January 29, 2009 - New Orleans, LA

Don't forget to check out our new and revised itinerary at: 

 

Bounder Across America Itinerary 

 

It's been a few weeks without an update, and (by popular demand) we have been persuaded that it was time to get out a quick note on our travels.

 

We are currently in New Orleans, LA - after travelling a couple of thousand miles across the southern regions of the U. S. since leaving Santa Cruz, CA. Between visits with friends, sightseeing in the SouthWest, and visits to The French Quarter for cafe-au-lait and beignets, there just doesn't seem to have been much time for blog updates. (Not to mention nearly a week of flu in San Antonio, TX that forced us to skip one of our planned stops along the way.) Today we leave New Orleans for the final leg of this segment of Bounder Across America, and by late this afternoon we'll be back in Gulf Shores, AL, where we plan to spend a couple of months for R&R. Once we're settled in there, we'll be sure to provide a full update on our recent adventures. But until then... here's just a brief taste.

 

During these past several weeks we have enjoyed a number of side trips in Arizona, where we spent some time with friends Kate & Bill, and visited the ancient ruins at Casa Grande as well as the Desert Museum outside of Tucson. While stopping in San Antonio, TX we were able to hook up with friends Lynn & Joe who live in nearby Wimberly. Also, while in San Antonio we were able to enjoy a day along the RiverWalk, as well as time at The Alamo. Here in New Orleans we've had the opportunity to take part in the unique culture (and food!) of this charming city. The French Quarter was a must see; and we particularly enjoyed our visit to a Creole Plantation along the Great Mississippi River road.

Now, as we head out, we wish you all 'good times', and we hope that you'll come back to our blog for a more complete recounting of our adventures traveling through the South (along with a new Picasa photo album from Donna).

Donna & Glen

January 09, 2009 - Santa Cruz, CA

Don't forget to check out our new and revised itinerary at:

Bounder Across America Itinerary

After four months in Santa Cruz, CA we're ready to leave tomorrow morning. Before leaving, it's time to bring you up to date a bit on our December; and of course, to post a few of Donna's photos.

December was full of holiday activities; including a half dozen Christmas concerts before our children (Lisa & Margaret and Dave & Jenni) arrived to help us celebrate. Christmas in Santa Cruz is a busy time, and we were delighted to see that the main street was alight with holiday displays - and full of holiday shoppers. There are no big 'box' stores nearby, and so locals patronize small businesses in town. It was good to see such local spirit - with support of local businesses. Not too common these days.

Before we leave, we should probably mention just a bit about Santa Cruz in general. The town has a distinct character - like no other place we've been. The locals like to refer to a state-of-mind that they are proud of: 'Santa Cruz Weird'. Although we're not too certain 'weird' is the right word, the town does seem to be a bit of an anachronism - and totally different from other California cosmopolitan centers like San Francisco (and especially Los Angeles). No one appears to be overly fashion-conscious; and the folks seem to be more genuinely 'happy' than is noticeable in other places. Drivers are polite and courteous - as are clerks in stores. Typical of California (particularly Northern California) - everyone seems to be an activist for some cause. The town hosts numerous parades - both formal and informal. And 'drumming' seems to be part of the local culture. In short: there's always something going on; and what's going on is likely to be just a few degrees 'off-center'. Somewhat reminiscent of the spirit of the 60s and 70s, Santa Cruz has been a great place to spend four months; and we look forward to returning.

The upcoming leg of our journey will be much shorter than the trip that brought us here, but we're looking forward to seeing some old friends, and to seeing the southernmost part of America. We plan to spend some time in Arizona, before the lengthy trip across Texas. Then it's on to New Orleans for a pre-Mardi Gras visit - before returning to Gulf Shores, AL, which will just be opening the Mardi Gras season.

Donna's Picasa Photo Album should give you, we hope, just a flavor of our holidays here in Santa Cruz. The Album can be viewed at:

Santa Cruz, CADecember, 2008

We'll try to stay current as we make our way east. And when you have a chance, drop us a brief note to let us know you've been here!

Donna & Glen