iStartLife chapter 14
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A New Start In Life Chapter 21 free porn video
A New Start in Life Part 21
We reached the end of the dirt road and turned right back onto the
unpaved alignment of Route 66 heading towards Santa Rosa.
Charley and I were quite in the back each lost in our own thoughts.
Shoni turned to me and said, "Susie, d'you think you can update our Blog
to tell everyone we are back moving?" (Remember we are Geekesses - is
that a word?)
I stirred and reached for our ipad. The way we kept in touch with
everyone we know is through a Blog we set up.
This was originally called 'The 3 Wacky Witches Wanderings'; however
when Charley joined us it became 'The 3 Wacky Witches Wanderings + 1'.
Wherever possible we updated it every couple of days to keep everyone
who knew us informed.
All our photos we also uploaded; as well as this Kelly and Shonali spoke
to their families at least every two weeks, and so as not to leave me
out I also spoke to the 'Mums'.
As well as speaking to 'the mum's' and occasionally Gill; we also spoke
to Keith and June and of course our mentor Al senior; though this was
done on our cell phones
Doing this took my mind off leaving; though strangely enough it wasn't
Joe I was thinking about, it was Mooha, that lovely horse.
It wasn't that I had forgotten Joe, however we both were aware that
there was no future but Mooha and I had become friends.
We carried on past Santa Rosa onto a place called Las Vegas Junction,
where true to our journey we took the old alignment, through many places
some with interesting names like 'The Charles R Ranch; Seraphina, and
many more.
As we left Canoncito we passed some of the really old cattle trails, the
'Santa Fe Trail' and the Old Pecos Trail it was this one we took to
enter Santa Fe.
We stopped there and visited The Wheelwright Museum as well as the
International Folk Art museum, we picked up some supplied (water and of
course cookies)
Then course we set off again, on the old alignment through La Bajada
Hill, I was driving this stretch and what a pig it was!
It climbed slowly up La Bajada hill; it was narrow, totally
unmaintained, overgrown, rutted and steep!
The guidebook told us it was the most challenging section of the route
and only 4 x 4's should attempt it.
However I made it up to the top of La Bajada hill and it was worth it
for the view and experience. Then I had to turn around and go back
towards Santa Fe.
Part way down we branched off and followed the power lines south-
westerly until we again reached the top. (These were the directions
given in the guidebook)
Next it was down hill. Thank god that the Jeep had low ratio gears and a
downhill setting as the gradient down hill was a terrifying 28%, by the
time I reached the bottom I was sweating and trembling.
Offering thanks that Al had insisted on teaching us how to use and
negotiate steep slopes - but this had been a whole new ball game!
But the scenery was spectacular - or so the others told me, all I saw
was the front of the jeep, the drop to one side and precipitous road
down.
We followed the road towards Algodones passing 'Fred Thompsons Indian
Trading Post' we kept on the unpaved road because the weather had been
fine.
The distance between Santa Rosa and Albuquerque as we were driving was
about 120 miles, say just over 2 hours, with the roads we took it had
taken us just under 8 hours!
We had to find our campsite off the Turquoise Trail - called by a
strange chance 'The Turquoise Trail Campsite' when we got there we found
a place to pitch in the trees not too far away from the showers and
restrooms.
After my drive up and down La Bajada I needed a shower - badly so I went
and checked out the facilities they were really good.
Kelly joined me, then as we were going back to the tent Charley and
Shoni passed us heading for the showers.
Soon we were all showered and changed, we found the laundry and decided
to do some tomorrow, for now food was the priority.
Route 66 diner this was a brilliant place it screamed the 1950's the
Fonz and all that. The uniforms the waitresses wore were pure 1950's the
food was burgers, soup and sandwiches and specials. Oh and of course
desserts - ok the desserts and the milkshakes I'm going to have to use
the Y word again (yummy wonderfully yummy)
We decided to each get something different so we could taste each
other's food.
I went for a 'Pile Up' it was huge a pile of pan fried potatoes, chopped
bacon, green chillies, 2 eggs, cheese with red chilli sauce on top!
It was amazing, it could have fed three of us, and each of us had a
different milkshake, Ohhhhh these milkshakes!
We got talking to one of the waitresses, all of whom were very friendly
and simply chatted away, I mentioned that I loved her uniform which made
her laugh.
They were really hard working and never stopped.
While we ate we discussed where we were going over the next few days,
after New Mexico we were entering Arizona, this is where we were leaving
the road because we just had to visit the Grand Canyon and Monument
Valley, these were on the Arizona/Utah state line.
We left about nine and headed back to the camp site, the quiet time
started 10pm, so we wanted to be back before then.
