TX Trip - Houston - Day 4

Day 4 of our trip brought on a day-trip to Houston. It's about a three and a half hour drive from San Antonio and we had good intentions of leaving early. The place we're staying in is actually a timeshare condo in which my mom owns; and they were plying her with her with a 'visitor packet' and saying they wanted to meet with her. Uh, once you buy the timeshare, aren't they supposed to STOP harassing you? Guess not!

Anyway, a person from guest services (or whatever they call themselves) came up to chit-chat with my mom. She didn't show until 8:30 am, so we were waiting around. Our original goal had been to leave at 8, so we didn't think it would be a big deal. The lady came in, made herself comfortable on the coach, and started asking a whole list of questions from a sheet. I thought we'd never get out of here, but the lady was kind enough to ask what we were up to today. When she found out we were headed to Houston she made another appointment with my mom and took off.

So, we could finally get on the road, right? Haha! We had yet to grab some breakfast, so I found Einstein Bros. Bagels on the map and thought we could access it from the street. After circling around the address I finally let my mom and thckblckglasses out of the car to search on foot. Half-hour later they had ordered and made it back to the car. Leaving San Antonio around 10 am, with a 3.5 hour drive, and NASA closing at 5 pm, was cutting it close!!!

Driving between the two cities wasn't terrible. The normal crazy truck drivers that pull out in front of a speeding (80 mph or more) vehicle to pass a fellow trucker at 70 mph did nothing for the car's gas mileage. We came into Houston at mid-day so at least it wasn't rush hour. I'm pretty sure I got into the HOV lane when I wasn't supposed to (EZ Tag only signs prevailed - whatever that is!), so I may receive a ticket in the mail soon.

Our first stop was NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. We bought tickets online because they were half price, which was a good deal because most of the attractions were for children. The daily schedule that's handed to you upon arrival gave the suggestion of a tram ride, space gallery show, blast off! show, and something else (slips my mind!). My first thought was to hop on the tram for a tour of the grounds. I'm glad we did that, apparently this was a popular destination for spring breakers and we stood in line for almost an hour.

The tram drove past the buildings were NASA scientists, engineers, and other busy bees were hard at work planning the next mission to space. The tour took us through the training facility for astronauts preparing to stay on the International Space Station. Usually, it goes through other training facilities too, but as they were currently in use we were unable to see them. The campus is huge and built like a typical college campus to encourage comradeship. The last stop is a walk-through tour of the storage facility for the Saturn V rocket. Several rockets and components sit outside the building (including the Mercury - Redstone), but upon walking inside the view of the fully restored rocket is incredible!

At the end of the tram tour we had just under an hour to explore everything else. Many of the suggested shows were already in progress for their final run of the night. Math Alive! was front and center, so I did walk through that a bit, but realized that it would have be much more exciting and fun with a kid. I thoroughly enjoyed the tram ride, but would mostly suggest this visit to families with children.

For dinner we met up with my cousin at a cajun restaurant she suggested. It was just a little out-of-the-way place called BB's Cafe, but those are usually the best. My cousin explained that many of the displaced New Orleans-ites came to Houston after Hurricane Katrina and set up restaurants. Yum! Authentic cajun food!

The drive home took only 3 hours, so with relief I crashed on the bed. It's tough to do a day-trip to Houston from San Antonio, but I'm glad we did it :)

TX Trip Day 3 - Fun in San Antonio

After the debacle of the last 2 days, we decided to sleep in a bit and just get up when we were ready. I think we made it out the door around 1:30 pm, but we were able to cram in some fun stuff.

Taken by Liveislife (http://www.panoramio.com/photo/5309985)

In any city, we have to visit Hard Rock Cafe; this trip is no exception. It was our first stop for lunch and merchandise. Located along the Riverwalk, we were able to sit out and watch the people go by. The temperature was around 55*, so it was bit chilly, but there were strategically placed heaters all around the patio. It was a nice place to sit, check out the huge cypress trees, watch the water taxis, and grab some grub.

Our next stop was The Alamo! The mall across the street is playing an IMAX movie about it, but unfortunately we ran out of time. It's a highly recommended movie, so if you're in San Anton, check it out. The Alamo was built in the 1700's and ended up being the symbol for Texas' freedom. No pictures are allowed inside the original Shrine, but the facade is famous (and front and center on the website!). The grounds surrounding the shrine are beautiful gardens and other various buildings taken care of by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

Afterwards, we attempted to see the Tower of the Americas, but it was reserved for a private party. Maybe later this week we'll get the chance. It's the second largest free standing tower in America and has a rotating restaurant on top with an observation deck above it. I'll be sure to post if we get the chance to visit.

