Day 21 - July 17, 2013

Day 21 – July 17, 2013

St. Louis, MO – Indianapolis, IN

270 miles/ 4 hours 15 minutes

Temperature 93

Indianapolis Marriott East, room 417

Well, we left St. Louis in a blaze of shame.  Oh my.  We were packed up, showered and ready to leave by 9a.m.   It's become tradition that by the end of the road trip, I’m strapped for cash and looking for short (cheap) cuts.  This hotel cleverly held on to their bell carts.  To get a cart, you had to use a bellman.  Well the kids are growing up and certainly capable of carrying their own bags.  Since I once upon a time did work for the Bell Captain at the Ritz Carlton Naples, I do feel shame at my actions – I really do.  But by having that experience, I also know that at $2 a bag, I’d be sunk.

So my merry gang of luggage mules and I made it to the elevator with minimal whining.  As the doors were closing, we heard, “Hold the door please!”  Audrey did so and a pretty young lady entered the elevator.  Audrey asked her, “Are you sure you want to ride with us?”  We did have a lot of baggage, literally and figuratively.  The girl just giggled.  Big mistake momma.  Five seconds after the doors closed, Hunter let one rip, loudly!  Lord, please help me.

Yes, a repeat of Carlsbad.  Hunter giggled.  Audrey yelled “Hunter!”  Then Hunter declared, while laughing, “I am so embarrassed.”  Not as embarrassed as me, son.  He choked out, “Sorry ma’am, I just couldn’t hold it in!”  Audrey, always having to have the last word, rolled her eyes and commented, “Check that off his bucket list.”

Please, somebody, help me.

Then, weighed down with all our bags, we tried to regain some dignity and exit gracefully through a side door, so that the Smith Parade didn’t have to march through the lobby.  Well just picture the Three Stooges as we tried to get through double doors, which were heavy and not automatic.  There was a small alcove, about 3ft by 6 ft, with two doors exiting to the parking lot.  Again, heavy and manual.  Some of the children had rolling bags, some did.  Some of us were just carrying heavy bags.  It all just came unglued between the interior and exterior doors with bags falling, kids tripping, a loud chorus of whining and the hot eastern sun beating down us.  We were trapped in that small space, with the temperature at about 105 degrees.  It was disastrous.  I looked back to the lobby and saw a group of business men bent over laughing at us, yet the Calvary didn’t come to our rescue.  Nice.  I held the exterior door open with my bottom and started tossing bags out to the side walk (along with a few kids) and then we regrouped outside.

The trip to Indy should have been short, but there was lots of road construction.  We arrived at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum at 2p.m. ready to have fun, but mom fumbled the time zones, once again.  Apparently Indiana has decided to join the Eastern Standard Time Zone or observe Daylight Savings (not sure which) and I blew it.  The girl asked me (thankfully) if I was sure I wanted to spend X amount of money for one hour.

I did not. 

We’ll return in the a.m.

I drove to the hotel, spouting apologies the whole way.  The hotel turned out to be in a horrible area, but once I entered the hotel doors -Shangri-La.  Seriously.  Gorgeous hotel, with a wonderful staff.  Momma very happy.

Finding dinner in the immediate area – not so much.  So we ate in the hotel dining room and it was fantastic.  The staff became enchanted with the kids and delivered four HUGE sundaes to the table after dinner. 

Quote of the Day:

Audrey, to the bellman in Indianapolis, who caught up to us at the hotel elevator, with his empty cart.  “My mom doesn’t like to use you, because she doesn’t want to tip you.”  Will I ever learn?  Do not tell this child anything you don’t want repeated!  She lost her swimming privileges over that one.

 

The Lobby of the Indianapolis Children's Museum

 

Working for their dinner!

 

A rare moment of peaceful coexistence for Frick & Frack

 

Dessert!

 

Day 20 - July 16, 2013

Day 20 – July 16, 2013

Kansas City, MO – Jefferson City, MO - St. Louis, MO

296 miles/ 4 hours, 15 minutes

Temperature – 93 degrees

St. Louis Airport Marriott, Rm 6206

I set the alarm for 6 a.m., determined to hit the gym.  But when that alarm sounded, I turned it off and went back to sleep.  I don’t know why.  In Arizona, I got up every day at 6 a.m., but for the last few days our mornings have been slow.  Maybe the time zones?  I don’t know, but another day without exercise.

