Day six...we're travellin' now Jesse!

>> Thursday, August 20, 2009

Last night we spent the evening in Oswego (ahs-we-go) with another missionary I served with. Kristin is now married with two beautiful children.  She lives in a cute house in a nice suburban town outside of Chicago.  It was wonderful to see her and her family.  We caught up and reminisced.

We woke up early and drove real fast.  Well, Cici (bless her heart) can only go so fast.  Laden down with my precious belongings caused her a bit of strain.  We never really made it over 75 unless we were going down a serious mountain.

We did get up early.  Today was the final stretch in our cross-country adventure and we needed to cover a LOT of ground.  

The only stop we made today was in Miamitown, Oh.  Again, a family stop.  My moms side of the family lives there.  My grandparents were buried in the family plot.  It has been ten years since I have been there.  For those of you who have watched the film "Elizabethtown" - know that its been an inspiration for my roadtrip.  Much like the main character goes to Elizabethtown and discovers his roots, I too have discovered my roots on this trip in a very similar way.  Going to Miamitown brought me a connection and a closeness to my family that is too hard to put into words.  Even for me.

Below is my moms cousin and the Son-in-law & grandkids.  We also were able to cross the street and visit the graves of my grandparents and other family members.  

Miamitown is small and rural.  The pace is slow and one of the big deals in the town is Wendy's.  Nothing is too fancy or complicated. These folks are just good people.  They are real, honest and absolutely loving.  After all, "you're family."  And next to God and country, that is what matters most.  I think we all could use a lesson from the heartland.

We zipped through the rest of the drive.  Even though we were sitting, it still gets pretty tiring and long.  The final big, AHHH moment for me was entering Virginia.  Not only because this was my new home, but because of the mountains.  John Denver sings:

Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue Ridge mountains, Shenandoah River.
Life is old there, older than the trees,
Younger than the mountains, growing like a breeze.
Country roads, take me home,
To the place where I belong,
West Virginia, mountain mama.
Take me home, country roads.
All my mem'ries gather 'round her,
Miner's lady, stranger to blue waters.
Dark and dusty painted on the sky,
Misty taste of moonshine, teardrops in my eye.
Country roads, take me home,
To the place where I belong,
West Virginia, mountain mama,
Take me home, country roads.
I hear her voice, in the mornin' hours she calls me
The radio reminds me of my home far away.
Driving down the road I get a feeling
That I should have been home yesterday,
Yesterday.
Country roads, take me home,
To the place, I belong
West Virginia mountain mama,
Take me home, country roads

I truly understand these lyrics.  As you look around, the mountains are soft like piles of mashed potatoes. Densely covered in green trees, you are enveloped by the rolling beauty of it all.  There is a slight blue filter - and a part of me began to tear up at its majesty.  That, and the relief and sense of solidarity of nearing completion of the trip.

About an hour outside of Arlington, we needed one last gas stop.  And as if to signal we were in the right place, another fantastic sign was found.  Mike, this goes out to you.  Will you please send me an orange vest?

Home sweet home. So glad to get out of the car.  So glad to have finally arrived.  Heidi was so happy, she fashioned a new line of clothing, called Tarpe Diem! I think its going to be a hit on the runway!

And that my friends, is the rest of the story.  Can you believe it? 14 states, over 2300 miles, probably 20 tanks of gas, 1 trucker horn pull, 6 days, 5 nights and a country worth of difference.  I am here. In Virginia. The state for lovers. The state of the Cardinal.  Home to the blue ridge mountains and humidity.  The place where fireflies light up the night.  

Shannon and her adventures.  Thanks for joining in.


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Day Five ... I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad. ~George Bernard Shaw

>> Wednesday, August 19, 2009

After our night in luxury...anything would pale in comparison.  Fortunately the room we rented in last nights Ramada was inexpensive and decently clean.  We also had complimentary breakfast and internet.  I felt particularly sanitary after reading the posted sign behind the concierge desk.  Since you cant actually read the sign in the photograph, I have written what it said.  You too will feel confident in the amenities after you read it...

