Just A Few More Miles...

Just so everyone knows, we made it. We're safely in Wilmington. Thank you for all your prayers. We'll post the finale blogs tomorrow and Sunday, with a special video/slide show of our trip with all of you beautiful people!

Much love,

~Amber

That's What She Said

I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for all of you who have been letting us stay with you! We just left the Ward's beautiful home. They are such wonderful people!

We got in really late to their home last night - somewhere around 2:30am. The last few hours from Memphis to Franklin were the hardest so far. We had been chasing a storm all day yesterday and finally caught up to the tail end of it. We drove through rain and fog on an unlit highway for a little more than 3 hours.

We didn't waste any time falling asleep when we got to Franklin, knowing that we wanted to get up early enough to catch Kathy before we left. The morning came fast, but not quite as fast as in Amarillo. I was so grateful to be in a place with lovely people that I was familiar with.

We enjoyed a nice little chat with Kathy and her soon-to-be-daughter-in-law Analee. I love that girl! She's so much fun, as is expected with the Ward family. They had to be off for a yoga class and we were heading to breakfast next with Philip and Nicho before hitting the road again.

It was great to have a quick bite with those two guys. They're a lot of fun and gave us some ideas for things to look up on the internet when we find ourselves needing a good laugh.

I have to admit, I really like Franklin. It's a cute little town with a lot of history and some GREAT restaurants. It's been incredible to see all the various and beautiful landscapes that fashion this country. Not to mention the differences in the people that share the same heartbeat as a nation in all their various shapes, sizes, and creeds.

We have a decent drive ahead of us again today, but nothing like yesterday. We're going to stop in Charlotte to have dinner with some more friends, Vivien and Rebecca. We might stay and catch the final performance from a week long conference they've been at. It's going to be a blast!

Oh ya! We had been smelling this awful stench in the car for a while and couldn't quite pin point where it was coming from. We finally decided to go through the food we bought and throw stuff out that has gone bad. It turns out that there was a banana squished at the bottom of one of the bags! Sick. We threw it out and it immediately made a huge difference. We also bought an air freshener to help get rid of the residual scent. It's amazing how stinky things can get on a long trip.

We should be in Wilmington late tonight. I drove for a little while at first this morning and now Jessicca has taken over. Both of us are anxious to see Joy and complete this AMAZING adventure.

Thanks for taking it with us! We'll share more soon!

Much love,

~Amber

Remember Your Windshield Wipers

We made it to Franklin, TN. 14 hours ain't scurred no body!

Love you all! Good night!

~Amber

Go Big Or Go Home.

I don't know when our day actually ended and when it began, but Amber and I finally went to sleep at 3 a.m., with our alarms set for 7 a.m. We knew we had a 14 hour drive ahead of us today and the f-ing oil was still ALL OVER HER TRUCK, not to mention all over our bags.

By 9 a.m. her truck was practically washed out, with a lot of help from the hotel towels. So all we had to do was pack. We finally hit the road by 10 a.m. with salvaged suitcases and stinky clothes. I'm not quite sure how or why our stuff got so smelly, but I can tell you the next few days are going to have an aroma like no other.

After a short discussion we had decided we were going to hit the road hard today with very few stops - only for gas every 250 miles and one pit stop at every 125 miles. That lasted the first 200 miles. In Oklahoma City we decided we'd take a short break and have lunch. We found a cute little restaurant, owned by Toby Keith, at an area called Bricktown. At this point, we were looking at arriving in Nashville no earlier than midnight, so we both thought, "what's an extra hour?" So, we decided to go to the Oklahoma City Memorial. As you can imagine, it was both beautiful and emotional. For me, I felt God's promise of taking back ground.

We are now in Arkansa and I hope it is as good to us as Oklahoma. About 40 miles back, Amber got pulled over for going 84 in a 70. The nice southern man let her off with a warning (and no, Jeff. She did not flash him.)

We are still planning on being in Wilmington by Friday night and are grateful for everyone's prayers and encouragement. I'm truly having the time of my life.

Love you all and talk to you soon!

