We are back home – 2758 miles later. What a great trip it was! Thank you to Hertz for a great rental car and, if anyone is in the market for a three-row crossover, give the Kia Sorrento a shot. Greg and I were very impressed with its road feel, amenities and sporty driving feel. (Note: Kia did not sponsor or pay for this endorsement).

Lots of you asked about our entertainment along the way. We listened via usb connection to our favorite DJ #mattdarey as podcasts. It is the perfect road music if you love electronic beats. We do!

As far as road snacks are concerned, we stocked up on skittles and made our obligatory stop at In & Out.

As a close out the f the trip, here are some images along I-40 through New Mexico, arizona and the Mohave desert in California.

Thanks to all for following my blog. A happy new year to all amd stay tuned for my next adventure on Allure of the Seas starting on January 7th 2018.

Cheers!

Pardon the delay in updating you on the Santa Fe part of the trip. We were busy celebrations with family. Greg too his dad Quinn on a scenic drive while Diana picked up Julie from The Albuquerque airport. That left me to spend quality time with my niece and nephew Lydia and Walker whom introduced me to an amazing art collective called Meow Wolf. The experience is hard to describe but if you ever find yourself in Santa Fe, I recommend it highly.

The experience is housed in a former bowling alley and the visit begins by walking through the front door of a Victorian house. Within, you find portals to secret worlds. For example, you can climb into the washing machine and find yourself. Surrounded by clithing and a video screen. Then you climb on and find a tree house with art installations, secret rooms with music and art interactions and so much more. It is mind-blowingly Lydia and Walker inspiring and surreal. My two guides shared with me their faves and we had inspiring conversations.

After some play in the yard with Stella, we gathered for s feast of chilaquilles and other goodies and a great time was had by all.

Stay tuned for the fifth and final installment from the journey home.

Thank you Danny and Cal!

While the visit only lasted 12 hours, we spent quality time together that will be remembered for years to come.

Hugs and a few waves goodbye and we were on the road again. Escorted by gray skies and a light snowfall, we headed east on I-70 and eventually due south on HWY 24 and 285.

The snowfall mad way for sunrays and eventually we had blue sky to enjoy the spectacular scenery as the Rockies open up to the high desert toward New Mexico.

Stay tuned for our Santa Fe time post.

We made it!

A 12 hour master drive of the best and we arrived at Greg’s cousin Danny’s house in Glenwood springs Colorado.

We covered California, Nevada, Utah and Colorado all in one day. (The pics tell the story better than words)

Now it’s time for Hendricks on the rocks and a steak dinner courtesy of Danny.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s episode to get us from Colorado to Santa Fe, NM for Christmas.

Announced a few days ago, we packed up our belongings and stuffed them into a brand-spanking new Kia Sorento (3-row CUV) – thank you #Hertz.

Our first stint of just under 230 miles took us out of the crowded roadways of the Bay Area and Sacramento and over Donner pass in the middle of the night. We made good time and arrived at the Best Western Fernley by 1130pm. Stella made it well with the exception of the ear pressure over the pass which she didn’t like at all.

It’s a bit of a chore to drive with a dog, especially a pit, as very few hotels accept them. Fortunately Best Western does and for a $20 Fe, our princess got a choice of two queen size beds to choose from.

After a restful 5 hour sleep, Starbucks in hand, we hit the road again. It will be a long day but princess Stella is all ready for it-tucked in on two folded rows of a luxury lounge.

stay tuned for part 2.