Day 16: Hooray for Hollywood!

After doing a few loads of laundry, we head south down past Malibu. We point out to Hannah the park we stayed in when she was a 4 month old colicky baby. She screamed non-stop all night. Ah, the memories!

Malibu is nuts on the weekends! We drove in so much traffic, with people scrambling for parking spots, revving huge Harleys and carrying surf boards. It made for fabulous people watching!

We made our way through Beverly Hills and Hollywood in horrendous traffic. The girls found the Hollywood sign. We popped out to show the kids the Star’s Walk of Fame, where they didn’t recognize a single name!

We ended up in Banning, CA in a wooded KOA for our final night. We enjoyed a beautiful evening breeze and reflected on the past few weeks while the kids played on the last KOA playground for the summer. Dave asked me if we were going to do the same thing next summer and I told him to wait a few weeks to ask that question! J

Day 15: Lovely, Lovely Santa Barbara

Dave gets up, unplugs and heads out, with the rest of us still asleep. We need some time to relax and getting an early start on things seems to be the best way to get some afternoon down time. I have to remind myself of this, as I fly around the motorhome getting yet another bruise and bump. I’m much nicer after a cup of coffee. I call around to a few RV parks in Santa Barbara, realizing it is a Saturday night. They’re all booked. Yikes! Finally, I find a tiny 33 site park that has room for us. This should be interesting!

We drive through Paso Robles and see all the cute wineries along the way. No…we don’t stop, but were tempted!

We stopped in Solvang, for our Danish heritage experience. It’s a cute little Danish village/ tourist trap, if you haven’t been there before. Unfortunately, it is HOT! Having spent the last two weeks trying to stay warm and the kids in sweatshirts, we’re ultra sensitive to the heat. Should make returning to AZ a lot of fun!

We have a traditional Danish lunch of meatballs, sausages and red cabbage. Mmmmm. Afterward, we get some of the local homemade ice cream, where Carter throws an all out tantrum over his rapidly melting cone. So here we are…sweaty and irritated, pushing a screaming child around in a stroller with three other grumpy kids in tow. People are beginning to stare and point. We step into a toy store to cool off. Within two minutes, the shopkeeper comes over and tells our kids to “put things back where you found them” and begins to put things away (presumably some kids before us had them out…but we’re guilty because we’re here and we’re kids). Both Dave and I’s feathers ruffle immediately. Why on earth would you open a store called The Children’s Toy Shoppe and not want children to actually come in? Homesick for the amazing toy store in downtown Coeur d’Alene called Figpickers, we announce it is time to leave.

It is time to get out of Solvang before things go from bad to worse. We’re in motion a few minutes before Carter is sleeping…well, like a baby! We drive for what seems like forever when we finally roll into Santa Barbara.

Downtown is bustling with adorable shops, cafes and street musicians. This is not the day for exploring, but I make a note to myself that this would be a wonderful mommy-daddy getaway someday.

We drive through a neighborhood with a bit of ghetto flair and find our RV park. It is a gravel lot next to the freeway. Right next to the freeway. We check in and decide to drive down to the beach area. After circling a bit, we find a spot to park our big rig and walk out to the pier. Hannah is begging to rent one of the bicycle powered carts and we finally break down and do it. It ends up being a wonderful, goofy time, with Carter and Jack screaming with delight in the front.

We find a casual restaurant overlooking the ocean called The Endless Summer Grill, with live music. They tuck us in right next to the musician, which is nice, because we don’t have to worry about the kids bugging anyone. Another little girl is dancing in front of the singer. They actually have salmon on the kid’s menu, so all three order it. It reminds us of a lovely night in Maui. Boats bob up and down in the harbor just out the window. Santa Barbara is nothing short of lovely.

Our sparse RV park, which is the reason we were forced to go hang out on the beach and have the perfect evening, is welcome respite. We tuck in and fall asleep to the sound of the highway.

Day 14: The Road to Hana

We wake up under the Redwoods to the sound of diesel engines revving up to hit the road. Good thing there aren’t any generators…they might be really loud! It is a beautiful sunny day. The kids climb around on the trees and discover 3 more banana slugs, one of which is creepy long.

We pack up and drive out the long, winding road to the 101, still in awe that we were so fortunate to stumble upon this gem. The drive through the rest of the Redwood Forest is nothing short of majestic. The sun filters through the branches of these huge trees as we silently roll along.

