John and Steven's Cross Country Road Trip

More Seattle Pics

2008-06-10T01:07:00.005-04:00

Some pictures from Seattle and our house party. Due to abnormal weather patterns, it is still cold here, the highs have only been in the 50's.

Seattle Harbor - Mt. Ranier is in the background

Downtown Seattle

Downtown Seattle

Sera's in the sculpture park

Stacy, Steven, and Jeff

Me

Group Shot

Seattle Green

Downtown Seattle

Seattle

2008-06-07T18:45:00.004-04:00

Well it has been cloudy and raining since we got here on Monday night. The forecast is overcast and cool until next weekend due to strong jet stream sitting over Seattle. The upside to all the rain is that the city is a beautiful emerald green.

I am living in Capitol Hill, which is a section of Seattle. The following are some pics of the neighborhood. More to come!

Street around the corner

Backyard Patio

Front of my house

One block west of our street

View from the end of the alley (The skyline is Bellevue)

Neighborhood Street

The Last Drive

2008-06-04T17:09:00.005-04:00

After a 12 hour drive my brother and I made it to Seattle, Washington from Salt Lake City Utah. Eastern Oregon and Washington are very dry compared to their wet coasts. I will be posting more pictures of Seattle shortly.

Boise Skyline

Snake River between Oregon and Idaho

Abandoned concrete plant in Eastern Oregon

Drive to the Blue Mountains in Oregon

Cascades, Washington State

Cascades

Cascades

Seattle or Bust!

2008-06-02T00:22:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow, ( 6/2/08), Steven and I leave for our final destination: Seattle, WA. It will be our longest drive of the trip at 12 hours. During this drive we will pass through Idaho, Oregon, and of course Washington State. We will also enter into Pacific Time and will be 3 hours behind all of you East Coasters. Stay tuned for some new photos...

Bumming Around Park City

2008-05-31T23:30:00.008-04:00

On our first full day in Utah, our awesome cousin Cam took us to Park City and downtown Ogden for a car show.

Aunt Kay and Cam at the car show.

Park City

View of downtown Park City

John at Deer Valley

Cam at Deer Valley

What John didn't know is that apples are only healthy when not covered in sugar and chocolate.

Uh?

Steven, Aunt Kay, Cam, and John

Day 16: Drive From Jackson to Utah

2008-05-31T23:14:00.007-04:00

Located on Bear Lake, this stop has the best shakes.

Steven awaiting his feeding

Picture across Bear Lake

Road Pics:

UTAH!!!

2008-05-31T01:07:00.001-04:00

We are currently staying with my cousin Cam in Layton, UT. I will start posting pics asap. Please check back soon. I hope everyone is doing well.

Evening in Jackson

2008-05-29T11:14:00.002-04:00

Jackson Fence

John and Billy

A wolf dog

John driving the "Green Machine" through the streets of Jackson

Jackson, Wyoming - Population: 8,647 Elevation: 6,234 ft.

2008-05-28T16:32:00.009-04:00

View of downtown ski resort

New Theatre in Jackson, WY

Antique business - I just liked the building

Square in downtown Jackson

Drive to Jackson

2008-05-28T15:48:00.014-04:00

Middle of Nowhere - Can you find a tree in this pic?

Approaching the Rocky Mountains

Wyoming Landscape

Landscape in Wyoming as we head into the Rocky Mountains

Crossing the Great Divide on Route 26

Road work at 9,000 ft.

At 9,000 ft.

Teton Mountain Range

Grant Teton in Grand Teton National Park ( 30 minutes north of Jackson,WY)

Jackson, Wyoming is at the base of this Mountain

Day 14: Drive to Jackson, Wyoming

2008-05-27T09:13:00.003-04:00

Today we leave for Jackson, Wyoming to visit my brother's friend from High School. The drive will take us around 9 hours and we will be crossing the great divide at roughly 9,000 ft. It is currently 38 degrees in Rapid City and 40 degrees in Jackson, Wyoming. We are expecting to see snow as we drive through the higher elevations.

Day 13: Badlands, South Dakota

2008-05-26T21:51:00.005-04:00

My Aunt Marge and Uncle Bryant gave us a tour of Badlands National Park and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

Uncle Bryant, Me
Uncle Bryant, Steven

Aunt Marge, Me, Uncle Bryant

Wall, SD - Tourist mecca for Badland Visitors

Boots, Boots, Boots...

Sites around Rapid City

2008-05-25T23:55:00.010-04:00

Lake Pactola

Lake Pactola - Dam is on the right hand side of the pic

An old jeep

Crazy Horse Memorial

Rainbow outside of Rapid City

Rainbow

Lilac in my Aunt's backyard

Large biker bar in Sturgis, South Dakota

Downtown Sturgis

Downtown Sturgis

Largest biker bar in the world. (Outside of Sturgis)

Bear Butte

Buffalo at Bear Butte

View of Black Hills from Bear Butte

Field outside of Bear Butte

Bull Snake outside Bear Butte Visitor Center

Bull Snake -Pic #2

Black Hills

Bear Butte

Rapid City

2008-05-25T23:47:00.003-04:00

We arrived in Rapid City, South Dakota Thursday evening and were welcomed by torrential rain.

