Final Post

Final Post

August 2, 2008

Coast to Coast to Coast USA Alger Tour of America 2008

Hello Everyone,

We've been home now for more than a week and are just now settling in again. Russell and I have been driving down to San Jose for goalie camp all week and we will all take Grace to music camp early tomorrow morning. I've tried to let my emotions settle before making this last blog entry. The trip was fantastic but it has been good hanging out at home. Enough of that. Let's wrap things up. 

First, a few numbers related to the trip.

We covered about 9050 miles in 35 days while visiting 35 states (Russell says only 34 states as the District of Columbia is not a true state, according to him). I like my tabulation better.

We burned about 950.9 gallons of gas. If you do the math, The Big Rig got pretty close to 10 ( a

little less) miles to the gallon of gas. Not so bad.

The most we paid for gas was $4.85 per gallon in Lee Vining, CA on the western entrance of Yosemite. The least we paid for gas was 3.89 per gallon in Vining, MN and Hot Springs Village, AR. Maybe The Big Foot should raise their prices.

The following fotos may not be the best foto-wise from the trip but they wrap things up properly.

The kids and I are so glad that Aunt Diane joined us on the 1st leg of the trip. Aunt Diane is so cool and we love her so much. Here she is shielding her eyes from the wicked Yellowstone sun high above the Lower Falls. You are so great Aunt Diane! Off to Alaska next year. Maybe Matthew can join us then.

Spike is only 9 months old and he's been to 34 states. Pretty good for a puppy!

Here's a shot of Russell and Grace rooting around in a recently downed tree. This particular tree was the last one ever planted by Thom. Jefferson (or one of his slaves) at Monticello. It was a huge tulip tree knocked over by a storm earlier this year. Darned Founding Fathers!

After Atlanta, we decided to turn the RV into The Obama-Mobile. 200+ positive responses. 3 or 4 negative responses. Looks like a landslide in November. 

Here are Grace and Russell at the very spot where the Union was saved. Fort Donelson in TN. They may not not know it yet but this IS the place where US Grant stopped the Confederate tide of the Civil War. The exact spot. The politics continue ...

Buck Alger high above The Grand Canyon.
JohnManHorton wading out to take the waters in Yosemite. Nice shorts!

Grace and Russell rounding out the Big 3. Yellowstone, The Grand Canyon, and Yosemite! All in one summer!

On our way home. Our favorite slogan on the trip was "Hey George, where's Dick?"

Our window where we listed the states we had visited. In our driveway in Moraga, CA. Count 'em ... 34 states. 
The trip was awesome. Thanks to Aunt Diane, Campolindo Heather, and Thetford John for joining us. We also thank Clio Maggie and Get-Out-Of-Town-Quick Alice for their contributions. We were also glad to see all of our people. We love you all but next year, you come see us, OK?

The Recent Road Trippers

Grace, Russell, & John Alger

Days 34 & 35

Days 34 & 35

July 23 & 24

Coast to Coast to Coast USA Alger Tour of America

Hello Everyone,

Wednesday had us fleeing the Las Vegas heat on our way home to California. Our traveling companions, The Hortons, were on board as we traveled through the Nevada desert on US 95. On the way, we passed the old Nevada desert nuclear test sites. There was a 50s era nuclear bomb on display alongside the road. See for yourself.

Then we crossed the California state line. Back home again. 34 states in 34 days. Pretty good, huh? We changed our plans slightly and spent the night in a beautiful spot in Lee Vining near the western entrance to Yosemite. Cooked up a real nice steak dinner to celebrate our return home.

 We woke up early on Thursday for our trip through Yosemite. Entered Yosemite from the west and soon came upon a huge rock called Pothole Dome. We all clambered up to the top. The scenery was fantastic as is everything in Yosemite. Here's a shot of Russell on his way down.

A little while later we found a beautiful Alpine lake. It was real cold but we all had a nice swim. Uncle Horton swam in his undies. Just envision that. Regardless, The kids had a great time.

We then drove down into the Valley and had a picnic lunch. We also picked up a few souvenirs before taking another swim. This time in The Merced River. The scenery was awesome. Here are the kids and Oom Schoon (once again, in his undies) enjoying the water. That's Half Dome in the background. So nice.

We had planned on going up to Glacier Point but everyone was happily tired so we proceeded on to Oakhurst, CA for more exposure to the Dutch, who seem to be recolonizing America. They're everywhere. I've been speaking more Dutch un this trip than when I lived in Holland. The Nederlanders claim they're here because the dollar is so cheap and that makes sense. They won't do anything unless it's cheap. Those cheap bastards.

