The Four Corners

Jeff is in four states at one time!









Jin Sun is eating in four states at one time!

X-Games Winding Down in Telluride, CO

XGames: Day 3 ends with a 3 mile hike to the Bear Creek Falls in Telluride.

We were bummed to find out that we just missed the Wine Festival- it was sold out! Not deterred, we found another way to taste at a local wine shop and were able to participate in our own way.
Many thanks to loyal reader Don W. for helping us plan out much of the western portion of our trip!


Click for more pics!

Ziplining with Captain Zipline (X-Games, Day 2)

The guy who ran the Zipline tour in Salida, CO is actually named Captain Zipline (and he's 67).

Ziplining was a piece of cake-only wanted to go faster, higher, and longer. Jin-Streme the adrenaline junkie is looking for her next hit!

We're now watching old Evel Knievel tapes for ideas...

Skycoaster in the Gorge, CO (X-Games Day 1, Part II)

Day 1, Part II- We doubled down at the Royal Gorge. The water levels were too high for us to raft through it, so we decided to swing over it.

http://www.royalgorgebridge.com/

Jin-streme in CO (X-Games Day 1, Part I)

Day one- Riding the river wild in Canon City, CO. For thrill seeking adventurers like us, this was just a warm up.


Special thanks to uber-guide (and former B-towner) Kurt Myers for making it a great day!

Conway's Red Top- Colorado Springs, CO

Another road food pit stop- Jeff ordered the 6 inch cheeseburger with a side of 'frings'.

In response to a comment from loyal reader John C., we are generally complementary orderers, so we tend to try at least two things (one almost always being the specialty). Jeff usually orders this as it's frequently not heart-healthy.

Sometimes, you just have to get the main dish, like at Hires Big H, where we both ordered Big H combos and root beers (Jeff had the float) in frosty mugs.

Denver, CO and Boulder, CO

We cruised the local farmer's market in Boulder, CO. We couldn't believe our eyes when we saw a portable pizza oven- the resulting pizzas looked thin and crispy. Had we not pigged out on sushi happy hour at Hapa, we would have ordered one.





We spent the night at the Sheraton in downtown Denver- and walked the 'mall' all the way to the Millenium Bridge.

Welcome to the world, Logan!

Shoutout to Jin Ho and Jess in Charlottesville, VA- Congratulations on your new baby boy! I think he's got Jin Ho's nose.

Deadwood, SD

Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse, SD

Mount Rushmore- JSP underwhelmed and bored, ready to move onto Crazy Horse. Unlike his wife, Jeff was impressed and loves his country.

Crazy Horse - Jeff couldn't believe it wasn't finished yet (started in 1948)- and we both agreed it wasn't going to be in our lifetimes.

JSP seems more excited about posing with the Bookworm- mascot of Rapid City's Public Library.

As is often the case, there are more photos if you click on the title of this blog post.

Wyoming: A Beautiful Place to Drive Through

With our focus on SD, we zipped through central and eastern Wyoming- with a brief stop at the Motel 6 in Casper. I would not recommend it. Jeff conversed with a random drifter and we saw plastic gallon jugs of generic tequila being consumed outside in the bed of a flatbed truck.

Jeff is ready to convert...

After Jeff heard about the upcoming Osmond concert, he burst out in song at the Mormon Tabernacle. I never thought he was religiously inclined... but I guess he was moved.

Looking for Pasta in a Mormon World

What's the first thing you think of when you think of Salt Lake City? Ok, besides the Mormon Tabernacle and "Fletch" jokes. That's right, great ethnic food!

When you think of great restaurateurs, what's one of the first names that comes to mind? That's right, former Utah Jazz center Mark Eaton!

With this in mind, we figured we couldn't go wrong at his restaurant ("Tuscany") and we were right!

http://www.tuscanyslc.com/

Sundance and SLC, UT

JSP waits patiently for Redford at Sundance...

Salt Lake City (and Utah in general) is pretty stunning all told.

Sure nothing is open on Sunday, locals wear funny underwear, its hard to get a drink and the hotels don't have adult videos on pay per view (but they do offer "international" movies). That said, the scenery really can't be beat. The mountains ring the city and skiing is only 30 minutes away. Population is only 180k which doesn't seem like it could support an NBA franchise.

We're staying at a Marriott on the University of Utah campus that was once the home of Rick Majerus. Speaking of Majerus, here's a list of some his favorite SLC eateries for future reference (we found this too late!).

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/sioncampus/02/03/road_trip0205/index.html

Also, we recommend Hires Big H burgers. Packed, but worth the wait http://www.hiresbigh.com/

Misson Accomplished: Arches and Canyonlands, UT

Wrapping up the National Parks Mission Impossible with Arches and Canyonlands parks after a fairly amazing eastward drive across southern Utah.

We stayed in Moab in a local motel- had 3.2 beer at the one of the breweries.

JSP finally able to rest after getting EXTREME(!) for the last few days.

For the record, she has logged roughly 286 hours of sleep in the car so far.

Click post title for more pics.

