No trip to Miami for you, Benny!

This is courtesy of my sister, Miss Julie Wells. You remember her, right, Benny? She's the one who took you to Australia.
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Benny better not go to Miami.

When Chickens Go Bad

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/5061058?fr=yvmtf

Choo-Choo

The last leg of our trip was spent in Chattanooga, Tennessee. What fun we had.

First we went to Ruby Falls. It is a natural waterfall, inside a cave, inside mountain! Crazy. I was a little skeptical about the whole thing, I am a little claustrophobic (everyone keeps me in their purses, backpacks, pockets, etc. Who wouldn't be claustrophobic?) but truth be known I really have no choice as to what happens to me on trips. So down in the belly of the mountain I went. Now the first thing that I noticed was it got A LOT cooler! It was about 60 degrees in the cave, and about 95 degrees outside. I'd take the cave any day. The second thing I noticed was that it was beautiful. I've never seen anything like it (not even Busta's apartment compares to this cave).

After Ruby Falls, Riza was feeling good, so we went to the Tennessee Aquarium. Again a great stop in TN! They had two separate sections, a river section, and an ocean section. We decided afterward that the river section was the best.

Underwater Benny

They had real gators too but this one was fine for me.

Proof that I am stuck in pockets

Hanging with my arctic cousin, Chilly.

I did say I was tired of being photographed with dead chickens but this is ridiculous.

Looking up at the sharks.

No, we did not miss having some great food again that night. We ate at Sticky Fingers, or in my case Sticky Feathers. Even the tables were sticky, but the food was great. I ate so fast they couldn't get a picture so I had to settle with a picture of our finished dessert.

I think by day 9 everyone was tired of camping so Sven splurged and got us a hotel room. AHHH clean sheets, and an air conditioner! What more could a chicken ask for?

Benny goes to Georgia

This post should be called "Benny Eats His Weight in Southern Food" but we do some other things too believe it or not.

After our lunch at Paula's ( I still have guilt about that so let's not talk about it) we happened upon Uncle Bubba's Oyster House the next day. Here's a picture of me after eating at Uncle Bubba's... nuff said.

When my food coma finally wore off we went to the beach. I had never seen the Atlantic Ocean so I was really excited. Once I was close to the Pacific but someone chose not to go, so I can't really say I've been there...

Chris was surprised to find Santa sunning himself on the beach that day. He was kind enough to let us take a picture. Now we all know what he does on his "off time". I told him I wanted a passport for Christmas so I wouldn't have to ride in the luggage anymore. He said he would see what he could do but since I am a chicken and all the rules may be a little fuzzy, we'll see come Christmas morning.

I got a little sun bathing in myself, although it was pointless with the SPF 85 Riza slathered all over me. I was worried she was just buttering me up after all the chicken we had a Paula's but she assured me she would not eat a chicken that had been out of the country.

After we left Savannah, we headed to Stone Mountain. It was beautiful there. We got to see, of course, the Stone Mountain, and a granite quarry. The campground was great I played checkers with the kids, and swam in the pool. No pictures of the pool, you do not want to see this in a speedo!
What's this guy looking at anyway?

Tonight we are still in Georgia, but right on the border of Tennessee, so we went into Chattanooga for BBQ at Sugar's Ribs. I don't know why everyone thinks it's so funny to take pictures of me with cooking chicken, it's a little unsettling, as well as rude. I would never find a cannibal colony in Africa and take picture of Sven smiling next to them, it's just not right. The food was delish anyway. We are going to Ruby Falls tomorrow, hopefully hundreds of feet under the earth it will be cooler.

I Hear Paula's Already Married... Bummer

We are finally settled for a few days in Savannah Georgia. It was a very long ride yesterday to get here.

Today we went into Old Savannah and took a trolley ride. It was hot and steamy but everyone survived OK. We all had our Georgia air conditioners (aka paper fans) that were supplied free by the trolley company.

The highlight of the day was eating at The Lady and Son's restaurant in down town. I had heard rumors of the good food and atmosphere, but was very nervous because fried chicken was the main entree on the buffet. The food was to-die-for! Literally!!! I couldn't help myself and before I knew it had eaten a whole piece of *GULP* fried CHICKEN. Does that make me a bad person?

Super Benny Day 1

Well I hitched a ride with Sven and Riza and kiddos to Metropolis, IL.  As most of you know Sven is a HUGE Superman fan and they were going to check out the Superman Festival.  Sven's brother Wes happened to hitch a ride too.  I have to say he did a pretty good job keeping the kids in line, that mostly consisted of feeding them multiple snacks, and watching hours of DVD's.  The ride was long but not too bad only about 4 hours.  We had a little wiring problem on the way down, the lights on their trailer stopped working due to a minor meltdown.  Of course thanks to me everything is back working now (seriously I don't know how they traveled without me before).  