This was our first night camping in over three weeks, but we rapidly
organised ourselves into a routine and snuggled up to sleep.
Next day we all woke up about the same time, Charley got the stove going
while the rest of us went to shower and get ready then it was Charley's
turn, this was the routine we had gotten into. While one of us gets the
stove going the other three get washed then the three that are washed
get dressed and sort the tent out and make coffee and tea - a well oiled
machine!
We went to find out about the area, also to find some substantial
breakfast. We were told about the Standard Diner in downtown
Albuquerque.
Well worth the visit, we ate like pigs and once again I'm going to have
to use the 'Y' word, but it was.
While we were in Albuquerque we went for a look around the city,
eventually finding the Old Town, it was a fascinating place, very
Spanish. With loads of wonderful shops, caf?'s, museums gallery's a
shoppers dream we spent all day there, simply wandering around window
shopping, the odd coffee.
Then we went back to the Route 66 diner - have I mentioned the
milkshakes?
Some of the same girls that worked the previous night were working and
recognised us.
Mind you when you think logically we were easy to recognise, four young
attractive girls, three Brits and an American, not your normal run of
the mill group.
As we left, a couple of the waitresses were leaving so we stood out side
chatting away. Then one asked us if the wanted a guide tomorrow as it
was her day off work.
We eagerly asked her if she was sure as no a day off you catch up on al
the things you don't do because of work. She that she simply goes hiking
for relaxation and would take us on the Turquoise Trail if we wanted we
mentioned that we were camping at the Turquoise Trail Campsite.
We arranged to meet Sandy at a place in Cedar Crest, close to the
campsite about nine in the morning.
Next morning we were ready and headed for the Greenside Caf?, arriving
just before nine and parking up just as Sandy arrived in her car.
We went is for breakfast, and tasted another delight called Sandia
Toast, this is sour dough bread dipped in orange and vanilla batter
served with a heap of fresh fruit!
We all piled into our 4 x 4 with Sandy being the guide. This is a great
route and recommended we set off on route 14; and then branched off to
the left for a scenic drive onto I-25; then you branch off right do
another scenic drive back onto route 14.
You do this all the was to Santa Fe then back down route 14 past places
called San Antonio, Waldo Canyon Road, Lone Butte, Goldmine Road, ending
back in Cedar Crest in time for supper.
Us five girls had a great day, continual talking, laughing, just being
girls, and being 5 girls we attracted some attention from guys.
We ate at a place in Cedar Crest called RIBS BBQ! The name said it all,
so as to taste as much as possible Sandy suggested we got the
Combination Platter.
When this came it was on a platter the size of a dustbin lid! It
consisted of Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork, Ribs and Hot links, all with a
mountain of fries and coleslaw and stuff!
The look on our faces said it all, Kelly stammered, "Sandy, have you had
this before?" Sandy simply grinned and answered, "nope, never dared!" On
the menu it said enough for four, there were five of us and we still had
loads.
Finally we recruited some local guys about the same age as us to help us
out and that was the start of a great night, we were late back at the
camp site so had to leave the jeep at the parking lot and walk to the
tent!
Sandy was working next day until lunchtime so we arranged to meet her at
the diner then return to spend the rest of the day with her.
Snuggling in the tent we decided that we would leave the day after
tomorrow and head for Winslow Arizona!
This was on my insistence because I was determined to 'stand on the
corner in Winslow Arizona' and get my picture taken - if only I could
find the corner Glenn Frey sang about!
We also decided to stay in a motel because when we went to the Grand
Canyon we'd be camping for over a week. Pamper time for the girls.
The next day we went to the diner for breakfast then wandered around
more of old Albuquerque. Meeting Sandy at one when she finished we were
working our way through a chocolate malted milkshake each (have I
mentioned these before?)
While waiting for Sandy when four guys came to our table to talk to us,
Sandy joined us and she knew these guys but now there were four guy's
and five girls!
No problems, a quick phone call and there were five guys and five girls!
And these guys were fire fighters hunky fit and gorgeous with a capitol
G.
I have noticed that the more female I become the more my appreciation of
the male body alters. I was a bit reticent at first to even look at a
guy now however when a hunky guy is around I drool with the best of em!
You know? Thinking about it I enjoy being the hunted and not the hunter
(to coin a phrase). I guess this is because I am truly becoming a girl
in nearly every sense of the word but I never offer more than I am
willing to give as Kelly and Shoni drilled into me 'respect my body and
myself'.
We had a really nice afternoon and evening, Sandy took us to meet her
parents and of course we recounted our story about going around the
world.