We stop for lunch in Trinidad, CA at the Catch Café, expecting a selection of the local catch, but are surprised to find a menu boasting of local grass –fed beef, nearby Humbolt blue cheese and nine grain breads. With Bob Marley (think granola crunchy vibe) crooning in the background, we make our selections. We’ve finally figures out the best bet for Jack is a huge garden salad. He thinks he’s won the lottery, with a huge plate of greens, tomatoes and cucumbers in front of him. Halfway through his meal, he realizes there’s ranch on the side. Carter refuses to eat, but happily chucks rocks at us while we eat. Why is it that the skinny ones refuse to eat? Hannah was a wonderful eater at two and had Michelin man arms!?

It is time to head inland, so we turn on the 299. It is a beautiful drive. It think we scaled at least 3 major mountains. We are either going up or down! Couldn’t help but snap a pix of the road sign pointing out an upcoming “turn”. I’ve decided, at this point in our lives together, that there isn’t much Dave won’t at least try in a motorhome.

It turns out that the 299 is like the infamous Road to Hana on Maui. Switch back after switch back. The kids all look green. Dave tells Hannah to take the map out and put a big red X over 299. We can smell our brakes, presumably wearing out? After what seems like hours, we finally, finally reach I-5.

We end up in Lodi, by some lake. We’re so road weary; we don’t care where we are. After some big fat steaks, we head to bed, exhausted.

Day 13: To the Redwood Forest!

We are greeted by a lovely cool Oregon morning. The clothes we put outside to dry are sopping wet from some random middle of the night rain. The kids are busy playing in their personal “fort” of overgrowth behind us. We drag our feet leaving, because they’re having so much fun.

We’re headed to the Redwood Forest today (with Tate and I humming non-stop, “…to the Redwood Forest, to the Gulf Stream waters…”). We are taking the 101 along the coast of Oregon, which is windy and somewhat nauseating. Jack has talked non-stop about seeing a lighthouse, so we stop at the Umpqua Lighthouse about halfway. Carter is asleep, so I make sandwiches for lunch while Dave takes the kids out to explore the museum. Much to Jacks glee, it turns out that they offer tours inside the lighthouse. The unique thing about this particular lighthouse is that it has both a red and white lens. Jack is grinning ear to ear!

Along the coastal drive, we see trees dripping with moss. I’m pretty sure if you stood still here long enough, you would grow moss. It feels wet to us desert rats. But beautiful! Peeking through the trees are sheer cliffs overlooking waves, crashing on the boulders off shore. A mist hovers in the distance. Words cannot do it justice, nor does my camera lens.

As we pass the California state line, it seems that the sun comes out suddenly! Talk about comedic timing! We roll into a small town, starving and short of dinner options. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Weng Wangs…or was it Wang Wens? I’m not sure, but Chinese hit the spot tonight. We sit at a huge table, dining on a number of dishes while Carter spins the lazy susan like a DJ rapper.

With full bellies, we continue on south toward some RV park. In the midst of the Redwood Forest, Dave spots a sign that says Mill Creek Canyon Campground, with a tent symbol on it. I’m thinking …there is no way we’re even going to make it down this road, much less find a place to camp…as he turns in. Six miles to the site check in is what the sign says. Oh, good grief…what is the man thinking!? We wind along the road, past HUGE redwoods until we come up to the office, with camper in front of us. Ok..maybe? Turns out they have room for us, so we get to stay in the most amazing campground ever. In the middle of nowhere. There are not hook ups and no generators can run from 8 pm to 10 am. This might be an issue for my morning latte, I’m thinking.

It is absolutely worth the delayed caffeine gratification, though. If not for the adventure alone. The pamphlet they give us at check in says, “Bears roam throughout this area day and night”. They continue on to tell us what to do if/when we do see a bear. We’re pretty far from civilization, so I figure we’d probably bleed out before receiving proper medical attention for our bear inflicted wounds. “Hey kids, let’s go for a walk!,” I exclaim!

We take a walk around the campground, which is bustling with activity. The air smells like a combination of dank mossy forest and campfire. One of the kids says, “I wish they had a playground!” to which I reply, “This IS one big playground!” The kids are able to climb up on huge tree trunks. I take a pix of everyone making muscles after scaling one large one. A fellow camper points out a Banana Slug on a faucet, which is a huge hit.

Back at the campsite, we roast some marshmallows and make a few s’mores. Dave and I hang out and have a nice glass of red wine. Unfortunately, it only mellows us out…not our overtired children. The sun is still setting at 10 at night, so it has been hard to keep anyone on a schedule!