We spent the rest of the evening along the Riverwalk. There is a short, half-hour, narrated barge tour throughout the downtown area that we hopped on. This gave us a bit of insight into the Riverwalk, it's origins, and what types of shops and restaurants are along the way. This covers just a portion of it, and if there's time we may tour other sections.

Dinner at a nice little place called Rita's on the River allowed us to relax a bit. A mariachi band came over and played us a catchy tune while we ate. Afterwards, we walked down the river to a margarita bar, Rio Rio, and sat right against the railing to the river. Ducks swam around and the throngs of people closed in. 60 oz. later we decided it was time to go back to the hotel room. I'm glad we didn't feel rushed today, but tomorrow we're off to another adventure - Houston and the Johnson Space Center!!

TX Trip Day 2 - Successful Arrival

So I have to start tonight's blog post with 2 contrasting travel pictures. The top one here is yesterday, our attempt to get out of Colorado. The bottom one is our successful travel through New Mexico and into Texas!

All of us, including Pepe Monkey, decided to take it slow this morning as we were unsure what would lay before us. Leaving the hotel around 9:45 am, we found the roads a bit slushy, but nothing we couldn't handle. Only a few miles into New Mexico (about 20 minutes into our trip), we turned off the major highway I-25 onto a smaller one, only to find it blocked by a big "Road Closed" signed.

Luckily enough, 2 cars decided to slide past the sign and talk to some state troopers watching over the road. Upon their return thckblckglasses waved one car down to ask what was said. We were told that the road may be closed for half an hour or five hours, the trooper was non-committal. TBG flipped the car around and we headed in a new direction - again diverted!

Eventually, we were able to head in the right direction. The roads were still slushy, but the further east we traveled, the less slushy they seemed to be. Once reaching Amarillo, TX the roads were clear and the speed limit was 75 mph - time to catch up.

It was a relief to finally be going in the right direction and travelling through multiple states, as intended. There was a good driver rotation and snacks all around. 

I'm not sure how well you'll be able to see the details in the picture. In the foreground are 2 oil pumps (known as grasshoppers!) and they are surrounded by hundreds of brand, new wind turbines. I love how this is a contrast of old fuel and new fuel resources.

 Well, it's time for bed in the old west. More adventures to be had this week, so stay tuned for the family adventure :)

Spring Break - Texas Road Trip Day 1

This has easily been the weirdest day ever!

Me, thckblckglsses, and my mom left our house this morning at 5am with intent to be in Wichita, Kansas by nightfall. During the night it had started snowing, and unbeknownst to us the highway between our major city, Denver, and the state line was closed. In theory, this trip should have taken us around 9 hours to complete (including stops). In reality, we are not there, not even close.

We hung out at a local fast food joint called Del Taco in order to pass the time and hope the highway opened up again. After 2 hours we realized this would not happen, and started to discuss our options. It was finally decided that instead of driving east to Kansas, we would drive south directly into Texas (our final destination for this road trip). An hour later we were on the road, and by Noon we were ready to stop for lunch. 

Although, it was still snowing the roads were passable and the goal seemed to be a possibility. 

By 2pm our hopes dwindled. Diverted from the highway due to a multi car pile-up, we picked our way through the small town of Fountain. Emerging back on the highway around half hour later, only to find ourselves at the back of the line of cars stuck behind the pile-up. My mom made the brave decision to drive through the median (thoroughly covered with snow and a bit slick) in order to pop us back out on the opposite side. A short drive back to our exit point allowed us to follow a side road an hour down the road to Pueblo.

After stopping for a quick bathroom break (ok, not quick, as everyone else on the road was there!), we were back on the highway and happily headed toward the border. Roads were intermittently slick and wet. A mere 8 miles from the border we were again diverted off the highway!!! So frustrating!!!

Someone did not want us to make it out of the state today. Cozily snuggled in beds at the local hotel we wait for sleep and pray for better weather tomorrow. Texas is our final destination, and, as I told my sister on the phone today, we will get there even if we have to walk.

