Shania's Roadtrip

8-16-09 Cow Train

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 01:28:00 +0000

8-16-09 Cow Train
Originally uploaded by roswellsgirl

Today we drove home. The wonderful thing about driving home is realizing that we live in a place that is pretty wonderful too. I love to travel and see new things but I am so thankful to have such beauty close to home. We stopped in Pashastin, Wa a little town in the Cascades. The farm stand was just brimming with colorful fruits and vegetables. Thought this little Cow Train and Barn was worth a photo.

8-15-09 Sun Setting on Tea Pot

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 04:53:00 +0000

8-15-09 Sun Setting on Tea Pot
Originally uploaded by roswellsgirl

A bit of Americana for my photo today. This little gas station in Zillah, Washington was built during the TeaPot Dome Scandal of the 1920s. Currently, it is not being used as a gas station. The price on the pumps reads $1.76 so it has been a while. Although we did lots of driving today, I did have some interesting photos to choose from today. We started our morning in Boise. Boise is a neat little capital city, but the reason Erik likes to go there is that it is the closest place with either a Texas Roadhouse or a Sierra Trading Post. We spent time at both. Erik says that the drive through the North East corner of Oregon is boring, but I don't think so. The blue mountains are beatiful with the stark landscape and the sky that goes forever. We spotted a train carrying fuselages of air planes. I took some photos, but didn't really get a good shot. It was really interesting to see plane parts being carried by train. We also stopped at the Pendelton Mills in Pendelton hoping for a goot photo. (We have been there before for an interesting tour of the mill.) The real attraction here was a huge Great Dane named Beat who was traveling with his people from coast to coast. Beat was impressive, but no where near as cute as Roswell. We then headed up into Washington to Yakima. This part of Washington is known for fruit orchards and vineyards. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset as we rolled into Yakima for the evening.

8-14-09 Idaho Farmland

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 01:00:00 +0000

8-14-09 Idaho Farmland
Originally uploaded by roswellsgirl

Since we still had 3 days before we needed to return home, Erik suggested that we head to Boise today. This journey would not be on any planned route home, In fact, it is adding about 900 miles to the trip. But, we had never been in the Eastern part of Idaho and we like Boise, so we decided to go. 640 miles of canyons, rolling hills, farm land, and snaking rivers. Lots of driving and not much stopping. We traveled in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark and the Oregon Trail Pioneers. All of my photos today were shot out of the window of the car as we traveled past at 70 miles an hour. Not the best day for photography, but we did see lots of beautiful country.

8-13-09 Montana Wildflowers

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 03:17:00 +0000

8-13-09 Montana Wildflowers
Originally uploaded by roswellsgirl

Today we left the beautiful Canadian Rockies and headed out on another adventure. Today was all about rolling plains, fields of wheat, Native American communities and watching stormy skies. We passed by the East side of Glacier National Park. Soon after our last visit to Glacier, they had huge forest fires. Sadly, the effects of those fires is still really evident. But new growth is starting to emerge in the form of colorful wildflowers. Lots of beautiful wildflowers and the vastness of the big Montana sky graced us as we drove to Great Falls, Montana.

8-12-09 Banff Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:49:00 +0000

8-12-09 Banff Reflections
Originally uploaded by roswellsgirl

Our last day in this majestic area. We traveled up the Ice Field Parkway to Jasper National Park stopping to hike to amazingly blue lakes along the way. Throughout the day, we watched the sky do amazing things as the clouds would roll in and out. At the Athabasca Glacier, we waited out a down pour of rain. When the rain had ended, the scenes were spectacular as the sun and mountains started to peak through. We were in the puffy white clouds at the tops of the mountains. We hiked to the edge of the glacier. This is a longer hike each year as the glacier continues to recede. We stopped in Banff for dinner before heading to our hotel in Canmore. We took one more drive out to Vermillion Lakes and were treated to this beautiful reflection.

8-11-09 Urban Landscape

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:49:00 +0000

8-11-09 Urban Landscape
Originally uploaded by roswellsgirl

We left the amazing Banff landscape and headed to the urban landscape of Calgary for the day. We chose to explore Calgary today because it was supposed to rain in the mountains today. We drove from the mountains to the prairie to the surprisingly big city of Calgary. We stopped at the Canadian Olympic Center. This was the home of the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Lots of daredevil things to do there like roll down the hill in a giant hamster ball or take a Ski lift up to the top of the mountain and ride your bike down. We decided to stop on the West side and took the C-Train into town so that we could explore the city. This urban landscape doesn’t hold a candle to the amazing beauty we have seen the past few days in the Canadian Rockies, but we enjoyed a nice day of exploring a new city.

