The last stop

Our final stop was Geneva State Park on Lake Erie in Ohio.  There is nothing too special about this place other than we wanted to stay somewhere relatively "nice" on our last night. (More specifically, NOT a Love's truck stop!!!) Also, none of our boys had been to a Great Lake before and now they have all swam in one.

The sun was setting by the time we got there, so it was a little chilly, but after 7 hours on the road, the boys were happy to spread out and go a little wild.  I know I said I was going to have my boys keep a travel blog, but to be honest, we were so busy and so tired, I didn't have the heart to make them sit and type at night. (Me, on the other hand, I ENJOY sitting and typing while the others fall asleep...)  I will have to figure out another way to have them reflect on the awesomeness that was this trip.

Splashing in Lake Erie was a gorgeous and peaceful way to end our wonderful trip.  Honestly, I don't think any of us could believe how lucky we had been.  The only planning error I had made was I had booked us for only 2 nights in Kentucky instead of 3.  Luckily they had room for us and we could keep our spot.  Then we noticed they only charged us for 2 nights and when we went to pay up, they told us it was their mistake and to keep our money! (Goes to show, honesty...yada yada...)

While the sunset was gorgeous, it poured, thundered, and lightening streaked the skies all night long.  Boy, was I glad to be in that RV.  We woke up to a POND surrounding us!  Next week when we are camping in Rhode Island in our tent I sure am going to miss the 24/7 air conditioning and the blessed refrigerator.  I won't miss this queen size bed, because I sleep with a queen size air mattress in my tent...yeah...I'm old, so sue me.

It was pretty sweet, though.  Finn sure will miss traveling like this:

And like this...

And I'm fairly sure him sitting on me like this is illegal...but we were in the RV...I'm usually a safety/rule following nut...but...well...we were in the RV.  This happened a few times throughout the trip and well, I have no regrets.  We all lived.

Final tallies for our 7 day RV adventure:

Total miles driven: 2336

Total gas purchased: approximately $550 worth (average price $2.33/gallon)

Total rolls of RV TP used: 2

(and that's because we did not go #2 in there!)

Total # of fights between brothers on the road: 0 (yeah, that's a ZERO) (There may have been a fight or two at bedtime because they shared a bunk, but NOTHING while driving 7 or 8 hours a day!)

Total # of fights between boys all together: .5 (there was a quasi scuffle on the second to last day that resolved itself on it's own, can't even be tallied as a whole fight)

Total # of books read by me: 1.3

Total # of happy campers: 6

I will happily plug Alpin Haus in Amsterdam, NY, where we rented the RV.  I shopped around and I felt their prices were very reasonable considering they guarantee a brand new model for your rental and they were great to work with.  We also paid for the daily insurance and we needed tech support one day when the microwave AND A/C blew and the fuse box wasn't completely obvious.  Below are the notes I took throughout the year as I made reservations for RV and National Parks.

How do I sum up?  It was SUCH a great trip.  We had a blast.  I am so SO grateful that everything went according to plan and then some.  I was so inspired by this trip I am trying to figure out how to write a book about the great playgrounds of America...that's how much I loved this trip.  And yes...I will secretly pine for an RV...forever....and maybe, just maybe, I'll save up for another road trip.

Now go out and see something awesome!!

Hiking ABOVE Mammoth Caves

Turns out there are some beautiful hikes ABOVE the Mammoth Caves so we headed back to the National park.  Despite the 90 degree temperature and 80% humidity, we decided to check out some trails.  We knew some of the trails were along rivers so we told the boys to wear bathing suits...you know...just in case... that little plan backfired when Liam got a bit adventurous.

Generally, he's a pretty smart kid...but, the minute he saw the river he just ran ahead, not really thinking.  He ended up in that swiftly moving river with a super steep, muddy bank and could not get up.  Literally, he could barely stand and he freaked.  Karen and I started down the bank, but I quickly realized that if went down all the way, I was going to end up in the river and halfway to who knows where.  I had to stop and talk Liam back up the bank.  All three of us had to dig our knees into the mud and grab onto tall grass (and nettles - ouch!) and pull ourselves up.  We were quite a sight.  Luckily, the national park has a campground with showers which we took advantage of before we tried out a different trail.  Yep, we cannot be stopped.

The forest in this Kentucky area was hillier than we expected and we loved it.  It was beautiful and we enjoyed it, despite sweating though our clothes.

The "near death" experience had Finn proclaim at one point, "I would miss Liam if he wasn't around." And this, my friends, after spending a week in an RV is a powerful statement.  Enough to elicit this rare event:

This photo is only enhanced by Eli's photo bomb.

To be clear, though...the situation wasn't "near death."  I mean...it could have been if Liam got pulled into the river, but he didn't.  Somehow, though...Finn must have sensed we lucked out today.

Finn in deep discussion about how a hut we saw must have been used during the Civil War.  He doesn't have proof, but "he's working on that."

Liam contemplating the cheeseburger he wanted to have for lunch.  The grill was closed and he ended up getting a caesar salad.  After a morning like the one we had, you are happy with what you get.  And CROUTONS!  The kid goes nuts for croutons, go figure.