Finally, everyone gives it up and falls asleep. We look up at the brilliant stars through the tree boughs and enjoy a few moments of quiet, reflecting on our trip thus far. Casually, I mention something about how we should bang pots and pans together in the event of bear presence, just as we hear a ruckus in the woods. Dave turns to me and asks, “Well…time for bed?” Yes, indeed. Time to head in!

Day 12: Oregon or Bust!!!

Day 11: Westward Ho!

We look around what has been mission central for the past few days and realize we have a lot of packing to do! Dave devises a plan where I pack in the house, the girls carry baskets out to him in the motorhome and he puts stuff away. The boys end up a little bit of everywhere in between. It ends up being genius. We’re ready to hit the road in no time! Just one face plant by Carter…down the motorhome steps. He looks like a little Rudolph, with his scratched up nose. Even though they both took a bath last night, they look filthy. Do little boys ever truly become clean?

The drive between Spokane and Seattle takes us through a complete change in terrain. We start out with pine trees, pass through a plains area, potato fields, then suddenly a huge gorge? Then, we see pine trees and look up to see snow covered Mt. Rainer in the distance. We stop in Moses Lake, the only main town we see as a halfway point on the map, where the choices are pretty blah. Hmmmm….Arbys, Subway or Denny’s. The kids vote Denny’s.

Sitting in a huge corner booth, I am reminded why we stopped eating out. Carter is perched on top of the booth corner, Tate has spilled her green tinted Sprite all over the table, as I notice Jack picking his nose while Dave is chatting (rather loudly) on the phone. Suddenly a tiny Teva come flying past my head- Carter’s. In most cases, my children are pretty well-behaved normal people…I like to think. Something about being in public brings out the chaos. The nice thing is, the moment of insanity passes. Eventually, we’re just having a nice meal together. I hear a kid screaming across the restaurant and think, “Geez, can’t those people control their kids!” Ha! Ha!

Driving down the road, Jack says to me, “Mommy, you know how to say motorhome in Spanish” “No, I don’t,” I reply. Matter-of-factly, he replies, “Bus!” Okay. He continues to chat, nonstop down the road as Dave and I try to navigate the atlas. We end up bypassing Seattle, missing a few roads and eventually head south toward Olympia. Downtown Olympia is super cute- fun shops and cute boats bobbing up and down. We’re like the Titanic, setting sail down Main Street.

We check out a couple of weird RV parks and end up just south of town …ready for dinner and bed.

Day 10: Time to Relax

Mellow day. We have lunch with Poppa, before he heads out to the airport in Spokane. After getting a coffee, we head home to lay around and watch TV and chill out. Mom does a ton of laundry in the creepy dungeon basement. Don’t think I’d ever get used to that place.

The house, on the other hand is adorable! It has all the old house charm I love. The wood floors are creeky, the water pressure will blow a hole through you (love it, though not very conservation friendly J) and the fireplace has art deco style details on it. I’ve mentally redecorated the entire house to suite us. The first thing I’d tackle would be the kitchen- go figure! Cooking on an electric stove has been enough of a challenge, but whoever owns the house obviously doesn’t cook! Without a colander, decent knives or even a large mixing bowl, I’m lost! I guess they figure a vacation home is for eating out, but they certainly haven’t attempted to dine out with 4 children! Cooking at home becomes a lot more appealing!

I’m cracking up that the kids just cant get enough of the “cool square ice” out of the ice trays. I can’t keep them out of the freezer, they think it’s so cool.

Day 9: Ironman's Version

It is still hard to believe I’m an Ironman. I think of the awe I have for people completing Ironman races. But now that I did it doesn’t seem that special. I guess it goes to show your body can get use to just about anything. The hardest part is the time for training. And the most important is the support Jocelyn gave me. She made every inconvenient work out convenient, encouraged me when I needed it most. She forced me to get massages and take swim lessons. She did everything I could ask for and even when I didn’t know I needed it.

The race morning was little confusing for me, where the special needs and dry clothes bags go, I went the wrong way to the swim start, then had to go back to activate my timing chip, this is not what I had planed in my head. So I stand on the beach far the right so I don’t get swam over, pretty soon Todd and Mike come over and we start talking. This is great I start calming down and feeling more ready, Todd asked me what time it was I said looks like we have 4 minutes, then the gun went off? I guess we were so far to the right we couldn’t hear the announcer. I hurry in to the water to start my swim.

