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Monday, October 7, 2013

Back from Vacation and a Request!!

Hi everyone!! I've missed you so much!! Wow, what a vacation...and I say that not necessarily in a good way :/ Mother Nature and the Government conspired to make it a not so fun trip. I just got home yesterday...a couple days later than expected. We had to outrun the blizzard in Wyoming and the tornadoes in the middle part of the country. We had to scratch the whole second half of the agenda due to the storms :(

Before I get to the pictures, I have a request to ask of you. I would be so appreciative if you would go to the Heartfelt Creations blog HERE and vote for me. I'm a semi-finalist for the Design Team. I love their products...their dies are made by Spellbinders. If you do vote, you will be registered to win a $50.00 HC Gift Certificate!! If you click on the semi-finalist vote list, I'm the Lisa on list number 2. Thank you in advance :)

Okay, on to the trip!! This might get long winded, so you don't have to follow along if you don't want to :) Usually our family RV trips are exciting and fun-filled. We try to hit as many National Parks as we can. We should have known the first night what was in store. Our first day was a short one, an overnight stay in St. Louis. It poured rain. A portent of things to come.


Rocky Mountains National Park was on the itinerary, but it was closed due to the horrible flooding. I've been there before but the rest of the family hasn't, so we didn't get to cross that one off the list. We drove through Denver (said a sweet hello to Peyton Manning ;) and the Rockies in an absolute downpour. It was foggy and windy and made the trip not so fun in an RV through the mountains.


Our next tussle with Mother Nature was outside of Reno, Nevada. Apparently the rain hadn't hit the area as we were in dust storms and gusty winds all day. The interstate we traveled closed to trucks and RV's due to the high winds. Our first detour.


We finally made it to one of my favorite places in the USA, Lake Tahoe. Usually the beauty of the gorgeous lake, the soaring mountains and stately pine trees is unparalleled. The whole time we were there, it stormed. You couldn't even see the tops of the mountains (that were dusted with snow).


Next was a jaunt through beautiful Northern California and Redwoods National Park. We also visited Great Basin National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Look...a little sunshine :)


From there, it was up Highway 101 and the Oregon Coast. Oregon was the last of the contiguous US states that I haven't visited, so there's an item off the Bucket List. We stopped at all the lighthouses, but again, the weather didn't cooperate. This one was gorgeous, but shrouded in fog.


It was a little better here, but the winds almost knocked you off your feet.


We had three days on the ocean, staying in the top whale watching city of Depoe Bay. Seeing a whale is another Bucket List item we hoped to cross off. We were right on the ocean but the weather was horrible. The winds rocked the RV constantly and you couldn't see very far out into the sea. It even hailed. The waves were powerful due to the storms.


Unfortunately, this is the only whale we saw :(


I always keep my camera ready as we travel, and was able to get a snap of the beautiful Blue Heron as it flew in front of us.


After traveling the entire Oregon coast, we headed inland through the Columbia River Gorge. My gosh, this is one of the most beautiful drives. I am sad that the weather was so bad that we couldn't fully enjoy it.


We stopped at beautiful Multnomah Falls, the same falls Vanna poses in front of in several Wheel of Fortune episodes :) And yes, it was pouring rain.


After a trip through Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, (and lots of snow in the mountains), we had planned to revisit Yellowstone National Park. The last time we were there, half of the park was on fire and we didn't get to see it. Well, thanks to the wonderful Government, the shutdown closed all of the National Parks. But...if the Government hadn't closed it, the blizzard would have. So we had to abort those plans and venture around Wyoming all together to avoid the snow. We ended up in Montana and North Dakota trying to outrun the snow. But it gave us a chance to see...


Salem Sue, the world's largest Holstein Cow, and...


The world's largest Sandhill Crane :) So, in our attempt to avoid the snow, we were smack dab in the middle of the tornadoes that rocked the middle part of the country. We spent a night in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as tornadoes hit all around us. Finally, after a harrowing few days, I was so happy to see...


this as we crossed back into Indiana (where, yes, it was raining :) So, that's the trip in a nutshell. I didn't intend to make it sound bad...the scenery was incredible. I would love to live on the Oregon coast. But I would have appreciated a little cooperation from Mother Nature instead of wind and rain and hail and snow and dust and tornadoes.