[Please do NOT use the pool if you have the following symptoms:]
1. Diarrhea 
2. Vomiting 
Seriously? There must have been a need to post it, I am afraid. Welcome to the dirty south folks!

As we drove through Missouri and Illinois, our view was incredible.  Filled with farms, corn and picturesque barns. As if on queue, the gentleman below came around the corner on his mower. Thanks!



Only in Kansas could this be accepted...good thing we like sandwiches, right?
Our first destination of the day was Nauvoo.  A former mission president and his wife are now serving as mission president for the Nauvoo mission.  I wanted to visit them, and the city.  It has been about 7 years since I have been to Nauvoo.  As we rounded the corner to approach the city, the Mississippi river appeared on our left and we began one of the most breathtaking views of the entire trip.  

The glorious river extended beyond our view and from the shore we could see masses of water lilies. Wedged together tightly, they formed a soft carpet of intense beauty.  The photos I took hardly does the scene justice.  


Nauvoo itself is a quaint place, full of history and tell-tale red brick of the mid-1800 time period. Obviously the neighborhood feels protective of its city...
We even found a friend for Cici (my car)...its the same model complete with a modified version of our tarped treasures...(this family was traveling from NY)

I know there are many great places to eat in Nauvoo, right? Well, Grandpa's Attic looks cute but their menu wasnt.  Suffice it to say it wasnt a good choice.  White bread and Oscar Myer lunch meat. Oh well. Live and learn.

The Nauvoo temple stands regally against the pale cornflower blue sky. Another powerful reminder of the sacrifice and faith of the early Mormon pioneers.

Some of those early pioneers were my ancestors.  They came from England, sacrificing most of their possessions to join in the great exodus west.  Their time in the beautiful city of Nauvoo was yet again, just another brief resting place.  After establishing a city, persecution forced them to flee.  There is a street in the city called Parley street.  It is perhaps the longest road in the town.  It goes directly to the waters edge. This place was the beginning of the tragic and triumphant movement to Utah.  Among those were my family - the Loaders.  James Loader (the father) died of sickness while moving west.  The wall below stands as a tribute to the pioneers who never made it to the Salt Lake Valley.  His name is listed.  It reminded me of the great heritage I stand on.  My people did hard things.  They made tough decisions.  They lost, loved and labored for a great cause.  This is my blood.  This is my family.  This is my legacy.




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Day 4 ... meet me in St. Louis, Louis, meet me at the fair..

>> Monday, August 17, 2009

Last night was spent in Luxury - and not by our own doing.  The benefactors will remain anonymous - I dont want to embarrass them. But, these fine folks were kind enough to use some reward points on our behalf and put us up in a fine Marriott.  Not only was the room beautiful, but we were on an executive, private floor. We had to use our room key in the elevator to access it.  We also got a really nice complimentary "concierge service" breakfast.  You know who you are and I thank you, again.

Big brother is watching...even in Omaha..!
And you can make your home feel like your home away from home...it will only cost $150 for that nice Marriott lamp...
I know, I am setting a really bad example for the kids.  Kids, close your eyes. I couldnt help myself.  It was a feather bed, just like Denver sang about..geez, I feel like I know the man so well...


We traveled through a Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa on our way to Missouri (pronounced appropriately as Mih-sir-uh).   I now have a strong affinity for the heartland of America.  A drive through this part of the country should be on everyone's list.  It is charming.  Certainly filled with corn, corn and more corn - yet it has an understated beauty about its rolling grasses, winding two-lane roads and moderate pace. 

Our first stop of the day was Adam-on-Diamon.  A beautiful lush piece of land that has special historical meaning to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints.
You can see how masterful the roof rack and tarps look amidst the scenery....
Here is a great view of the hillside...
A pretty little monarch that I talked into posing...
Heidi having fun and excited because she is "a little bit taller"
Our neighborhood Amish buggy...