Glenwood Springs, CO

Glenwood Springs in western Colorado is known for it's famous hot springs. People have been swimming here for centuries, and the Hot Springs Pool has been around for at least one of those. This is the side of the canyon where Glenwood sits. Upon our arrival I was lucky enough to see these hang-gliders slowly falling through the canyon - everyone else was inside checking us into the hotel.

After checking in we headed over to the pool, there was just enough time for a few hours of swimming before dinner!

Dinner always has to be at the Italian Underground. Usually the wait is long, but it's worth it. The snug sitting is in the basement of an old brick building. TripAdvisor visitors give it 4 out of 5 stars. If you're ever in Glenwood, check it out!

As we waited for our turn to eat I wandered up the walkway to find some interesting metal art...

My niece could not resist hiding behind one!

All throughout Colorado, smoking in restaurants is prohibited. Frequently, you'll see people standing about on the sidewalks having a quick smoke before dinner or between drinks at the bar. This sign is a good indicator that some of those smokers have no respect for the gardens surrounding Grand Avenue.

 Day 2 was full of swimming - all day - until this set in...

Guess it's time for a drive home :(

On the drive to and from Glenwood Springs from Denver via I-70 you will pass through a mile long tunnel build through the middle of a mountain. As kids we always tried to hold breath through the whole drive and dad would slow down the closer we got to the exit of the tunnel! 

The tunnel portion on the left is the Eisenhower Tunnel, built in 1973. In 1979, the Johnson Tunnel was opened to allow more traffic to pass through the area.

Driving through the tunnel - hold your breath!!!

One last stop on the way home for some grub. Beau Jo's is the maker of mountain pies, "Colorado Style Pizza." They're made with thick, wheat-honey crust that is perfect for dipping in honey at the end!

Pueblo, CO - Days 1 & 2

Okay, so I'll admit, when the school announced that this year's professional development was to take place in Pueblo, Colorado I was not too excited. I decided to make the best of it and take along my camera and Pepe to tell the story of our trip.

We came into town on Monday night and settled into the hotel room. Pepe didn't mess around:

We had this huge room to ourselves - one bed for Pepe, one for me:

Tuesday was spent in training all day with a short dinner at Ruby Tuesday - ha - that was totally coincidence! Many of my co-workers had driven down that morning and were ready to "hit the hay" for the evening so I wrapped up my night early. I did manage to catch a glimpse out my window to see my view:

Yeah, not really the best view, but I did find out that one of my co-worker's uncle owns the liquor store - Loco!

Pepe and I settled in and watched a bit of TV before wrapping up the evening:

Wednesday was, again, full of training. I tried to snap a picture of Pepe working hard, but the camera was acting up. He was fully engaged - take my word.

The evening was full of a paid dinner and $1 drinks at a local bar. Pepe took a peek over the railing into the Pueblo river walk and said river:

We walked down the street to the bar and it was cool! The place was called Phil's Radiator and looked exactly like an auto shop. Seems like a great concept for a place - although the owner sometimes has clueless people wander in with car parts, set them on the bar, and ask if he can repair it! Hilarious! "No, but here's an ice cold beer"

I decided to leave the bar early - 9ish - before the "crazy" comes out of everyone. I'm thinking that co-workers and $1 drinks are not a great idea. So far our trip has been fun and we learned a little bit about Pueblo. Tomorrow is our last day, so we'll see what kind of adventure comes our way!

Southeast Colorado

A few months ago I took a business trip down to southeast Colorado. I've never really been out that way, so I decided to take some pictures to share my journey.

This is a railroad bridge on the way to La Junta. I think it's very simple and "old skool" so I couldn't resist taking a pic.

 Corn fields are always amazing to see right before they're cut down.

I think this house looks very much like an old plantation. I was driving past so I didn't get the best shot, but you get the idea.

Rocky Ford has a great announcement to their township. I've never seen anything like this!

Rocky Ford grows all kinds of fruits and veggies - I regret not stopping on my way out of town.

This was my destination - La Junta, Colorado - although not super exciting it was something different.

On my way back home I stopped and met up with my in-laws for dinner. They took my a this BBQ place on the side of I-25. Not too bad for a highway joint.

As you approach Pueblo from the south you see this lone windmill on the side of the road.

It was a warm trip - I had the AC on - but I thoroughly enjoyed seeing new sites!