Well, the bus is gone—which left us having to fly from Portland to MN. Not our favorite mode of travel. Not by a long shot. But, just fourteen hours after waking up, we were at Grandma and Grandpa’s house, and one step closer to new adventures.
Waiting on Grandpa.
The first thing they go for, of course.
And the first thing I go for, of course.
So yeah, it’s not the beach, but you’d never guess it was any less fun.
The next day it was time to go get the new ride. It was just as “cute” in person as it was in the pictures for Ali. A little rougher condition in some places, but not in a bad way, more like in an “original” way. This truck was used by one guy for forty-seven years, and you can get a pretty good picture of him just from climbing inside this truck.
Everybody’s first reaction has been, “It’s huge!” And it does look big, but actually it only measures seventeen feet, which is just six inches longer than Grandpa’s GMC Yukon.
Lowe fell out of a tree yesterday. Not far—maybe six feet. After dusting himself off he said to me, “Just like you, Papa.” He was referring to the story I’ve told them both often about how I fell out of a tree when I wasn’t much older than them and I broke my collarbone—for the first time. Fortunately, Lowe didn’t break anything.
21 Comments on “One Step Closer”
Looking good!
Yall, sitting the International, with heads poking out the windows, reminds me of the way
me, and my 3 brothers rode, while growing up in the 50s and early 60s.
I fell out of a tree when I was about Lowe’s age and broke my arm. Guess what, at 68 I still love to climb trees!
Can’t wait to see it decked out for camping and cooking! Hope you post a bunch of pictures of the progress as you put it together. This is going to be sooooo much fun to watch!!
But most of all, can’t wait to see you guys hit the road again. Yeeeehah! Starting to feel like too long.
Have fun up there!! 😀
Oh, Oh man… excitement is building! Can’t wait to see those wheels rolling out the adventure. Even out here on our own I’m excited to see what you guys are gonna do next!
The bus is gone, but the thrill isn’t! So you flew to M/SP. You guys should have jumped on the Amtrak Empire Builder out of Portland ; much more time involved, but I bet Ouest and Lowe would have loved the train trip!
Actually, I was thinking that you were going to drive the Porsche back.
We were planning on it, but couldn’t get tickets for less than double what flying cost. Unless of course we wanted to sit in four chairs for two days.
Kids on the tailgate – WOW!
In the process of reading your book. This part cracked me up..
DECEMBER 16, 2006: ATLANTIC OCEAN CROSSING
IT’S BEEN A STRUGGLE to keep ourselves entertained these past three weeks. In our efforts, we’ve littered the ocean with messages in bottles and I’ve grown a moustache. I figured that I couldn’t really be considered a salty dog without a handlebar mustache. Plus, it makes Ali laugh all day long. Literally every time we make eye contact. No matter though, I’m certain I appear much more Captainly. Of course, this thing will never step foot on land.
Ha. That is funny.
I too have been reading your first book as I only recently started following your travels online. I thought it was fun to see that you have abandoned the rule regarding the ‘stache and its shore readiness.
That photo of you all in your “new” transporter is so chill: That’s the cover of your next book! Can’t wait to travel along with you on all your adventures via the blogosphere.
First I saw the adorable picture of the pink jeep (swoon 🙂 ) but then I saw the picture of the pink jeep in front of the new family ride (double swoon 🙂 🙂 ).
Guys, I like old cars. I’m sure the Int will be reliable but why would you want to take the chance with your family when a newer burb uses less gas, is faster, has better brakes, parts access and really is a safer car. Style be damned
Why do anything? There would certainly be “safer” alternatives to any choice you make in life. Why drive a car at all? Flying is much safer.
I don’t know. I think with old cars it really comes down to, “You either get it, or you don’t.” For me, driving a new car would completely erase the adventure and fun of a trip like this.
Neat!!! That looks like it will be a lot of fun for you guys!
That car is EPIC! What a tank! You always go in style.
I get it, fair enough. I don’t know if the kids get it. Mine didn’t. Now old boats, that’s a different story, they will kill your cash flow. Good luck! Have fun!
On our way around the country right now , wife and I and three kids in a minivan. The kids (7,4,1) sleep in hammocks hanging from the ceiling. They love it and it leaves the floor free for wife and I to spread out. No trailer to tow and only set up a tent if we decide to pay to stay in a state park campground. Just wanted to offer an option for sleeping arrangements.
Ha, Nice to see you enjoying my favorite beer…spotted cow rules!
Cheers! Todd