Sunday, June 24, 2012

AR --> LA --> Texas!




Shortly after hitting Louisiana, we were treated to a modern day chain-gang doing work along the road!



























Gorgeous bayous.




















We even got to see a couple gators -- or at least their eyes and snouts.
































Houses and churches alike are up on stilts.




















At the Gulf of Mexico!!





















The landscape that greeted us as we entered Texas, heading toward Houston ...







Saturday, June 23, 2012

NC --> TN --> GA --> AL --> MS --> AR = El Dorado

We hit quite a few states on our way to visit some long-time family friends of mine in Arkansas.  Since we had a pretty long driving day, we didn't make too many stops, but we did see some pretty country. I love the lush landscape, vines growing over trees, etc.




Chickens at the gas station!




























My friend, Melissa who I've been friends & pen pals with since I can remember and her Mom.




Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This breathtaking park actually straddles the border of N. Carolina & Tennessee.  It's the only National park that does not have an entrance fee ... meaning, it's very crowded! But worth fighting the crowds to see this beautiful piece of creation.













Tuesday, June 19, 2012

VA --> NC = E. Spencer

This driving day took us past some of the prettiest stretch of country.  The drive south through Virginia and into North Carolina was really a treat and then we got to spend the night with Jason's cousin and her adorable family.  A perfect day.







As soon as we hit North Carolina, the freeways were covered with these gorgeous yellow lilies!




Sunday, June 17, 2012

NJ --> PA --> MD --> VA --> W.VA = Leesburg & Harpers Ferry

After a stop in the Bronx to visit Jason's old school (the 8th graders he taught there are graduating this year!),  we headed straight for Amish country -- Lancaster County, PA.  A bit of a change in scenery. 










































Also in Pennsylvania was Gettysburg.  I had not been before and had no concept of what a huge space that battle area encompassed.  I thought it would be one big field, when in fact the fighting happened all over the entire town area.  A 24-mile driving tour is set-up for those who want to see it all.






While staying at our friend's in Leesburg, VA, we got to take a day trip to Harpers Ferry -- another place made famous by John Brown's famous raid prior to the Civil War.  Today, it's a beautiful spot where you can stand in West Virginia and see both Maryland and Virginia across the way.

































Another point of interest at Harpers Ferry is the headquarters/conservancy for the Appalachian Trail  something Jason was pretty excited to get to visit.



Tuesday, June 12, 2012

VT --> MA --> CT --> NY = NYC !!!

Four states down ... many more to go!

Had a BLAST in NYC - hanging with an awesome Peace Corps friend and enjoying the stomping grounds from our first year of marriage.



























Food on sticks -- ahh, we have missed street food sooooo much!
 








Amazing soup dumplings

And, like we should be eating still more  -- doughnuts from doughnut planet!




























Ferry out to Govenors Island with William and his girlfriend.  Heading to a funky art show in the park -- Figment -- where you get to be part of the art.  So fun!