Our end destination was the Arch in St. Louis. This was Heidi's first time! If anyone wants to go, dont bother with the movie - its about 30 minutes too long and NO one wants to see Uncle Rico wearing a hard hat...okay, there was some entertaining 70's style cinematography...
Heidi against the arch!

A really cool carving!

We ate a late late dinner and then went to our hotel - pretty tired...but another exciting day!


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The rest of the story....Day 3

I know, I know, this is a little long in coming. Apologies to my faithful readers. It has been a little more exhausting and overwhelming to do this "move" and blogging has fallen to the bottom of the list. Sadly. Here, however is the rest of my incredible cross country trip.

Day 3 - Discovering the FLAT land of Colorado and Nebraska

Sunday.  Last night we arrived in Aurora, Colorado.  There aren't words to express the joy that came from being with the Campbells.  They opened their home to us and were so kind.  The Campbells are a family I met and fell in love with while serving my mission many years ago.  We have kept in touch and I had to see them while I was in town. Sadly I didnt get a picture with them.  It was a bit of a rush to get everyone out of the house...but here Heidi and I decided to be twins...

My cousin Michelle told us that it would be okay if we wore flip flops to church.  It was a bit of a joke - thinking that we may only be able to find the shoes we were actually wearing in my cram-packed car.  Actually, her prediction turned out to be accurate.  I packed one church shoe in my overnight bag, but failed to pack a matched set. Oops.

Did you know that Colorado has a lot of flatland? It was news to me.  A better portion of the state consists of a 2-lane "highway" that we were on for many hours.  There werent any places to really stop and photograph - so Heidi busted out the "motion-photography" skills.  I am a sucker for pretty wildflowers- especially yellow ones.  I wish I could have captured the beauty of this place - Imagine miles and miles covered with yellow and white wildflowers. I felt a little bit like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz when she finds herself in Munchkin land. Remember all the bright flowers? Yep. And then of course, this picture below added to the feeling! Welcome to Nebraska! This was at a gas station. Seriously.

The drive through Nebraska was interspersed with corn fields. And farms. But, mostly cornfields and grass.  Today our drive was pretty peaceful - fitting for a Sunday. The other thing that we did which kept the day full of the spirit was to read family histories.  

Before I left, I asked my Aunt to print out some Simmons family stories.  This request came as a result of the trek (which I havent really posted much about yet) and the journey we were making to Winter Quarters in Nebraska.

Prior to this recent year, I havent taken the opportunity to really read and get to know a lot about my dad's side of the family.  Over the years, he has shared stories and geneology, but I never really owned it in my heart. 

I now know Wilmerth - My great-great grandmom. What a woman.  As I drove (listening to Heidi tell her story) across the desolate, beautiful and hard land of Colorado and Nebraska I grew to love her.  She was a physically and emotionally staunch woman.  And yet, she had a quirky sense of humor and love of dance and music that kept her balanced.  Pieces of me have filtered through the family lines - and Heidi excitedly exclaimed "Shannon, she's your type of woman!"

We ended the day at Winter Quarters - for those of you reading this who are not of my faith; this a place where the Mormon Pioneers stayed for about a year while they waited out the harsh winter en route to Utah.  Many died from exposure, unsanitary conditions and lack of food.  I marvel at their dedication, commitment, and strength.  They knew their path.  They knew their leader.  They knew the Master.  

Today, its a quiet town and there is a small, reverent cemetery that holds the graves of the many pioneers who died there.  As you enter the cemetery, there is a hush that is almost palpable.  No words are needed as you wander the small hillside with many unmarked graves. It is not empty, though, for you can feel the presence of the many men, women and children whose sacrifice stands as a memorial for all who followed.

Right next to the cemetery is the Winter Quarters Temple.  A beautiful temple which stands a reminder that the pioneers work and sacrifice was not in vain.  Equal bookends of sacrifice and blessings. 

What a powerful day. 

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Day deux....on the open road

>> Sunday, August 16, 2009


Day Deux...on the open road...