Back home tomorrow. The kids and I are looking forward to seeing Heather and sleeping in our own beds. I'll wrap things up blogwise soon with a few parting comments and photos. I hope you've enjoyed traveling with us.

on behalf of Grace, Russell, and Spike,

Uncle Captain Holland UK California John

A Change In Plans

 Day ???

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Coast to Coast to Coast USA Alger Tour of America 2008

Hello Everyone,

I've sorta forgotten what day of the trip it actually is. Day 33, I think. Oh well. We had a short ride today from Williams, AZ to Las Vegas, NV. 230 miles. We had initially planned on camping out tonight in Death Valley but eventually shied away from the 120 degrees that awaited us there. We opted instead or the

110 degree coolness of Las Vegas. We stopped at Hoover Dam along the way.

Here's the kids entering Nevada.

They don't really value their veterans up here in the desert.

We went swimming in Lake Mead. It doesn't take long to dry off in this dry heat. Here's Oom Schoon met zijn meisjes hoog over Lake Mead.

Grace, Russell, and Spike also high over Lake Mead. It was 110 degrees when we went swimming so the 88 degree water felt great. 

We then proceeded into Las Vegas and took a trip down The Strip. Check out New York! Thanks again David K. for the directions. Las Vegas is real big and full of Nederlanders. Good enough reason to head out toward Yosemite tomorrow!

We're almost home. Heather is planning a welcome home party for 3:00 in the afternoon on Saturday. Come on by!

tot ziens,

Uncle Captain Holland UK California John 

Day Thirty Two

Day 32

Monday, July 21, 2008

Coast to Coast to Coast USA Alger Tour of America 2008

Hello Everyone,

Today was Grand Canyon Day. Got up early and right away, Buck got into a gunfight with some unsavory characters and the outcome was bad. Real bad. See for yourself.

Luckily, Buck got better and we got on the train to The Grand Canyon. Here is a shot of the locomotive that pulled us up to the big hole.
The Grand Canyon defies all description. It just takes your breath away. Here is a typical tourist pic. As you can see, we got all dressed up. We had lots of fun.

Sometimes, even I can take a good picture.

Here's the whole gang!

It was a little warm so I decided to take a little dip in The Colorado River. It was a long way down but it sure felt good.

We had a great time today at The Canyon. The park itself is kind of confusing with less than deserving facilities but Mother Nature proved once again, she's in charge. 

Uncle Horton bought us pizza for dinner and took the kids swimming. What a great day!

Off to Death Valley tomorrow via Hoover Dam and Las Vegas. Expect some dam(n) jokes.

your friend,

Cali John

Super Cool Photo Update

The funniest tree I have ever seen!

Aztec Ruins National Park (really Anazazi).

The real deal Four Corners.

The Little Colarado River Canyon.

Big Bull Elk!
Posted by Russell.

Day Thirty One

Day 31

Sunday, July 21, 2008

Coast to Coast to Coast USA Alger Tour of America 2008

Hello Everyone,

Today had us traveling from Aztec, NM to Williams, AZ via The Grand Canyon. About 350 miles. After breaking camp, we stopped at an old (of course) set of Anazazi ruins before we hit the road. We set out for The 4 Corners! Here's a shot of Grace, Russell, Maggie, Alice, & Spike milling around in 4 different states at once. Russell thought he would have a little nap in NM, AZ, CO, & UT all at once. Now that's an efficient way to add up some states.

Grace thought she would have a little snooze too. Good thing all these states are in the same time zone or else I'm sure something weird would happen. Don't worry Heather and Lori, the kids are fine.

John Horton was then given the reins of The Big Rig. I took a nap. Woke up nicely refreshed and Russell snapped this shot of these two grampy-looking friends teetering on The North Rim of The Grand Canyon. The scenery was awesome all across AZ and then you see The Grand Canyon and you start to cry. At least, I did. The Full-Timers crossed the 8000 mile threshold today!

John Horton then got something stuck in his eye and we rescued him from plummeting to a certain death shortly after this foto was taken.

Grace, Russell, and the dog.

Tonight, we are staying at the RV park of all RV parks. Had a nice dinner at a Sonoran BBQ joint. Up early tomorrow for a train ride back to The South Rim. Spike goes to the doggy spa. 

We have been getting your comments Aunt Diane and we are wishing Uncle Charles a speedy recovery! We wish you were with us Uncle Charles!

met vriendelijk groet,

California John

Day Thirty

In this picture we stopped at a very cold creek right next to a canyon.

Get off the road you stupid cows!!!

Dad made a wrong turn into Colarado!!! We still made it to Aztec, New Mexico!

posted by Russell.

