cutler-Donahoe Bridge and Imes Bridge). Take my advice drive by the windmill to take a peak, it is cool enough for that, and plan on spending time with the covered bridges. We're currently planning a trip back to Iowa to see the bridges.

Day 8


Stop 1: Winter Quarters LDS Temple and visitor's center.

In Omaha, Nebraska near the site of where the LDS pioneers stopped for the winter in their journey across the plains and set up a small community for travelers coming after them, behind the Temple are the grave markers of several of the pioneers as well as a memorial for those who died while at Winter Quarters.

Stop 2: Kainesville Tabernacle

In Council Bluffs, Iowa - you can either see it before or after Winter Quarters as you pass it going in and out of Omaha. The Kainesville Tabernacle is where after 3 years Brigham Young was finally sustained as the 2nd Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Stop 3: Adam-ondi-ahman




If you don't dwaddle at the hotel in the morning like we did, you should be able to make it to Adam-ondi-ahman by sunset. (we went the next morning) This is another historic and significant site for members of the LDS faith. Honestly there really isn't much by way of buildings to see - in fact there aren't any unless you count the restrooms. But the peace and Spirit that prevail at this sacred spot are worth it.

Day 9

Stop 1: Kansas City, MO LDS Temple

From here we booked it home - broke our number 1 rule and hit the Turnpike and Freeway and raced home.

Anna and Sandy's Rules for Road Trips

1. Take the Scenic Route whenever possible

Interstates are great for getting between destinations quickly and serve a great purpose but their purpose is not road trips. Road tripping is about seeing the country and all that is has to offer in my humble opinion, and the only way to do that is on the back roads. Interstates have the most boring scenery ever and bypass the most interesting small towns you could happen upon and give no opportunity to make snarky remarks at all the fun things you get to see along the way (which may be my favorite thing about road trips - bringing out the puns and wit - we crack ourselves up). Give me the curvy, hilly back roads any day over the straight through boring interstates.

2. Take Selfies at every opportunity

And opportunities will abound. The fun of taking back roads is scenic turnoffs or being able to stop in the middle of the road (everyone else is on the interstate - hardly ever a car around) because you saw the most awesome view to the right or a crazy cool old barn to the left or four deer having breakfast. Selfies must be taken to share the bounty of the world around us and so those poor people on the interstate get a taste of what they're missing.

3. The Passenger's Job is to find fun things to see on the side of the road

Keep your eyes peeled - beautiful vistas, interesting historic markers, and fun tourist attractions (traps) come upon you at a moment's notice!

4. The Driver's Job is to keep passengers ALIVE!

Not to find interesting things on the side of the road. KEEP PASSENGER'S ALIVE! That is the totality of the driver's job.

On our road trips Anna drives - she likes driving and I'm perfectly happy being the passenger and finding the fun things to do along the way, we make a good road trip team. She forgets rule #4 sometimes and tries to kill us, it's a running joke among mutual friends that we will die at 80 in a fiery car wreck because we're to senile to be road tripping anymore - we're okay with going out this way, at least we'll die doing what we love with a smile on our faces probably laughing all the way.

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Road Trips 101

I've always loved road trips. It probably stems from us being too poor to fly anywhere when I was young so we always drove to our vacation destinations. I have fond memories of 4 kids (and sometimes a dog) in a mini-van driving across country. I once slept through the entire width of Nebraska, I hear I didn't miss much, I felt so accomplished that day! And before the day of cell phones, getting separated from my dad's car and singing 'where oh where could my father be' into our walkie-talkie until a truck driver broke in to tell us to shut up! Fun times!

Any who, that's my trip down memory lane now on to the main event! Here are my Top Ten Tips for a Fantastic Road Trip:

10. If the drive is more then 6 hours cruise control is a must!
Piglet, my car, doesn't have cruise control. It's the one thing I lament about her. I know from experience, a 12 hour drive without it is killer on the Achilles tendons. By hour 10 I was about ready to cry! I don't know how my dad ever did it on our long road trips, although come to think of it he did have at least one relief driver.