8-10-09 Moraine Lake

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 05:17:00 +0000

8-10-09 Moraine Lake
Originally uploaded by roswellsgirl

This morning we explored two beautiful alpine lakes. The first was Moraine Lake. Absolutely stunning blue, surrounded by mighty mountains. We enjoyed a beautiful walk around the lake. We then headed to one of the most photographed lakes in the world. Lake Louise. Lots of people, but again, absolutely stunning. We then headed to Radium Hot Springs in Kootenay National Park. The drive was beautiful. At one point, we were warned that there were wolves on the road and not to stop. We didn't see any wolves, but we did see a moose. On the way back, we drove the Old Bow River Parkway. We saw an ospreys on their nest above a bridge. Again tonight, the sky was incredible and the evening light lit up the massive mountains was awe inspiring.

8-9-09 Early Evening Light

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:17:00 +0000

8-9-09 Early Evening Light
Originally uploaded by roswellsgirl

Beautiful day in Banff today. We started off by taking the Minnewanka Loop. The lakes were beautiful this morning with the reflection of the mountains in the water. We saw big horn sheep and mountain goats along the way. We then explored the beautiful, yet crowded and touristy town of Banff. Although I have seen photos of the Banff Springs Hotel many times. I still gasped at my first glance of this massive inn. We took a walk in the evening up to a lookout to take photos of the Inn. It was impossible to take it in up close. With rain threatening we ended our day with a drive around Vermillion Lakes. There was a mixture of blue sky and puffy clouds and looming gray clouds. The late afternoon light illuminated the mountains in the distance. Great day. We are so thankful to get to spend time in this very beautiful part of the world.

8-7-09 Church at Spencer's Bridge

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 04:29:00 +0000

8-7-09 Church at Spencer's Bridge
Originally uploaded by roswellsgirl

Beautiful drive from Mount Vernon to Kamloops today. We passed through amazing, grandeur and diverse country. Not a boring, mundane place on the route. A man at a restaurant in Hope suggested we take old highway 1 up to Kamloops. This road follows the Frasier and Thomson Rivers winding through gorges and blasting through tunnels. This is the gold mining route and along the way we past several little historic towns. Hard to believe that Yale, BC was once the largest city West of Chicago and North of San Francisco. If you blinked now, you would miss it. We saw lots of old wooden churches that I am sure have many stories to tell. At one point, we were surprized by 4 big horn sheep grazing on the side of the road. My photos aren't as nice as I would have liked due to the haziness caused by the nearby forest fires. We did seem flames, but we did see the helicopters with the big buckets for water. We were surprised at how hot it is in Kamloops. Erik realized he forgot his fleece, which he will need in Banff. We went to a store to find him a fleece. When we asked where they might be, the lady looked at us like we were crazy. Why would we possibly need a jacket in weather like this? (we found a jacket on clearance)

7-19-09 Waiting at the Border

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:03:00 +0000

7-19-09 Waiting at the Border, originally uploaded by roswellsgirl.

We decided to cross the border at the Aldergrove Crossing which is in farm land. Still had quite the wait. This was the view from our car. The fireweed is pretty all over our region right now.

7-18-09 Vancouver

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 23:02:00 +0000

7-18-09 Vancouver, originally uploaded by roswellsgirl.

It was a spectacular sunny day in Vancouver today. We spent the whole day in out door endeavors. We started off here at Queen Elizabeth Park and then headed to Granville Island finishing our day in the historic fishing village of Steveston.

7-17-09 Baby On Board

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 23:01:00 +0000

7-17-09 Baby On Board, originally uploaded by roswellsgirl.

Saw lots of amazing stuff today including majestic mountains, mighty waterways, quaint fishing villages, colorful sea life and a breath taking sunset. I chose to go with one of the more unusual and endearing things I saw today. Not sure about Bella’s ears and I am not a fan of motorcycles, but I thought that this photo speaks loads to the relationships we have with our pets and the important part they play in our lives.

7-16-09 Eagles

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0000

7-16-09 Eagles, originally uploaded by roswellsgirl.

Beautiful day exploring the Sunshine Coast. Lots of neat little villages, coves, huge trees and such. The ferry from Earl's Cove to Saltery Bay reminded me a lot of the fiords in Norway. breathtakingly beautiful. As we were headed back to our camping area after dinner tonight, we saw lots of majestic eagles purched in trees along the water. My camera isn't good at getting close ups of eagles in trees. Believe me, I have tried. So, I decided to focus on the eagle in the totem pole and just point out that there is a real Bald Eagle in the tree in the background.

7-15-09 Float Planes

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:59:00 +0000

7-15-09 Float Planes, originally uploaded by roswellsgirl.

