Headed to the coast...

Today we're headed to the coast to Lake Jackson, TX, where I'm from, to visit parents, brother, Grandmother and friends. There's not alot of time... so I will probably head back to NC on Friday. Not alot of time, but I'm glad to have had the opportunity to see family.

Austin, TX

Well I'm in the Austin area, Round Rock really- just north of Austin. Yesterday we went to the Austin farmer's market, Zilker Botanical Garden, walked around the South Congress funky area, and went to a restuarant called Shady Grove. It's been fun hanging out and with my sister and brother-in-law (I really don't care for that term 'brother-in-law'). I'm not sure what we'll do today, and I think I'll probably head down to Lake Jackson (near the coast) tomorrow afternoon or so to see the parents, brother and grandmother. Then I'll have to be back in North Carolina by the end of next weekend when my dogsitter (Stonewolf)has to leave. I guess that week is then Thanksgiving? I can't keep up with it all! I really can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving! It will be the end of the year and on to 2010 before we know it. Crazy.

It's been interesting experiencing the difference in landscapes... I guess I've gotten quite used to the mountains around... it seems strange to not have the earth rising up around me. It's strange to just see a bunch of concrete and buildings, stores, shopping centers, etc. There are no hills or even just inclines and declines. I guess back at 'home' (Asheville area... and it is starting to feel much more like home than I've felt in other places) I'm so used to seeing much more nature- even just if it's hillsides, trees, etc. It's just more present. It's interesting here in Round Rock- it is suburbia- lots and lots and lots of houses that all look alike- all right next to each other. I guess I've been used to living out in the country where you don't have a bunch of other houses right next door. It's a strange feeling... (it's a little bit funny, this feeling inside..)

more later! :)

Little Rock, AR

just a quick post to say i've made it near Little Rock, AR... will be traveling on to the Austin area tomorrow.... too tired to write anything else! plan to write a little in the morning before hitting the road again. much love to you all! :)

On the road again...

Well this is just going to be a quick update for now.... we left (Petunia came with me) yesterday a little later than expected, but all in good time. Initial plans were to try to make it to Natchez Trace State Park in between Nashville and Memphis, but we'd stop wherever. After several hours of being stuck on the highway in traffic, and trying to find a place to stay several times, we ended up at Natchez Trace! I really just wanted to wake up in the woods or a park with the trees around me, and that's what happened. There was alot of late night driving trying to find the spot, and we ended up at the 'wrangler's campground' where people stay with their horses- there was only one other person there. On the way in I saw two red foxes playing around in the road, a deer, and two skunks. Also saw a group of turkeys back near Hot Springs, NC. Petunia and I just slept in the van (I have a futon in the back with the seats out) since we got in pretty late. The van is great for sleeping in, I'm really enjoying it. I slept in it the few nights before my Vision Quest in September, and I guess that's the last road trip I was on. Anyways, we didn't spend any time hiking or anything, but the forest and park seemed to be a nice place to check out. We're headed on to Pinson Mounds, just down the road I think. I can't wait to see what this place is like- old ceremonial mounds from the native people long ago.

I think we'll make it to Little Rock or so... or wherever we get. We'll stay at a hotel tonight. I've made this trip so many times, from KY to TX, or NC to TX, or IL to TX..... it's strange when I find I recognize the exits, the gas stations, the McDonalds... like right now I'm on the side of a parking lot at a McDonalds/gas station combo.... and I've parked in this exact place before at least once. Strange. Also, I realized with this trip, maybe it's just that I'm getting old... or wiser..... but wow what a difference to take three days instead of two! Makes it much more enjoyable..... and I'm not killing myself to drive as much as humanly possible just to get there. Yay for learning.... ; )

I hope everyone is well out there..... :)