Lita's Lines: Homeward Bound: Final Days

All good things must come to an end~ we departed the Arnold CA cabin on Monday, July 9. Try as we might to keep it slower, gotta admit that we were pretty focused on getting home after six weeks! I discovered something that I hadn't realized about myself, although pretty sure it has been a part of me for a long time...I shut down during good-byes. I feel so sad inside, but determined to "keep a stiff upper lip" so I don't fully engage in lingering for final hugs and kisses and "I will miss you's". I don't like that about myself, although it certainly came down quite honestly through the Landes generation line! So the first days "on the road again" were rather melancholy as I realized this, and mourned the fact that we really don't know when we will all be together again- however, I am quite determined to be more intentional with good-byes in the future!!

Leaving California, we determined to take the least mountainous exit--and were reassured the travel would be fairly "flat". Us flat landers did not find it so!! Passed some beautiful large lakes as we hit the border.

We found Nevada rather boring along Route 80, since we had so enjoyed Route 50 on the way out. Things got a bit more exciting as we neared Utah and noticed the salt flats and the great Salt Lake.

Stopped in Salt Lake City for our first "break" from a long day of driving on Tuesday. We located our first Cracker Barrel in West Valley, where we determined to get a "freebie" stay--even when the manager cautiously agreed to our using their electricity for our fan, it was THE most terrible night! 80+ degrees with bright floodlights around the building. As my mom would say, "you get what you pay for!" 😩 Temple Square, the LDS owned area in the downtown area was interesting and the organ recital in the Tabernacle was inspiring. I kept picturing Dad Walker on that gargantuan organ, playing his heart away! Best breakfast at the Blue Lemon that morning before our sightseeing began.

We hit the Wyoming border on Wednesday evening, stopping at a KOA with a pool, as the heat had once again descended upon us. Since our refrigerator had bit the dust just before we had reached our CA destination; we had to be creative! Enjoyed Lean cuisine and Atkins dinners using the microwave! Since we hit a nice patch of "flat land" in Wyoming, we were somewhat dismayed, but extremely happy to climb one of the final ascents out of the state--it was probably one of the smaller inclines, but it really looked huge to our weary eyes!

Heading into Nebraska was a breath of fresh air as the scenery changed drastically -- mostly open green fields and rolling hills. Looked so much like Michigan that we began to get homesick! We didn't count but this state was full of trains, as many as 15-20 that we passed! As we looked ahead for camping spots, we noted a Cabela's Campground near Sidney! Quite a delightful spot. First come, first served for $30 with all the amenities. Most of the larger RV's there were working summer farming jobs before departing to do their retirement fun for the winter months.

Friday was a shorter day as we headed to Omaha, where we settled into an "Even Hotel" to rest & celebrate Bill's birthday. The new hotel chain was a "wellness" spot with weights, bounce balls and arm pulleys located in the room. This couple did not utilize the equipment! Ha! Instead we dressed for a night out in Old Market, a lovely rejuvenated area of Omaha. The actual Omaha steak that Bill savored at Omaha Prime Restaurant was a "melt in your mouth" experience! Our wonderful waitress also treated him to a slice of Gnocchi - flourless, sugarless chocolate dessert. I now have the recipe!! A great ending to the evening was enjoying the lighted water fountain in Heartland of America park.

Saturday found us putting the pedal to the metal as Bill suggested we get to Indiana to stay with our forever friends, the Mamminas.. through the greenery & picturesque Iowa we rolled, then crossed the Mississippi into Illinois's terrible roads (!), knowing we would soon enjoy a great meal, great conversation and a great bed!