Kelly was telling the hunky firemen when one of them said, "you've taken
your time getting this far, you sure a year is long enough?"
Now that caused us to think but what the hell, our ticket is fully
flexible we have loads of time, until the money runs out that is.
Mind you after America we can do some work on the student visa's we had.
We managed to get back to the tent before the 'quiet time' so we could
park next to it.
Next morning we did our usual routine, it was my turn to get the fire
going, we showered and dressed then packed up and headed for Albuquerque
to say goodbye to Sandy.
We had breakfast, said our goodbyes and hit the road again, heading for
Winslow Arizona and my date with a corner!
The journey was 270 miles, which we reckoned would take us a easy 4
hours, along the way we stopped at the giant meteor crater and of course
a photo opportunity for us all.
We arrived in Winslow just after three in the afternoon, looking for a
place to stay, we tried a couple but they were full eventually we found
the Econo Lodge and got a standard double queen room for $30 a night -
we booked in for three nights.
Once in the room we washed and changed and got our laundry ready for the
doing before we left if we could find a laundrette or whatever they are
called here in the States.
Once we were all dressed our thoughts turned to food - it's a good job
we were young energetic and active girls or else we would be piling the
weight on with all this lovely food.
At the reception Kelly being Kelly asked the girl, "my friend here is an
Eagles nut......" She got no further, the girl said, grinning broadly
"the corner in Winslow Arizona- right?"
Kelly simply nodded then commented, "so we're not the first?" Again the
girl grinned saying, "nope and you won't be the last" she then gave us
directions to the actual corner, right opposite a diner.
So we would kill two birds with one stone! Off we went, it was a short
walk and it was still warm, we found the diner (and my corner). And as
an added bonus there was a statue of a man playing a guitar AND a
flatbed Ford - I was well happy.
The diner was called the Dar Diner and was nearly on route 66, it was
great inside, the staff very friendly and the food was good varied and
cheap.
We decided to do the photo call tomorrow so we set about seeing what was
in the town.
Apart from the 'Standin on the corner' park, it was a normal quiet
place; we had already visited the crater, so we decided on the 'Little
Painted Desert Country park, the 'Old trails museum' and McHood park.
So for two days this is what we did, (as well as all our laundry) then
well rested we headed off for the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley.
This was about 150 miles - so three house or so.
After packing up we were away by 10am, just past a place called Williams
we took the AZ-64 for the 60 miles or so to the Grand Canyon Village
arriving just after two in the afternoon.
Being late in the season we were lucky and got a place to pitch our tent
at Mather Campsite then we went exploring. Since this was a once in a
lifetime experience we were determined to see as much as we could and
had money set aside for activities.
We were staying here for 3 days then going to the famous Skywalk at the
west end of the canyon. Finally moving to Monument Valley for a few days
primitive camping then retracing our route to re-join Route 66 where we
left it!
Not necessarily in that order though, but you get the idea
As we wandered around the village we met up with a group of girls of a
similar age to the four of us and got talking as it happened they were
all going on the same all day hike tomorrow as we were.
We all had coffee and a burger and discussed what we were planning it
was great to be with a group of girls again, there were nine of us and
we decided to stick together.
We jointly decided on tomorrow going to the orientation film and the
Ranger program then a mule ride and a short hike.
The next day see the sunrise over the canyon (less people about) then do
the full day hike of the canyon using the designated trails.
The final day we would hire cycles and go further afield.
Then we would head for Page AZ to really spend some money and go on a
rafting trip plus a helicopter tour of the canyon this would cost $300,
BUT we had to do it. Stay in Page for a night or possibly two.
So this is what we did, it was great being with a group and we had a
great time. Needless to say nine attractive fit girls really got
attention from guys. But with us being in a 'pack' it was just friendly
banter from the boys and the challenge of separating one or two of us
from the 'pack'
Grand Canyon Village to Page is about 130 miles, so we arrived there
midday, along with the California girls.
We booked our helicopter and rafting trip for the next day, being late
in the season it was reasonably quiet, then we had to find a camp ground
and a Charley and Kelly's stomachs were rumbling FOOD!
The campground was called Lake Powell Campground so we got there and put
out tent up.
Then we went to find food, a guy at the campground recommended RD's
Drive in, the food was good and reasonably priced, after this we went
exploring,
Next we went to Monument Valley, it was just the four of us, as our new
friends were going to the Skywalk then back to San Francisco where we
promised to meet up with them to this end we had their cell phone
numbers and they ours.
We drove to Monument Valley and pitched our tent at The Mitten View
Campsite.
