the Unexpressed Advantage

Well last week was the craziest of weeks, and also perhaps one of the most fun. I was blessed to be able to get away for some time with my friend Jonathan Leduc. Jonathan lives in Birmingham, Al, but works out at JH Ranch in northern California during the summers. He asked me to come out and help him drive across the country from Birmingham to San Diego and then to Chico where we would split up, he and his family off to the ranch and I to auburn for a quick evening with Mom and then back to Vancouver.

Some of the Highlights of the trip. (pics at the bottom)

Last Saturday morning leaving for Seattle at 2am to catch a flight by 7:30 – Called my favorite Sarah and Kyle on the way, they are in Egypt.

Saturday continued with flights to Chicago and then Birminham. Picked up by Jonathan at the airport right after he put his wife and two daughters on a plane. Drove to Jonathan's house, followed by myself mowing his lawn and nearly dying from an allergic reaction to grass inhalation before I passed out and headed for bed.

Sunday we embarked after some last minute cleaning. We drove through Tenesee and Missouri before stopping for the night Somewhere in Arkansas.

Note: I don't really like Arkansas that much.

Monday we did the long haul through Oklahoma. Jonathan wanted to see the historic Oklahoma City bombing site, but I wasn't interested unless we got to see a Hornets game. We pushed through to Albuquerque, New Mexico and spent the night.

Tuesday we drove through New Mexico and stopped at the strangest roadside stop in the world where they had a fully grown stuffed Buffalo we could have bought for $20,000, we didn't buy it. We pushed through to the Grand Canyon and spent the night on the Rim.

Wednesday we hiked into the Grand Canyon. 6 Miles down 5,000 feet. I was not a happy customer by the end of the hike, but it was worth it. The grand Canyon is beautiful. We spent the night in the canyon on the Colorado River and slept.

Thursday morning we got up at 5:30 and made the arduous hike out of the canyon. 9 miles up 5,000 feet. It was beautiful but slow-going for me at times. We still made great time finishing just over 6 hours. Once we got to the top I made some kid take a picture of our conquest. We then drove 8 more hours to San Diego after paying $3 for a shower. We arrived at Jonathan’s wife's parents house, the Guthrie’s to reunite with his family. It was fun to see them. I slept like a baby.

Friday I spent the day in San Diego and visited dear friends Heather and Catherine. Spent the evening celebrating Jen's Birthday and watching the Kings take down the Spurs in Game 3. Larry Guthrie, Jen's Dad, let me drive his corvette. The Guthries were wonderful hosts and it was nice to spend time there. We finished the evening with an all night drive to Chico (since we went through L.A. at 2am, I didn't call Jeff Boian, sorry Jeff and Katie). We drove at night hoping that the girls would sleep in the car. They didn't. I learned that a two-year old awake in the car at 4am is not a happy two-year old.

Saturday morning we arrived in Chico. Said goodbye to the Leducs and their two beautiful girls, the older of which (Selah) had finally warmed up to me after two days of pretending to be shy. I spent a couple of hours with the Sprauges and Luke Reid, and then my Mom showed up to take me to Auburn. Since I drove all night, I was ready for a nap.

Sunday went to church in Auburn, had lunch with old friends and then hopped on a plane. Time with Mom and Sis was good. Arrived in Seattle and had fun laughter with my good friend Jeanine Fitch, then drove the remaining 2 hours back to Vancouver.

It was a great trip. Lots happened. 1 week that felt like a month. I got good connect time with my friend, saw a few faces, and the highlight was certainly the Grand Canyon, there's just nothing in the world quite like it. It was also really special to see Jonathan in full family mode. I love his girls and am proud of my friend for growing to be a great husband and father. More happened, more than I can write about here. But I'll just say that every now and then it sure is great to have an adventure.

On top of the Canyon, ready to embark.

Dan hovers over the canyon, lots of hiking to do.

Joey rests under a rock. He gets tired a lot.

Made it to the bottom, phew, that was hard. Dan is faking his smile, he is not happy.

We slept next to this beautiful Colorado River

Next morning, ready for some uphill battle. Very sunburned.

Long way to go. That rim in the background was our destination

At the top. Victory.

The two cutest ever. Selah and Ansley Leduc.

Jonathan's daughter Selah likes Corn.