How's Your Summer Going?

It's hard to believe it's half over. Here is Texas, it's been hot, but not as unbearable as other areas in the U.S.

For many folks, summer is a time for travel. Though we like to travel during the fall, we've done our share during these warmer months.

As is our habit, the Riley girl cousins had our yearly trip in late April. We prefer to be on the road before summer break. This year we went to New Orleans. We'd wanted to tour the cemeteries but decided to take in the free sight and save our money for other activities...like eating binets at Cafe Du Monde. Yum! My very first binet experience. Loved them.

Bourbon Street—my first and last visit. It's a place for the younger crowd.

Historic building on Jackson Square.

The historic buildings and food.

Macaroni and Cheese with Lobster.

Thunderbird Lodge—the grounds

In late June, Larry and I drove to Gallup, New Mexico where I wanted to shop for a Zuni fetish necklace. While there we stopped again at El Rancho Hotel and ate lunch in their restaurant.

El Rancho.

From there we traveled to Canyon de Chelly in Arizona. We stayed at Thunderbird Lodge on the Navajo Reservation. It was a very nice place, quiet, and surrounded by greenery.

Ancient ruin seen from the canyon floor.

Part of the canyon from above.

The canyon is filled with pueblo ruins, petroglyphs, and fascinating rock formations. Run by the Navajo people, they guide the tours and share their history with visitors. There is not park entry fee for Canyon de Chelly.

Where will your travels take you this summer?

Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda

Vacation to Moab

My husband likes to take road trips. You've heard me talk about our Route 66 trips and several others. I like them also, but would prefer a cruise or tour of some kind. Anyway, Larry wanted to go somewhere so I said, "Pick a place and we'll make plans." A few days later I had his answer—Moab, Utah. You're probably asking, "What's in Moab, Utah?" I asked that question too.

It's a beautiful place with the Arches National Park and not too far away Edge of the Cedars Park. I'd like to have a day to do research at Edge of the Cedars as their museum is loaded with Native American artifacts and historical information.  We were in a hurry so rushed through like Chevy Chase in the movie Vacation. Just a quick look and we were gone. 

Here is the largest arch—Wilson's Arch.

 Many movies have been filmed in and around Moab, movies with famous actors like John Wayne to name one. The landscape is perfect for westerns. Here are a few pictures.

This is one of the smaller arches and the other pictures show the interesting rock formations. Note the blue sky. It's beautiful and though an extremely dry area, it did rain some while we were there. The park is a hiker's paradise. Bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen.We were there in late July, and thought hot, the dry humidity made the heat more comfortable.

The Moab area offers many activities for vacationers of all ages—rafting, kayaking, hummer tours, jeep and SUV tours. There are museums, a winery, art and music, dinner tours down the river, one with a light show, and wonderful places to eat.

One night we ate at the Moab Brewery. They have a variety of brews with funny names. Larry had a mug of Dead Horse ale and I had a margarita. The food was delicious and the service awesome. I had ribs and Larry had steak. Interesting info about Utah, before they would serve us alcohol, they asked if we'd be eating dinner—no dinner, no alcohol. I like that law.

We stopped in for a cup of coffee at Sweet Cravings and Bistro. The cinnamon rolls looked so good we couldn't resist.

We had a wonderful time and several things we saw sparked story ideas. Always love it when that happens.

Don't forget to enter the Edge of Cedars t-shirt contest. Information on how to enter are in the previous blog post. I hope you'll enter.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda
www.lindalaroque,com