...and we're off!

August 16, 2007 -- We missed Goose Lake; when it said it was on State Line Way, it was on State Line Way. We completely missed the turn off and about 20 miles later we realized something wasn't right. Anyhow, we got to meet our first "nice" person who was more than willing to give us directions to a nearby RV park that was still in our direction of travel. Spent the night Abert, OR at a little RV park. The park was situated in Abert Crater, which is the largest volcanic crater in the US.

Took off the this morning traveling up a highway that is a geologist's dream. There were many colors, textures, and types of geology along the way. Beyond that, the high desert of eastern Oregon leaves you to wonder why people actually live there. We made a pit stop in the town of Wagontire, population exactly 1...The "busted-up cowboy" who proclaims himself to be "judge, jury and executioner" of this little slice of heaven gave only the handle of "Hoss".

We stopped in Burns, Orgon for gas (which we have seen as low as $2.81 so far) and lunch at a little park on the east side of town. While we sat there eating, a three point buck, still in velvet, came bounding through for our lunchtime entertainment.

The kids have been real troopers through two very long road days. We have gotten through the road trip while listening to first two books on CD of A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. These books, thirteen in all, are the lugubrious tale, in this case the very sad tale, of three orphans and the misfortunes that befall them.

We come to you live now from Mountain Home Idaho. We are staying at our first KOA (that's Kamp on Asphalt, for those of you who stay in hotels...). Tomorrow we head out for West Yellowstone, Montana, another long road trip, after which we will take shorter day trips to see Old Faithful and the critters you ain't supposed to feed...

We'd offer photos for your viewing pleasure, but we don't have any photos yet that might inspire interest yet, but they will be coming soon.

T-minus 12 Hours to Liftoff...

August 14, 2007 -- The words were overheard here today, "...this is almost like moving." No kidding. Trying to do the last minute packing, tying off the loose ends, making sure that all the bases are covered, bills are paid, and all the fires are put out before we go is very tiring. Should-we-take-this-let's-leave-it-here-but-we-might-need-it-do-we-have-enough-do-we-have-too-much-we'll-just-buy-it-if-we-need-it-did-you-get-a-chance-to-do... Hooowee...


This, of course, is not just a week or two--three months really is a long time to be away from home. Not only will we be on "vacation," but we will also be home(?)schooling along the way. Hopefully, this trip will be a wonderful "classroom" like no other.

Well, likely a night of restless sleep ahead, as we wrestle with thoughts of whether we got everything done, despite our best efforts at planning. Cheer us on, as we prepare to see our great nation and meet the challenges that we will likely face as we motor off in a cloud of Suburban dust--Goose Lake, Oregon is the first day's destination--stay tuned, blogs with photos to follow...