No Place Like Travel

Were getting ready for the next leg of our journey. There are an incredible number of things to think through. What to pack, what needs to be done first, dependencies, contingency, milestones, status reports…hold on wait…slipping back into work mode. Today we planned, ate watermelon and burgers, slipped in a second massage at the great Thai place (little gem in Conroe) and got the storage organized. All in a day’s work. 

One of his favorites, so far

Who would have expected to find a traditional walk on your back type Thai massage in Conroe Texas?! Reminds me of the days living in Bangkok 

Then followed by Five Guys for lunch. Heaven.

Storage organized. Rover has a home for the winter 

Baby Boy O’s first campfire

Yesterday’s post: Practicing Mindfulness

Tomorrow’s post:

It’s been eight years since I started practicing meditation. Some days my mind races all over the place like a monkey swinging from tree to tree. Other days, there there are moments of mindfulness and calm. The world seems to be as it is and right here is where I need to be. Nowhere else, nothing else, just here. This morning was one of those days. Baby Boy O and I went for an early morning walk in the cold. He fell asleep, I did nothing but breathe.  

Sleeping beauty

A sad little outlet mall off the interstate where unloved things sit on shelves. Looking for warm clothes for Baby Boy O

Making phone calls in the sun

The day seems to disappear, and then it is dinner time

Sitting by the fire, red wine, pistachio nuts and sweet potato chips

Yesterday’s post: Alone at Last

Tomorrow’s post: 

Having a baby changes you in all the ways you can imagine, and even more the ways you didn’t know to imagine. Sleepless nights, constant feeding and care, crying, diapers, smiles and all that stuff came easily. The harder part is working out how to make this constantly changing symbiotic relationship positive and enriching. When this little being is physically, and if not, then mentally joined at to you at every moment, finding the line between us and me is a see saw that can slope one way more than the other. Equilibrium takes vigilance and effort. Today that see saw got balanced. Driving in the car alone, having time to think (not about Baby Boy O) and doing something for me, and me alone. A long overdue and welcome step in the right direction. 

Wouldn’t trade him for the world in spite of another round of chunder

Lunching in the sun, then off to a Thai massage

Yesterday’s post: Sunday Afternoon Stretch

Tomorrow’s post:

Edited with BlogPad Pro

After what seems like a very long stretch of bad weather, the sun finally broke through. I don’t know how people who live near the poles cope. Darkness, clouds, rain and gloom can really be a Debbie downer. Today it was a sunshine day and we escaped to Sam Houston National Forest for a wonderful leg stretching hike. We were all so glad to be outdoors. Baby Boy O was beside himself, all chatty, his legs kicking and arms waving all over the place. Thankful for a wonderful happy Sunday. 

Magical moment – morning playtime in bed

Went for a morning walk around the campground

Slightly addicted to Panera Bread’s steak and white cheese panini

Setting off on the loop trail at Sam Houston National Forest

Beautiful Lake Conroe. Beware of the alligators

The cobweb sweeper stick

Sunshine and happiness

Another new supermarket chain. One of our last shops as we need to eat everything down before we put Rover in storage

Driving back after a long fun day

Yesterday’s post: Storm Clouds

Tomorrow’s post: 

Sometimes there’s sun, sometimes there’s rain, and then there are days like today when everything is stormy. The weather’s been crap, we lost power at one point and we’ve been stuck indoors for what seems like weeks. Baby Boy O was upset, sweaty and teething. Misery loves company. 

Ouchies! But thank goodness he is sleeping

Heading out for an exciting lunch

Yesterday’s post: Pause Button

Tomorrow’s post: Sunday Afternoon Stretch

After three intense weeks of travel we have decided to hit the pause button and stay put for a little while. We are north of Houston, pointed toward Dallas where we’ll soon be heading off on the overseas leg of our travels. Storage for the RV is now arranged, next comes the packing of bags and packing up to leave Rover over the winter. Parked up at the Thousand Trails on Lake Conroe is a great place to catch up on all the small tasks that seem to grow as the days pass.  It is also a good place to practice meditation and be in the moment, especially since these moments seem to fly by. November already. How did that happen? 

Practicing being ‘in the moment’ with Mr Dribble Guts

English Hubby on daddy duty

Being in the moment – watching Baby Boy O watching the rain fall on the trees

Craving for Chinese food. This was the best we could find in Conroe Texas

Another Walmart shop. Something for everyone

Yesterday’s post:

Tomorrow’s post: 

Today’s soundtrack belongs to Otis Redding. Today we caught our breadth after a few hectic weeks covering many miles and entertaining very important guests. It was nice to bask in the sun, stare out over Lake Conroe and go for a walk. We got back to our half day split routine where English Hubby was on point for Baby Boy O in the morning and I took over in the afternoon. It feels good to be productive and relaxed.

Hoping for a lie in, but Baby Boy O had other ideas at 5.30am

Someone was a little upset today

Taking him out always cheers him up

Afternoon duty, taking Baby Boy O for a walk

Too excited to sleep. So many interesting things to see

Looking back on our waterfront site

Practicing meditation along the path

Yesterday’s post:

Tomorrow’s post:

91 days oversees is starting to dawn and get daunting. The weather has a slight chill, which will be nothing compared to the wet English winter. It’s just occurred to me that we have nothing for Baby Boy O that is fit for snowy climes. So hi ho hi ho it’s off to Baby Gap we go. Stumbled on the lovely Woodlands shopping area where a little bit of damage was done to the credit cards. 

Oh little sweet pea

Getting a little nippy in Texas

A walk around the campground to watch the ducks

Mummy, I can’t move in this snowsuit!