Our trip is coming to an end and everyone is sad to see it approaching.  It has lived up to every expectation - which is a rare, rare happening and (all the grown ups at least) are very grateful for every wonderful minute of this adventure.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth doesn't seem to do the place justice.  Synonyms for mammoth are: gigantic, enormous, huge, immensely large...none of them capture the what 400+ miles of underground caves looks and feels like.  They just can't.

These caves are in the middle of nowhere Kentucky, the Rangers will confirm that before you head out on a tour.  If you get injured they want you to be well aware that it will be HOURS before you get to what they call a "good" hospital.  Also, for those of you interested in going, I bought our tickets weeks in advance and some of the tours I wanted to choose were already sold out.  When we arrived at the park at 10 this morning almost all of the tours were sold out - so you need to plan ahead.  There were 120 people on our tour and that tour runs about 6 times a day!!!!  The place is THAT popular.

Okay.  Enough words.  Pictures.  We did two tours.  The Historic Tour (2 hours , 2 miles - moderate difficulty - about 500 steps) and the Drips and Domes Tour (also about 2 hours, only 3/4 of a mile, but strenuous, 500 steep steps).

Entrance to the Historic Tour.
Some 4000 years ago Woodland Natives found this entrance in nature and collected minerals here.

It was about 50-55 degrees in the caves.  It was DELIGHTFUL.

This tour was pretty much sight after sight like this.  We traversed a "bottomless pit" and something called "Fat Man's Misery."  Let's just say it was tight, but we all made it through. :)

In between the tours there are trails to walk around, a cafe to grab lunch, and a camp store that sells ice cold slushies.  We enjoyed all three.

If there's a tree to climb, Liam will find it....

Next was the Drips and Domes Tour.  We had to take a 10 minute bus ride to the complete other side of the caves to get to the entrance.  This tour had some pretty amazing formations...

This one is called "Frozen Niagara" and it's pretty famous.

Never a dull moment and the tour guides always had interesting bits to share.  We never stopped moving...so to say we are tired right now would be an understatement.

If you have not taken advantage of the Junior Ranger programs at your National Parks, you are missing out.  Finn had to earn "9 bats" in his Ranger booklet to become a Junior Ranger.  We had fun choosing and completing the activity.  Later he was "sworn in" by an official ranger and given a pin and a certificate. He did ask the ranger if he could have her hat...for once in his life, he was denied.

If you can find a picture of me with a prouder mama face, I'll give you a hundred bucks.  Seriously, I'm such a nerdy dork.

My proud little ranger...

Leaving the park after a fan-tab-ulous day...

We have accomplished what we set out to do.  City Museum and Mammoth Caves.  We couldn't be happier.  The kids were thoroughly pleased and impressed - which, truth be told, isn't an easy feat when we're competing with screens and tech every minute of the day.  Turns out an RV and amazing places can still woo young people....tomorrow is a "free" day in Kentucky.  Not sure what we are going to do with it, but you can bet it will be something fun.  

I would like to part with this...if there is some place out there that you have heard is fun or cool, start making your plan to go there.  I started planning this trip a year ago.  Saving money, making reservations, budgeting gas, mileage, etc.  Greece or Australia might not be attainable at the moment, but, there are amazing places you can drive, bus, or take a train to.  Get out there and DO IT.  And do it with a friend!!!  It is the AWESOMEST!!!

My thoughts on RV-ing

I have always looked at RV's when I am camping with a mix of disdain and total jealousy.  I don't know why disdain, that's not really fair.  Sleeping in a tent, on the ground really isn't for everyone and some people physically can't do it.  The fact that people are getting out there, staying in campgrounds instead of hotels/motels and getting in touch with nature is great...I guess the RV just means "not camping" to me.  Part of camping is the work that goes into...pretty much everything...

That's where the jealousy came in.  I had this impression that the inside of the RV was wonderful - air conditioning, couches, running water, bathroom, organized cupboards....and you know what? I WAS RIGHT!

I knew I'd never have an RV for camping, it's just not my style (not yet, anyway).  BUT, Karen and I knew we wanted to do a road trip in an RV, and people, if you have not done a road trip in an RV, you need to!!  You can microwave a hot dog for a hungry kid WHENEVER YOU WANT!  You can lay down in a queen size bed and take a comfortable nap!  It's crazy.  The kids never complained ONCE during the 900 mile drive to St. Louis!  Lord, I'd give anything to have my own RV JUST for road trips.  In fact, someone suggested I write a book about America's best playgrounds...which would require quite a bit of traveling...I just need to figure out how to fund that operation...I'm seriously going to work on that...not kidding.

Anyway, enough words. Pictures of our RV life...

Watching TV on a screen bigger than the one we have at home!

Lounging on the couch turned bed...

With hours in the RV, we have taught Finn how to play some interesting card games...

Pictured here we are playing "Cards." A game Finn invented...that basically had no objective and rules that changed every 4 to 5 seconds.  I figured out that if I just went with it, he was very happy.

