Travelling and thinking in Detroit

(I almost forgot that I wrote this...)

I think I have perfected the art of being long winded but today I’m trying something a little different. I’m sitting in the airport terminal in Detroit, US and killing time; It is just over two hours before we’re due to depart for Amsterdam. My laptop has to run on battery power so I’m thinking let’s not spend it all in one go, uh? 

A few random thoughts hot off the press...

I haven’t mastered the art of travelling light. I either pack too little or too much. The irony is that when I’ve packed too little, I needed what I didn’t bring. In the same way, when I’ve packed too much, I haven’t needed it; go figure! I suspect Murphy has invited himself to the party…

On this particular trip using the bathroom is like booking into a hotel and I have to find a cubicle that is big enough to fit me, my carry on suitcase, my laptop, my pillow and all 4 coats and jackets. I’ve dressed somewhat in layers, you see, for the items that did not fit into my luggage, yet cannot be left behind. You’re not suppose to leave any luggage unattended but when there’s just one of you and that one needs to use the bathroom there isn’t exactly anyone else to keep an eye, is there? Usually I don’t mind travelling alone but as I fight my way to the porcelain throne I wish I was a twin. Why can’t this just be home and I could pack light to visit South Africa? I’d much rather prefer that.

Abilene: The queen of Kansas cowtowns

I've just recently finished reading Homespun Bride by author Jillian Hart. Even though it is a story set in Montana territory - instead of Kansas - it is still 1883, the same era in which the town of Abilene has also existed; an era of horses and buggies, corsets and canopies and - naturally - heroic, handsome cowboys.

In an era where horsepower is associated with fast cars, corsets with Victoria's secret, canopies is an extinct fashion statement and more damsels are insisting on being their own savior it can be a little difficult to imagine the scenes of such a book. Having visited the town of Abilene in north-central Kansas has helped me a lot. If you're into reading books from that era it might just help you too ;) Either way, it's a interesting little place to visit!

Take a trip down memory lane with me... 1875...

Can't you just hear the hooves of horses and wooden wheels of buggies rolling in the dirt?

(2) Colorado: From barren to beauty

If you are just joining me - welcome!

We have been driving west from Kansas to Colorado. Most of the way - until we crossed the border anyway - there wasn't a lot to see but the closer you get to Colorado the more the topography changes to look a little more like this (below). Beautiful, isn't it?

These iconic Rocky Mountains was formed between 55 and 80 million years ago and stretch more than 3,000 miles from the northernmost part of British Columbia (western Canada) all the way to New Mexico in the southwestern United States. The mountains can be seen from about 100 miles away and they are truly spectacular - with or without snow!

(1) And then we were off to Colorado

My day trip to New York city was just a few days premature for a birthday present but who cares, right? By far one of the best birthday presents yet! Now it was G's turn. He wanted to photograph the fall colors and the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. I wonder why some call it autumn and others call it fall? Either way, October is the perfect time for it!

After driving the 1,200 miles to Pennsylvania, the 600 mile drive to Colorado was a breeze but with one very distinct difference: the scenery. Now, I've heard people describe Kansas in two main ways: (1) the place where the Wizard of Oz plays out, and (2) flat, wide open spaces with not even a tree in sight. Firstly - and I'm unsure whether I should feel ashamed or not - I haven't seen The Wizard of Oz. I've heard of it often but I haven't seen the movie, and secondly I haven't seen enough of the States to make an accurate topographical comparison. This trip gave me a whole new insight but how about you judge for yourself:

(1) Road trip to Pennsylvania: H-e-r-e we go!

Don't you just love that early morning feeling before a long road trip? I'm not sure if it's the freshness of a new morning, the smell of fresh coffee or the anticipation of the adventure ahead. Needless to say we had all of those wrapped up in one as we set out on our drive from a small county in Kansas to Pennsylvania.

Distance: 1245 miles (2003km) - one way

We opted to drive for a few reasons but one was so that I could see more of the United States; quite a big deal for a girl from South Africa - a country considered rather small in comparison to a few around the world. A huge place to me, of course, but hey! what do I know, right?

Every little bush and tree had me all excited, so I've decided to "show and tell" right here on my blog. Granted not all the bushes and trees were exciting enough to make me grab my camera but heck! this is the U.S of A and I was going to take it a-l-l in! This blog is after all about the way I see it, yes? (*grin*)

Join me if you like and see what I saw. H~e~r~e we go! (Just before we do, though, just note that these are what I like to call 'drive by shootings'. That is when you have one moment to take a picture and you seize it... from a moving vehicle.)

Sunrise on the morning of our departure

We set out at 5:30am. The weather was ideal and it looked like it was going to be a perfect day for driving. Garett and I had been at it for two days over who was going to do how much of the driving but alas I had to make buddies with the passenger seat for most of the way there. A little way along I actually ended up feeling a little bit relieved - note I said a little bit (*wink*).


Animals are not fenced off from the highway and (especially) deer runs across the road all the time, mostly at dusk and dawn (the cooler time of the day hence encouraging deer movement). If you don't see it coming you could end up with some serious damage to your car or someone could even get killed. It could be rather strenuous driving as you can imagine, I'm sure.


Saying that I stepped aside gracefully would be a lie, so let's just say I could understand that he's had a lot more practice in knowing what to look out for, ok? I decided to use the opportunity to take as many pictures of a country that I really haven't seen yet. Always look for the win-win, I say!

A little more sun rising... I just love the way the light reflects on the clouds! I love clouds period. The most beautiful sunrises and sunsets (for me) are ones with clouds.

The first city we pass by is Topeka. Kansas City is next. And, of course, at this point whoever is not driving starts digging around for the change for the toll gate (or the garage card, whichever you use). Guess who did the digging... ;)

Ah! There's the toll gate and I was ready!

The windscreen is not scratched. I've added those funny looking lines to a few pictures as an artistic touch (*wink-wink*)