We made it to the Truman Library by 9:30.  As we pulled up, I could tell it was going to be better than Eisenhower’s.  Poor Ike, because it was.  Truman's library is much more up-to-date, with a very modern design, cool displays and lots of video footage.  Some of the videos were interactive, where the kids could answer questions about what they’d do, if they had the same political problems as Truman.  It was funny to see their answers.  They also had a dress-up section and the kids designed their own campaign buttons.  I actually learned quite a bit.  Of course I (vaguely) remember learning about the Truman Doctrine, The Marshall Plan and the dividing up of Germany post WWI, but after today, I feel like I really get it.  Warning: you may want to steer clear of me at the next cocktail party.  Also, and perhaps I should be embarrassed to admit this, but I didn’t really know all the details regarding the declaration (and recognition) of a Jewish State in Palestine.  I knew Israel was formed after the war, but I had no idea that Britain had occupied the area and gave it up because the country was broke from WWII.  Truman’s endorsement was huge and the museum alluded that this decision was probably based on his need for votes in the 1948 election.  I found it extremely surprising that they would even hint at that!  Honestly, I think my high school American History class skated over this particular topic (or I was daydreaming in class).

We paid our respects at Truman’s gravesite and then visited to the Truman home.  Independence is a very quaint and bustling town, with lots of traffic on the square.

Then we headed east to Jefferson City.  Interstate 70 runs directly from KC to St. Louis and Jefferson City is an hour-long roundtrip detour.  I almost skipped it, but that’s what I did two years ago and I didn’t want to wimp out again.  I’m glad I went for it, because the capitol was very impressive.  We had our first glimpse as we crossed the Missouri River, into downtown Jefferson City - we could see the rotunda above all the trees.  It was kind of a “wow” moment.  Very impressive.  Inside was even more amazing.  Truly the prettiest capitol I’ve seen so far.  There were many monuments and statues dedicated to Thomas Jefferson (because of the Louisiana Purchase).  Additionally, the Civil War is prominently represented throughout the capitol and the museum through paintings, statues and displays.

Then we high-tailed it to St. Louis.  I decided to stay outside the city, since we’ve done the downtown area and I wanted avoid the “event” of a downtown city hotel.  I'm not sure I could’ve handled seeing the bellmen’s faces, when two weeks of dirty clothes fell out of the back as they opened the hatch.  So we’re at the airport Marriott which is a total throwback property.  I love it!  Very art deco Mad Men style.  I half expected Don Draper and some stewardess to stroll past me. 

The kids are swimming in the pool, and I’m seriously considering room service and a movie.  We’ve earned it.  Tomorrow is our last road trip destination before returning to Michigan.  I’ve decided to pick a kid-friendly activity.  They’re all done with state capitol buildings and presidential libraries.  I can’t imagine why?!  Okay, maybe I can…

Quote of the day:

Camden:  “I love you, too.  That’s all I got.”   His response to my “I love you.”

 

 

Truman Library

 

 

 

The Truman gravesites.

 

 

Bear...thrilled.

 

 

Bear looking handsome.

 

 

Truman's Oval Office.

 

 

The Truman home - the "Summer Whitehouse"

 

 

The Missouri State Capitol

 

 

Our retro Marriott.

 

Day 19 - July 15, 2013

Day 19 – July 15, 2013

Oklahoma City, OK – Abilene, KS – Topeka, KS – Kansas City, MO

429 miles/ 6 hours, 15 minutes

Temperature – 61 degrees when we left OC, OK – 93 when we pulled into the hotel in KC

Courtyard, Blue Springs MO Room 202

 We left Oklahoma City in a torrential down pour and continued to drive through hair-raising conditions for two hours, until we were north of Wichita.  It was unfortunate, because I remember driving through Kansas two years ago and being enchanted by the lush green rolling hills, as far as the eyes could see.   It had been gorgeous.  Today it looked like the black and white scenes from the beginning of the Wizard of Oz.   I took back roads after Wichita, northeast to Abilene, to avoid the slick interstate and the speeding semi-trucks.  I’m glad I did because the farms we passed were beautiful.

In Abilene, we stopped at the Eisenhower Presidential Library.  On first impression, it was a little shocking, because it was literally just off of the main drag through town, with a very simple, campaign-like sign welcoming us.  Not a very impressive welcome for a man who was a 5 star general and President of the United States – for two terms!  Personally, I think they were taking the small Midwestern town theme a bit too far.  It probably didn’t help that we’d only visited the Bush libraries, which are opulent by comparison, just weeks before. 

