Plotting our return

SANDY: The truck is loaded, the kids are asleep and I’ve just finished mapping out our return and making reservations. In keeping with my coin-flip planning method for this entire adventure, I’ve chosen to tear out the last three pages of the trip book in favor of a different plan with wicked cool destinations along the way.

SUNDAY 7/22:
Moab, Utah: Arches National Park
Four Corners: Where four states meet. (can you name them?)
DESTINATION: Albuquerque, NM

Monday 7/23:
Clovis, NM: Norman Petty Recording Studio
Lubbock, TX: Cotton Club (Home of The Buddy Holly Center)
DESTINATION: Austin, TX

Instead of going for broke and getting home, we’ll take advantage of some Austin play time and make it home Tuesday night with about 5,500 miles on the odometer and pages of experiences in the books.

Our friendly co-hosts

Our friendly co-hosts
 
SANDY: Our visit to Salt Lake wouldn’t have been the same without all my sister Tish, her hubby Scott and teen queen Elizabeth did to help. Thanks!

What a view

What a view
What a view
   
SALT LAKE: Homes in Federal Heights have to put up with these crappy views. Poor folks.

The Prince’s of SLC

The Prince's of SLC
   
SALT LAKE: Dinner out at the city’s original drive-in since 1959. Burgers, rings, malts, Root Beer Floats… You know, health food.

Salt Lake for the birds

Salt Lake for the birds
   
SALT LAKE: How better to spend a 106-degree day than wandering among the birds at The Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake’s Liberty Park. Just look at these wild ones caught trying to escape the gate.