On the road again…”

Those are the familiar strains that greet our ears each time we start the day. Its become our lovely little am anthem….

stats :weather: mostly overcast and grey with spitting rain throughout the day states passed through: UT & CO Smiles, waves highfives, gawks and [fistpumps] : about 20

After visitng my sister & her family in Ut (sorry sis, no pictures of you…why is that, I wonder? Someone doesn’t really like to be in pictures..) Strapping the tarps over my collection of roof rack items (thanks Chris for your expert tarp skills…) we were headed to Colorado…

"I love tarp"

You can see from this photo that the car is full, and there is quite the collection of items on the top of my car...a guitar, a 72 kit in a huge backpack (with my sleeping bag & pad), a keyboard, and some other items...making a strange little top of car package. Oh yes, Marquette is strapped to the tope of the car too. 

Who is Marquette? She is my other traveling companion, the mannequin. Heidi was concerned that she may have to go on top as well, but you can see there is no space. So, Heidi barely squeezed into the space we call the passenger seat. Its only a passenger seat for a very small dwarf. Even the Travelocity  roaming nome would have trouble fitting in that space.

Sorry, what can I say? I am moving my life cross-country within the four doors of a small compact car...space is limited...

And we begin...

The rain has begun. It came as a thief in last night and gave marquette a bath...dirty girl, she needed it after the dustshowers of Nevada. Since the roof rack made a break in the seal of the car doors...the rain may have made its way inside...gratefully, Heidi is crafty...

 Hey Heidi, your grandmom has been saving that towel since 1962 for just such an occasion!

Moving through the outskirts of UT and into Colorado brought beautiful vistas and charming off-the road photo worthy sights... 

Pop, treats AND worms?” What a delight! 

“What is that? What is THAT? A flagpole? On a motorcycle? Of course. We’re in Colorado…


We weren’t sure which was missing the name…the mountain or the sign –So, we named the mountain Brown and the sign Greene and decided we could be officials on the committee of sign and mountain naming… 

Decorating the car brought us such joy:

“Im going to DC, I heard there was a mall”

“CA to VA – from c to shining sea”

“Ms. S goes to Washington”

Also considered were: "DC with Bust" (figuring that Marquette was under the tarp, we didnt want to confuse passerby's) and "I'm goin' huntin-huntin for senators!" (this too was abandoned as it could be relatively close to what some of our Redneck huntin friends might actually do, and not in the dating sense I was trying to reference. Emphasis is real hard to convey with car window paint pens)

This also seemed to bring others much joy as we began to get more looks and conversations when we stopped for gas and snacks...now thats what I call entertainment!

Oh look, a handsome tan boyfriend for Marquette here in the quaint town of Aspen…

 We drove through the rockies of Colorado just as the sun was dipping over the horizon - it was a majestic sight to behold the sharp red rock formations jut out from either side of us and weave in and out of the mountains on a narrow 2 lane road.  The scene was truly breath taking - flat plates of rock, sediment, and earth stacked upon each other like broken dishware. I felt small and miniature - As we continued, the river snuck out from under us, curling around on the right side of the road and the crisp, dramatic red and sepia mountains on the left - I felt if I put my hand outside the window, I could touch it - but then I snapped alert realizing I was still driving. Sometimes I get carried away into the dreamy landscape -as if I was in a movie or a postcard. 

Tonight we are staying with the Campbells. An adorable family that I became very close to when I served my mission (part of which was here in Colorado.) It was very sweet to reunite with them.

Day Deuex - a delight.


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Day 1 on the open road...

>> Saturday, August 15, 2009

Tales from the open road

A coastal crossing in six days…

 (pictures will have to wait...the camera cord is somewhere in the car...)

Day one is done!

August 14, 2009

 I have promised many people that I would blog as consistently as possible, and then upload as often as internet would allow. Tonight I don’t have internet, so this post will be done in the morning. I will however write about the day….

