A Honeymoon Throwback
One year ago, my new wife and I packed our bags. With way too much stuff.
We crossed the Atlantic, by plane, in order to cross America, by car.
With a whole lot of time away from work, we were off to road-trip the United States of America.
We landed in New York late on a Monday, picked up our car (nicknamed Donald, as it was a big, white, monster) and took the first, tentative steps of our 5 week journey.
The idea of spending a fortnight on a beach didn't really appeal to either of us. All of our holidays tend to involve cities, and going new places. Exploring and adventuring. So when this came up as a suggestion, we both bought in big style.
It's funny how well you think you know somebody before you spend 5 weeks in a car with them. I guess there's always something new to learn :)
So, in pictures, here's a look at what we got up for 5 weeks, last winter, crossing the United States of America
Manhattan from our hotel windown
Our hotel room view was pretty epic. We didn't book any accomodation before we left, other than our first 3 nights in Brooklyn at the Wythe Hotel, which was a bit of a treat, and an incredible way to kick things off.
Bedford Avenue, home to the best fried chicken & waffles you might ever have at Sweetchicks. A definite sign of the weight gain that was to come.
5th Avenue
We arrived in a newly Trump'd America. This was a bizarrely empty 5th Avenue, right outside Trump Tower. The road was closed to traffic, swarming with police, military and protestors.
Ducks in Central Park
I only included this (and shot it in the the first place) as it reminds me of Catcher in the Rye, which I think was my first literary dive into NYC and all the myth that the place holds.
The day after Thanksgiving, we definitely didn't run up those museum steps.
A bloody mary with bacon & pickels. Passed on the shrimp. In Asheville, North Carolina. An early contender for most surprisingly great town of the trip.
Smokey Mountain Expressway
Graceland, Graceland, Memphis Tennessee.
The only part of New Orleans I don't like is the hangover. Such an incredible place, unlike anywhere else I've been in the US.
Austin, TX
All around, just desert and road.
Carlsbad Caverns
The steep descent into Carlsbad Caverns. An unplanned stop on our route but one of the most incredible sights.
Arizona Sunrise
Sedona, AZ
Oh look, there's me! Thanks to the lovely dude that joined up for a Grand Canyon sunrise and snapped this rare shot of us both.
The Grand Canyon
I didn't really have great expectations for the grand canyon, thinking that the 'hype' would be hard to live up to. In reality, it's one of the most breathtaking places I've ever been. Words or pictures will not do this place justice.
Death Valley, CA
PCH
Dipping my toes in the Pacific for the first time after thousands of miles from the east coast, was...really really cold. And a pretty special moment making it to the other side.
And so, just like that, the plane home and back to real life and a lot of extra weight.
Were did you honeymoon? Or where are you going? As winter comes in my wonderlust is peaking. Tell me about your adventures!