122 Rules by Deek Rhew

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'

Hey, peeps! It's been a little while since I've posted, but things have been a little chaotic as of late. Erin and I packed up our home in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and hauled bootae across the country to the South! Wut the wut? Yep! A couple of years ago, Erin moved west to be with me, and the time has come for our adventures to take us back to the South!

Over the last few months as we packed and pared down, things have been a completely crazy. Erin and I sold almost everything on Craigslist so we could fit all of our worldly possessions into a tiny 6x12 trailer.

Yes, 6x12. 

That's a ton smaller than your average bedroom. But stuff is just stuff, so we each chose a few items that really meant something, and the rest went. We can get "new" chairs, nightstands, and bookshelves from Craigslist. After all:

Stuff is replaceable.

Just before we rolled out, Trinna, the leader of #Rhewination, jumped into a box. I guess she decided that she didn't want to be left behind.

Trinna will NOT be left behind!

A few days before we left, a friend offered us a set of Timbers' tickets. Even though there was a ton to do, we jumped at the chance of finally getting to see my home state's champion soccer team. Well, if you don't read the fine print, you might go on the wrong night...like we did. So instead, Erin and I ended up at a Thorn's game. For those of you not in the know--like us--the Portland Thorns FC are the women's pro soccer team (FC = football club). Let me tell you, the ladies do NOT disappoint! 

I'm not a huge sports fan, but I've been to a baseball game and got to see the Trail Blazers, but the crowd's energy at this game dwarfed those by about a thousand. Chants and drums and flags...oh my!

If you are ever in the Portland area, I HIGHLY recommend catching one of their games. Also, go to a Timbers game for me. :-)

When you are at a sporting event you HAVE to eat a nacho!
Lucky fella and his beautiful bride!

Finally the day came and we rolled out! Unlike the last time we crossed the country by car, where we made several pit stops along the way, this one had to be quick. So, Erin and I took some pics as we sailed through our beautiful country.

Brief pictoral of our trek across the nation
One last peek at Multnomah Falls!
Incredible Sunset from Eastern Oregon

Beautiful Sunset with my Beautiful Bride!
#LuckyFella #Happiness

Gateway Arch in St. Louis

Lincoln Head Statue at a Wyoming Rest Stop

Amazing Wyoming Sunset

Wyoming Sunset

Beautiful High Plains in Wyoming
NOTE: The plains in Wyoming are called "high" for a reason. They are 8000 feet up! The interstate has gates all along its length to close the road if there's too much snow. Yes, this happens. Wyoming is gorgeous but cold! A lot of the restaurants, gas stations, and other businesses are only open March through October.

Geologist's Playland in Wyoming

Tons of Wind Farms Across the Nation

Dinner of champions in a random Walmart parking lot of a random city in the middle of the country.
Wut? How can Clark can change into his "secret" disguise in a booth made of glass?
Takin' Care of Business!

We pulled in late Wednesday night, parked out trailer, and have been staying in hotel as we get settled. Now that we have all our adulting responsibilities done and our apartment secured, we've found ourselves with a little spare time on our hands. Time for some adventures!

Erin has lived in the South her whole life, but has never made it to:

South of the Border

South of the Border is this small amusement-type town just a stone's throw from the southern edge of North Carolina. We counted 42 billboards along the highway leading up to the town, so we knew it would be awesome. If the 1990's movie, Total Recall, and a cheap Mexican restaurant had a baby, this is what would come out. It was so campy that that we fell in love with the place right away.

Heading to the South of the Border!

Tons of fiberglass statues for tons of selfie opportunities!

Ginormous fiberglass abounded!
Best #BirthSelfie eva!
Because everyone should kiss a camel sporting a sombrero at least once in their lives! 
Copping a feel...
Come on, Rex! Put up yer dukes!
There are a lot of sharks in the warm Atlantic waters. May as well embrace them!
A little bling from South of the Border!
Several billboards had this saying. Let's face it, Erin's striking,
beautiful blues make this picture breathtaking.
Channeling my inner Ponch and Jon!
Yes! Got my sombrero on!
Erin too!

It's been a wild, stressful, crazy time. Erin and I made the PNW our home, and now we are making the South our home. But the thing is, no matter where we are or what we are doing, I'm home as long as I'm with her. On the east coast, the west, or somewhere in between, it doesn't matter. Her laugh is music to my ears. Her smile lights up my night. Her hand is extension of my own body. Erin is my best friend, my partner, and--incredibly lucky for me--my bride.

I'm beyond blessed to be on this wild, crazy adventure with her and am looking forward to laying down new roots.

With my best friend and bride, adventuring at South of the Border!
Until next time, peeps: Adventure on!