Jessicca

Follow the Semi's.

So, not only did we lose two hours because of the time change, but we rolled into to our hotel at TX and discovered that the quart of oil we bought in CA had somehow spilled all over the bed of the truck. It soaked our suitcases (though the contents are fine) and left a massive spill all over the liner. We thought we were going to hit the road early tomorrow to keep from getting to Nashville super late, but it turns out we'll have to wait until a car wash opens so we can get the liner all taken care of. Ugh. Sad, but funny.

I would have taken pictures, but both Jessicca and I were pissed and that just wouldn't have been cute. It's all good now...after an hour of cleaning and such. Hopefully we'll get a good night's rest and end up with another fabulous day tomorrow. We'll only get to see maybe another hour or two of Texas before we reach Oklahoma, followed by Arkansas, and then finally land in Tennessee. More good times.

New Mexico was definitely beautiful. The Enchanted State, as they call it, is full of casinos and trade posts. We stopped at both. Jessicca won 50 bucks playing video poker. It was great! The only thing I didn't like about New Mexico is the amount of construction they're doing on their freeways. Even so, they have some of the most beautiful desert landscape - minus the heat. Not to mention we watched a glorious lightning show from dusk until now.

Well, I bid you all good night. Much love! See you tomorrow.

~Amber

Note To Self: Install Misters Around Porch In Hot Climates

Everyone thinks their grandparents are the best, but mine really are. We had a FABULOUS time in Goodyear. We made it pretty close to the time we thought we would, even with the few unexpected stops to let the truck cool down.

There was a point when the "service engine soon" light came on and we got a little worried. The truck was also running like it was working really hard. We would turn the air conditioner on for no more than 10 minutes at a time. It was miserably hot outside.

At one of our stops, we popped the hood to check fluid levels and asked some one who was also gassing up if they could help us find where to check the transmission fluid. The gentleman we asked to help us not only found it for us, but then helped us check the radiator also. I bought a gallon of water and he put it in the radiator for us. After all, it was 115 degrees outside. It was very kind of him to do. I must admit, I am so grateful for chivalry and Jessicca's bravery in asking a stranger for help.

Once we got to my grandparents house, we broke into my grandma's liquor cabinet and pulled out a recipe for some of the best margaritas ever! It wasn't too much longer before my grandpa got home from work and we were off to dinner.

It was really fun to have my grandparents meet Jessicca. They are such fun people so it was an easy connect for all of them. Isn't that right, Grandma? ;) We all talked for a long time at dinner about food, the trip so far, new friends, family, and politics. I love hearing what my grandparents have to say about politics. They've got some great wisdom to pull from.

After dinner, Jessicca and I cooled off in the pool while my grandma searched the house to find as many pool toys as she could for us to play with. I felt like a kid again. It was so much fun.

This morning we got up and went to breakfast at this quaint little place called TJ's. It's only 45 years old. The food was delicious and incredibly inexpensive. It was almost like walking into a diner from the 50s and 60s.

After breakfast we went back to the house to gather and load our belongings so we could begin the next part of the trek. Grandma Myrna loaded us up with goodies and helped us clean off our windsheild and headlights. She even gave us some extra windsheild wiper fluid, just in case.

We hit the road about 9:30 and my truck is running GREAT! We gassed up, put a little extra oil in, and headed north towards the 40. About 30 minutes into the drive, I looked down and noticed the "service engine soon" light was no longer illuminated. It was so encouraging to see. Not to mention we are no longer in the in the 100 + temperature range, so there's less strain on my good ol' vehicle.

We're about an hour away from New Mexico. It will be an exciting first sight for me. Jessicca has driven through it before, so it won't be new...but it will be fun!

Thank you all for your prayers! Feel free to continue commenting! And Raelynn, we're workin' on a special way to answer your questions!

Much love!

~Amber

Check Fluid When Cool

Imagine it's 1884 and you're traveling to the Southwest. It's the famous land known to all as the place where "there's gold in them hills." Smart people would travel in the Spring time. You'd fill up your wagon with all the food, clothing, and necessities for the long trip. It should take a month or two, depending on where you're coming from.

