Big cars and endless roads, small town bars and time slowed. For Thanksgiving, we fled the November snow of Montana to warmer ground going down through kind and mindful Idaho to mind-blowing Utah.
Zion National Park, Utah
There's nothing more magical than driving through Zion's coral stone waves to the sound waves of 50s trumpets and Frank Sinatra. A Chrysler Pacifica, we named her Janet, was our spaceship on this red planet.
Sunset Point, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
We caught the sunset in Bryce Canyon with our freezing hands clawed around a beer, and arms around each other.
Sunrise Point, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
We stayed the night and also got the sight of sunrise at Bryce, the orange light so bright against the gray of November.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon, a big ditch, looks like a glitch in the Earth.
On Route 66, Arizona
After Utah and Arizona, we followed Route 66 through ghost towns buried in brown dust and rust and memorabilia into Nevada. In the desert, Las Vegas stands out like a satelite in the black sky.
Las Vegas, Nevada
That night, we defy our usual habits by flaunting heals and short skirts, gambling (a little) and drinking a little too expensive cocktails.
Las Vegas, Nevada
The morning after, it involved laughter and a great coffee pour, need I say more.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
In my mind, sunset skies in California are always hazy pink like when we drove through Joshua Tree.
Santa Barbara, California
Finally, we made it to sun-soaked Santa Barbara. Thanksgiving spent with old and new friends.
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is home to some wonderful things including but not limited to a rugged shoreline, the best and biggest breakfast burritos, and Erika Wilson (our host but most importantly a sister from another coast).
Santa Barbara, California
Erika's roof-deck might be the most perfect place in the world.
Santa Barbara, California
We really should've stayed in Santa Barbara.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Heading back north, we followed roads so long and straight, it didn't seem like we were moving at all through the nothingness of Nevada. We reunited with snow in Great Basin, and a fiery blizzard welcomed us back into Montana.
Skip ahead, two weeks forward, the semester came to an end and once again, we turned south though this time, we went east rather than west to be impressed by the culture of the southern states.
Nashville, Tennessee
From neon lights, classic country, and live music in Nashville, Tennessee
Liberty, Kentucky
to fields and farms, bluegrass and bad coffee in small town Kentucky.
Our new rental car was a blue Honda, small by American standards so we named him Brad.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Brad didn't last very long (I guess it's our own fault for naming him Brad (if you know, you know)). Although it made for quite a stressful little Christmas Eve, it did result in a substantial upgrade. Rocky, a silver GMC, who almost felt like Janet became our new sleigh.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
And Christmas was still a thrill in North Carolina with Peter and Johanne.
Charleston, South Carolina
Down we went through historic South Carolina and surprisingly lush (maybe it shouldn't have been that surprising) Georgia with those breathtaking live oaks.
Panama City Beach, Florida
In Florida, we played around a vacant amusement park in the dark. Come morning, we tried to find a way to the beach between all the resorts (ultimately successful and thouroughly stressful).
Somewhere in Alabama
From casinos by the sea to somewhere in southeastern Alabama.
On a farm in Alabama
There, we escaped the world for a little while, laid low, and stayed below pecan trees on a hobby farm with the cutest dogs (as you can see) and the most wonderful people (We love you, George, Becky, Lacey, and Michael).
In the barn
Milking cows is a great way to wake up.
At a Waffle House in New Orleans, Louisiana
We entered the new year in New Orleans. I don't know what was more celebratory: Drinking and dancing on Bourbon Street at night or pancakes and endless coffee refills at Waffle House the morning after.
San Antonio, Texas
We picked up a friend in the Louisianan swamp (a huge thanks to Tyler's lovely grandparents for their sparkling company and generous hearts) and drove west to nest in some Texas sun. In San Antonio, we had the pleasure of great company and informative conversations about the US fueled by the most delicious old-fashioneds.
Austin, Texas
The sun also shone in Austin.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
We had a busy itinerary with three national parks in a day (the best day). First, we went up in the Guadalupe Mountains.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Then down below the ground in Carlsbad Caverns.
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Finally, we caught the last daylight in White Sands. The landscape just like it sounds, jumping on the softest ground.
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
And goofing around.
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
(You know what might beat a sunset? A moonrise, oh my!)
Sandia Peak, New Mexico
Our trip culminated in Albuquerque; oh the magical surroundings, the food but most importantly the love (so much of it for Mia and her wonderful family!)
Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico
Allow me to get a little sentimental and say that I couldn't have asked for better friends in Montana or companions on the road.
At Skate-O-Mania in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Whether it was laughing in the dining halls, late nights at the library, out climbing (and falling down) mountains, or countless hours riding in cars, I loved every second.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Like Emma said at Thanksgiving regarding the question whether you'd prefer knowing the day you die or the way you die: "I work best with a deadline." We definitely made the most of our time, knowing it had an expiration date.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Here's to the best of times, best of friends, and the best tacos!
Leaving the mountains in New Mexico
Us Europeans liked to joke a lot about the States (and sometimes we weren't joking) but from the gorgeous Rocky Mountains...
...to small towns (like Independence, Kansas (I can't believe we actually made it!)).
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