How About a Little Cactus With Your Campsite

On the second day of our trip, we went and explored Saguaro National Park. I hate to say it, but the park was a little bit of a disappointment considering the fact that we'd just visited Tonto and they had saguaro cacti there as well. When we rolled into camp, our entire opinion changed. It was absolutely incredible. We went on a bike ride to enjoy the scenery and climbed on top of the RV for some of these photos. Most of the cactus that you are seeing are over 100 years old. 

-Elise 

Somewhere on a Beach

A new day, a new National Park. This time we visited White Sands in New Mexico. It was absolutely breathtaking. I would recommend anyone visit there if you've the chance. I would love to go back and spend a whole day there. The park Rangers let you go pretty much anywhere you want and you can bring in your own food. I want to go back with a picnic basket of food and all day long to read, sit and enjoy. We also saw some people sledding! 

It doesn't take much to imagine that the sky is the ocean and all you need is a margarita in your hand...

-Elise

Tonto National Park

This past week, I've had an amazing opportunity and I've been able to see some of our nation's Southwestern National Parks. A buddy of mine recently returned from a three year stint in China and he's been planning a massive road trip around the country as a way to celebrate his return. After our Spartan race this weekend, he invited me to hit the road with him. Our first stop was in Arizona and we went to Tonto National Park. My friend had secured two Ranger Guide tour passes that are elusive to most people. The tours to the upper dwelling are only offered five months out of the year and once a week with only to 15 people. It was well worth the October reservation and the views made you feel insignificant. It was a bit of a hike to the top but it was worth every step! It's absolutely incredible to think that the people who lived in these ruins were alive in the 1300's. For a point of historical reference, that's the same time as the Italian Renaissance and the start of the Ming Dynasty in China. 

-Elise

Back Again

When Mom and I surprised Claire with her birthday trip last fall, Mary tried her hardest to be able to come as well but it just didn't work out with her work schedule. The biggest benefit of our mother being a travel agent is that it was easy to convince her to plan another trip in order for Mary to go this time.

Best photo I could get of 'Monster Book of Monsters'. 

As before, it was the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. We stayed at the Disney Beach Club Resort, which is within walking distance of EPCOT. Being so close to the park, we decided to book park hopper passes for the days we were in Orlando.  So after being at Island's of Adventure all day, we walked over to EPCOT and had some wine and fireworks.

-Elise