I am trying to catch up now. I will be by your blogs in the next few days to visit you. Thank you so much to those of you who stopped by while I was gone!! And thank you for voting for me at Heartfelt Creations!! I will be drawing the winner of my Early Christmas giveaway in the next couple of days!! I hope your week is starting off marvelously :)

58 comments:

snappy scrappy said...

Fab pics...sad to here it was storming...I have to say that I have gone on 2 whale tours in whale areas...no whales for us either...what the heck?

Cheri said...

So sorry it was full of difficulties. Welcome home.

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness Lisa! Sounds like a crazy trip. Glad you made it home safely. Good luck in the contest!

Norma Gomez said...

Although your trip was filled with so many unexpected obstacles, it sounds like it was a great adventure!! One that I'm sure you all will always remember and reminisce about :D Okay, I'm off to vote for you!! Have a beautiful day!!!

Rhonda Emery said...

those are beautiful pictures, glad your back, I voted for you, good luck my friend. hugs

Migdalia said...

What an Adventure...Glad to know that you are home.
Just voted for you my friend!
Have a wonderful day,
M
♥ Crafting With Creative M ♥
♥ 2 Creative Chicks Challenges ♥

terriavidreader (IN-USA) said...

What a trip! glad you are home safe and sound but having some stories to tell!

Lynn B. said...

Quite the adventure, weather and all! I'm originally from Wyoming and the storms and wind can be awful! I'll head over and vote now. Glad you're home!

christi said...

tried to vote and it gave me an error. :( will try again later. thanks for sharing the pics.

Mulberry Mindy said...

Welcome home, sorry you had such a rough vacation. I would have enjoyed just getting away, but when you have a family along everything must be exciting. Your pics were awesome, I really enjoyed them, plus I went and voted for you. Good luck and enjoy your time back home. I missed you!
Mindy

http://mulberrymindy.blogspot.com

Jennifer said...

Memories! Sounds like you have some wonderful ones! have a beautiful day!

Life and Knits said...

Wow what a vacation! I went to vote but the site was down. Hope its because you're getting all the votes!

Susie

Maureen Morton said...

I voted! Good luck. You deserve some after that trip. Thanks for sharing the pics and details.......seems like you still had some fun. Glad you are home safe.

I'm a Little Teapot said...

That's crazy, Lisa! But, hey, you knocked another state off your bucket list!

Off to vote for you!

Karon said...

Welcome back - well, considering that Mother Nature really did try to throw everything at you - you still had some fabulous photos! we are hoping to do the West coast trip next year and visit as many of the parks as we can - bucket list here we come :-) Been across and voted, congrats on reaching the semi-finals and good luck :-) Hugs, Karon

jennyplace2 said...

OMG! Sounds like Mother Nature was not nice at all, but the pictures are beautiful and hopefully you had a good time with your loved ones. It never fails when ever we go on vacation the weather is not nice for at least one of the two weeks. Can you believe last year we had snow in Arizona on Vacation!! Its not supposed to snow there. LOL! But it did! I will go over right now and vote for your card. I was lucky enough to take a card class just last week and I also love there products. I already have 6 Christmas cards done and so happy with the results. I will have my fingers crossed for you! Welcome home.

Creations by Shirl said...

Inspite of the weather, looks like you had fun... Welcome back and good luck on the DT....

Audrey Frelx said...

Welcome back!!! Of course you've got my vote!!! Done!

Sorry your trip wasn't as intended but that you did seem to make the most of it. The pictures are great!

Karenladd said...

Wow, who would have believed it was summer from your vacation photos?!! I have gone up the Oregon Coast several times and unfortunately, rain and fog is pretty par for the course but looks like you had bad weather following you everywhere. Hope you still had a good time. That photo of the blue heron is awesome!!

Cathy said...

beautiful pictures, too bad mother nature did not cooperate.lol, and of course you have my vote!!
cathyplus5

Indy's Designs said...

Sorry you had such a soggy vacation! Just voted...good luck!

Laurie said...