Yesterday’s post:

Tomorrow’s post:

We say “see you very soon” to Mah Mah and Yah Yah, bidding farewell from a Walmart carpark. We will be seeing them in a couple of weeks time, which makes these goodbyes much easier. After the airport run we scooted off to Houston to meet Finnish Gal and Handyman Dan for brunch. A lovely afternoon getting acquainted with Houston town, with our very own historical tour guide. 

Caked in dirt

First Finn he’s ever met

Post brunch walk around Houston

Always time for a quick cuddle

Industrial meets…

…city…

…meets park green belt

With little gems for a keen eye

Is that a canoe up a tree?

Yesterday’s post:

Tomorrow’s post:

And so continues our crazy manic round trip to San Antonio and back to Houston. A day of driving and high fructose corn syrup excitement with a pull over in the rain stop at Buc-ees. This little beaver has been taunting us for miles, inviting us to stop in. Only Texas can come up with something this cheesy, so we curbed and spent some money on sugary fake food. If the glycemic index hadn’t already shot through the roof, we would send it sky high by finishing the day with an infamous Popeyes fried chicken with all the trimmings dinner. Heaven have mercy on our waistlines. 

Y’all have a great morning

More morning cuddles

Campground breakfast on classy foam plates

Still a barrel of sunshine even though it is wet and yucky out

Buc-ees, Buc-ees, Buc-ees. We wanna stop at Buc-ees

No turning back now!

Only in Texas

Aisles and aisles of crap

Beaver poop

Fried chicken heaven

Yesterday’s post:

Tomorrow’s post:

The battle at The Alamo lasted only 45 minutes, much faster than it took English Hubby and Yah Yah to work their way through the museum and historical site. We made our last stand at the mall during which Baby Boy O sprouted a tooth, mastered calculus and graduated from college. Only after, English Hubby returned to meet up with us. It was a long, long day. 

Breaking through, his first Texas tooth

Having a man to man talk 

Making a last stand

All dressed up and nowhere to go, except the mall for four hours

Capping off the Mexican theme

Yesterday’s post:

Tomorrow’s post:

When we did our road trip in 2005 we had countless days of sunshine, warm weather and only five days of rain. This time around it seems like San Antonio is intent on tipping that record on its head. Not sure if we were brave or foolish to head out in arctic conditions to dinner on the Riverwalk tonight. I can report that no one caught frostbite, but I think we were all pretty close. 

Puke is never a good way to start the day

Our little slug baby refusing to do tummy time

Much happier when he is being held…

..and held…whatababy at whataburger

Roadside nap

Like father…

…like son

Yesterday’s post: 

Tomorrow’s post:

Unlike many, I’ve never wanted to be an astronaut. I like gravity and oxygen too much. The predictable way water runs downhill, the abundance of air and not having to worry about freezing to death or being radiated by the sun to a crisp every time I step outside just suits me fine. Nevertheless spending the day at the NASA command center was pretty cool. It really is amazing what brainpower, ingenuity, physics and some metal and duct tape can do. The thing that stuck me most – the tour guide said the average age of the men (of course they were all men in those days) running the command center that put Armstrong and Aldrin on the moon was 26 years of age. I guess Jesus was 33 when he was crucified, leaving behind a major religion. Mark was 23 when he became the Facebook billionaire. Feeling a little small and insignificant. I guess that’s what happens when you see the earth from space. 

Starting the day with a nap…

…and a hearty breakfast…

…at IHOP

Then off to the Houston Space Center

Baby Boy O quickly made friends who were out of this world!

Houston, we have a problem

Luckily it is easy to bundle him up all nice and snug

Mission control

Standing in good company

Some seriously cool stuff

Real life mock up of the International Space Station

Headed for Mars

Built by rocket scientists

Star struck

How do astronauts go to the bathroom? With difficulty…

The real stuff

It rocks! 

Endeavor, the space shuttle, not boat

All suited up

In the rocket command seat

Getting him clean for his next mission…off to sleep

Yesterday’s post: Hello Texas

Tomorrow post: 

Heading west into the lone star state. Another day, another Walmart. I never thought I’d be a fan of the evil mega store, but when you’re traveling cross country, they sure are a convenient one stop shop for groceries (with a growing selection of organic produce), baby stuff and odds and ends. Hopscotching between grocery store chains like Krogers, Piggly Wiggly, Food lion, H.E.B. and countless others has its drawbacks. It takes forever to orient yourself and find what you need, and after a while it becomes frustrating playing the ‘which aisle is it in’ game. Here’s to crossing over to the dark side. 

Left to his own devices

Breakfast waffles

A new perspective after reading Hand to Mouth: Living in a Bootstrap America

Into Texas we go, waiting for English Hubby to catch up

Running through the rain at Walmart

Playing Choo Choo trains up and down the aisle

We’re definitely in Texas now!

Yesterday’s post: Duck Duck Closed

Tomorrow’s post:

Baby Boy O had his first close encounter with feathered and webbed footed friends this morning. It’s fascinating to watch as his reaction which swung quickly from nonchalance to a ‘you’re not going to leave me with them are you’ frown. Can’t blame the poor kid. They are noisy creatures and even more so during feeding time. 

Speaking of feeding time, today’s adventure was a non starter. Lunch in the carpark of the Acadian Cultural Center was the highlight, given the museum was closed. At least lunch was good.  

A flock of hungry ducks

Please don’t let them eat me

All work and no play

Having fun at the Acadian Cultural Center (carpark)

Spot the oil refinery

Yesterday’s post: The Sugar Palace

Tomorrow’s post:

Ankles were quite the thing back in the day. Seeing them on a lady meant one of two things – a pistol duel at dawn, or marriage. So walking up stairs was a logistical nightmare. Men had to head up first or be trusted to avert their eyes honorably. How the last couple of hundred years has changed our ideas of modesty, fashion, beauty and manners. Since the days of the sugar palace (aka Houmas House) very little is off limits. Thank goodness as sandles really don’t look good with socks!

