Rednecks, Dirty Boots & Fried Okra

Four summers ago, my favorite red head introduced me to her home away from home. A wonderful little town called Tishomingo. That spot in Oklahoma immediately had my heart. The people, the land, the pick-up truck rides, and Anna's cooking had me hooked. I knew why that place was so near and dear to Courtney. And I knew I would have to return. It took four years before I met Courtney there again. But I know it will not be that long until our next visit. Those cherry limeades and incredible people will bring us back right quick. I was so blessed by this mini adventure. I left with a full heart (and a few tears).

Here is my first attempt at videography. My GoPro and I built quite a relationship on this trip. Here you have the adventure to see for yourself. Feel free to watch in full screen!

***Having technical difficulties. Until I figure it out, here is the link to the video on YouTube:

Courtney and Erin go to Tish

"I'm booking myself a one way flight, gotta see the color in your eyes. Im telling myself Im gonna be alright; without you baby is a waste of time...."

Once you go Glacier, you Can't Go Back

I've crossed three national parks off my bucket list:
Grand Teton

Yellowstone

Glacier

     Let me tell you, I have never been more disgruntled at returning to the concrete jungle. Yes it has its perks and it is home. But once you have been to Glacier National Park, there is really nothing comparable.   I mean I have never seen anywhere more beautiful in my entire life. EVER! And all my future hiking trips will have a hard time competing. 

     Here is a thought: heaven is better than anything we can imagine on Earth. Wow, you mean heaven is better than Glacier?! Let me tell you, thats perspective. I can't imagine the unfortunate visitors of Glacier who go there not knowing God. They are missing out.

     Fun fact: at its shoulders a moose can stand 8.5 feet. This does not count their neck, head or massive antlers. Thank you Jesus one never charged at me. That is a large and magnificent animal! So stoked I saw 4 in person this past week.

     Western Wyoming is now my favorite state. Hello cowboys, wild horses, green prairies and stunning mountains. Who knew how beautiful it is?! I could not get over it, I am still not over it.

     I currently am pondering my next trip. I can't possibly go much longer without a hiking trip in my very near future ever again. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado? I think so! Lets make it happen. First step: buy my own tent. And maybe probably get married. Would it be weird to go on a camping/hiking honeymoon? Probably, huh? Can't wait for all the camping and hiking trips in my future life with David! Its gonna be great. That guy is too darn amazing. How did I get so lucky?!

Bucket List

Im starting a bucket list. And not a cheesy one like Im sure I had in Jr. High. Things that make me excited just thinking about.  And of course, things that could involve me taking pictures! Here are some things I have so far:

Life Bucket List:
-See all the National Parks
-Get a photograph published
-See all 50 states

Before 30 Bucket List:
-See the Swiss Alps
-Run a Half Marathon in under 2 hours
-Dare I say run a Full Marathon??
-Buy an L series camera lens
-Hike Half Dome in Yosemite

Well thats all I got so far. Not just anything can make my list! I wouldn't want to get the pearly gates with a half accomplished list!

2753 Miles

Its a long distance from David's home to mine, especially when you throw in extra scenic drives to the mileage.  So here is the account (made as brief as possible, a near impossibility) of the western road trip of 3 Millers and myself in a Ford Taurus.  Yes, it was cramped.  Yes, it was loaded down.  Yes the wheel did hit the wheel well every time we hit a bump or pothole, or even just when driving on flat roads.

Day 1: Drive from Indiana to Salina, Kansas. That is, there is a reason my parents never took us on vacations in Kansas, and why I shall never need to return.
Day 2: Drive to Colorado Springs to see some of my family and a dear friend, go to the Garden of the Gods.
Day 3: Drive through the Rockies and get to Moab, Utah.
Day 4: Arches National Park, Canyon Lands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, off roading in a Jeep Wrangler.
Day 5: Arches National Park, more off roading in a Jeep Wrangler.
Day 6: Antelope Canyon in Arizona. Drive to North Rim of the Grand Canyon for the sunset.
Day 7: Drive. Bryce National Park. Zion National Park.
Day 8: Drive to SoCal and have dinner with my parents.

And of course, now to the more exciting part: PICTURES!

note: I took hundreds, saw so much of God's unbelievable creation, and could not possibly do it justice in this post, but I will narrow it down. Ask me in a month about my photo album I am making to show all of it.

Day 1 to Salina, Kansas. I said that was it, no need for pictures.

Day 2 in Colorado Springs.

Garden of the Gods 

The best dinner prayer, and most knowledgeable about things with chords and plugs. 

My first time meeting her, I am in love.

Family

Day 3: Driving through Colorado to Moab, Utah.

Driving through Colorado is fantastic in all directions. I forgot how beautiful this state is.

Seriously, I could not get over how beautiful the drive was. I love Aspen trees. 

Maroon Bells, the most photographed spot in Colorado. Its obvious why, and this is on an overcast
and windy day.  But it was definitely one of my favorite spots in nature I have ever seen.

Day 4 and 5 in Utah.

Delicate Arch. its pretty big. And pretty sweet.

I like it cuz it looks like it should be in Pirates of the Caribbean.  And anything to bring Johnny Depp around is good.

Look at the people to see how big Double Arch is. 

That road you see is what we drove down, a few thousand feet up and no guard rails, and we had to pass other cars.

It was amazing what this car could climb up and down without tipping or crashing.

Yes, I was terrified, but I played it off cool. No big.

I did get to drive, a small thrill.

Dead Horse Point: 2,000 feet down to the Colorado River.

Day 6 at Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon

Entering Antelope Canyon, there is a reason they call them "slot" canyons

Most beautiful and unique place Ive ever been.

And I did not edit these pictures at all! It is that colorful on its own from the light.

A picture just doesn't even do it justice.  Its so massive and magnificent.

The stars were unbelievable out there away from city lights. And the milky way was so clear! 

The Big Dipper (minus that last star on the handle cuz I could not zoom out anymore)

Day 7 at Bryce and Zion National Parks

Seriously, the weirdest looking natural things ever. How does it even happen?!

Zion Narrows

The Midwest, Baptized by Fire, Part 2

Hello from Moab, Utah!

Ok, to continue Patrick's visit...
Day 3 & 4 with the cousins...
A little corn hole, bonfire, some fishin', and lots of cuddle time with the new baby!

Day 5: Illinois farm land

The boys outside the corn silo.

Inside the silo, laying on about 15 feet of corn kernels 

More playing inside the silo

Jumping from the top into the piles of corn

Going to bring the farmers lunch

Harvesting corn! Patrick is inside the combine, the tractor on the right that is cutting the corn down.

The combine with Pat on board

The tractor that takes the cut corn kernels to a grain elevator for storage.

Grain elevators

The trail we were riding 4 wheelers on between farms

The horse Pat is on about threw him off, luckily he only lost a stirrup.

Disregard my horse-back riding windswept hair.

She was in heaven! Biggest smiles ever.

This horse, Charlie, was acting up, so we ran him around the pasture over and over tied up to the golf cart.