Camping on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia. This was the last photo I took before my brand new camera when caput. Luckily, I brought my old one as a back up. Since you have to cross the boarder and take a ferry, this feels really remote, but we are actually only about 100 miles from home.

7-1-09 Welcome to Seattle

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:58:00 +0000

7-1-09 Welcome to Seattle, originally uploaded by roswellsgirl.

Long day including a 2 hr weather delay on the tarmac, a 6 hr flight and then crazy construction traffic all the way home. But I made it. This is what greeted me as we flew in to Seattle.

6-30-09 After the Rain

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:57:00 +0000

6-30-09 After the Rain, originally uploaded by roswellsgirl.

Beautiful sky after a downpour at the Lincoln Memorial. Alison and I had a lot of fun touring the monuments at night. Check out the rest of the photos in the set.

6-29-09 Capitol Q

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:55:00 +0000

6-29-09 Capitol Q, originally uploaded by roswellsgirl.

There is just something about Texas. All around the world, I have found Texas themed restaurants. This is in Capital Q in Chinatown in DC. The sign on the outside said Texas BBQ in Chinese. My alma matter SFASU is up in the corner. Right below Viva Ecuador! (Where I frequented the Texas Grill and Bar in Quito.... :)

6-28-09 Red White and Blue

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:54:00 +0000

6-28-09 Red White and Blue, originally uploaded by roswellsgirl.

I had a great time going on a photo safari today. Wish that it hadn't been cloudy, but it was still a lot of fun and I saw some really cool things. I decided to go patriotic today since I am in the Nation's Capital. I also enjoy strolling through the Eastern Market. The botanical gardens were beautiful. The architecture was great. The food was yummy at the Folklife Festival. The Newseum is also are really neat addition to the many museums in D.C. (Just wish it wasn't so pricey.)

6-27-09 Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:52:00 +0000

6-27-09 Peace, originally uploaded by roswellsgirl.

OK, I know that I am in DC and there are so many historical and monumental things that should be my photo of the day. Today I haven't had a lot of time to look for photos, but on a walk from my hotel to Dupont Circle, I saw lots of beautiful architecture, statues and art. But for some reason, when I downloaded my pictures, this is the one that stood out to me. And, it just so happened, that I was walking down the street talking to my husband of 11 years today, when I spotted this photo. Maybe that is what makes it special. As I explore DC, I will continue to post all of my photos on my Washington DC page.

6-26-09 Discovery

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:51:00 +0000

6-26-09 Discovery, originally uploaded by roswellsgirl.

Another day of learning and networking with inspiring educators at Discovery.

6-25-09 Virtual Friends F2F

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:50:00 +0000

6-25-09 Virtual Friends F2F, originally uploaded by roswellsgirl.

Today I am at the Discovery Educator Network Leadership Symposium. I am meeting lots of people I feel I know well from our virtual conversations and professional development. Even though we learn lots from each other even when we are on opposite ends of the globe. It is still great to get to visit and learn from others face to face. This is Dennis in person, next to Dennis' online presence.

6-24-09 Freedom Is

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:49:00 +0000

6-24-09 Freedom Is, originally uploaded by roswellsgirl.

I met this little Navajo Grandma at the Lincoln Memorial where I offered to take a photo of her with her daughter. She was excited to hear that I had taught on the Navajo Nation. I was able to use the little bit of Navajo I still remember. Which made her eyes light up. This photo was taken at the nearby Korean War Memorial. I had fun wondering around DC today and I took lots of photos. But this little lady captured the spirit of those who make the pilgrimage to our nation's capital to celebrate freedom. She is a proud American, even though our American government hasn't always done her proud.

My photos from today...

6-23-09 Rainbow Wall

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:47:00 +0000

6-23-09 Rainbow Wall, originally uploaded by roswellsgirl.

Today was a travel day. Left the hotel at 4am in Seattle and traveled all day to get to another non descript hotel in the DC area. Not a lot of photo opportunities. This rainbow wall was a bit of art in the Dulles Airport.

4-4-09 Covered Bridge

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 22:46:00 +0000

4-4-09 Covered Bridge, originally uploaded by roswellsgirl.

Just driving shots today. A long way to go and ready to get home. It has been a great trip. Fun and spontaneous, waking each morning not knowing the direction we would take. Saw this covered bridge from the freeway on the way down, but we were in search of sun and didn’t stop. This time, we decided to take a closer look.

4-3-09 California Fruitstand

noreply@blogger.com (Martha) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 22:45:00 +0000

4-3-09 California Fruitstand, originally uploaded by roswellsgirl.

Today was a driving day but since we were driving through the prime agricultural region, I made sure that we stopped at a few fruit stands along the way. Had one of the tastiest oranges ever