On Journeys through the States On journeys through the States we start, (Ay, through the world—urged by these songs, Sailing henceforth to every land—to every sea;) We, willing learners of all, teachers of all, and lovers of all. We have watch’d the seasons dispensing themselves, and passing on, We have said, Why should not a man or woman do as much as the seasons, and effuse as much? We dwell a while in every city and town; We pass through Kanada, the north-east, the vast valley of the Mississippi, and the Southern States; We confer on equal terms with each of The States, We make trial of ourselves, and invite men and women to hear; We say to ourselves, Remember, fear not, be candid, promulge the body and the Soul; Dwell a while and pass ... read more

In true Mary fashion I have a story for y'all... Last night, unbeknownst to us, our hotel was robbed. The clerk was lured away from the desk under the guise that a guest needed towels. Someone has placed a phony call to lure her away and while she was delivering the materials to the room, which happened to be unoccupied, money was stolen from the drawer. What I find strange is that I actually think whoever took the money may have been casing the joint earlier. Around 10pm I heard a knock on our hotel room door. My parent's were already asleep and I wasn't about to open the door to someone I didn't know. I heard another knock and then the person walked down the hallway. I didn't hear any more knocks on any ... read more

We have been lucky enough in our travels to have been blessed with good weather for most of the trip until today. It wasn't that the weather was awful. It was just "blah." As soon as we woke up this morning we looked out to a gray sky. Sometimes I think its worse then just straight out rain because your just waiting for the inevitable to happen. As soon as I looked outside I just wanted to admit defeat and crawl back under the covers and sleep the day away. My parents, however, had other ideas and hurried me along so we could be on our merry way. This trip has been a great experience in many ways but it hasn't been exactly what I thought it would be. Though I have been happy to ... read more

no not really...that was just the message I had on my phone while on the California/Arizona border when we stopped at the hotel last evening. Fear not friends...I did not forget you. Alas my connection to the wonderful wireless internet world was unattainable. So although I am late in updating I was thinking of all of you as I was soaking up the warm sunshine and enjoying the scent of sunscreen! I woke up yesterday to one of the best hotel continental breakfasts I've ever had. Usually I skip breakfast...or rather it skips me as I am sleeping during "normal" breakfast time. Who knew that waffles at a regular old hotel could be so good but I digress and should stay on target. My parent's were humoring me as I told them we should be ... read more

Hi everyone, We ended up getting to Las Vegas fairly late in the evening yesterday, and though we gained an hour, it was dark and I am still on "eastern" time! I pretty much passed out as soon as we got into our room...and come to find out getting a room was a feat and a half! You would never know the economy was in bad shape the way the people are pouring out of the casinos here. Maybe everyone uses the excuse I did when I crumpled and bought another camera yesterday...I was helping to "stimulate the economy!" To recap yesterday's events before I fell asleep will be a little hazy. We quickly drove back to Bryce Canyon so I could get a few shots with my new camera. I still can't get over how ... read more