Paul's Birthday

We haven't had any wifi so couldn't post but the dry spell is over - at least for the next 24 hours while I have internet access!

So, last Friday on February 1, New Zealand's insects got together and gave Paul 25 little gifts for his birthday. They must have missed the memo that he turned 36. We think they were spider bites but they also could have been sand fleas...Paul did lay in the sand before surfing down those sand dunes.

Itchy bites

After tending to his bites, we celebrated Paul's birthday by driving 5 hours to our next destination, Rotorua. By the time we got into town, we were exhausted - driving in New Zealand is very stressful since everyone wants to go super fast around only the curvy parts of the road. We also often see a lot of cars passing others with blind turns ahead.

Impatient drivers

We were lucky enough to stay in a lovely Bed & Breakfast called Sandi's B&B. The room, service, and hospitality were great. Sandi even offered to do our laundry! After getting cleaned up, we ventured into town to have a proper dinner for Paul's 36th Birthday celebration.

Paul is ready to eat meat!

Happy Birthday Paul! The best husband ever!

Made it to the Grand Canyon

After a lovely stay at the Sundance Bear Lodge with Bob and Sue, we didn't make it to Mesa Verde because of the big storm that hit (and continues to hit) the Southwest. Instead, we decided to drive straight to the Grand Canyon so that we would make it here safely. As we drove through Colorado, we learned of the horrific tragedy in Connecticut. It was hard to get information since our service was so spotty but we eventually got the story. I'm so incredibly sad for the families who have lost their loved ones. It made our activities today seem so unimportant. But we still attempted to see the Grand Canyon despite the terrible news and the winter storm.

With Bob and Sue at their B&B, Sundance Bear Lodge - a lovely place to stay!

Paul and a tumbleweed (he really likes these things)

Paul in between the "elephant feet" on Route 160

Trying to show how far apart these rocks are!

Artsy shot of one of the "elephant feet"

Different view from one of the "elephant feet"

Trying to keep my hat on while the crazy wind abused us.

Driving towards the Grand Canyon

Little Colorado Scenic Overlook

Paul's an expert at these photos

Little Colorado Scenic Overlook

The Watchtower from Desert View

Grand Canyon from Desert View

Grand Canyon and Colorado River from Desert View

View from Navajo Point

Another view from Navajo Point

Trying not to blow away at Moran Point - it's REALLY cold 

Driving through winter wonderland to get to our room at the Bright Angel Lodge

Zigzagging across the country

Today is the first full day of our drive across the U.S. Fitting to start on the first of the month as we make our way to DC to visit my cousin Jessie and her family as well as some friends, Heather and Anne. Monday we drive to Chicago to visit our friends John and Tara. Paul and I are so lucky to have friends all across the country.