Hi Lisa!! Would you believe you went right by my house when you left Lassen Park and headed to the coast???? I live in Redding!!!! I wish I would have known you were headed this way, I would have loved to meet you for coffee. We've done the No. CA/Oregon coast many times and I just love it!!! Your pictures are gorgeous! We RV too, but usually stay parked somewhere since we can only get away for a few days. We're planning on heading out next year to Mount Rushmore. Glad you're home safe and sound. And I did go and vote for you. Good luck!!
Laurie
scrapsbysissy.blogspot.com

Sherrie K. said...

Oooh my goodness girl, I am so sorry to hear of all the bad weather you had to go thru and how scary! Despite all that, it looks like you tried to make the best of it and your pictures are absolutely beautiful. I am glad you were able to mark one spot off your bucket list. Maybe you can try that trip again sometime. ..So sorry BUT so glad you all made it home safe!!
I did go vote for you and I have my fingers and toes crossed for you...they would be silly not to have you on their team! You are amazing and and so talented-you would be a huge asset to them!
Hugs and so glad your back-we've missed you!!!
Sherrie K

yyam said...

Sorry about the bad weather derailing some of your plans. But at least you could cross off something on your bucket list!

Have a happy week ahead...off to vote for you!

DIANA L. said...

I voted for you last week -- I am glad you made it home safely and sounds like this will be your most memorable trip!! funny how that happens, but it is true.
Hugs Diana- sure wish we could have met up in the redwoods.

Cindy Beland said...

What a trip Lisa, sooo sorry about the bad weather my sweet friend!!!Good luck on the DT!!

Diane said...

OMG Lisa, what a trip...I sat here just laughing, as it sounds like a few of the trips I planned over the years...but, I think the final straw would be the govt. closing down those parks....don't even get me started on that...lol...at least you got away, had some family time, and hopefully you all will have the great memories to talk about for years!! Am glad you are glad you are back safe and sound and look forward to seeing your creations again...and by the way...I voted.."wink"!!

Gwen said...

Well you have some great photos! Sorry the weather was not the best. We were supposed to go to Lake Powell for a few days, but it is closed due to the shutdown. Oh well. Glad you made it home safe!!

VanessaB said...

wow- sorry the weather was so yucky, but what a trip! wonderful photos. :) welcome back. I voted! :)

Pam said...

Love your photos and the tales of your travels! Love the photo of the lighthouse on the hill surrounded by fog! Some of you trip sounded pretty scary (tornadoes)! The redwoods looked awesome, I would love to see them! You did get to see some back roads that you otherwise wouldn't have seen and that's always a fun adventure! Well you can't blame Mother Nature but you can sure blame the Government! Glad you made it home safe and sound!
Pam
scrap-n-sewgranny.blogspot.com

Mollie said...

Well, if anything, it was a memorable trip, right? My goodness!!! Happy you are home safe and sound. I made sure to vote for you - good luck!!!

Emily

Dr Sonia S V said...

Lisa so good to have you back safe and sound and of course I will vote for you my dearest most talented friend!!
Cheers
Dr Sonia
Cards Crafts School Projects

Karen said...

My sweetest friend, I am SO happy you're back! You were dearly missed by all! I was so excited to see you had a vacation post but certainly didn't expect to read of the troubles. :( That didn't go as planned at all, now did it? :( You're pictures are still lovely and I'm thankful you were still able to spend a lot of time with your precious family. Your next one will be better than ever to make up for this tribulation-filled journey. **extra hugs**

And you know I will be voting for you! I've seen a few of their dies before and instantly swooned. :) (And I was drawn to their name, of course! Hehe!) There is no one better for the DT than you, my sweet and talented friend. :o)

Hugs and blessings!

tellana said...

Welcome back and congrats on your wonderful trip. Can't wait for your amazing new creations!

Gerda said...

Hi Lisa I just voted for you! Sorry too hear that the weather was bad. Glad to know that you are safe home. Have a wonderful day.
Gerda.
PS Good luck.

Rhonda Miller said...

Wow, other than the weather and closed areas, it looks like you have a wonderful trip. I love all the pictures you've shared, the lighthouses and waterfall are gorgeous.

Chriss America Real said...

