Saturday the 14th

[PeggyinCT]

Aloha Everybody from Honolulu, Hawaii! It’s 4:30 am here and I’m sitting on my balcony listening to the surf and watching the moon. My body is still adjusting from east coast time.
Tina, I’m glad to read that you are going to Scotland. Not sure if a jar of peanut butter will get through security. My friend had to give up her small jar of jam. As far as traveling alone, I do it, but it’s not my first choice, as I don’t have anybody to talk to. I’m not one to strike up a conversation. I’ve been here for three days and tomorrow I join my group going to Samoa. Aloha. Peggy

[BarbaraRose]

Wow Peggy! What a fun trip! I would love to go to Hawaii someday! And Samoa! Take lots of photos!

I am not fond of traveling alone either but I am very good at talking to people and striking up conversations where ever I go, so that helps. I was very shy before I became a hairstylist so that has really helped me to be good at conversing with strangers.

I just bought some little individual peanut butter cups that come in a 6 pack. They are easy to take with in a pocket or purse so the airlines would have no issue with them. One container is perfect for a sandwich or some crackers.

Well, so much for getting up early. I went to bed fairly early but my mind started racing and did so for hours! I finally took a half of a relaxer pill but a couple hours later was still thinking, thinking! Took the other half around 2:30 am and played solitaire on my phone for almost an hour before I started feeling sleepy, went back to bed and finally fell asleep!

I was planning to get to the motel around 12 and bum around for awhile (in Old Town Scottsdale) before meeting the ferret rescue gal at 4:30. But now I will leave around noon and just drive right to her house from here before heading to the motel after that. Didn't want to be on the road with only 3 hours of sleep! Will meet with my brother and his wife tomorrow.

It is hot again here and will be the same in Phoenix. Will cool down again some next week. There is (cooler) light at the end of the tunnel!

Have a good day!

[BirdbyBird]

Have fun Peggy. Report back!
I am giving this trip my attention to answer the question "can I travel this way or do I really want to travel this way?" It definitely will be less expensive and traveling solo at this age, I will be able to move around as much or as little as I want on most days. I don't mind pushing myself but traveling around the US I really like the ability to "discover" some opportunity that wasn't even on my original radar. The jar of peanut butter isn't meant for the airplane. It is on the list of items to purchase from a store after I get there. Yes, I know little packages of peanut butter are available but at home and in the RV I found a spoon and a jar more cost effective and useful. And a jar of actual peanuts can easily be redistributed to a small baggy for a pocket snack on a trail. Easy protein on the go. Driving a car will give me plenty of room to store my back up "foods". In Ireland, Liz and I did get experience with how easy it was to pick up fresh food at small gas stations and stores.

Josef and I are at another dog show. This is the last one that we will be attending until after I get back. He went Best of Breed again today and picked up 1 more GCH point. Now he only needs 5 more!

[JudyJB]

Buying food abroad is part of the adventure and a great experience! Do bring the following, however, so you won't have to spend money on it in Scotland:
- old washcloth because not supplied in B&Bs. Toss before you leave.
- lots of small and large zip lock bags to put leftover food in and keep things clean.
- A metal spoon, fork, and paring knife. Plastic ones just won't do it. (put in checked luggage)

You can buy a small cooler. Getting ice will be tricky, but it will protect food from hot car. You can also buy things like paper towel, paper plates, and small packages of antiseptic wipes for surfaces. And leave enough space in luggage to bring home a few goodies.

I am Prineville Lake Recreation area and have reservations through Monday morning, but i think I am going to try to leave early because the Verizon signal here is very, very weak. Heading north to Washington. At least weather is pleasant and I am enjoying having a little catch-up time.

[BirdbyBird]

I am not planning to check luggage on the trip over for sure. I am planning on washing stuff out as needed. On the way back will depend upon what "goodies" I find. Liz and I had enough food adventures in Ireland to prepare me for much of the foraging and discovering stores that will sell you what ever you might need! But anything your traveling folks can suggest from what worked for you is always taken under advisement. Thank you!

[BarbaraRose]

I have had an interesting day! I finally got packed up and left just before noon. The drive to Phoenix was pretty uneventful. Stopped in Q to see if Lola needed to use the litter box but no. With her having diarrhea, I figured I better give her a chance to go in case she really needed to.

Got checked into the motel in Scottsdale, got Lola all set up and then headed to the ferret rescue. The wind really picked up when I was leaving the motel and it looked like a dust storm approaching from the south. There was also a thunderstorm coming in from the east.

The lady who runs the rescue (out of her house) is super nice! She showed me around and introduced me to all the ferrets (I am thinking about 20+). I sure got my ferret fix!! They are so adorable! We got my car unloaded and she was so appreciative of all the stuff I brought and will be able to use much of it. I am glad I hung on to it, but am even more glad to be done with it! Just as I was leaving, there was a gorgeous rainbow from the sun setting to the west and the storm coming in from the east.

From there I drove to an Epic Wings I found on Google Maps earlier. I haven't been to one since I moved from Vista and have had a craving for it. Turns out it was a lot further out than I thought it was but I made it. The storm followed me and it started pouring just when I got inside.(So much for my car wash!). Lots of thunder and lightning! I thoroughly enjoyed my meal! Drove back thru heavy rain and more lightning and thunder (I love thunder storms!!).

Got back to the motel to a very angry kitty! She really let me have it! I haven't ever heard her meow like that, really scolding me! Now, after some hugs and apologies, she is purring and all over me for more TLC! I gave her some subQ fluids before we left the house so I think she is feeling better from that.

Will relax, read and get to bed fairly early, and hopefully be able to fall asleep right away. Am going over to my brothers place in the morning around 10. Probably stop for breakfast at IHOP next door here first. There is a shopping mall right next to the motel too so will check that out tomorrow after I get back from my brother's. Then Monday morning will walk around Old Town Scottsdale before heading home.

[snowball]

so Barbie what is Epic Wings???
looking back on my day I got the load of wash done that I needed to do... went with my dd to see the "baby' she had shots
yesterday and wasn't feeling over well so she wasn't overly happy in my arms came home then went to a meeting and then to the grocery store... going to try making lemon chicken for supper tomorrow... it looks easy so hopefully it will be...
I didn't even crochet today fought taking a nap should have perhaps would have been more awake for the meeting
Peggy enjoy your trip!!! I would love to go to Hawaii someday... but that is a dream
sheila

[SoCalGalcas]

I admire those who travel alone. Although I do it in the States, I haven’t had much experience doing it over seas. My one little adventure in Spain by myself was just not comfortable. Therefore, I was always with a group.
Tina, good for you, and have a fantastic time. Peggy, you are flitting all over the globe!
Barbie, hope the visit with your brother and SIL goes well. And keep Lola hydrated!
Lyn

[BarbaraRose]

Epic Wings is a chicken wing fast food place. Used to be called "Wings 'n Things". There was one across the street from the shop in Vista and I ate lunch there all the time. Really good! There isn't one anywhere in the Palm Springs valley so have been craving it. Saw one on the Google map here and decided to go there for dinner.