Starfish napping

Baby led weaning fruit fest

Gorgeous gardens at Houmas House

The little Yankee taking it all in

The sugar palace

The southern belle

Exquisite dining

Resting weary legs

Belly laughs in the garden

Banks of the Mississippi once lined with plantations are now filled with industry

After dinner left Baby Boy O with the grandparents and went in search of Walmart. Failed miserably.

Yesterday’s post: Louisiana Plantations

Tomorrow’s post:

Started off the day playing with our new toys. Baby Boy O tried out his play seat and we took the Shark out for a spin. It’s probably not natural to get this excited about a vacuum cleaner, but ever since starting the road trip we had been holding down the fort with a hand held dust buster which doesn’t quite have the suction power to get between the pile. You can imagine what we managed to pick up off the carpet with my favorite new piece of equipment. 

After waging a jihad on dirt and dust we headed out to explore a few plantations. First stop was the majestic Oak Alley Plantation where we walked through reconstructed slave quarters, learned about the history of the house and the people who lived within its four walls, and indulged in a huge lunch which culminated in an almighty sugar high with the best pecan pie ever. 

Our final stop was the Laura Plantation where stories were brought to life and the creole culture shone through. Again a very checkered past with slavery, with the sugarcane plantation held firmly by a family of matriarchs. It was a hard life back then. Makes you realize we have it easy. 

Baby Boy O having a ball in his SuperSeat

An absolute god send!

Baby sitting duty

Finally got to try crawfish étouffée, a Louisiana special

Beautiful Oak Alley Plantation, leading to the Mississippi

A Louisiana Taj Mahal, built for his wife (except she was still alive)

Southern drawl

Steeped in history and fascinating stories about the people who lived there

These beautiful plantation properties also provides the perfect backdrop to play with black and white…

Afternoon on the balcony

Majestic oaks

Billowing smoke from the sugarcane burning

Sunset at Laura Plantation

Orange tree from the slave quarters

My boys in black and white

Yesterday’s post: This is How We Roll

Tomorrow’s post:

Time to say farewell to New Orleans, crisp white sheets, rainwater showers and housekeeping. Back to the reality of life on the road, lunches in Walmart car parks and exploring the big wide world, notching up hundreds more miles under our tires heading as we head west along the scenic plantation route toward Houston. This is how we roll! 

Morning chat with Gong Gong on Skype

Not a bad view from the 14th floor – trains, paddle steamers and so much to see

What a big mess a small baby can make

Jenga style packing, but we all managed to fit in one cab back to the RV park

Packed up and headed to Walmart to buy groceries, cabin linen, a vacuum and a baby play center

Yesterday’s post: Snap Happy in the French Quarter

Tomorrow’s post:

Whilst English Hubby and the In-Laws were off on a cemetery and swamp tour, Baby Boy O and I had a marvelous time wandering around the French Quarter on a photography safari playing with apature, shutter speeds, perspectives and angles. Natasha talked about the ‘establishing shot’, one that gives the audience a sense of place, an understanding of what makes it special, a recognition of newness with a dash of familiarity. It occurs to me that life feels like a series of estsblishing shots. Everyday on our road trip we’ve had to mentally take one to ground ourselves, and at the same time appreciate our new surrounds. 

A delicious way to start the day at Cafe du Monde 

Situating shot one – St Louis Cathedral, it’s importance accentuated by the sky

Our first photography assignment using the light (this one done with an iPhone camera, not the DSLR) 

Photography safari, a great way to practice photography and have welcome help to push a stroller

An absolute angel and the best photography buddy you could ask for. He soon became the subject 

Taking in the galleries 

And a little break for sore feet

Bluegrass beats on Royal St

Listening intently

Soaking up a sense of place 

Blowing bubbles to the blues

Off to dinner on the Natchez paddle steamer

Jazz on the Mississippi

Powered by Thelma and Louise

Pushing forward

Yesterday’s post: New Orleans Culinary Experience

Tomorrow’s post:

Food can tell you so much about a place, a culture, an history, a moment in time. Which is why one of my favorite ways to experience a new city is to do a food tour and what better place than the melting pot of New Orleans. We learned about Creole and Cajun food, and what differentiates them – sauces, alcohol and tomato – all pointers to the higher brow Creole cooking. We heard stories of how the different settlers of New Orleans and Louisiana – French, Germans, Italians, African, Irish and more – all brought something to the table, adding their own favors to the mix. We saw bread pudding with hard sauce being made, along with gumbo, jambalaya and sweetest of the sweet pecan pralines. New Orleans has been a feast for the senses.

Special delivery all the way from England for Baby Boy O. It talks with an English accent too

Breakfast nawlins style with eggs on cochon and biscuits

Exploring on foot

Q&A session

French quarter sightseeing 

Looking to spice things up

Getting ready at the New Orleans cooking school

Biscuit starter with sweet molasses

Everyone got in on the action

Watching Michael bring it all come together – gumbo, jambalaya, bread pudding and pralines

Different shades of roux

Keeping himself entertained…for almost three hours 

Delectable sweet buttery pecan pralines

Buskers on Royal St

Good to know it doesn’t come with any added extras

Next part of the foodie tour in the hallowed dining rooms of Antoine’s

Each Krewe with its Kings and Queens of Mardi Gras

Sandy taking us to try Remoulade shrimp, the German side of New Orleans

Fine dining in the back room

Party gal Germaine’s Mardi Gras ball gowns

Grandstanding

Strolling by St Louis Cathedral listening to the jazz

Someone held up very well, having been out all day

Last stop for beef brisket

And world famous grasshopper cocktails (yuck!) 

