. .from where I left off to Needles, CA

by Shanti

2010-05-03 02:26:26

OK, so the rest of the journey. I could try and write a narrative like my last post, that post took place over a week, and this next one is for two. So I'm going to do it a little differently.

First the states. I've driven through Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California. 8 days of driving, from Va Beach, VA to Needles, CA 3,318 Miles (and I still have to drive to LA, SF and Portland.

OK, now People. After leaving my Aunts house. First I saw my Half sister in New Orleans. Great catching up and hanging out. Then I was Corey in Austin. We travelled together in New Zealand, Haven't seen home in five years. Then I hung out with Ana in Albuquerque. WE hung out in Barcelona. Then Jake. He's the guy I counchsurfed with in Flagstaff.

Now music. So I was at Jazzfest, but I was working so I wasn't able to get out and see much music, but I did get to see Dr. John, Parliament / Funkadelic, Paul Simon, and a few other bands I saw for a song or two. In Austin, I managed to get into Austin City Limits, where I saw Steve Martin's blue grass band. (really good) and then I happened onto the Gourds in Flagstaff, and of course, the closed with an awesome cover of Gin and Juice.

The Parks. First was Carlsbad Caverns N.P. WOW, I've been to a lot of caves, but this one is, amazing. Then Petrified Forest and Painted Desert N.P. really cool deasert views, nice badlands, and some really old trees. The park was cool, but I've seen better petrified forests. And then the Big Daddy of them all, Grand Canyon N.P. And man oh man, it's amazing. If you haven't seen it in person, you can't really describe it. The first view is kind of like you’re looking at a picture or painting as it just doesn't look real. I went to a number of viewpoints on the rim, and did a couple hikes. I now really want o come back and hike to the bottom. Amazing.

OK, so I think that gets me to now, where I can try and write a little more often. So until next time . . .