 I left Sacramento pretty ontime; about 735 (compared to 730)– not a bad start!  There were some tears as I said adieu to Mikey & Auntie – two people I love very dearly. I was impressed that Mikey arose early enough to say goodbye…especially since he & I were up till…well, really early.  I would also like to thank my Auntie for introducing me to cowboy eggs this morning. A delightful new breakfast treat that I will have again…

 Cowboy Eggs:

I piece of buttered toast

Take glass and cut a hole in the center of the toast

Crack an egg into the “hole”

Cook & enjoy….plus a little honey for the center toast piece….YUM

 The car was masterfully packed for the trip by Mikey. He is a master packer (packing manager to be exact) and he also strung up my rack real well (roof rack folks! roof rack!) See picture below.  Those half-hitches aren’t going anywhere.

As you can see, Marquette is along for the journey to DC! She is all set to go in her preppy outfit as our figurehead…

 I picked up Heidi – a dear friend and adventure companion for this trip…

 And we were set to go!

 There is something so exciting about the open road. The promise of adventure; of the unknown. Knowing that you may never pass the same way again…as the strains of “on the road again..” sang in the stereo speakers, I felt my heart skip a beat. Here I go! Here I go!

 This year has been a journey of self discovery; this road trip is the physical reflection of that journey to realize my own heart.

 On our way out of California, we stopped at Donner Park….

 The smoke-filled air and densely wooded mountains brought John Denver’s “Country Roads” to mind.  There is something so nostalgic about a campfire –the quiet sounds of campers waking up and the crisp mountain air…if you haven’t experienced this part of California (and you live in the state) do so!

 And then came the long ***exciting*** drive through Nevada….Folks, Nevada is a drag. Even the sagebrush are bored - which is why you see them tumbling across the road.

 For lunch we stopped in Winnimucca…always a nice cross section of people there. I love all the Harley riders….couldnt miss the opportunity to snap a picture….

 The rest of our day was spent driving and sleeping (don’t worry dear friends, Heidi and I didn’t sleep while we were driving…!) Although, during one such nap, I jolted awake and scared Heidi as I flung toward the window…I had a dream that I was driving and feel asleep at the wheel…can we say anxiety!!!

 I wish there was more exciting things for the day….Nevada was just the bulk of our drive and therefore rendered our time slightly less than entertaining. Although, we did have some amazing music and I did get some major stares at most gas stations as people gawked at Marquette strapped to the top of my vehicle…love it! The next time someone asks what that thing is strapped to my car roof…I will answer “grandma.” Seriously. Hasn’t anyone seen a mannequin before? If not a mannequin, at least national lampoons family vacation?

 Tonight we are in Ogden Ut – staying with Heidi’s gram.  Thanks gram!!! Her house is the coolest (she is a pretty rad lady herself). 

 Day ONE has been a success…..


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T-2 days...

>> Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Friends.

Its coming.

The adventure of the  cross-country roadtrip.

T-2 days. (till departure)

Friday morning, I will be backing out of the drive way at an early-bird special time of 7am to hit the highway with my friend Heidi. 

I will be posting pictures, quotes and stories about this 5 day craziness.

Be ready. Be reading.  Be real excited. 

I am!!


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Meteor Showers

Yikes, I have been delinquent friends! My life has been a bit topsy-turvy~ exciting, exhilirating and a bit exhausting!

Tuesday the 4th was my last day at work...

From the 5th-9th I was pretty much offline... (off in the mountains reenacting the mormon pioneer trek for 3 days and then at a conference over the weekend)

Yesterday and today I have been running errands and packing.

There is a lot to say, but I will not write it now. Instead, I procrastinated my packing duties and went outside to observe the yearly meteor shower... sadly, the haze and lights made it near impossible to view...but i like the thought of a meteor shower! Bits of brightly burning meteors from heaven reaching out to us. Sparkling the night sky with their flaming beauty.

Yes, it was worth the pause and the try.

Perhaps next year, I will see them in their glory...


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I saw three ships...(well technically four)

>> Monday, August 3, 2009




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Simmons Slough


So, I reached back into my archives from a recent trip & wanted to post it....love the name! Simmons Slough...hail to my family name!




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