After 3 days on the road, we made it to ARIZONA!!!! Finally!!
Once in Arizona the hunt for a home for the next 3 years began. We also explored Tucson. I was able to see much more than during my time spent there during my interview. I literally spent less than 24 hrs in Tucson when I went out for my interview. I'm happy to say that Tucson has a lot to offer. Great restaurants, tons of hiking, and tons of great grocery stores (Whole Foods, Sunflower Market, Trader Joes). I'm super excited!
Would it be a post about Arizona, if I didn't post a picture of a cactus. And...purple, my favorite color!
Also, I knew I was in love when I found Bookmans! Bookmans is a used books, magazines, movies, video games, trinkets, etc store. What's exciting about a used bookstore you ask? Aside from cheap books - well...as you can see from the picture it's pet friendly! That's right Pennypoo can go with me to Bookmans.
When I first walked into Bookman's with Penny one of the clerks looked at me and said, "Just so you know there is also a bulldog in the store." I thought, ok - good to know. While browsing with Penny, I look up and around the corner appears a man holding a bulldog under his arm. The funny part - the bulldog was wearing a green tank top and a tutu! haha...it was awesome! I should have asked the man for a picture.
Did you know that Tucson has a Riverwalk?! Now, if you are like me you instantly picture the San Antonio Riverwalk. Well...it's nothing like that! First off, there is no water in the "river." It's essentially big empty riverbed, that occasionally has water during monsoon season. The Tucson Riverwalk has a running/walking/biking path on both sides that is bustling with people in the morning and evening.
Above is the Peddler on the Path, a one man shop that serves coffee, juice, water, etc for those on the riverwalk. It's a tricked out old mail truck! One more reason to look forward to living in Tucson.
The Tucson trip was a success and we found what will possibly be my new home for the next 3 years. Right now I am working on financing, so we'll see if that all pans out.
Last 2 days of the roadtrip! California here we come!
We spent the night about in Barstow, which is slightly under halfway from Tucson to Chico. On our way we were able to stop at a few Roadside America attractions! Below are some chain-saw carved trees in a couple of random yards in Tehachapi, California. We stopped at a local thrift store, bought a couple of frames and got directions to find these treasures.
The last day on the road, we ate airplane food on a roadtrip. Wasn't exactly planning for that one, but....when an old airplane is turned hotdog stand it's hard not to stop. Next time we'll just stop to take pictures rather than eat there. (this and an in-n-out burger were my breaking no red meat green challenge for the trip)
The inside was super cute. We sat and ate off of fake crates.
There were even clouds outside the windows!!!
Mom and I made it back to Chico, in one piece! We had a lot of fun on the trip and also were bored crazy when passing through Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. In total we were in 10 states! As with any roadtrip we played the license plate game and were able to find 44 states. Surprisingly we actually saw a Hawaii plate while in Arizona!
Penny survived and was extremely happy to be set free in the backyard once we made it to Chico! She ran around like a crazed animal when we let her loose. I guess sleeping nearly all day for a week will do that to you!
And of course - I must end with a Penny picture.
