This Is It.

This is it. The end. The last day before I sadly fly home. Fred and Brian start their trek eastward tomorrow.

I suspect that this blog will end at this post. Fred, who doesn't care to even write a quick email, most likely will not care to regale the reader with further exploits next week.

Here's some statistics:

We drove 3,305 miles.
We stopped 11 times for gas
We had to jump start the car twice
We consumed 4 tanks of propane for the Coleman Stove
We had to tie up the tent once
It rained 8 days
It hailed 1 day
We packed 5 books. We read zero.
I did 1 NY Times Sunday crossword. Complete, only peeked once for a clue.
Fred got only 1 speeding ticket - Page, AZ - 62 in a 45. Pay online.
We saw untold number of beautiful sights.
We met many wonderful, friendly and pleasant travelers.

There have been so many things that happened that didn't make it to this little journal. There are many things that I've learned, and the lessons will stay with me for a long time. I didn't relate the story of Fred's monetary contribution to the fair people of Page, AZ. Then there were all the nice people we met in each park, I felt as though I was a member of some arcane National Park Groupie association.
I've learned that you shouldn't leave computers turned on and plugged into the car overnight because you'll have to find a jump when you want to drive somewhere. I also now know it takes at least two times for this to happen to get it right. When you pack for an extended trip, I also realized you should take only the absolutely necessary articles for survival. This keeps the car neater and it's easier to find things. Also, you don't need to pack as much food as an army would eat. Food is easily accessible on the road.

The most important thing to do, is take a trip with someone you enjoy being with, have fun and laugh at the misfortunes and mishaps that might come your way. Those are the things you'll remember long after the sun sets for the final time.

Happy Trails To You.....