August 13, 2005 - Our Journey West

We couldn't have done it without family. Bill (Toby's dad) helped cram the U-Haul full of our gear, and Genie (Shannon's mom) joined us on the cross-country trek so we could have the pleasure of her company and a little help driving.

.Before this trip, we had not fully grasped the idea that at least half our great nation is made up of cornfields. If you look at a map of the US, you'll see lots of space between the towns throughout the Midwest. Just fill them in with corn. Because that's all there is.

At times, the endless corn made us a little loopy.

Eventually, corn gives way to mountains. We dipped our toes in the Colorado River and Toby loosened the kinks in his stone-skipping arm.

We took a detour in southern Utah to enjoy a hike in Cedar Breaks.

 The canyon at Cedar Breaks took our breath away. Literally. The altitude turned a 2-mile hike into a head-spinning haul.

Genie is somewhat flattered when a robust tree makes a move on her.

 Another slight detour took us on a European tour of Las Vegas, starting at the Bellagio for a Cirque du Soleil show (and a little Italian-inspired romance).

Genie led the way to Venice. . .

 . . . And we stayed for a night in Paris.