The waves are so choppy when I look up to sight a buoy all I get is a mouth full of water so I got behind someone’s feet and stayed there. The next time I looked up I had turned both buoys and was heading back to shore. The unique thing about an Ironman start is there are so many swimmers I was swimming in crowd the whole swim, the mob never thinned out entire swim. I was gently striped of my wet suit by two nice ladies and I thanked them for not dragging me across the grass.

I entered the transition tent with my bag of choices, the problem with today’s race is the weather was an unknown, and there was a 50% chance of thunder storms? So I skip the jacket go with the full jersey and arm warmers.

I take off on the bike feeling real good. I soon notice that I forgot my two flasks of gel, crap!! I am left with the gels they give out; I just hope they don’t affect my stomach.

The weather was looking good and the crowds were out cheering us on, there were cheer squads, Elmo playing the drums, teenage boys in American flag Speedos flexing there muscles, clowns, rednecks with bullhorns and tons of people sitting in there front yards hanging out. The real surprises of the day were the rolling hills they advertised these were more like little mountains. We had more than 30 hills that were like biking up Haws. I took the hills then coasted down to get my heart rate back down. I saw the family both times coming back into town. I was luck enough to get off the bike before the rain started coming down.

I transitioned to the run and felt good and my heart rate was down. The farther I ran the slower I got, it was like I couldn’t make my muscles fire, I felt good I was actually starving. I saw Jeff at the final turnaround his knee was hurting pretty bad, I walked with him awhile then continued on. I reached the finish giving people high 5’s all the way down to the end when the announcer said David You are an Ironman.

I felt pretty good afterwards, I think the cool temperatures were very helpful, still the short walk to the house after was little longer than I remembered. I lay in bed ready too fall asleep when I heard them call out in the distance the final finisher. I still couldn’t believe I was an Ironman.

Day 9: Out of the water!

The swim start was incredible to watch! I didn't get great shots because there were so many people. I had Carter on my hip and a huge zoom lens over my head. When the buzzer went off, I thought I might throw up! Who's race is this?

At the hour, thirty mark, as promised- Dave come out of the water!!! It is nerve wracking, waiting for your athlete and hoping you haven't missed him or that the swim was going badly. It's a blast to watch the chaos that is wetsuit stripping. The tall people are all legs. I was estatic that this part was over!!!

We grabbed a breakfast pita and caught him in town on the bike. He didn't see us in the swim, but couldn't possibly miss my big mouth on the bike! He turned and smiled. He looked great. Happy and relaxed. Bring on the mountains!!!

Day 9: It's Finally Here!

Just kissed Dave good luck and waved at he and Poppa headed out the door. He's calm, of course. It's CHILLY! I can't believe he'll be in the water in about an hour and a half!!!! You can hear the voice of the announcer from the house and it's only 5:30. The pros start in about half an hour, so they're getting everyone hyped up. Like anyone with someone they love in this race isn't already beyond hyped up!! Go Team Skogebo!

Day 8: Clean Shaven Men...

It's the day before the big race! We're seriously behind on blog entries, though I will go back and add the pix at least! We tried very hard to take it easy today! A leisurely breakfast and some hanging out. We loaded up the crew and headed to check in Dave's bags for transition. We've made a list. We've checked it twice. We've checked it three times.

Dave, my rock and the rock of this family, who is always pulled together and has a plan...has become a space cadet. It is so amusing to me, because that's how I always am! He can't remember where he put anything and is muttering to himself.

We're like a little parade- Dave pushing his bike, Hannah alongside myself and Carter in the stroller (with Daddy's transition bags), followed by Tate, telling stories and Jack, lagging behind, picking up random sticks and broken computer pieces.

As we wait for him to check his bags in, I stand in awe of all the cleanly shaven men's legs strolling by. I don't think I'M that smooth and I shaved this morning! Ironmen come in all shapes and sizes. There is some seriously good people watching to be had. I'm also scoping out all the bikes- it's fun to see what everyone is riding. Until Carter chucks a stick (his sister gave him) at an unassuming crowd of people and I have to apologize profusely. "So sorry...so sorry!" After Dave's bike is checked in, we roam around the tents for awhile and pick up some cowbells for ringing.

The kids are starving by now and we're all at each other's necks...time for lunch! We had a wonderful lunch at a local italian place (go figure...carbs!). Jack ordered the hot dog pizza, complete with a drizzle of ketchup and mustard. (Gross!) As we finished up, Poppa called to say he was at the house! He walked down to meet us, where Jack's entire face lit up!

Dave and Carter headed back to rest, us girls got in a little shopping and Poppa and Jack took a boat tour of the Lake. To wrap up the day, we had a huge pasta and chicken dinner at home and tucked Daddy in (compression tights and all) for hopefully a good night's rest!

