Planes, trains, and automobiles.

Well if you are the least bit interested, the series of travel from Denver, CO to Newcastle, NSW it is absolutely long. We began our journey In a little mountain hopper plane in Denver and landed at Lax. I was very interested as I had never flown over the Rockies or seen the Pacific Ocean for the matter. So once we touched down in LA I think that is when the excitement began to set it.

Now after a four hour layover in the city I was more than ready to continue our travels. It was an all nighter, the flight that is, but when we awoke for a nice boxed breakfast and out of the little plane window we finally began to see some specs of light off in the distance. Landing in the dark left us filled with a bit a curiosity and as the sun slowly rose we were amazed at the beautiful landscape of the Fiji islands. The air was heavy and warm, and the sunshine gave off beautiful rays that could make anyone smile. Although leave it to the record that the entirety of the airport very closely resembled a motel.

Now after another four hour flight and another boxed breakfast we finally landed in Sydney. We were very proud of ourselves for making it there in one piece. So we headed for the bus station at the airport so we could get to Sydney central station. We waited, and we waited, an we waited some more and our transfer bus never came. So as I am stressing out, Brian is obviously handling the situation and found us a shuttle that would take us there for just a small fee. Wonderful! So we get the the central station an there are two buses parked in the bays, neither of which are ours. But just a short hour and a half later it does show up. Brian and I are sharing an entire coach bus with four other travelers and the driver. The first thing that pops into our heads is nap time!

So when we are both hastily awoke at the bus stop we get off to find people everywhere considering it was New Year's Eve and our bags plopped on the curb as the bus drives off. The driver was at least kind enough to say head up the road and take a left. Sounds simple right? Well the left was simple and right up the street but then I think it was safe to say we trekked a good two miles down the city street with all of our gear until we finally arrived the the hostel. We checked in, had a drink or two, kissed each other happy new year, and went to bed.

Now that it's a new day and a new start we are ready to do some exploring. But I would recommend you give your bed a big hug for us tonight, because once we had beds we sure did.

Until the next stop,
Jes & Brian

Christmas in Colorado

Seeing as this was my first Christmas away from home I was naturally anxious as the holidays were coming up so quickly. I was so lucky to be welcomed in with open arms by Brian's family. We were able to spend some time in Denver making Christmas cookies, enjoying the toasty fire place, and the company of family and friends.

We then traveled up to Steamboat Springs where we took to the slopes for an amazing day in the snow. Let me tell you though, our muscles sure were feeling it the next morning. We took the free town bus (which is a genius idea of you ask me) to downtown where we were welcomed into a local bar called the Old Town Pub. With a few pool tables and an open mic night it wasn't all that different than a little bar on the easy coast.

Christmas dinner was wonderfully relaxing. A nice juicy turkey and all the sides to accompany it we were able to fill up our tummies and then head to the hot tub to help digest and further our levels of relaxation.

All in all the holiday has been different from anything I have ever been a part of and I loved being received with open hearts that are full of love. That is the most important part or the holiday isn't it?

Until the next stop,
Jes and Brian

"If the world is still spinning the wind's still going to be here"

The flatlands of middle America can become draining when driving at eighty miles an hour on the interstate. That is until you reach the wind farm on I-70 in Kansas. These turbines are a serious sight to see. It seemed as if they went for on for miles and miles, first on the north side followed by the south, and then both! The future of energy harvesting is coming upon us an the best part about the whole process is that the majority of the land is still able to be farmed by the landowners as if the turbines weren't even there.

Here is a link that explains a little more about what is happening in what is now the interesting state of Kansas:
http://www.kansastravel.org/smokeyhillwindfarm.htm

Like I said I am just amazed at the progress that has been made. Just two short years ago we drove through this same stretch of highway and were impressed with the mere 20 or so turbines were up. Today we were astonished and it created a strong feeling of hope.

Until the next stop,
Jes & Brian

Okc botanical gardens

For only 7 dollars we were able to step in a tropical rainforest this morning. The air air was warm and humid leaving a feeling of happiness and vacation beginning to heat my soul from the inside out.

The variety of exotic plants created an ecstatic feeling of a foreign land. There were plants from the various tropical forests of the earth. I was amazed at the variety of aloe plants and cactus that were grown. All I wanted to do was touch all the plants but to my dismay there was blatantly signs stating to keep hands off the preserve the plants, but I may have slipped a few times and let the unruliness take over for a few seconds. None the less the botanical gardens would be the coolest place ever to play hide and seek!

This was just an experience to add to the list of awesome sights we are lucky to see along the way.

Until the next stop,
Jes & Brian

It's always rainy in Pa.

We have been in a relationship with the road for almost six hours now. We have just made our first stop in nowhereville Pa.

We have had the glorious opportunity to glance upon some not so normal things thus far today. There is always the typical nose picker in the next car over, the tiny lady in a big hummer, but even better right here in nowhereville we saw a man fighting with his donkey to climb up a hill and the weirdest green Taurus I've ever laid my eyes on.

Although it is rainy and foggy today our spirits are high. It's nothing a warm cup of soup, good music, and of course the best company can't cure.

Until the next stop,
Jes & Brian

Westward Bound

   

  
  As we finalize the packing stages of our journey, we have successfully packed for three small trips and the largest adventure of life to come. We will be heading west after a heartfelt breakfast with the family in the morning.
     The choas of packing with not set the tone of the trip. 'Keep Calm and Travel On" will allow us to travel lightly and happily.
    We will take each day and each mile one step at a time. Westward tomorrow and arriving in Choctaw, Oklahoma on Decemeber 12th.

We anticipate many sights along the way

Until the next stop!

Jes & Brian