Little rebel

Having a good hard look

We’ve taken a bite out of New Orleans, now New Orleans is taking a bite out of me!

Where’s my mummy?

Yesterday’s post: Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Tomorrow’s post: Snap Happy in the French Quater

Mah Mah and Yah Yah have arrived after 19 hours in transit. Plans almost foiled by a missed plane connection, a mile long train which stopped strategically so no road traffic could actually pass, and an intricate logistics shuffle to leave the car back at the RV park and get to the hotel in the French Quarter. The good news is that everyone arrived safe and well, Baby Boy O is sleeping like an angel and although we had to wait way too long for our dinner order which subsequently came out cold, the hotel did the right thing and comped us for our meal. Funny how the world always looks better and brighter when you get more sleep. Things are on the up!

Busy morning with conference calls, work stuff, digital admin and the usual bill paying madness

Mail run and spotted the lazy man’s solution

Running errands at the mall and noticed Christmas trees. Really? Already?

Crazy how much stuff is needed for a three night stay

View from the 23rd floor of the mighty Mississippi

Fluffy robes, white bath, smelly soaps. Happy to be pampered

Yesterday’s post: The Big Easy

Tomorrow’s post: 

We may be in the big easy, but it wasn’t an easy night of ‘sleep learning’ for Baby Boy O. He cried for the better part of an hour, perhaps even more. Did I say cry? I meant wailed, sobbed, heart breaking howls until he fell asleep, dried salt crusted tears on his face. It had to be done. Somehow he (we) had gotten into the habit of waking up three times a night. An untenable and unsustainable pattern of sleep deprivation that felt like a slow steady torture. Something had to change. Hopefully this is the first step in the right direction. 

All happier after a good night’s sleep

Taking a stroll around Winn Dixie

Using daddy as a climbing frame after resisting nap time

Thoughtful reflection by the pool. Getting sleepy…

Yesterday’s post: iDisaster

Tomorrow’s post: Planes, Trains and Automobiles

After driving 200 miles yesterday and hop scotching across Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, Sunday was a vey welcome day of rest. However that desired calmness was to be shattered by one little baby boy who, in the last 24 hours, refused to sleep longer than a two hour stretch and an iPhone who decided today was the day it would commit electronic suicide. 

I have to admit I’m not sure which one was worse. Grumpy baby or dead iPhone. Even getting a brand new replacement was bitter sweet. The last backup was in April. Thankfully most photos, with the exception of about 100 taken over the last five days, had backed dutifully. Nevertheless losing some of Baby Boy Os first Halloween pics was sad. Today’s post is thin on photos. 

First photo with replacement iPhone. He’s finally asleep, but not for long

Yesterday’s post: From Walmart to Whole Foods

Tomorrow’s post: The Big Easy

Edited with BlogPad Pro

Access to healthy food choices is so important to overall health. It’s fascinating to see how variety differs significantly as we drive through towns in America. On the whole, access to fresh produce has improved since we did our last road trip in 2005. It is nice to see Walmart stock more organic products and a decent selection fresh produce.

I am so very thankful that the diet we grew up with was one that was balanced and healthy. Junk food was rare, water was the main drink in the house and processed foods were occasional. I am soberly reminded every now and then that not everybody had the same privilege. This morning we did a quick top up shop in Walmart. As we were checking out the slightly older cashier asked me what vegetable this was? I replied broccoli!

Contrast that to the Wholefoods in Jackson Mississippi. We happen to stumble across an on store chili competition. Ten delicious chillies made with all sorts of ingredients like shrimp, andoullie sausage, truffles, white beans, polenta and more. All competing for taste buds. We happily obliged.

Not sure anything this color should ever be ingested

We’re in the south now

A great idea by English Hubby to stop at Whole Foods for lunch

So many delicious choices

Even Baby Boy O got in on the action!

Chili magic act…we made it all disappear 

A nice reminder that right now we are on holiday everyday!

Moving from Mississippi to Louisiana

Sunset over the swamp

Blue moon over the bayou

Yesterday’s post: Trick or Treat

Tomorrow’s post:

Happy Halloween! Poor little Baby Boy O doesn’t know what hit him. After a long drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway he gets stripped and changed into a ridiculous outfit and made to pose for pictures for his mum and dad’s viewing pleasure. After all that effort he doesn’t even get candy. Life’s tough buddy. 

Rocking the fuel economy using cruise control

Way too big for him so there was a lot of tucking and cinching

Lion cub eating puppy dog

Whatcha doing Baby Boy O? …just ‘lion around’

Yesterday’s post: The Farm

Tomorrow’s post: From Walmart to Whole Foods

Ever since watching the documentary “The Business of Being Born” I’ve been enamoured with the idea of The Farm. The commune that was established back in the flower power era was, at one brief point, on the list of potential places to give birth. In my mind’s eye we would make the 1,000 mile pilgrimage from New York City to Summertown Tennessee a month before Baby Boy O’s arrival date, arriving joyous, round bellied and greeted by mystical midwives who would sprinkle rose petals as I walked along the path to motherhood. 

Today’s lesson is two fold: firstly, the dream can differ significantly from reality, nevertheless the dream makes you recognize the elements that personally ring true, like the desire to be closer to nature and the belief in the human body to do what needs to be done. Secondly, is that even I have limits to the level of ‘granola-crunchiness-walk-on-a-rainbow-flower-power-patchouli-incense-chanting-and-drumming-earthiness’ I can take without wanting to jump in my petroleum burning vehicle and order a non-vegan burger.

All that being said, I have deep respect for the philosophy and conviction that seeded and grew The Farm to what it still is today. 