Now, imagine you get stuck in a heat wave on your wagon. Your horses are overwhelmed and dehydrated, you're about to pass out from the heat, and there is no shade to rest in. You see what looks to be a cactus (you've heard read about them recently to prepare for your trip). You remember reading that they have water inside so you crack a few open to retrieve the replenishing liquid goodness your body is craving. You think to yourself, if only there was a way to cool everything thing down continuously and stay hydrated.

I would never travel, if I lived in the 1800s. I'm so grateful for air conditioning, ice, motorized vehicles, and technology that allows you communicate all over the world through the air.

P.S. We're in Arizona. Land of the Cacti!

love you all!

~Amber

Wind Farming Is Cool

We got off to a good start this morning, thanks to my folks. It's nice to know that today's drive is going to be a quick one, especially after our 18 hour drive the other day.

My mom was so sweet to give me a tincture with ginger in it to help keep from getting car sick, to go cups for our coffee, and directions to our next destination.

We keep getting waves of news from many of you about how hot it is back home. You must all really be on the road with us, because it is hotter than a monchichi here! Of course, we are in the desert. It's about 110 degrees outside, at the moment.

Our next destination is just outside of Phoenix. This is a familiar drive for me, as we used to do it as a family to visit my grandparents most Thanksgiving's when my brother and I were growing up. The best part is the massive wind farm you drive through in Palm Springs, CA. We couldn't get any pictures to do justice to the size of the machines or the quantity of them. It must be a 2 mile radius of giant wind turbines. It's a site to see. I remember seeing those as a little girl. They looked so much bigger then. The best part is that I remember one trip out to Phoenix we listened to Genesis as we drove past them.

We are now less than an hour from Blythe, CA, which is the border town between Cali and Arizona.

Stay nice and cool!

Much love,

~Amber

Up chuck right in the toilet....

Yes, the girl who never gets sick spent the morning vomiting up her grape juice and strawberry's! I could blame it on total exhaustion, taking my med's on an empty stomach, or the fact that it's hotter than the sun here. But the truth is, I have no idea what made me dizzy and nauseous.... thank you Jesus that I am GREAT now!!!

Other than the small "head in the toilet" thing, we've had a fantastic day. It's well over 100 here in the Palmdale desert, and yes that is dry heat :) ~ Amber and I were chauffeured around by Randy and Rae all day. They not only let us crash here for 2 nights, but they also drove us all around town to get snacks for the rest of our trip, more tank tops (so I can stay cooler), and took us out for a yummy Mexican dinner!! All and all it's been a laid back day compared to the last few weeks of go, go, go. Funny how we have to leave town or have surgery to get some down town (we have been praying considerably for Jeanine).

I must be honest, I thought lots about Ashbrook today, wondering how Miranda was dealing. She always does an amazing job, but when someone is missing it is definitely noticed. Thank you Miranda for not only filling the shoes you wear, but also mine. I couldn't have taken this trip without your help!

Well the day is coming to an end.... Amber is watching The Bachelorett with her folks :) and I'm trying to hold out til at least 1030 before I hit the hay.... Love ya all lots and missing you tons.

PS: Rae took us to her spa and did our eye brows today :) ~ Joy you'd LOVE them!!!!

Desert Dwellers, Show Us Your AC!

So, we finally rolled into the Palmdale area around 2 am. Everyone but my brother were asleep, like normal human beings, until the dogs made our presence known for us. We then quickly got settled and off to dream land.

I woke up earlier then Jess, went and said hello to my mom, talked about technology, and then had some coffee. When Jessicca got up, we all started working on breakfast. We were close to being done with the cooking when Jessicca suddenly felt nauseated. She ran upstairs and found herself hovering over the porceline throne while my mom was on a conference call. It's hotter than hades here and because Cali is so broke AC had become a true luxury...one we are not so fortunate to enjoy 24/7. So, lack of hydration and heat brought a sad song out of poor little Jessicca, who is fine now. Ice packs and electrolyte drinks help. So does taking meds with food, which she apparently forgot to combine. :)

We're off to run around and enjoy time with my folks today. We'll post more pics and add some videos later! Much love!

