CarlsBADA**

The drive from Austin to Carlsbad was both long and lovely. The landscape was something unlike we had ever seen before. More than that, the variety of wildlife that crossed our path (quite literally, while traveling at high speeds) was quite impressive. Along one very long stretch of backroad highway, a squirrel, an armadillo, a coyote and a very dense dog caused me to hit the breaks quite suddenly. But it was the enormous cow running towards us right in the middle of the road that was truly the most notable. At some point the sunset was so breathtaking I found it necessary to exit the car to capture a photo. Soon after, I was covered in no less than 25 mosquitoes who followed me back into the car and with whom I fought a very serious interior battle for the remainder of the evening. An amazing lightning storm followed, and I felt it was akin to a Stone Mountain lazer show, though I've not actually attended one.
We arrived in Carlsbad in time to check into our 5 star hotel, the Super 8, and get some sleep. My much needed snooze was greatly hindered by the overly caffeinated beverage I consumed on the road in the name of alertness- in other words, I imbibed liquid trucker crack and it worked like a charm.
In the morning, we rushed off to Carlsbad Caverns and proceeded to be blown away by the natural wonder. WOW. WOW. We hiked about 3 miles, 750 feet underground, and were privy to some indescribable geological delights. The repeated stalagtites, stalagmites, columns, popcorn and drapery of the caverns were a photographers dream- too bad I barely know the abilities of my camera, but I did my best.

Awe-stin

Let me begin by making a minor titular correction. For accuracy's sake, I will need to rename the blog Two Girls, Four Axels, a Plane, Two (plus) Weeks and Two More Trips to Austin.

And before I continue to recount the past few days, let me also say (especially to our dear friends and family members who tend to worry a great deal about us- you know who you are) that Lisa and I are A-OK. We have, however, hit a little bump in the road (pun intended) as is bound to happen on such an adventure. The bottom line is we had a little accident, one that caused some stress and some logistical challenges, but one that we have overcome. We are still truckin'. And now I will spare you all the details and drama and move onto the Austin update.
I LOVE Austin. To start, it is the home of my oldest and bestest friend whom I have known and loved from the time we were 11. After a travel delay due to I10 shutting down for two hours while Lisa and I sat on a bridge talking to locals in the swamps of LA, we arrived to Alissa's great little neighborhood called SOCO. She and her awesome friends truly rolled out the red carpet for us, and we spent 3 nights enjoying all of their company, many degrees and talents, hospitality and hilarity. Every meal we had was delicious, whether it was DK Sushi or a $2 taco from a questionably sanitary roadside stand. The little bar next door to Alissa's, Trophy's, was a great music spot where I heard everything from punk to rock-a-billy, all while drinking extremely cheap canned Lone Star beer. Klassy!
We also could not go to Austin without getting a little taste of the local soccer scene of which Alissa is an integral part. Having spent many weekends over the last few years watching Morgan and Seanie and other 4-8 year olds play soccer, it was a refreshing change to watch people who are actually cognizant of the rules and regulations of the sport. Conversely, both groups do seem to fall down equally as often.
Anyway, Austin rocks in more ways than I even expected, which is saying a lot. Looking at the brightest side of our mishap, it will land us back in Austin next weekend and me back again in about 2 weeks- not exactly a bad thing if you ask me!
Love to all!

NOLA

Having both been to New Orleans many times, we kept this stop short and sweet- and fun and festive of course. With the help of our travel planner and hubby extraordinaire Tom Lance, we mapped out a fabulous plan. In fact, we even managed to actually do some of the things on said plan! A meal at Acme Oyster House was a perfect start. Chargrilled oyters, crab soup and soft shell crab poboys sure put a smile on our faces, as did the subsequent fun times that followed at my fave bar, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop (est. 1733). We caught some great music- some motown/blues in a club on Bourbon and an excellent brass band that played for all to hear in front of the local Foot Locker. Only in NOLA.
Our hotel was beautiful and before we departed for TX, we enjoyed some cafe au lait and beignets at Cafe du Monde.

Sweet Home Alabama, Part II

So where does one find a friend so fab as Lisa you might ask? Well apparently they make 'em in Mobile, AL. A stop in Lisa's hometown was a must, and Leslie, Greg and baby Ella were sweet to share their home with us for the night. We did a little tour of Lisa's neighborhood, Spring Hill, and it was beautiful- especially the oak trees. We saw her childhood home, synagogue and school, and you will too in the pics that follow!
On a different note, Lisa's gram, Ms. Sue has recently taken ill, and we had a little visit with her before leaving. The place where she is living is full of the nicest people and is practically a zoo- seriously, all over were cute dogs, birds and even a big 'ol pig named Ernie. I put on an impromptu piano recital for Ms. Sue in the rec room and the folks really seemed to enjoy that, so that felt pretty good.
Anyway, next stop NOLA where good food and good times will surely ensue. We send our best summer wishes to all. Miss and love you!