Our East Coast Adventure

6 states, 1 district, 2.5 centuries of history, about 15 bagels per day, and $0 left over.

We took this trip thanks to the generous wedding gifts from friends and family. We originally were going to use the money to get a new couch, but thought that the old one still has some use and memories had the potential to be more valuable.

This book is just a small way to show our appreciation and what your gift afforded us to do.

This is our trip to the east coast and Ilona’s first time outside of California.

First stop, DC.

5am Dulles arrival.

Never too early for a good slav squat

Ilona took off to explore the District of Columbia while Max and I worked.

We began our incursion into civil war history by renting a car and heading into Pennsylvania or Penisslavia for those in the know.

We had a brief but eventful and undocumented trip into the site of the battle at Monocacy.

The town was very cute and we did get this shot of Max in front of one of his favorite vegan donutaries. Glory hole donuts or something to that order.

We made our way to Gettysburg and spent an entire day soaking up everything that ultimately was Lee’s demise.

Lot’s of bravery, stupidity, ego, strategy, and dumb luck to learn about.

We had the best ranger. It was his last day on the job and future park goers will miss this man’s knowledge. I stood as close as I could at all times.

Here’s a pumpkin farmer paying tribute to fallen union soldiers at Gettysburg.

Max soaking in the history as we drive through the confederate battle lines.

What a day!

Next stop, Philadelphia PA. Home of cousin Rachel, 2nd cousin bin yumin (cat), cheesesteaks and even more American history.

Visiting the 300 year old building where the declaration of independence was drafted. Of all the places I dragged Ilona to, this was by far one of them.

Recreating the famous scene from Rocky on top of the steps at the Philadelphia museum of Art where Rocky and Adrian put their differences aside and made a pact to defeat the batman.

I never saw the movie.

No time to wait, onto NY

We saw a bridge

Visited Coney. The gestapo would not let us into Seagate.

Mingled with the locals

Paid respects to our feline overlords.

Strolled the High Line

NY took a toll on our feet. We walked everywhere trying to find the best bagels, pizza, museums, and bakeries.

No better place to nap.

An overnight pit stop in Jersey to visit Uncle Kenny, Davey, Diane and new cat crusty.

Unfortunately the camera crew with us seemed focused on filming cats and not people.

Back to DC.

9 days into a trip originally designed to be in DC are we actually getting time to be in DC.

We protested elephants with Max’s DCvfA. For or against remains a mystery.

Monument for the inventor of the Laz-E-Boy I think.

Hey US government- look, real relationship. Can she travel out of country now please?

Fun doesn’t stop, we still have 3 more states to hit!

Next up, Virginia for the battle of the 1st and 2nd Manasses…. Thrilling.

Onto Maryland, for the bloodiest single day in American history, Antietam.

The rebels in the cornfield weren’t the most formidable enemy that day. The spiders out there are so big they spin wool not web.

Haunted forever. Thanks Maryland.

Last but not least, West Virginia.

Home of Harpers Ferry, John Brown’s revolt, and just the darndest little town set along 2 epic rivers you’ll ever see.

You’ve known me before I knew you.

Unless your name is Rachel.

You’ve just met or have yet to meet her.

But we are both so lucky to have people like you in our lives. Appreciate all the love and support. This trip was made possible through yours and others gifts. Great memories.