It starts.

So it looks like we've begun to plan! I am hesitant to mention anything being set in stone right now as not to jinx the plans we so lovingly have laid out thus far. Perhaps a little introduction is necessary!

This is a blog dedicated to our planning and journeying across some of the Southwestern US via "The Mother Road" or Old (and some new) Route 66. I (Siobhan) will be joined by my boyfriend, Chris, his parents, and his sister and brother-in-law. We're all in need of a vacation and we thought, why not travel all together in a massive 28-30' traveling billboard?? (see here for details about that element of the trip). And that is where it began.

Now that we are all committed to the trip, we spent last evening going over the route and planning our itinerary (with a ton of help from Samson, the boxer, as well!). Some major stops include: Albuquerque, NM; Santa Fe, NM; Petrified Forest; Painted Desert; Flagstaff, AZ; Grand Canyon, AZ; Meteor Crater, AZ (for those of you that DO NOT know, this is FAR DIFFERENT from the Grand Canyon); and Santa Monica, CA among others.

 clockwise from the left: Me (Siobhan), Chris, Shawn, Amy, and Dave

Not pictured: Kathy (taking photos)

We have some great maps and guide books to work with!

I'm currently reading through the Expanded Third Edition of the Route 66 Adventure Handbook by Drew Knowles. I'm super excited to check out the landmarks and recommendations "off the beaten path" that we may be able to add to our itinerary. So far, it seems I have been designated "guide book reader/researcher" which suits me just fine. Other titles for trip participants:

• Shawn - Photographer/Resident Health Care (especially after nights at the bar!)
• Chris - Resident IT Director
• Dave - Driver and Tour Planner (not to mention spiritual guidance)
• Amy - Director of Social Networking Connection
• Kathy - Supervisor of Relaxation (I've made this up, but I don't think she'll fight me on it!)

Be sure to keep checking for more updates, including a posting of our itinerary. All suggestions for recommended sites and places to visit are welcome! We also need a GREAT idea for a recurring photo theme at each stop (e.g. jumping in the air, pointing to a sign) so please give us your ideas!