77,777 Miles on the Honda

Driving through Southern Utah, the reliable '96 Honda (aka The Little Buddy Mobile) made it to 77,777 miles. Here's to another 77,777!







We also decided after driving the length of UT, that the GC was over-rated. Utah just needs to do a better job of marketing itself.

Mission Impossible: Zion and Bryce, UT

Our mission once we chose to accept it: 4 National Parks in 24 hours. We started the mission at Zion and Bryce in the southwestern part of the state.

Bryce on the left- captured in all its widescreen glory. Next on the agenda: Arches and Canyonlands on the other side of the state.

Click the posting title for more pics including Weeping Rock and our furry friend.

Lake Powell, AZ

We recommend the sunset dinner cruise to see the most of Lake Powell in just 2.5 hours. The food was a pleasant surprise, dinner company most pleasant, and the views spectacular. Click on the post title to see more pictures.

Road Food- El Charro in Tucson, AZ

We lunched with Aunt Oak Cha and her partner Janusz at El Charro in Tucson, AZ. Special Guests #3 and #4. As many of you know, both guests are expert line dancers whose skilled performances are in high demand- especially at family weddings.




El Charro- Birthplace of the Chimichanga also serves the world's largest Chimichanga filled with about 25 lbs of Carne Seca. Special thanks to several of you for the recommendation! Upon inquiry, we found out that this beast is rarely taken down by an individual- teams are encouraged. The next day, 3 of us tried to finish it but with no success. If you're wondering exactly how big this dish is, click on the posting title.

Jeff Relives His Childhood- Montezuma Castle, AZ

We spent a day in Phoenix, AZ at the Tapatio Resort at the Pointe- the same place Jeff stayed during a family vacation in '82. On our way, we stopped at Montezuma Castle National Monument- another place Jeff had been during that same trip. See the pictures of the scaly native near the cliff dwelling...


Note how Jeff pays homage to his hometown even while we are on vacation.
Big ups to B-Town!

Route 66 Regional Chile Cookoff

We were lucky enough to be in Flagstaff, AZ during the weekend of the Rte 66 Regional Chile Cookoff!

Despite the obvious crowds (see more pics by clicking on the posting title link), Jin Sun didn't understand why the Food Network wasn't covering the event. We tasted 18 different red and green chiles and then topped off our 'lunch' with some Italian Wutta Ice.

Pretty Farm On Our Way to Flagstaff, AZ

Yes, that's snow on the mountain. Pretty crazy climate and terrain shifts in AZ. Sand and cacti quickly turn into pine trees and aspens. It was 111 degrees in Phoenix a couple of hours away.

Miles Driven: approximately 4,000
Guest Stars: 2
States Visited: 3
In and Outs Visited: Still zero (not by design)

Flying the Friendly Skies: Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride

We heard from many of you that the best way to see the Grand Canyon was by helicopter. The international passenger list included 2 French, 2 Spanish and 2 Americans along with the pilot. In about an hour, we covered the entire canyon from the air.

Unfortunately, T.C. from Magnum P.I. was not our pilot. Our first time in a helicopter- definitely not our last.

Tip: to see more photos of the Grand Canyon, click on the title.

Grand Canyon, AZ

Residual vortex energy at work in the Grand Canyon. Welcome to the Gun show...


Tip: to see more photos, click on the title.

Historic Hotel Monte Vista, Flagstaff, AZ

Hotel Review:
Jeff gives it a thumbs up for the 2 bars and a nightclub. We added our names to the famous guests that stayed there- the list includes Air Supply, Michael Stipe, The Duke, Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, and Anthony Hopkins.

Jin Sun is undecided. Although the celebrity stays has its appeal, nothing could cover up the crappy, carpet, no A/C, and the train whistles in the middle of the night. (it's next to train tracks) The location however was outstanding.

Thanks to Don W. for the recommendation. To see more famous guests, click below.

http://www.hotelmontevista.com/famousguests.php

Sedona, AZ- Harvesting the energy of the vortex

A vortex is the funnel shape created by a whirling fluid or by the motion of spiraling energy. Familiar examples of vortex shapes are whirlwinds, tornadoes, and water going down a drain. A vortex can be made up of anything that flows, such as wind, water, or electricity.

The vortexes in Sedona are swirling centers of subtle energy coming out from the surface of the earth. The vortex energy is not exactly electricity or magnetism, although it does leave a slight measurable residual magnetism in the places where it is strongest.

Jeff- after some vortex flow climbs with a smile.

Fun in Safford, AZ

Little Children Part Deux

Starring Kate Winslet, Jennifer Connelly, Patrick Wilson, and newcomer Jeff Balaguras. Directed by Todd Field. On location at the Safford Public Pool, AZ.

A Childhood Dream Unfulfilled - So far

MWM desperately seeking dune buggy rentals in Safford, AZ.

I just assumed this was the #1 past time in Arizona. It turns out to be cigarette smoking. Jin Sun is seriously considering picking up the habit to fit in (it's never too late!).

We're getting closer. Stay tuned...