Eisenhower’s boyhood home is on the property and they built the library and museum around it.  The home is in its original spot, built in the 1800’s.  The Eisenhower Foundation purchased all the surrounding houses over the years for the library.  The property houses the home, the museum, the research library and the gravesites.  It was peaceful and very pretty.  I was a little disappointed because the library was opened in the sixties, and although it is meticulously maintained, it really hasn’t been updated.  The library features little more than glorified poster boards and a few display cases.  Honestly, there wasn’t anything that stood out.   I think the Eisenhower foundation needs to update it with modern technology and redo the introductory movie with a little bit of a post-production budget.  Seriously, Kennedy was president for less than three years, right after Eisenhower, yet his library is light years ahead in terms of size, content and “wow factor.”  As a result, I couldn’t get the kids engaged.  It was sad.

We drove a little over an hour to Topeka, to see the Capitol.  We were surprised to find it completely engulfed in scaffolding – undergoing a complete refurbishing.  Bummer.  That’s what happens when you plan your excursion the night before.  Oh well – life on the road has to be flexible.

Another hour and a half to our hotel, a rather dilapidated property that produced the quote of the day (see below).  We got in late and had a subpar dinner at Olive Garden (never again), although something very cool did happen there.  I showed Bear the menu and he said he wanted Pizza.  Hunter was pouting because they didn’t have French fries, so I dreaded the moment Bear realized he wouldn’t be getting fries.  The waitress was taking our order and when she got to Bear, he actually told her what he wanted - unprompted by me!  Then she asked him if he wanted broccoli or grapes, as a side.  I held my breath.  He answered, “Grapes.”  Then checked in with me by looking me right in the eyes and smiling!  Poor server was baffled by all our reactions!  I may stay on the road forever, if Bear keeps up his behavior (but I’ll ship the other three home!).  For the record, he ate the grapes.  We’re back in the room, planning tomorrow and hoping for much better weather.

Quote of the day:

Camden:  As he gazed out the window of our hotel room, “Oh for flying out loud, we don’t even have a beautiful view.  I’m looking at our car!”  I think the Camelback Inn spoiled him.

 

Corn!

 

Scary conditions!

 

Where Ike & Mamie are buried.

 

Ike's boyhood home.

 

The museum

 

Downtown Abilene

 

Kansas state capitol

 

Day 18 - July 14, 2013

Day 18 – July 14, 2013

Albuquerque NM – Oklahoma City, OK

560 miles/8 hours 15 minutes

Temperature – 100 degrees leaving NM, but at one point 62 degrees (in the rain) in Western Oklahoma

Marriott Courtyard Oklahoma City North, Room 108

LOOOONNNG Day!  Wowza.  We left Albuquerque at 8:20 A.M. and pulled onto Route 66 in Amarillo, TX about 12:30, with the Rolling Stones singing “Get your kicks, on route 66…”.  Trip Advisor had declared this as a "top ten thing to do" in Amarillo.  It’s supposed to be a step back in time, to the glory days of Route 66, with shops, antique stores and restaurants.  Wha-wha?  Seriously I couldn’t believe how dilapidated and depressing it was.  The only thing that appeared to be open was a bar that had about 500 motorcycles out front.  I was convinced that we were in the wrong place, until we came upon a sign indicating that we were leaving the Historic Route 66 in Amarillo.  Total buzz kill.  I’ve often daydreamed about taking Rout 66 from Chicago to LA and seeing the cool sights.  Sadly, I think it’s no longer possible.

I kept on trucking, heading east across the panhandle of Northern Texas.  Let me tell you – those are some WIDE OPEN SPACES!  Incredible.  After we crossed into Oklahoma, the skies became very ominous.  I was more than a little nervous since we were in tornado country.   At one point, it literally looked like I was driving into Hell.  Adding to my uneasy feeling, there was absolutely no cell coverage.

We made it safely to Oklahoma City and did a quick visit to the capitol building.  Being Sunday, we couldn’t get inside, which was just as well.  Tensions in the Smith Mobile were high and the car itself seemed tired.  I think this will be her last summer.  She literally is snapping at me - I turn, she squawks.  I fear I’ve put her through too much.   It was a bit of a trying day.  Cammy was as whinny as I’ve ever seen him and Aud and Hunter were very combative.  Bear was the only well behaved one and I believe he’s feeling better!

We went to Longhorn for dinner and everyone ate well.  Bear even walked on the wild side – eating half a filet, in addition to his grilled cheese.  As I drove back to the hotel, I saw a Barnes and Noble.  For the record, I haven’t been in a bookstore in two months!  It was time to go to my happy place.  It worked!!!!  I bought some books with happy covers that I want to read, if and when I have some down time.  Thank you Jen!  The kids decompressed too.  Bear was in heaven reading his favorites, while Hunter checked out the magazines.  Aud planted herself in front of a Nook and Camden perused the toys, making his birthday wish list.

Quote of the day:

Camden, as we were driving down Route 66, “Are we in Radiator Springs?”