Break on through to the other side, conquering yesterday’s predicament

Pilgrimage to The Farm in Summertown, Tennessee

Finally made it

Open 9 to 5…not. Thankfully there were instructions for a self guided tour

The philosophy and conviction I deeply admire

Dined on vegan fare at The Farm Store

Legend has it that an old school bus with seats removed and cushions on the floor was a the original midwifery center where babies were guided into this world

Pang of guilt when I mentally calculated how many gallons of gas we’ve used on this road trip

It may have been organic, but it wasn’t much of a garden

Experiments in alternative ecologically friendly housing

Sustainability is key

In harmony with the land

Accidentally intruding on a meditative drumming session

Pumpkin power

Back on the road again in our tiny house on wheels – perhaps even in our gas guzzling vehicle we have a smaller carbon footprint than the average person?

Yesterday’s post: Predicament

Tomorrow’s post:

Simple predicament…bridge clearance = 11ft, RV height = 11ft, destination = half a mile past the bridge, alternative route = 21 miles around. 

Sometimes life throws things at you and in these moments you recognize that if you can’t go through it, under it or over it, it’s time to go around it. It may take longer, but you do get there in the end.

Things are much simpler when people walked this route by foot

One 11 ft bridge

Meets one 11 ft RV. Confirmed by measuring tape

Made it to the campground in time for bath time

Yesterday’s post: Corvettes and Chevys 

Tomorrow’s post: The Farm

If today had a theme, it would be cars. We paid a visit to the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. A car collection and memorabilia mecca for enthusiasts. Not being a rev head myself, the most fascinating part of the museum was created in February this year, when a giant sink hole (like the one that revealed the entrance to Mammoth Caves) opened up and swallowed part of the museum, cars included. 

It was also time to say goodbye to our trusty Chevy Cruz. After three faithful months, over 5,500 miles through sunshine and rain, it was time to retire him back to the rental farm for an oil change and service. In exchange we now have a spacious silver bullet of a car. 

The Italians have Lamborghini, the Germans have the Porsche, the Americans have the Corvette

A classic beauty

The mannequins adds to the faux racing excitement

Throwback to racing days of yesteryear

Similar to my first (remote controlled) racing car, a hard earned prize for getting my first filling at the dentist

Fast forward to concept cars. Hail the curvature of mighty fiberglass

The coolest part of the museum – a sink hole that opened up and swallowed eight Corvettes

Chewed up 

Farewell Chevy, hello Nissan

Yesterday: Mammoth Caves 250 Feet Underground

Tomorrow:

Mammoth Caves National Park rocks! Pun intended. We descended 280 steps, ducking and weaving our way 250 feet underground to the largest cave system in the US. A maze of tunnels 400 miles long, created by water seeping its way through limestone over millions of years. Baby Boy O did remarkably well spending near to two hours strapped to the front of dad. Thank goodness for good hearted National Parks guides and their torchlight tricks.  

Loving our national parks

One of the many entrances to the cave

Subterranean  

My little adventurer

Ducking and weaving

Frozen Niagara formation

Stalactites hold tight to the ceiling and stalagmites might grow up to the ceiling one day

Baby Boy O wakes as we get on the bus back to the visitors center

We go for a lovely walk on the heritage trail as we wait for English Hubby to finish is second tour down in the caves

Yesterday: Shoney’s Sunday

Tomorrow: Corvettes and Chevys

One of the pleasures of road tripping across America is being able to sample various fast food “restaurants”. Living in New York City quarantines you from the delights of interstate dining where clusters of eateries vie for your dining attention. For miles leading up to the turnoff are signs advertising all you can eat buffets, breakfasts served past noon, crispiest fried chicken with a serving of heart attack. Today we caved and ventured into one we hadn’t dined at before…Shoney’s. 

Lazy Sunday morning in bed

All dressed and ready to go

But first, an apple snack

A stroll around the RV parking lot aka campground that was our home for the last three nights

Sampling the delights of Shoney’s

All you can eat buffet with a tiny salad and tons of fried food

Fairly healthy, minus the fish fry and fried okra

Next a top up at Krogers

Then off to Mammoth Caves National Park…yes, that is a dinosaur by the interstate

Yesterday: Kentucky’s Finest

Tomorrow: Mammoth Caves 250 Feet Underground

Kentucky sure is proud of its bourbon heritage. Two tours and several tastings later I’ve come to intellectually appreciate the art of bourbon making, however the enjoyment of the drink itself still eludes me. Nevertheless loving another glorious day in the sunshine.

Hard to resist, but the Kentucky Bourbon Trail awaits

First stop, Jim Beam. 95% of the worlds bourbon is made in Kentucky and 50% that comes from here

English Hubby giving them a hand

It’s all about the barrels

Giving a hand to wash…

…and bottle

Making this stuff is a piece of cake 

Thanks to the Beam family 

Walk in a straight line please ma’am

Back roads

Trying out a smaller distillery

History lesson 

Beautiful grounds with the right water being the key ingredient

A matter of yeasty chemistry

Baby Boy O having a taste…of the label

Now for the real taste test, finished off with a chocolate bourbon ball

Cheeky

A different sort of cheeky, with a big serving of slobber

Yesterday: Louisville Surprise

Tomorrow: Shoney’s Sunday

Lexington was what we pictured it to be. Louisville was not. It was way cooler! To our surprise there is a great vibe and a laid back feel. As Maria the ex-New Yorker said, “it is a city with small town culture”. Loving Louisville.  

So very Main Street

Stumbled upon a pop up space

Hand crafted local beer, pulled pork and more

Perfect for a bite

And an after lunch Nia session

Green scene

R2D2 came to visit!

Look closely…what do you see?

