Cross Country Road Trip

Since gas now costs $4.25/gallon it seemed the perfect time to drive across the country. I loaded up the '92 Isuzu Rodeo with the dog, sleeping bags, tent, car emergency equipment, and a 10 days supply of beef jerky and granola and headed out for the open road.

The route took us from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL. Then moving across the oh-so-boring states of Illinois and Iowa till we finally entered the scenic South Dakota Badlands and Black Hills. Proceeding onto Yellowstone, then Wyoming and Montana, stopping frequently to hike and enjoy the Rockies. Continuing traveling through Idaho, briefly stopping in Eastern Washington and then finally entering Oregon under a full moon.

Time-lapse photos from Harney Peak Fire Tower, Black Hills South Dakota. You can view the full photo album.

Markus 'Barkus'

Markus 'Barkus' is the newest addition to the family. Markus was a stray picked up in Prince George's county and held at the animal shelter for a few days. He was starving to death when animal control found him, and nearly dead. Fortunately he was placed at the Friends of Homeless Animals animal shelter, a wonderful no-kill shelter located in Loundoun, VA, and was nursed back to health. As is typical of boxers, he is goofy and fun, but still recuperating from his earlier emaciation. He is a wonderfully sweet dog, and very quick to learn. We couldn't be happier with the newest member of the family 'pack'.

Accordion Music

What two things go together better than peanut butter and chocolate? Try accordion music and rave dancing. You should prepare yourself before you watch the video above, because some things in life you just can't "unsee".