9. Detours happen, Be flexible.
Growing up every summer we would drive from North Texas to Nauvoo, Illinois, a small community on the banks of the Mississippi River. We never took the same route twice. We had 3 main routes to choose from but with road construction, missed turns and sightseeing along the way we always got on a different route. I think we've criss-crossed Missouri in ways most people would never think of. As I make this drive as an adult, I still have yet to go the same way twice. Makes what could be a long drive through corn fields a little more interesting! That being said make sure your GPS is up to date so when you get lost you can find your way again!

8. Random signs make it fun for kids.
I'm not talking about signs on the side of the road. Although the alphabet game is a favorite to play! I'm talking hand made signs with smiley faces, random messages, or the letter 'P' (can you guess what that one was for- I'll give you a hint, we were caravaning and didn't have cell phones) to hold up in the windows as you pass other cars. We thought up some crazy signs! It brightened our long drive and hopefully put a smile on the faces of the drivers we passed.

7. Barefoot is best - so don't wear tennis shoes!
Yep, that's right, wear the easiest shoes to take on and off cause nobody wants to wear shoes all day in the car. I personally only wear shoes on a road trip when I must get out of the car. If your planning on getting out and doing activities that require more then flip flops along the way, hiking comes to mind, just make sure your other shoes (and socks) are packed for easy grabbing, to put on when needed.

6. Never underestimate the power of a good playlist (or audio book/lecture)
Talking is great but after a few hours most people need some relief, so before you go create a road trip playlist, download that book you've been meaning to read, in audible form, or if your like my dad, download those lectures on random thing you've wanted to learn. Let me tell you, there is nothing like a lecture on the science of music to put your passengers to sleep and give you some good quiet contemplation time. Don't forget to pack the car chargers!

5. Activities, Activities, Activities!
You can never have too many activities, especially if you have kids! Movies, books, travel games, coloring books/pencils (no crayons, they melt), sign making material, a good imagination to make up stories about the places you pass through, keeping yourself, your kids, and especially the driver entertained (and thus awake) is important!

4. Fuel is key - Eat good food and drink plenty of water!
Snacking on road trips often because mindless, boredom eating. Make sure to pack at least some healthy snacks so your body gets the proper energy it needs to stare at the never ending ribbon of road for hours at a time. And seriously get out of the car for lunch! Whether you have a picnic at a rest area or go to a sit down restaurant avoid the convenience of the fast food drive thru, or making sandwiches in the car (that gets messy)! The time out of the car will re-energize you for the next leg of the journey. Also remember to stay hydrated, and that means drinking water! Soda is great but has very little place on a road trip. May I also suggest bringing an insulated refillable water bottle, so your water stays cold and you don't have thousands of plastics water bottles from the gas station littering your floor boards.

3. Good sleep is mandatory - stay at a hotel.
I'm all for supporting local small businesses, except when it comes to where I sleep. If your unfamiliar with the motel options, go with the proven hotel chains. I have several horror stories from motels, one involving having to switch rooms 3 times, to get a room with working air, or working toilet (all important things) and ending up in a smoking room that made it hard to breathe and even harder to sleep (after housekeeping cleaned it for us). I've learned my lesson well, stay at a hotel chain you trust. It makes for less crankiness the next day :) Or if you have friends that live along the way see if you can visit and sleep in the guest room or on their comfy couch!

2. Get your car checked out and serviced before you go.
Nothing ruins a road trip like being stuck on the side of the road. Even if you do regular maintenance on your car, take it in for a quick check-up before you hit the open roads. And become familiar with your roadside assistance options, just in case. Some insurance companies offer free roadside assistance or there is always AAA (I've never used them, because my insurance covers roadside assistance, but people say their great!)

1. Get off the main Interstate!
Talk about boring drives! It may take longer but the scenery on the smaller highways and byways can be breath taking! In recent years I have become a huge advocate for taking the lesser traveled road, it makes all the difference!

Happy Travels!