How to describe this much-photographed part of the world? The Grand
Canyon was spectacular - very much so. Seeing it on foot, by raft and
from the air every way it is a spectacular and beautiful part of this
country.
But Monument Valley is on a whole new scale! It must be one of the most
beautiful places on earth. Serene is one way of describing it; sitting
in the desert at night with a full moon and more stars than I have ever
seen before is a spiritual experience the four of us simply sat there
lost in our own thoughts.
After 2 days of this spectacular vista, we set off on our way to the
Skywalk, which is 350 miles, re-joining Route 66 going through Flagstaff
up to Kingman then to the Skywalk.
We camped at the Kingman KOA this was real cool! Each campsite had it's
own fence around it; it was a friendly welcoming place we could have
stayed there for longer but we had decided to visit - where else Las
Vegas!
And we were going to have a motel while we were there - pampering time
again.
What to say about the Skywalk except it's a strange feeling to walk out
over the canyon even though you know its safe, it's just so scary but I
wouldn't have missed it for the world.
Charley was literally dumbstruck, as we drove back to Kingman she
quietly said, "Gee, I love you guys, without you I would never have see
any of this."
Kelly gave her a hug saying, "and if you decide to come with us we'll
see more together."
Charley simply looked at Kelly saying, "I'm going with you guys just try
and stop me - I'll follow you if I have to!"
Shoni, who was driving commented, "You don't have to follow us girl,
you're one of us now. Susie, you're going to have to change our blog
title."
"Yes boss" I grinned getting the ipad and logging on I changed our blog
name to 'The Four Wacky Witches Wanderings'.
After I had done this I said to Charley, "Now you've got to stay with
us!"
Arriving back at Kingman we got something to eat and settled down to
talk and decide what we were going to do in Las Vegas.
First we had to find a place to stay we thought this could be difficult
as it's an all year round resort, so onto the Internet to see what was
available and at what price.
Result! Through Expedia we got the Travelodge Las Vegas Centre Strip as
Gamblers rate (even though we were too young to gamble). So for a total
of 3 days for the four of us we paid ?108.
The usual standard room with 2 queen size beds we were well happy, we
paid there and then using our card.
Charley protested saying that she should pay something so as usual with
us four girls a squabble broke out. This ended when Kelly said, "right
Charley, you buy breakfast on the first day - OK?" she agreed happily,
what she didn't know and Kelly never told her was breakfast is
complimentary! Oh well we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.
I don't know if you have noticed, but I now totally think of myself as a
girl, I only wish that whatever is stopping me getting my operation
would go away!
The drive to Las Vegas took 2 hours, and soon we were goggle eyed
driving down 'The Strip' looking for the Travelodge, then we saw it, set
slightly back right next the big casino's and it had free parking and a
swimming pool!
We checked in. The sight of four bedraggled girls with back packs didn't
faze the receptionist in the slightest.
Shoni said to no one in general "I'm looking forward to a long shower
then hit the pool, it's been some week."
The guy at the desk asked where we'd been we explained that we've lived
under canvas for the week. With a smile he gallantly commented, "well
you would never have know it." It was sweet of him and caused us to
flirt with him unashamedly.
We got up to the room and staked our claim to a bed, I ended up with
Shoni the way we four girls were we were comfortable with any sleeping
arrangement.
Shoni hit the shower first while the three of us got our 'girly' clothes
out sundresses and low heels we were going to look like girls for these
three days. Kelly said, really out of the blue, "I'm going to get a
manicure and, then she added and my hair trimmed and blow dried."
We looked at her like she was stupid then Charley quietly commented,
"you know, that sounds like a good idea." Shoni entered the room at that
and asked, "What sounds like a good idea?" So we told her and she agreed
then while the next one went into the shower; Kelly; whose idea it was
went to find someone who could direct us to a salon!
Kell was soon back smiling from ear to ear, "Right girls, I've got the
four of us in for nails and a hair trim; nothing fancy I just told them
a cut and blow dry - ok"
Shoni simply looked and asked, "what time?" Kelly replied, "about an
hour" then she realised that she was the only one not showered and
changed! "Eeeeeek" she squealed "I better get a move on"
We all managed to get to the salon in time and left a few hours later
looking and very much feeling like girls.
After all it had been nearly two months since we last visited a
hairdresser.
We did all the usual things in Las Vegas, apart from Gambling; we could
see the attractions the casinos had to offer. But being under 21 we
couldn't gamble, but we could drink, as Nevada laws are different, you
can drink under the age of 21 as long as you have your parent's
permission.