~Amber

As you can see, the sun is setting behind us. We are 299 miles away from Los Angeles and getting closer to completing day one of our trip. Today is the longest driving day we have scheduled, and though it has been long, it has been fun.

The mix CD's are FANTASTIC! We've been having so much fun listening to the variety of songs that help create the soundtracks to some of your lives. Although, if Nathan's soundtrack is anything like his mix, I have a tinge of concern for his wife and daughter. (It is a fun mix, though. Thanks Nathan!)

The best part is that many of the songs selected aren't the typical songs I've heard in our circle of friends. In a way it's as if we took you all on the road with us and we're learning new things about each of you. So, again, many thanks! It's been a real blessing to have such great music.

I also want to take a moment to give a shout out and a big thank you to Mike for loaning us the air card. It's made the trip that much more entertaining thus far, knowing that people are able to keep up with us while we're moving.

Well, onward we move. I have to admit, this is my least favorite part of the drive to Southern California. There's a point where you think you're about to drive through the grape vine, only to be tricked into driving alongside a small mountain range for hours. Damn mountains. :) They are beautiful, though. Thanks for keeping up with us today. Have a great rest, all of you, and wonderful start of your week!

Blessings,

~Amber

Is there oil in this thing?

Driving, driving, driving.... Is it wrong that I am 7 hours into a 5 day trip and I'm already bored.... ;)


Amber and I are having a blast so far! We've laughed tons. Mostly at stories we are sharing about our friends.... Richard and Raquel might have got the most laughs so far because of the "destroy after using" warning on their CD's!!!!

I just finished my first driving shift. I started us out from Battle Ground and ended in Redding. It was a smooth, safe drive. With only a small car issue. Nathan/Jeff/David: DON'T WORRY I think we've got it under control... well we think....

Amber spent most of her first leg on the Internet, yes on the Internet!! We have a full set up in this little pick up. Seriously all we need is a kitchen sink and a fax, and we'd have it made... because when that moment comes when I need to fax off the important driving document, I'd be prepared ;)

Our first California stop was at none other than In-N-Out!!! What a fantastic burger they have, it's like a bit of heaven wrapped in a thin paper sleeve.

Anyway, I'm going to get off this thing, and enjoy my music.... and the next 8 hours of nothing but sitting.... UGGGGG.... :) Love you all, thank you for being you! Jessicca

Must Have Music

It is a beautiful day to begin a long drive. It should take about 16 hours to get to our first destination. It started by waking at 5 am to shower and pack up the truck. There really is something special in the glory of the first few hours of the morning.

We were packed and loaded by 6:40 a.m. We then found ourselves underway, but first had to pick up a few mixed CD's our friends had made us for the trip. Thank you to everyone who was able to participate in our road tunes. We'll be posting reviews of the mixes. :)

In between picking up the music that will shape our trip, we gassed up, got coffee, and made a quick stop at the bank.

Finally, we made it to the highway. The roads are clear, the sun is shining brighter, and our hearts are filled with mixed emotions. I am sad to be leaving the beautiful Northwest, (though not permanently) but excited to see parts of the country I've never seen before. Of course, I would be holding back to say that I'm not super stoked about In N Out. Best burgers ever. Jessicca and I have been talking about it for weeks. We'll share that with you all in a few hours. It will be glorious.

And so, it has begun. Jeanine's CD is breaking in our first leg. Great stuff. See you all soon!

~Amber

Driving Without Break Lights

Welcome to our travel blog! Most of you reading this know who we are, but for those of you who don't, let me introduce ourselves to you. I am Amber, and my lovely and courageous friend is Jessicca.

We're starting by driving south to Southern California, and then will head east along Interstate 40 until we reach Wilmington, NC.

We are excited to share with you the many pictures and videos of our adventure! Feel free to post comments, ideas for wacky things we can do, or fun games we can play. If it turns out to be a good idea, we'll video it and post it with credit to you!

Thanks for coming along our journey with us! We'll see you soon!