And then...since the RV park we stayed at in St. Louis was basically the parking lot of a casino (Casino Queen - which I highly recommend because it's right by the Metrolink station and it's easy to get to, etc) Finn decided he wanted to learn how to gamble.  So we taught him a Japanese dice game we looked up online.

We gambled with pretzels.  Turned out he's a very lucky kid.

Sometimes a kid will read!

And sometimes they fall asleep sitting up...

And we try to stop at a Starbucks as often as possible to keep the driver happy...

Happy driver = Happy everyone

We Went Back...at NIGHT...

Not a very original title, but we have been chugging along at a pretty good clip here.  Barely a moment to breathe.  I am typing this as we speed along Highway 65 South, heading to Cave City, Kentucky.

SO, last night, after dinner, we all decided to head back to City Museum for some nighttime adventures.  After all, the reason we went on this big trip in the first place was because of this amazing place. The rooftop was especially amazing in the dark.  We rode the ferris wheel, enjoyed the slide - the outdoor slide on the roof is actually more fun than the 10 story one.  We stayed until 11pm and could barely drag ourselves back to the Metrolink station.  Here is our evening in pictures:

So this is on the roof of the 11 story CityMuseum.  It was FABULOUS at night.

Every one of us enjoyed the ferris wheel...

 Here's Finn at the top of the outdoor slide on the roof of the museum.

And while it is very blurry, here he is cruising down.  He did this...oh...I'd say about 30 times...I stopped counting after 15....

Here's Liam climbing up to a slide that is directly underneath...if that makes sense.....try to picture it...

I feel bad that I didn't do a better job of capturing Bill here, but I surprised him with a local beer.  They sell all sorts on the roof of this exceedingly awesome place.  I just want to be sure it's getting across how amazing this place is...despite blinding my poor husband as he tries to enjoy some local brew....

Karen and I were trying to figure out how to explain this place to people.  We were sitting down and looking at this::

You'll notice the "tube".  If you are so inclined you or your child can climb up that tube and see where it leads.  There are no signs.  There isn't a map telling you where it will lead.  Also,  we noted that you have to climb up the back of that  lovely walrus to get access to the tube.  And this thing is right in the middle of an atrium with a giant whale and kelp ceiling...I don't know...you sort of just have to see it.  Oh, also just to the right of that tube is this:

It's a tree...in case you can't tell.  It's gorgeous and you can go inside and it will lead you to a system of caves..or you can climb up the trunk and it will lead you to an entirely different part of the museum.  Just go there.  Please.  Your life will be infinitely more fulfilled and rich if you do.  (They also sell BBQ and ribs, how can you go wrong?)  This place is so full of imagination and wonder.  It make you realize that magic doesn't have to exist because humans are capable of making their own kind of magic.  This place IS wondrous.

This is some floor somewhere in there...

Lastly, resting our weary legs... (note the kelp ceiling)

Great Expectations...

Wall art at the Metrolink station

To be completely honest...there were some spaces I just couldn't fit...this was one of them...

For over a year I have imagined what CityMuseum would be like.  For over a year I have been telling people that I am taking my best friend and family on a 900 mile road trip to a 10 story playground in St. Louis.  For over a year I had no idea what to expect...other than something really great and BOY did CityMuseum deliver!!!  The building is enormous.  I'm not sure how we did not lose Finn or the big boys.  I don't know how I managed to hold on to my phone and still climb cages 4 and 5 stories off the ground....the whole thing was amazing.  We still have our wristbands on because it's Friday and they are open until midnight and we might go back!  Until then, here's what our day at the coolest playground/functional artwork I have ever experienced.

Actually taken when were leaving, so if they look a little tuckered, that's why.

You can climb from plane to plane in these "cage tunnels."  I DID fit in those...just barely.  AND, they were very high off the ground...

Here I am...had to wear my backpack on my belly to fit...

Finn and Bill in the cockpit...

Sometimes there would be a hole in the ground...and your kids would just disappear down the hole and you have no idea where they would end up...

At one point we ended up in a series underground caves...that were dark...and very maze-like.

I used the flash.  Don't be fooled - it was very dark.

The view from the bottom of the caves...

Everywhere you turned - a new surprise, like a bank vault!

Or crazy climbing structures...

Or slides galore!!

Oh, there were castles...with bridges...

Or incredible art...everyWHERE...

I mean...even the ball pit was amazing...

You're never too old to appreciate a good, quality ball pit!

I will never forget this amazing place...in fact, I will wish for the time when we can return.  It was such an incredible day.  I loved how we planned to stay the whole day.  We did not have any other plans so we just wandered around and enjoyed the space... SO, it was a wonderful surprise when we stumbled upon this little sculpture/spray park on the way to the Metrolink...

Here's Karen and I doing what we do best...planning and plotting....

Here's what happiness looks like....

And dear, dear Bill.  How is he surviving with 3 wild boys and the "sister wives" as we like to refer to ourselves as we check into places? Well, he figured out how to hook up the RV sewer line AND did laundry today!!  We say he really deserved this:

The guy is a rock star.  We love him to pieces.