Now for us this was difficult as Charley and I didn't have any; and
Kelly and Shoni's were some 8000 miles away! So we asked and were told
that as we were tourists and special circumstances we could drink, so we
could have a couple of glasses of wine if we wanted.
Our three days passed quickly and soon we were packing to continue, we
were nearing the end of the road - literally.
We headed back to Kingman to re-join Route 66 on the way, Kelly gave Al
Junior a call and he said he would tell Grandpa!
Charley was driving so we spoke to Keith and June updating them on where
we were and what we were doing.
We were in Kingman in just over 2 hours then we headed towards
California hoping to get as far as Daggett, which was another 200 miles
or so.
As it was we got as far as Needles where we stopped and asked at the gas
station about campgrounds. We were directed to the Fender River Road
Resort where we got a pitch overlooking the river. We had our own picnic
table, water supply and electricity I think the pitch was for trailer
tents because ours looked lost!
We scouted around and finally ended up at the Wagon Wheel to eat, to say
the food came in large portions is an understatement!
It was a case of how much can you get on a plate and still be able to
carry it! But the food was good.
This time we watched what others ordered before ordering; and realised
that if we ordered one meal each there would be way too much.
So we ordered 2 meals and 2 empty plates and shared - see we are getting
common sense; it's just that we are nearly at the end of Route 66!
We finished eating then went for another look around before heading back
to the campsite.
Kelly bought a mouth organ in one of the shops! We looked at her in
askance but she simply shrugged telling us, "I've always wanted to play
one so now seems the ideal opportunity"
As we drove back to the site, she was squeaking away on her new toy
making a horrible noise when Charley commented, "I used to play one a
little bit when I was small, I'll show you if you want" - was there no
end to the talents of this girl?
So Kelly had a teacher.
Next morning we decided to go as far as Newberry Springs, which was a
short drive.
If we had wanted we were only about 300 miles to the end of the road but
we decided to do this in two days - as we really felt sorry we were
coming to the end of the road.
Shonali had been regularly phoning her aunt and uncle updating them on
our progress, so this mornings phone call was to tell them we would see
them tomorrow night!
So off we set, we had a monster breakfast at the Wagon Wheel then hit
the road, we did a trip to the Mitchell Caverns, had a photo opportunity
at Bagdad rail crossing, arriving at Newberry Springs five hours after
we set off.
Once again we pitched our tent and I took the time to remove my girl
bits and let my boy bit's recover.
Then we checked what we had in the Jeep and made a list of what was
going to be discarded we checked our backpacks, because soon we would be
living from them.
Next we went to eat at the Bagdad Caf?! What a quirky place this is!
It's like something I have never seen before a cross between a museum, a
film set and a caf?! (In truth it's all three - true it's not to
everyone's taste but to us it was amazing, friendly and well weird, the
food was ok, but we had definitely had better.)
Back to the campsite and an early night. We were up early the next day
and after a coffee or tea depending on your preference in the morning we
departed; now we needed to find somewhere for breakfast.
Fifty miles later we finally found a place the Cajon Summit Inn
breakfast was brilliant as usual everyone was very friendly we lingered
for a couple of hours then I took over driving to the end of the road.
With hindsight this was a mistake, we should have let Charley drive, as
after all she is a native! (well Ok sort of native!)
I got us onto I-15 and headed south, luckily Charley was in the front
seat guiding me but the lane changes were horrible.
Through San Bernardino and onto Upland and on to Pasadena, now we were
on the last few miles.
From Pasadena we carried on into Las Angeles on the freeway, I have
NEVER seen that much traffic!
Through West Hollywood then Beverly Hills onto Santa Monica.
We got to Olympic Boulevard and the end of Route 66!
We had done it, just about 2 months and we had done it, we found
somewhere to park and sat there.
Finally according to our guidebook we had to visit the Will Rodgers
Plaque then go for a walk on Santa Monica pier.
So we headed for the ocean and finally parked on the pier and got out of
our trusty Jeep.
We were stunned; all this time on the road and we were on the other side
of America having made many friends along the way.
We wandered along the pier and saw a Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. that was the
first place we ate at in America all that time ago in Chicago on the
Navy Pier.
But first we had to dip our toes into the Pacific Ocean as we stood up
to our ankles in Pacific Ocean we had a group hug and a whoopee,
splashing water over each other like kids. We had actually done it! We
were so excited as we headed off to get our photo taken at the sign that
marks the end and finally to eat damp but very, very happy! And proud!
Our final totals were we set off from Chicago early October, it was now
early December and we had travelled some 3160 miles in total what with
our detours, diversions and of course getting lost a few times! Not bad
for 4 Wacky Witches!
Gert
- 21.06.2022
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