Dave seems to be in tip top shape, except for a bizzare spur in his right foot. He walked with friends to pick up their bikes yesterday- in his bike shoes, so that could be where it is coming from. We are hoping the pain (he's been icing and resting it) will be gone tomorrow for a smooth and enjoyable race!!!

Day 7: Yikes! THAT's the bike course?

Will add pix, etc...Promise!

Day 6: The Long and Winding Road...

Pix and text to come...

Day 5: Making Friends in Missoula

Pix and text to come...

Day 4: Three States in One Day

We awake to a beautiful view of the lake and again, can’t believe what an amazing place we’ve scored! Dave went for a chilly early morning bike ride and we had bacon and pancakes when he got back. While they showered and packed up the campsite…Mom got to go for a bike ride too (how cool is that?) It was pretty hilly around the lake, and I was glad no one was around to hear me gasp for oxygen. How fun to be in the middle of nowhere and have no idea what you’ll see next! I came back refreshed, if not a bit giddy (the altitude or the solitude?).

As we get closer to our destination, it begins to sink in that Ironman is getting closer too. Dave seems pretty relaxed, though he did have a dream that he was in T1 to get his bike and it was nowhere to be found. He searched frantically up and down the slippery gym floor (only in a dream)only to find it after the cut off time. Dave never remembers his dreams, so I suspect nerves are creeping up too.

I’m worried that the drive will affect him, but then again, he’s relaxed and getting a good amount of sleep. I’m sure we’re relaxing! ;) We (finally) leave Utah and roll across the Idaho border, stopping in the city of Pocatello for lunch. They have a Starbucks across the street. Ah, civilization! While we gas up, Dave and Jack climb up and clean the windshield. The people driving by smile at the boys hanging off the motorhome while Tate and I take their pictures. Jack puts his slingshot on the windshield while he worked…which we didn’t remember until we heard something whip off the RV while going 70 down the freeway. Dave and I laughed to the edge of wetting our pants, while the kids asked, “What’s so funny?!”. Parent humor, I guess?

Newly caffeinated, we’re ready to tackle the world. We set our destination for Montana, since Coeur d’Alene is at the very top of Idaho and Jack insists that we go to “Hannah Montana” (a show he’s never even seen). We drive and drive and drive. The kids are getting annoying, so I take them in the back of the RV to help them through the last hour or so. We take turns making up a story. I’m not proud to admit it, but I will resort to potty humor for the entertainment of my children.

We arrive in Dillon, Montana and drive through town. The town is full of those adorable old homes full of charm that I dream about. Wooden front porches, swings layered with pillows and architectural details such as curved windows and gingerbread are on every house we drive by.

The KOA campsite is a kid’s dream. In the middle is a playground with the kind of stuff we grew up playing on: the metal merry-go-round that you could make yourself sick on (hee-hee…or others), a tired, paint worn seagull with handles on his head and a jungle gym with huge splinters.

The camp hosts are thrilled to see the kids, since they have a granddaughter staying with them. He comes over to tell us how lovely our family is and to warn us of the pesky porcupine living in the park. (“If you see a little dog at night, don’t try to pet it!”) I assure him I will sick my children on it.

After dinner, the kids run back to the playground and it is as though the Pied Piper has come to town. The children come out of the woodwork to play freeze tag. One of the dads comes over to ask about our RV and Dave gives him a tour. By 10, we realize we should probably give our neighbors a break and rein them in. It’s daylight forever here, so we’re completely out of whack with our schedule.

I take the girls to the showers, which is hilarious to me. We shower in three different stalls, passing the soap and shampoo back and forth. By the time we walk back to the RV, it is pitch dark outside. Tate has been screaming at me for combing out here hair, so I’m feeling particularly evil. I remind her of the wild porcupine roaming the KOA at night. She squeals with fear and delight and cuddles up close to me as we walk. Hannah, ever so independent, roams off to peek in the laundromat as we stroll forward.

Meanwhile, back at camp, Dave overhears our conversation and slips outside to hide in the shadows. Tate and I are walking in the door just as Dave jumps out and grabs Hannah. So at 11 at night in our quiet sleepy campground, our daughter who refuses to wear pink and claims to be a tomboy, lets out the most girly-girl blood curdling scream you have ever heard. I couldn’t think of a rock to crawl under! I think it shocked Dave pretty good too- I turned to look at him and his eyes were like saucers! I’m surprised they didn’t kick us out!