Audrey:  “Ah, I know things aren’t exactly going well, but I’m here to tell you that Camden has locked himself in the bathroom stall, (whispering) 'in the ladies room.'  He says he can’t get out without your help.”  Apparently he forgot how he used to crawl from stall to stall, regardless of whom was occupying them!

 

Nothing going on, on Route 66.

 

Texas Panhandle

 

 

Oklahoma State Capitol

 

See - not happy:(.

 

Books = happy!

 

Day 17 - July 13, 2013

Day 17 – July 13, 2013
                

Albuquerque, NM – Santa Fe, NM – Albuquerque, NM

150 miles/2hours, 15 minutes

Temperature – low 63, at Sandia Peak, 93 in the valley

Courtyard by Marriott Albuquerque Airport

I totally overslept, big time.  I’ve consistently been getting up at 6 a.m. – whatever the time zone - but today it was 8:17a.m.!  This resulted in some serious scrambling! 

First stop was Sandia Mountain, featuring the world’s longest tram, which we rode to the top, with an elevation of approximately 10.400 feet.  It was rather chilly at the top, but the views were magnificent!  Believe it or not, there's a restaurant up there (surely for the skiers during the winter months) where we snacked on chips, salsa and a spicy guacamole.  That was our brunch – since we only consumed Kellogg’s breakfast bars in the room.  Life on the road with just mommy is far different than life on the road with daddy!

On the ride down the mountain, we met a family from Atlanta!   It was a mom and her two grown children, who were in their 20’s.  The daughter lives in Kennesaw, but works in downtown ATL, the son just moved to Albuquerque and the parents just retired to NAPLES, FL.  What an amazingly small world we live in!  They shared their road trip stories from when they were kids and told my kids how lucky they were.  The son asked if we’d been to Santa Fe and I replied, “No.”  He insisted that I had too – especially if I was into art.  My wheels started turning.

The tram ride didn’t take as much time as I’d anticipated.  We were planning to visit Old Town Albuquerque, but it was only 12:30 p.m., so I rallied the troops to head north to Santa Fe.  Thank goodness for my Trip Advisor app!  We were on the square in Santa Fe by 1:45, where low and behold, there was an art fair.  We wondered about, checking everything out – it was very cool.  I saw so many things that I loved.  Art, pottery and jewelry!  Unfortunately, it was all surprisingly expensive.  That’s the dichotomy of road trips – you see some amazing stuff, but you can’t afford to buy any of the goods, yet if we didn’t travel,  we’d be able to conspicuously consume, but wouldn’t see the cool stuff!  Come on Power Ball!

Then we went to the Georgia O’Keefe Museum which was very, very cool.  Years ago, a friend gave me a picture book of her art and I love her flower paintings, but her abstract art and landscapes are just as amazing!   She has an erroneous reputation as a painter of female anatomy – not accurate!  Between you and me, I’d always assumed she was gay.  Learn something new every day.  It turns out she had a long time love affair with the photographer and gallery owner, Alfred Stieglitz, who she eventually married.  They we very avant garde for the 1920’s and Stieglitz photographed nudes of Georgia, which I think may have given them a certain reputation that resulted in art critics describing her abstracts as sexual.  Ms. O’Keefe was very offended by this and actually stopped painting abstracts for years.  I understand why she was stung by the criticism.  In retrospect I think it was a good thing, because her paintings after that period, especially the landscapes of New Mexico, are wonderful.  Audrey and I both bought posters that we’re going to frame.

Next we stopped by the state capitol, which was adorned with more art.  So much art!  Seriously, it was like a museum.  Santa Fe is definitely an artist’s enclave.

Then we headed back to Albuquerque – specifically Old Town, which was so-so.  There was an abundance of junk shops, mixed with over-the top-priced boutiques and galleries.  I couldn’t afford anything I liked, and anything I could afford, I knew wouldn’t make home in one piece!

We had a quick “snack bar” dinner and ice cream, followed by pool time.  We have a big driving day tomorrow.  I’ve rerouted our adventure so that we’ll be in Detroit by Thursday or Friday.   Cammy’s birthday is Friday and it was too much to think I could throw together a party/cookout in one day, launder all our clothes, clean the house and pack again, to go back to Michigan.  So I’m going to soldier on with my nomadic ways and continue my summer of running away from my troubles/memories/emotions. 

Que Sera Sera.

Quote of the day:

Cammy, in response to something his sister did:  “For flying out loud, you’ve got to be kidding me.” 

 

Our ride

 

From 10, 380 feet above

 

New Mexico State Capitol Building

 

 

Boys will be boys - one of the many interesting pieces of art displayed in the capitol building.