What a great idea

What a dumb idea

Off to the Louisville Slugger factory

Batter up! Holding Mickey Mantle’s bat

Hands on in the factory

Little little league

Art on the streets

Kitsch

Kentucky chic

Thumbs up to the coolest kid in town

Gallery in C21 hotel

Hotel with a twist

Modern day family selfie in the elevator bank

Louisville skyline

Meeting of the rivers

Quick visit to the Muhammad Ali museum

An interesting character

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee

Yesterday: Year of the Horse

Tomorrow: Kentucky’s Finest

Lexington Kentucky is exactly how I had pictured it – long white fences, green rolling hills and lots of horses. Personally I’ve never been a horse person, but one can’t help but appreciate the majesty of these fine creatures when you get to see them up close and personal.

Today’s milestone – his first unassisted forward roll onto his tummy 

Watching the change in season is just beautiful

Parade of champions – what a way to retire

English Hubby’s favorite

So small we couldn’t even see it

Horses of the World show 

This one refuses to move!

Nice and gentle 

Horsin’ around

She had a little crush on him

My little boy, born in the Year of the Horse

Magnificent creatures, each with their own personality

Had to have Kentucky Fried Chicken in Kentucky!

Yesterday’s post: Winners!

Tomorrow’s post: Louisville Surprise

Getting Baby Boy O’s vaccinations on the road is not as simple as it seems – calling countless pediatricians, some of whom won’t do alternative schedules, many of whom don’t use the same triple dose shot, a false start and then having to play the medical records transfer game. Still, none of that compares to the pain Baby Boy O had to endure. He was such a brave little trooper today, earning himself two Spider-Man band aids. 

Waking up so happy

Little Houdini with his feet 

You know you’re moving closer to the Bible Belt when you see this resding material at the pediatrician.

Lunch after pricks and post office run 

Bourbon burger with Renada’s homemade slaw and family secret potato salad recipe

“House” farm tours

Equine epicenter

Barter – RV servicing for advertising 

My brave little boy coming home with Spider-Man trophies

Yesterday: Bridge Day

Tomorrow: Winners!

What would compel a sane person to attach a backpack, throw themselves off a bridge, free fall toward the ground, pull a chute and hope to god it works, then try to navigate the winds to land on a small target by a raging river? Respect to professional base jumpers. 

Funny thing is after watching a few hurl themselves over the egde for Bridge Day, you start to demand more theatrics. The daring but plain forward free fall is no longer enough. Twists, pikes, backward flips and tandem jumpers captivate. You quickly get dulled to the fact that each time they jump they are dicing with death. So blasé. More more more! 

My barnacle baby, strapped tight so I can get a few things done around the RV

Securing the fort. Packing up the RV to move onto the next destination

Farewell Summerville Lake Retreat. It’s been swell

Baby Boy O has learned to kiss…actually it is more like smooch and lick

Thank goodness we took a bus to Bridge Day. No parking here! 

Hanging out with dad. No parachute here

No zip-lining today

Just a small drop

Don’t throw me off please!

One base jumper

Two jumpers

X marks the landing spot

Not a real Philly cheesesteak nor an Italian sausage

Impostor!

Ride back to the car park. Baby Boy O’s first school bus ride

Cruising along the Midland Trail

Quick stop in Charleston to drop off the grill at the UPS store

Restocking

Nappy / diaper change

Hello Kentucky

Airline tickets are now booked. In December we will depart on the next leg of our nomadic lives, with stops in London, Singapore, Bali, Sydney, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Los Angeles and back to Dallas to resume our road trip. 91 days hopping countries, and continents via plane. Lugging baggage and adjusting to time zones with a little one in tow. All I can say is thank goodness for our brilliant travel agent who helped us through a monumental booking exercise – juggling a multi-city gig, making flight times as reasonable as possible and planning with precision to avoid rush hour traffic en route. As John “Hannibal” Smith of the A-Team genre use to say, I love it when a plan comes together. 

Really looking forward to quality time with family and friends all round the world. 

• Thanksgiving in Dallas: ~24 Nov to 1 Dec
• Christmas in London: 1 Dec to 27 Dec
• Years’ end in Singapore: 28 Dec to 31 Dec
• Wedding in Bali: 31 Dec to 7 Jan
• Sun n Surf in Sydney: 7 Jan to 13 Jan
• Chinese New Year in Melbourne: 13 Jan to 23 Feb
• Hanging out in Hong Kong: 23 Feb to 28 Feb
• Lounging around Los Angeles: 28 Feb to 2 Mar
• Returning to the RV in Dallas: 2 Mar onwards, heading east

Planing frenzy: Tickets – check. Travel insurance – check. Request for bulk head bassinet seats – in progress. Visas – to do…

The person who said plans never go to plan is totally right. The campground we picked was in the middle of a communications dead zone – crappy cell signal and snail paced wifi. Great for tuning out, but horrible for a work day where English Hubby was planning to make calls and I was planning to respond to emails, research flights and catch up on blogging. We hotfooted it out of dodge and ended up an hour and a half further west. At the end of an impromptu transit day, I’m thankful for so many things, not least of all for fast wifi. 

Tasting menu – cucumber, pear and carrot

Baked bean surprise comfort food

Picturesque campground if you ignore the fact that it is wedged between a scenic byway and train tracks

Getting outta there and heading to the land of wifi

Indoor grilling since the winds have picked up. There’s talk of tornados in Kentucky!

Thankful for Walmart where we bought this hardworking little grill

Dinner fit for kings and queens

Spent the day exploring the little historic city of Frederick. A few square blocks of historic buildings, sites and civil war personalities. More interesting than I’d thought it would be was the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. It wasn’t a flashy museum as museums go, just a few rooms packed with eye opening information.

Did you know the biggest cause of death during the civil war was disease (round of the mill diarrhea and so on) caused by unsanitary conditions in the camp?! Further exacerbated by poor diet and overall health of the soldiers. When you spend over 95% of your conscripted time off the battlefield, hanging around with others waiting to head to the front line, it can be a real killer.