Wow, what an adventure you had my friend. Sorry the weather & the government didn't cooperate. I voted for you and four gals I don't know, lol! Good luck!

jessica said...

Welcome back!!!!! Missed you here my friend but it looks like you had a GREAT trip!! LOVING all these awesome pictures!!!! WOW!!!
I voted for you......Fingers crossed...you know how much I LOVE your creations!!!
Thanks for sharing all these beautiful pics!!!

girlia said...

Welcome back the pics look beautiful. Sorry about the storms

Beebeebabs said...

Welcome back my friend - miss you - thanks for sharing all the beautiful picture and looking forward to seeing your beautiful creations - again great pics!!!-

Norma said...

Welcome back dear friend, missed you:) I'm sorry the weather wasn't great for your trip but OMG! the pictures of the places you captured are beautiful. I've been to the Redwoods National Park and thought is was beautiful nature. Glad you are back safe. i have definitely voted for you and my fingers and toes are crossed for you to win!!!
Hugs,
Norma

Kathy Salido said...

Wow Lisa, the bad weather seemed to follow you across the US!! I was on the Oregon Coast in May and I too absolutely fell in love. It is so green there compared to Los Angeles!! And of course I voted for you :)

Nicole Doiron said...

What beautiful pictures! I voted for you! Good luck!!! :)

Pat N. said...

Wow, what great photos, despite the weather. Thanks for sharing your journey out west. It certainly is beautiful country, isn't it?! Sorry the weather couldn't have cooperated more for you, or the Feds! Best of luck for a seat on the Design Team.

Shelly said...

Awesome trip Lisa, the pics are gorgeous! We missed you and happy you're back :) i had already voted for you my friend!! I wish you the very best of luck:)
Oh and I love the Oregon coast too :)
All my best to you friend!
Shelly

Nana said...

Love having you back, you were missed. So sorry to here of the bad weather. Beautiful pics. Voted my friend, I know you will make it.
Have a creative day.
Hugs Nana
♥ My Crafting Channel ♥
♥ 2 Creative Chicks ♥
♥ Silhouette Challenges ♥

~Tammy~ said...

Good gracious what a time! Doesn't Mother Nature know this isn't suppose to happen on vacation! Bless your heart! So glad you are safe and home! Thanks for sharing your pictures!

D said...

Sounds like a crazy trip! Sorry you hit such rough weather throughout! Voted for you :) Good luck!

katieo said...

WOW Lisa it seems as if your trip would of been wonderful if the weather was better. I thought of you when I was at the Heartfelt booth at a Scrap book expo. What a perfect fit. I voted for you

Kate said...

Well of course I voted for you, I hope you get it or it will definitely be their loss.

Wow those are some pretty amazing picture. Awesome Trip. Glad to have you back my friend.

paperpapier said...

voted for you at Heartfelt. Wish you best of luck.

Davi said...

Oh my goodness Lisa, You did have quite and eventful trip!! Sorry it wasnt all you had hoped for that was a bummer. Next time you will have to come south, maybe a little warm but weather is usually very dependable ;) ON my way to vote I soooo hope that you get it my friend !! Have a wonderful weekend...

Iris said...

voted for you at Heartfelt.

Karen said...

Love the pictures! Sorry you didn't have the greatest weather but it looks like you had a lot of fun! Just voted for you! Good luck! :)

Karen
craftedwithlovebykaren.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

What a trip! Yes, the Colorado flooding has been pretty devastating :( I live in Colorado so of course we get even more news coverage of all that since it's so close to home.

Best crafty wishes!
Amber
Staying Crafty

Debbie said...

I voted for you!!

Looks like you had a great trip in spite of the weather and government!

Tracey said...

Hello Lisa........thanks for sharing all your photos, I really enjoyed seeing the scenery in your part of the world. So sorry to hear the weather was so bad, I'm sure it made for an eventful trip...dodging snow and tornadoes...omgosh! hugs xx

gracescraps@gmail.com said...

Oh my, what gorgeous vacation photos!! Sorry you had the challenges on your trip. I voted for you earlier over at HF Creations. Wishing you the best for the call!! ~ Blessings, Tracey

Garden of Grace

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