After Chimney Stacks, it was difficult to think of going anywhere quite so cool. But that didn’t mean adventure wasn’t to be had. We had to get back to California, and since we were already in North Carolina, we figured we’d take the long way around to get home—up the eastern seaboard, back down and across.
While cruising up through Virginia, a friend called me and while we were chatting he said, “You should check out Natural Bridge. You’re pretty close to that.”
I looked down at the map, and sure enough I was headed almost straight for it. I had done this route many a time, but had never heard of it.
It was 4th of July, but being a cloudy/sky-spitting sort of day, I didn’t expect too many tourists.
I was right.
While my friend had spoken of all the little shops and museums of oddity to check out, they for the most part seemed closed. And it’s really the natural world that Tucker enjoys most, so we headed for the namesake of the attraction: the Natural Bridge.
While cruising up through Virginia, a friend called me and while we were chatting he said, “You should check out Natural Bridge. You’re pretty close to that.”
I looked down at the map, and sure enough I was headed almost straight for it. I had done this route many a time, but had never heard of it.
It was 4th of July, but being a cloudy/sky-spitting sort of day, I didn’t expect too many tourists.
I was right.
While my friend had spoken of all the little shops and museums of oddity to check out, they for the most part seemed closed. And it’s really the natural world that Tucker enjoys most, so we headed for the namesake of the attraction: the Natural Bridge.
But the attraction didn't end there. The trail kept going, so of course, we had to follow it.
A small stream came from the path’s wall and next to it was a plaque informing us that this was the “Lost River.” No one has ever figured out the source or destination of this water flow. Tucker didn’t care what its origins were—just that it was tasty.
Tucker gets the best of both the canine and the human world. He gets to meander into the middle of the stream…
And he gets to sit on benches made for people.
He even spent some time contemplating the Natural Bridge from the way-back seats of the empty theatre.
It was a quick little stop on our northern journey, and well worth the effort. Despite the sprinkling rain, it was still quite hot.
Tucker was happy to finish up the day, cruising on a luggage cart to our air-conditioned hotel room.
The rest of our ten day journey was both relaxing and eventful. We spent some time in Massachusetts with family, where Tucker enjoyed the nearly half an acre of newly fenced lawn from which to romp.
Don't let the lying down fool you; he romped thoroughly.
In Pennsylvania, we visited friends and had a picnic at the park
Walked in streams,
Knocked on Fairie Doors,
Went to a carnival,
And Tucker won a little stuffed animal to carry around with him.
The fun never seemed to end, but we had to be on our way.
And Tucker needed a nap after all the days of excitement.
And Tucker needed a nap after all the days of excitement.
Tucker isn't impressed with the St. Louis Arch--whatever man can do, Nature does it better (see Natural Bridge above.)
We opted not to stop at this ill-named roadside attraction.
At a nearby convenience store, I was able to step back in time to the 1990's. But I soon returned to Tucker who waited for me in the truck.
In Texas, I finally had the wherewithal to slow down in time to exit and visit Cadillac Ranch. I have passed it numerous times, usually at 75 mph, with never enough time to slow down and take the exit. I thought ahead this time and made it an actual stop. Tucker was pretty excited about it.
We came with no spray cans, but Tucker left his own mark on a few bushes and dusty, painted sands around the area.
That night, we settled in at the Hotel El Rancho in New Mexico, where many a Hollywood star and crew stayed while filming in the desert.
The room was interesting, although quite warm (there is still no air conditioning after all these years). But Tucker felt the bed was adequate enough to take up the whole thing.
The next morning, we arrived early to The Petrified Forest and Painted Desert. I always seem to miss it, so was thankful for the time zone change back to an hour earlier to give us a full day to visit and still make it back to Burbank without stopping for the night.
While the Park is dog friendly, it is not overall really warm-blooded mammal friendly. Even in the morning, the temperatures were rising. The longest hike would have been sort of fun except that it wound its way on pavement through hot desert sands. Tucker and I took the efficient tourist-stop driving route, hopping out of our air-conditioned truck for only enough time to take a look, snap a photo and be on our way.
By midnight, we were back at home. As I unpacked the truck and put away clothes, Tucker snoozed on the couch, taking a much needed rest so he could be ready for whatever adventure lay ahead. For it seems now matter where we go, we always opt for the scenic route home.
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