My favorite snippets were of the women who assumed male aliases and dressed in drag to fight in the war. Passing the not so thorough medical exam, they often refused medical attention when injured on the battlefield in order to hide their true identities. Full of historical facts, stories and gory details like descriptions and photos of battlefield amputations which were rather common, the museum is not to everyone’s taste.

A stroll along the canal. Amsterdam it is not!

Past the library

Playing with solids

Worth a visit

Wonderfully fake, a little kitsch but informative

Upon leaving, we heard a guy tease his squeamish mother by saying “let me buy you a bone saw as a souvenir”.

Managed to find a delicious authentic Thai restaurant – Sumittra. Also the perfect place for pre lunch kisses

Post lunch walk along the canal

Beauty grows from mud

A sweet reminder

History on the streets

Getting to the season

Yesterday’s post:

Tomorrow’s post:

It’s been a long time since movie and red wine club. We went from being fancy free and single, living the SITC lifestyle, to somewhat happily married surburbanites with little boys. It was a beautiful calm morning sitting on sofas, sipping cups of tea and getting philosophical about life with Conscious Christine. Always an eye opening conversation with a treasured friend.

Morning cuddles with our boys who came to us against the odds

Trying a bit of tummy time

Loading up the previous cargo

Taking a sneaky Five Guys lunch break

Something a little more healthy for Baby Boy O

Yesterday’s post: Two Little Boys Hiking In The Woods

Tomorrow’s post: Frederick

Woke bright and early on a crisp autumn day, blended up some green juice, booted and suited up to go hiking in the woods. It was a divine walk along the lake in Nockomixon State Park. Two Aussies, one Brit, three Yankees, one stroller, a baby bjorn and a posh fascinator. A brilliant start to a camping tradition.

Good morning buddy!

This is how we go hiking all the time

The before shot

If you go into the woods today…

…you’ll find a big surprise..

…if you go into the woods today you won’t believe your eyes…

Nice to stretch the legs

Well earned breakfast

Don’t think much about this green stuff!

Farewell campground

Cry baby spewy baby

Hello Baltimore

Hang in’ out with Buzz Light Year

The agony of choice

Wine with good old friends

Yesterday’s post: Cabin Dwellers

Tomorrow’s post: A Long Time Since Movie and Red Wine Club

Having fled the Hillbilly Hilton were now settled in a much nicer campground. Our friends are meeting us in New Hope and then coming to join us for the night. We’ve promised them a campfire, a cook out, s’mores and good old fashioned outdoor fun. They have the cabin and we have moved to the adjacent RV spot. Welcome cabin dwellers.

Excited about his little buddy coming to camp out

Leveling up

Hello buddy – Happy Baby H

Rockin’ the hat

Hangin’ with mummy

Lazy afternoon in New Hope 

Going with the flow

Artistic delivery up stairs

Crossing the bridge

Crossing the line

Miles of canals 

Cabin friends

Camp cooking

Jaybo, master of the grill cooking up steaks, ribs and chicken

Squishy s’mores and wine around the campfire

Yesterday’s post: Hillbilly Hilton

Tomorrow’s post: Two Little Boys Hiking In The Woods

On the whole RV parks are pretty nice, but every now and then we come across one that qualifies for hillbilly hilton status. This weekend our friends are joining us for some good old fashioned camping. Thank goodness we checked in a day ahead to do a reconnaissance of the place. We had booked them into a cabin trailer. The rental trailer smelled of putrid air freshner, covering up the wash of disinfectantant, masking the smell of stale cigarette smoke. The couch and bed were so disgusting I felt the need to take a shower after being inside.

Not fit for human consumption

Swampy

We got out of there as fast as we could!

Finding a nicer RV park for the weekend and forward planning for our trip

Found a much nicer campground! Perfect place to try out our new electric grill

Gave up on the electric grill which kept blowing the switches. This little baby will have to do!

Yesterday’s post: Wash, Rinse, Repeat

Tomorrow’s post: Cabin Dwellers

After dropping the RV off for a much needed wheel alignment, we spent the better part of the day in the laundromat. English Hubby is the king of laundry, and no one can separate, wash and dry like he can. Whilst he laundered, I shopped for groceries. What a glamorous division of labor. After that it was back (again) to the RV servicing place to try to work out why the stereo system keeps turning itself on at random times. Still a mystery.

Fixing the wobble with a wheel alignment

Getting clean!

Just short!

Off to Pennsylvania to set up camp

Yesterday’s post: 24 Hours in Manhattan

Tomorrow’s post: Hillbilly Hilton

24 hours is not a lot of time unless you happen to be John Bauer. Still dazed from our return to the big smoke we had a ton of errands to run and it was just one of those days where nothing would be easy, especially not a trip out to the storage unit to pick up our packages in the rain, then a drive out to New Jersey to pick up our RV. All I can say is that we survived and the three of us are still talking to each other. Just.

A tough day

Yesterday’s post: Return to the Big Apple

Tomorrow’s post: Wash, Rinse, Repeat

One very sleepless red eye journey later, we are back in the big smoke. Delirious and lugging insane amounts of luggage, we make our way to Big Red’s apartment to catch some much needed shut eye. Frankly the rest of the day is one big blur. Somehow we manage to engage in conversation and eat Seamless web delivered Indian food (how I miss delivery) in front of our lovely friend who is on a juice cleanse. Not only did we subject her to the smells of chicken tikka masala, samosas and naan bread, but to add insult to injury Baby Boy O would burst into tears everytime attempts at cuddles were initiated. Going to chalk this one down to jet lag.

Good morning Manhattan

Baggage safely delivered. Knocked out cold.

