Excitement. Awe. Disbelief.

So, my brother Joseph flew out to see me in Seattle. My assignment in Seattle is completed and Joseph came out to drive home to Kentucky with me. The trip started out well with a visit to the Experience Music Project in Seattle. This was followed by a visit to Twin Falls ID to see some much-missed friends of mine. We had a great time and Joe was treated to a great view of the scenic Snake River Canyon. Proceed to day 2 where we traveled through the Grand Teton National Park where we watched the sunset and stayed in cabin in the park. Translate to: almost complete solitude, no telephone, no internet, not even a television. Hello card games. Day 3: Today! We drove into Yellowstone where we proceeded to have a GREAT day. We made an impromptu decision to leave the park from the Northeastern entrance and travel slightly north into Montana to catch I-90. This was great in theory and turned out well but took a little longer than expected. The road was the Beartooth Scenic Highway and for those who don't know it, this road is only open for a few months out of the year. There was still several inches of snow in many places. So, gorgeous drive; we stopped in Billings MT to eat at Cracker Barrel. Sweet! Then we're (sing in tune) "ridin' along in our automobile..." and ... it's approximately 2215 about 20 miles west of Gillette WY and I say "Oh my God, Joe!" and Joe says "Oh my God!" Me "Oh my God!" Joe "Oh my God!" Well, he must have heard us because we got by with just a few scrapes. About 200 feet in front of us were 2 deer. The speed limit is 75mph here and I'm cruising at 82 mph. I slam on my brakes and by the time we get to the deer, I'm only going 30 to 35mph, but... at the last minute, the deer decides to turn into my car. To the point: I have a dent in the left side of my car and I am now missing a side mirror. No major damage and considering, I think we came out smelling like a rose:). Enjoy the pics here. A quick recap of the highlights of our trip: moose, buffalo, antelope, Old Faithful eruption, hitting a deer, a drive to the top of a gorgeous mountain. 2 days left... we'll see what happens!

Bust.

Well, I visited Mt St Helens on Friday, but... sadly I was unable to see much of the mountain or the crater caused by the eruption in 1980:(. But, here are a few pics that you might still enjoy. I did spend some time with two very entertaining and lively gentleman who watched the mountain erupt. It was an experience unlike any other. Nothing beats a first-hand account. 17 days and counting to Europe! (For those of you who haven't seen it, there's a countdown on the bottom of the page!)

Update!

Okay, for those of you who haven't heard: I am going to Europe after I finish my assignment in Seattle. I fly out of Louisville to London on September 16th and I come back on October 16th. Yeeee! Can't wait! Oooh - AND - Joseph is flying out to see me on September 5th and on the 6th, we are driving home to the big K-Y. Proposed POA: Big Sky country, through Yellowstone, across South Dakota, (perhaps a stop in to say hi to our favorite aunt and uncle?:) and then across Missouri. I am completely excited. Any advice on traveling in Europe and avoiding jet lag would be greatly appreciated. Cheers!

The Sadness:(

Well, Christina left today... and in a rush. We woke up at 0600. I was supposed to be at work at 0700 and take Christina to the airport before I went. We - Are - Awesome. Christina made her flight and I made it to work by 0710. I won't even begin to describe what I looked like, though, or how tired I am now. . . Or how sad I am to come home to an empty place. It's been a fun summer, Christina. However, M is letting me know (in no uncertain terms) that she is not happy about the family breakup. Here is what I found when I came home tonight:


OH - and here's a pic of our last night together at the Mariners' game! You suck, Mariners! Cards fan for life!

This is why I'm falling in love with Seattle...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQeX7h40ugo

Success! ... and Pain.

Well, Christina and I climbed to the top of Mt Si today in North Bend, Washington. Elevation: approximately 4000 feet, total 4 miles one way. Arduous journey but definitely worth it. Enjoy the pics!

Go Mariners! and Naked Bikers?