The AFP has finally made its way West, and what a long, flat journey it was. The Dodge Lodge served us well and the veggie oil ran a’plenty, like oil oozing from the ground. We’ve made it from northern Louisiana all the way to Arizona without spending a penny on diesel. Let the good times roll (free)!
The great West, and the state of Arizona taunted us with big skies, good-smelling flowers, and a rodeo that stands apart from the rest of em’. While we can’t wait to share those images with you, we’re a little backed up due to our large amounts of putting the pedal to the metal. So for now, some images and video from the last week.
New Mexico. Late night food that we thought would be authentic, but left our tummies rumbling.
Twilight near Apache Junction, AZ.
It feels like everything is bigger out here, including the food options. At ‘The Heart Attack Cafe’, Andrew had his fill of greasy delights and needed assistance to the Dodge Lodge. But don’t worry Moms, he stayed away from the non-filtered cigarettes.
Going from freezing temperatures to the most gorgeous weather one can imagine is a little hard on the senses. Imagine the double take we had when the house we were staying at had grapefruit and orange trees growing out its ears. Andrew ate 19 dozen oranges in two days–I promise.
arriving in the West.. from Ross McDermott on Vimeo.
11 Comments
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Ryan:
What makes you think that late-nite food wasn’t authentic?
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Jay:
I loved the video. I can’t wait to leave for Az in 10 days, after the big storm coming on Monday of course. Hi Ryan!!
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Dawn:
Welcome to the greatest region in the US. I love the pictures and video of the sunsets – they definitely make me homesick. Enjoy the warm weather and blue skies!
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Craig Volpe:
Wow looks beautiful! Did you drive up to the butte or did you have to hike?
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Ross:
Hiked it man!!
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Ross:
Thanks Dawn! I can’t imagine this place in the summer, but right now the weather is beautiful! What a contrast to Hillsdale!
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Ross:
The feeling in our stomachs only a few hours later. Well, that and the food looked and tasted exactly the same as Mexican food in Virginia.
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Emily and Wheeler:
We miss you, Rossy. Enjoy Texas!
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Mark P:
I love the Southwest. The hills, the cacti, the sunsets. It really is gorgeous. Man. I hate the Midwest.
Hey what’s the song in the video?
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Linda:
Ross,
Loved the shot of Andrew (running across the road) with the Arizona sunset in the background!! Way cool!
Actually, what is it about snapping photos with him (or you) in the AIR – jumping, running, leaping, etc. It all looks super cool, but I was also wondering if you’re trying to be in the “air” (overlooking it all!) in different parts of America.
My parents just recently moved to Arizona to be with my youngest sister and her family, in Tempe. I was just there in late Feb/early March. You’re right in saying the weather was AMAZING. Compared to Amsterdam, I loved the sunshine and warmth, that time of the year.
The rodeo in Apache Junction and Rattlesnake festival were amazing! Great videos and photos! Keep up the great work!
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Ross:
Linda,
Thanks for the comment! It’s great to hear from you. We are not intentionally trying to do a large amount of jumping pictures–I suppose it just happens that we are always doing crazy things like that and saying, ‘take a picture’! Usually, they are not planned.
Thanks for following the blog. Spring is in the air, and soon it will spread its warmth to Amsterdam!
Peace,
R