Yesterday’s post: Farewell Canada

Tomorrow’s post: 24 Hours in Manhattan

For every hello there is a goodbye, and today we say a sad “see you later”. It has been an amazing week and a half, being with family. This bit is never fun, but it is a great reminder to enjoy every moment because it is only this very moment that we have.

Good morning to you, good morning to you, good morning Baby Boy O, good morning to you

Dad’s breakfast speciality, perfect runny eggs

Poh Poh I don’t want to leave, can you come with me?

Learning to eat with chopsticks

So many yummy things to try

Daddy’s favourite

Don’t forget the greens

Traditional favorites

My favorite

Poh Poh’s favorite

After lunch shopping so Gong Gong can buy Baby Boy O an outfit

Thank you Gong Gong and Poh Poh

So many hugs and kisses – Poh Poh wouldn’t let this one go!

See you soon!

Back “home” we go

But not before running into a big black bear

Fast asleep before the plane takes off

Waiting to get off the ground

Thank goodness for the bulk head seats with the bassinet

Sunrise. Hello New York!

Yesterday’s post: Forget The Ryder Cup

Tomorrow’s post: Return to the Big Apple

Move over Ryder Cup, Coquitlam hosts a tri-nation competition between Australia, Canada and the USA. Tensions run high in a non stop 18 hole battle. Conditions perfect, players in top form with three hole in ones, but Team USA brings out its secret weapon – baby tiger – to win the inaugural mini-golf championship.

Started the day by unwrapping lovely presents for Baby Boy O

Such a good helper

Spoilt rotten by all the Canadian relatives 

Seeing his second cousin on FaceTime!

Too much excitement for a little kiddo

Well rested and off to mini golf

Team Australia came out of the gate strong

With the first hole in one

Tensions run high

Team USA pulls out its secret weapon

Team Canada sinks the second hole in one of the series

Shot of the day – one handed, whilst baby is feeding, hole in one

Leading to a strong Team USA victory

At the end of the day everyone is a winner!

A riveting tournament

Home time after a long day of opening presents, mini golf and mall

Bed time bottle with Poh Poh

Sitting down to a simple home cooked dinner prepared by Aunty J

Finishing on a sweet note

Yesterday’s post: Family Day Out

Tomorrow’s post: Farewell Canada

Vancouver finally turned on the sunshine as we explored Stanley Park. So many things to see and do, that we timed out and will have to add it to the future bucket list. The English Bay area reminds me of St Kilda, downtown has skylines akin to New York City, apartments near Stanley Park are reminiscent of Hong Kong’s peak living, all set against the backdrop of beautiful mountains. It is a spectacular and friendly city.

As we get to the last few days of our trip that awful feeling of so much to do and so little time to do it, starts to sink in. Hiking, biking, walking across suspension bridges…I will just have to add it to the bucket list for next time. The focus of our trip was to have quality family time and that is all that matters.

Day trippers

Downtown

The world famous Japadog

We *had* to stop and try it

Smells delicious

Tastes even better!

Off to Stanley Park with lovely waterfront views

Cool totem poles

Each with a special story

Going for a nice walk along the sea wall

Past the lighthouse

Back to the totem pole park

Singing nursery rhymes (incorrectly)…”sing a song of six pence, a pocket full of flies…”

Definitely on the bucket list for next time

Having fun at Prospect Point

All snug in his bear suit

Listening to music

Enjoying the beautiful views

We heart Canada

Next stop, late lunch

At a yummy dumpling place

Followed by daddy airplane

And basking in the sun

After lunch comes big family dinner with the Canadian branch

And lots of cuddles and presents from the Aunties!

A family favorite

Capping off a brilliant family day out

He agrees!

Yesterday’s post: Rain Rain Go Away

Tomorrow’s post: Forget The Ryder Cup

It has rained every day this week, but we’ve been stealing moments out and about where we can. Today’s excursion was to the library (again) and the local mall (again). Baby time was so much fun that we had to drag English Hubby along with us to sing renditions of itsy bitsy spider, twinkle twinkle little star, if you’re happy and you know it, and more. There appears to be a simple formula to writing a nursery song – repetition, make it rhyme and give it a few simple hand actions, then viola, a hit with the under two year old crowd. Thirty minutes of kiddy fun where adults don’t have to hold back their inner child. In that moment the world seems so simple and pure. Then off to the mall to get long overdue new prescription glasses.

Grandparents wore him out!

A perfect cushion for Baby a Boy O, and hot water bottle for Gong Gong

Off to the library for baby time

With so many little ones in one room, Baby Boy O is taking it all in

Sing song and cuddle time with Poh Poh

Hey, these nursery rhymes don’t make sense!

Rain rain go away…

…come again another day

Home cooked happiness

Yesterday’s post: Baby Sing-a-long

Tomorrow’s post: Family Day Out

Baby Boy O went to his first baby class today – a free baby play time class offered by the Coquitlam public library. What a wonderful way to encourage literacy, expose little ones to reading and a love of learning. I’m not sure who enjoyed it more, Poh Poh who was singing her heart out or Baby Boy O who was thrilled to be among other little babies.

We went on our first date night since leaving NYC. It was a marvelous night out where we got to pretend to be normal people who aren’t sleep deprived. Baby Boy O managed to sleep most of the evening, except for a mini meltdown which made poor Poh Poh very sad. Luckily he had lots of grown ups at his beck and call, and Aunty J had the magic touch. All was fine in the end. The balance was restored to the universe.

Cruising to the library

Big squeeze

Fascinated by all the books

Lunch at the mall – delicious at the time, regretful later

Full babysitting services – we will come again!

Date night at the fusion Japanese heavy metal themed restaurant

How grown up of us!

Yesterday’s post: Food Fest For All

Tomorrow’s post: Rain Rain Go Away