Headline in local newspaper

Living the headline. The basement level flooded at my relatives' home. In the end, a professional removed over 3,000 gallons of water from the home.

Rainfall over Rapid City

Carhenge

2008-05-24T10:09:00.004-04:00

On our trip to South Dakota we had to stop to see Carhenge in Alliance, Nebraska. Personally, I feel that this is a wonderful example of Post-Modern Americana Art.

This was a religious experience for Steven.

Other pieces of art at the site.

Dinosaurs!

Trekking Across Nebraska

2008-05-24T08:17:00.008-04:00

On our trek from Lincoln, Nebraska to Rapid City, South Dakota we encountered flash flood warnings, tornado warnings, torrential downpours, a dust storm, and intense mountain fog. However it was all worth it for Carhenge! ( Please see Carhenge Post)

They are everywhere (It is a family name)! www.loffredo.com

Below: Ominous Skies in Central Nebraska

Western Nebraska

Example of a settler's home - Outside of Lewellen, NE

Western Nebraska landscape

Long train

Dust Storm in Nebraska

Dust Storm ( Cont.)

Black Hills, South Dakota

Intense fog on our decent into Rapid City, South Dakota

Day 9: Lincoln, Nebraska

2008-05-24T08:06:00.006-04:00

My brother and I arrived in Lincoln, Nebraska, home of the Cornhuskers, to visit with my good friends Melanie and Will. They are currently living in Lincoln, while Will clerks for a Federal judge. I had a great time in Lincoln and I look forward to visiting them in Dallas. Good luck with the move...that's Dallas! Thank you!

John, Will, Melanie

Nebraska State Capitol Building

Night Scene in Lincoln

Street Scene

Kansas City

2008-05-24T08:04:00.004-04:00

On our way to Lincoln, Nebraska we past by Kansas City, MO.

Leaving St. Louis

2008-05-24T07:54:00.003-04:00

We left St. Louis for Lincoln, Nebraska on Thursday morning. Fortunately, before we left we were able to visit with my Uncle George who had returned home from Atlanta. A big THANK YOU to the McAuliffe's for the wonderful time we had in St. Louis!

Yes Uncle Tony, the car is still in existence!

Eats

2008-05-21T23:24:00.004-04:00

After slaving away all day, that is a joke, my Aunt Julie took us out to Vietnamese food and for good old fashion St. Louis custard. This evening concluded our time in St. Louis, for tomorrow we leave for Lincoln, NE to visit Will and Melanie.

Reem and I -Should I keep the beard? Vote!

Pete, Aunt Julie, Me, and Steven

The Best Custard on Earth

Life is Tough in Saint Louis

2008-05-21T19:16:00.005-04:00

In St. Louis you have to work for food...pool boy!

Even my Cousin Pete has to work, and he has a day job.

Miscellaneous Pics from Steven's Camera

2008-05-21T12:28:00.002-04:00

Chicago - Cousin George's Improv Group

Improv Group ( Cont.)

Me and Amy - Lake Monona, Wisconsin

Me in chain male with Amy

Steven and Amy

Day 7: St. Louis Evening

2008-05-21T12:11:00.005-04:00

Tuesday evening we went out with my cousins to grab a few drinks and listen to Jazz.

Pete, Me, Howie

Dr. Scott, Me, Steven

Dr. Scott says the flipped-up collar is all the rage in London these days...what do you think?

Steven and Pete

Day 7: St. Louis Tour

2008-05-20T18:58:00.010-04:00

My cousin Howie took my brother and I on a grand tour of St. Louis. The tour truly opened my eyes to some of the beautiful neighborhoods that lie within the city limits. (Dad - You and Mom may move to St. Louis, but you need to consult me on the appropriate neighborhood in which to live.) The Central West End neighborhood is probably my most favorite neighborhood in the city.

Cafe in St. Louis's Italian Hill Neighborhood

Building that my cousin rehabilitated into apartments and shops.

Church that was converted into an office for a marketing business.

Grand homes in St. Louis

Street Scene

Old St. Louis Post Office

St. Louis City Museum. ( Yes, that is a bus on the roof.)

View of a downtown avenue looking east.

Downtown Building

Loft Apartment in the Downtown - it for sale for $254,000 or $117/sq ft.

View of downtown from loft apartment building.

For more information: www.SaveMullanphy.org

Redevelopment project in North St. Louis
Central West End Neighborhood.

Central West End

Day 6: Afternoon in Iowa City, Iowa

2008-05-19T23:54:00.007-04:00

As my brother and I continued our Journey from Madison to St. Louis we stopped in Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa, in order to take a break and tour the college campus.

Downtown Iowa City

View of North Campus

New campus research building

New apartment Building

Tornado!

Pedestrian mall in downtown Iowa City

Pedestrian Mall ( Cont.)

Original Iowa state Capitol Building. When the state moved the capitol to Des Moine, Iowa City received the state university to make up for their economic loss.