Day Twenty Nine

Day 29

July 18, 2008

Coast to Coast to Coast USA Alger Tour of America 2008

Hello Everyone,

Today was spent traveling from OK City through The Texas Panhandle on our way to Clayton, NM. About 400 miles. We are truly in The West now. Crossed into Texas around 11:00 AM. They really do everything BIG in Texas! I feel a bit embarrassed for all the poor Texans. See what I mean?

We saw this cool building in Shamrock, TX where we had lunch. This building is on historic Route 66 and was used as a model for the movie, Cars. Pretty nifty, huh?

Here we are with Maggie and Alice Horton crossing into NM. There was a huge storm brewing!

Headed to The 4 Corners tomorrow. 'Til next post.

westernly yours,

California John

OOOOOOOOOklahoma

Ooooooooo-klahoma where the Hortons land at OKC.

And the something something something et cetera.

Yep, Russell know the full lyrics to about twenty songs, including the original of that. If you don't count 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' and the like I've got nothin' on him.

Buenos dias mein nakama*. Today we started from the Hot Springs, Arkansas KOA Kampground (gosh, some people's spelling nowadays), Boyhood Home of Former President William Jefferson Clinton. AKA Bill.

We set off with a drive of 350 miles or so. Twasn't too bad. Except for some pretty scenery, Dora the Explorer's new style and a few idiots trying to kill someone (drunk granny and guy who pulled out and made me fall into the front of the Big Rig hard). I know I didn't do the question-answering blog I said I might do but I might do one for the Dora story. If Dad doesn't think it deserves a PG-13 rating. Or an R rating. Or NC-17. IT WAS DISTURBING. (Just asked him - he said X which has been replaced with NC-17). And the possible Oklahoma City Dora Explorers NBA team doesn't claim the name.

So, we got to the RV Park. I was pointing out saying "Look at the big sign! It's over there!" but Dad ignored me and pulled into a motel with a few RVs nearby. Dad went inside and asked about the reservation.  A lady in sleazy pajamas behind bullet-proof glass told him they don't take reservations. The RV park was next door and was better if you had kids. I tried and I-told-you-so thing but he didn't pay attention. So I'll say on the internet. TOLD YA SO, DAD!

Then we headed to the Oklahoma City Airport to pick up the Hortonses. They pump oil for fuel right there at the airport. Dad dropped me off to go look for John Man Horton and the kidses. I found them and safely got them back as their spirit guide.

Hanging out right now. Went swimming and ate hamburgers. Not much else is notable. So why don't I give the Obama-Mobile's Obama Honk Count.

Obama Honks

Monday 7/14, Day 25 - nine honks

Tuesday 7/15, Day 26 - sixteen honks

Wednesday 7/16, Day 27 - one honk

Thursday 7/17, Day 28 - thirteen honks

Total Honks: 39 as of Thursday, July seventeenth.

That includes a few other things such as waves and people talking to us. The third day was a bit slow, huh? But don't worry, not every Obama supporter will see and/or care about this. But it's funny to watch the McCainians and give 'em thumbs ups.

Adios, mi amigos! And not amigos!

Grace

* Buenos dias mein nakama - Good day my freinds (in multiple languages. Spanish, German and Japanese, correct?)

Day Twenty Seven

Day 27

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Coast to Coast to Coast USA Alger Tour of America 2008

Hello Everyone,

Short ride today. Less than 200 miles. Went from SE Arkansas to Central Arkansas via Louisiana. Grace says we spent 3-4 minutes in LA. Here's photo proof. Louisiana's real pretty. Another state for Spike and the kids.

After lunch aboard The Big Rig, we bombed into Hot Springs, AR, the boyhood home of Bill Clinton. Took a short driving tour through the park before heading out to the campground.

Suzanne L. gave us a quick call on the road. I hope you are now looking at the blog Suzanne. The crepe myrtle are in bloom all across the South and they are very pretty. See for yourself.

Tomorrow has us on our way to OK City to pick up CoPilot #3, Uncle Horton, and his girls, Maggie and Alice. We are looking forward to again seeing the wide-open expanses of The American West.

going swimming now,

The Full-Timers

Day Twenty Six

Day 26

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Coast to Coast to Coast USA Alger Tour of America 2008

Hello Everyone,

Today had us criss-crossing The Mississippi. We started in Caruthersville, MO and ended up in Lake Village, AR. 

Here we are with proof of our Missouri crossing and pictures from adding two new states, Arkansas and Mississippi. Spike is now up to 26 states including DC.

On our way through Memphis on I-55 we decided to see Graceland. Don't believe them when they say it's only a 20 minute wait. Did you know that if Elvis was still alive, he'd be dead by now?

A Wide Body on a Wide Glide in Memphis.

Spent the night at the quaint Pecan Grove RV Park in Lake Village, AR. Off to Hot Springs tomorrow.

CJ