UI Campus

River through Campus

Day 6: Morning in Madison, Wisconsin

2008-05-19T23:03:00.013-04:00

Steve, Amy, and I spent Monday morning exploring downtown Madison. Madison is truly one of the premier college towns in the country and consistently voted as one of the best places to live.

Wisconsin state Capitol Building.

Madison Street Scene

Capitol Building rotunda.

View from Capitol Building
Building

Another building
Madison in Progress! (That is for you Amy)

View from Capitol

Art Museum
State Street - Only buses and delivery vehicles are allowed to use this main thoroughfare through the city.

Lake

Bus stop

View of student union on UW campus.

Backside of student union building

Historic Building

Day 5: Madison, Wisconsin

2008-05-19T10:16:00.004-04:00

We arrived in Madison, Wisconsin after a quick 2 hour drive from Chicago. We arrived in this beautiful college town to visit with my good friend Amy (picture to be posted). Amy showed my brother and I a great time by taking us to two graduation parties. Congrats on your grad degree Amy!

Madison and Lake Monona

Picture of Office Building

Frank Lloyd Wright designed civic center - the building was built after his death.

Picture of Lake Monona

Another lake picture, view looking from Madison

Homes in the Willy Street Neighborhood

My brother wearing chain male, it is a great visiting a town full of hippies!

John trying on chain male...is that a belly?

Day 5: Leaving Chicago

2008-05-19T10:09:00.002-04:00

As requested, below you will find pictures of my awesome cousins.

Pictures of Cousins - Mom and Dad, why did I get the short gene? :)

George and Steven

George and John
Honorary Cousin Scott

Day 4: Chicago

2008-05-18T09:37:00.004-04:00

Chicago Street Scene

Frank Gehry Amphitheater

Lake Michigan

Wrigley Field
Fountain in Grant Park

Grant Park

Interactive Art in Millennium Park

Millennium Park

Day 3: Chicago

2008-05-17T11:03:00.006-04:00

We left Columbus and headed for the Windy City to visit with our Cousins. On the drive to Chicago we stopped in Crown Point to pay homage to my brother's friend's hometown. Then in exiting onto I-90, I mistakingly chose East instead of West and we ended up touring Gary, Indiana for 15 minutes.

In the evening we went to The Annoyance to watch my cousin George perform a comedy sketch entitled "Body Slam: The Rise and Fall of CAWC".... it was hilarious.

Gas Station in Crown Point, Indiana. (Please send gas money asap.)

Stuck in traffic....the state closed I-65 North of 80.

Chicago Skyline from Car

Lake Michigan from Lakeshore Drive

Picture courtesy of Steven.

Day 2: Columbus, Ohio

2008-05-16T09:08:00.009-04:00

On Day 2 we arrived in Columbus, Ohio to visit my good friend Sarah. We met while working on the Maine Coast way back in 2005. I had a great time visiting with Sarah and seeing the sights in Columbus, Ohio.

Sarah

Picture of the Short North neighborhood in Columbus.

Goodale Park

More Lewisburg Pics

2008-05-16T09:04:00.003-04:00

John and Kim
John and Jessie pondering the meaning of life.

Farewell Lewisburg: Part II

2008-05-15T09:27:00.007-04:00

I had a great time at the party to say farewell to my awesome friends in Lewisburg one last time. Thank you Kim and Chris for letting us stay with you and for hosting a get together. Steven and I had a great time!

This is an extreme close-up of Mike, taken by Mike.

Garden Path at Kim's

Ready, Set, GO!

2008-05-14T11:47:00.003-04:00

With Steven's graduation behind us and nothing but a bright future in front of us...

Steven and I start our road trip today with our first stop being Lewisburg, PA. My good friend Kim is hosting a garden party this evening , and I look forward to relaxing and sharing a good time with friends before heading out tomorrow morning for Columbus, OH.

Beach Job : Complete

2008-05-06T17:25:00.008-04:00

On Friday, May 2nd I finished my 4 week stint working at a beach club in Sea Bright, NJ. After working for two years in an office it was refreshing to work outside for a month and not stare at a computer. (Mike, how is your web surfing going at the COG?)

Farewell Lewisburg, PA

2008-04-15T21:32:00.004-04:00

On April 5th, my very good friends Corby and Kim held a farewell party for me in Lewisburg. The party allowed me to say goodbye to all the great people that I met while living in the 'burg. I will miss you all, for you have given me great memories.

Thank you for the gas money!!!

Back Home in Fair Haven, NJ

2008-03-31T22:16:00.005-04:00

I returned to my old stopping grounds this past weekend and I shall remain here until May 15th. I look forward to visiting with friends and family before heading out West.

The Vehicle

2008-03-21T11:06:00.006-04:00

This is my 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport. It has 140,000 miles logged...will it be able to make the cross country trip? Vote!

My Sister Lauren's Travel Blog

2008-03-20T15:55:00.002-04:00

Check out my sister's travel blog:
http://www.lvanderblog.blogspot.com/

New Jersey to Seattle

2008-03-20T09:12:00.002-04:00

Steven and I leave for Seattle, Washington in Mid-May! Please feel free to check this blog for pictures and funny stories as our trip unfolds.

Anyone can post comments on this blog. I chose a black background in order to save energy.