Sven and Riza actually fed me this trip, no one else does.  We had a wonderful picnic lunch at Ft. Massic Park.  After some bad directions from Talulah (the GPS navigator) it took us a little longer to find our camp site then we planned, but never fear Benny saved the day.  I flew ahead and scouted around until I spotted it.  Then it was back to Metropolis for the Festival.  We saw a huge Superman statue, and got to look through the Museum.  There were lots of vendors and yummy food to eat.  

After the Festival we headed back to Kentucky and had a really good dinner out, at O'Charlies, I even had them take a picture to prove that they take better care of me.  

Here's some pictures, we'll post more when we can.

Yosemite - Thursday, April 23rd through Saturday, April 25th

Thursday, April 23rd

I woke up and starting squawking for help because there was a strange man in the room! He was buff, balding, and didn’t look like anyone I had ever met. John and Julie calmed me down by telling me it was their brother, Scott. Apparently, he arrived around midnight. I wouldn’t know; I was sound asleep. He looked like he would snap my neck with one twist of his hands, so I kept my eye on him. It’s always the newcomer that you have to watch out for. The morning was spent showing Scott the sights of Yosemite. We walked through Yosemite village, stopping at the museums and stores along the way. It was very leisurely. There weren’t a whole lot of people in the park, so it was kind of nice not having to squeeze my way through the throngs. It was nothing like the Grand Canyon – that place was packed! After a leisurely time in the village, we all headed back to our room for lunch. Oh, sure … Scott gets lunch, but again I get nothing! I tried to make a mad dash for the door, but John stuffed me in his pocket. As much as I struggled, I couldn’t break through of pocket-jail. I was captured and could do nothing about it. At least he let me see where we were going. After watching them eat lunch and fill up their water bottles, I found out we were going on a hike. Up to the top of a waterfall. How crazy is that? But we boarded the shuttle to the stop for the Vernal Falls trail. And what a fun trail it was! Thankfully, I didn’t have to do the walking, because it was all up hill. John kept up with his brother and sister to about the footbridge at the bottom of the waterfall. Hey, didn’t Julie take a picture of us at that spot? Where’s the picture? (Note from John: I’ll add it later. Don’t get your feathers ruffled!). It was after this spot that the strength and overall health took over for Julie and Scott. John tried his best to stay with them, but once he got to the rocky steps beside the waterfall, all misty and wet and cold and steep, he lost track of his siblings. I thought for sure he was going to give up, but he persevered onward, even though he was one false step towards certain death. It was kind of exhilarating, knowing that we could be dead (either by drowning or a broken neck, it a matter of moments. But soon we were at the top of the waterfall. We rounded a crest of the trail and there it was: the river rushed over the edge, creating the Vernal Waterfall. And there were Scott and Julie, standing up and ready to return. John promptly told them to sit down and chill out while he enjoyed the view. He even had me enjoy the view looking down from the waterfall. Dangling over the fence that separated the drop from him, I was tempted to peck his hand and then fly off into the horizon. But wasn’t sure if the mist would throw off my aerodynamics and instead plunge me into the pool down below, so I refrained. But my poultry instincts almost kicked in. After a time of chilling out at the top of the waterfall, we headed back down the trail. Talk about a test of courage! Before, we were walking up the waterfall, not knowing how far down it was. Now we were walking down it, see the depth and magnitude of it unfold before our eyes. Again, I was glad I wasn’t walking. I had a nice view, though. Once the trio made it to the shuttle, they headed to the pizzeria for dinner. Again, nothing. I think I saw a Sierra Club member at the next table; before I could alert him to the horrid conditions they were putting me in, we left. Tomorrow was the last day in Yosemite, so they had planned on getting up early. Me, I was going to plot their impending doom. Or sleep. Whichever comes first.

Friday, April 24th

Today is our last day in Yosemite. The plan is to do some sightseeing in the morning, return the rental car to the Fresno airport, and then have Scott drive us to Reno, where we will stay the night and fly from tomorrow morning. Got that? Good. And away we go. First stop: Yosemite Falls. The day was much cooler than the rest of the week by about 20 degrees. I was starting to chicken bumps, it was so chilly. Did they offer me a scarf or a cloth to keep warm? Of course not! They proceeded to put on their sweatshirts and then headed down the trail. At least I was somewhat warm in John’s pant’s pocket. As disgusting as that sounds, it wasn’t too bad. And I didn’t get wet from all of the spray that was soaking the rest of them. We did our loop and then headed out towards the park’s entrance/exit. They stopped at another waterfall (Bridalveil Falls) for a quick pic in the rain, and then went up the road. Another stop for a picture with the Yosemite Valley behind them (how many pictures do they need? And was I in any of them? Of course not), and then they headed to the Grant Grove of Sequoia Trees. I had already seen them, so I stayed in the car while John and Julie showed Scott around. Apparently, he had never seen the trees before! They headed back into their cars (me with Scott, Julie with the rental) and then headed to Fresno. Julie returned the car, Scott picked her up, and then we began the long trek towards Reno. First, we had to go through the valley. Fields as far as the eye could. If only I could get out and see what kind of food I could eat … But no, we were on a mission to get to Reno before sundown. Apparently, Scott didn’t want to be driving in the mountains at dark. Up through Donner Pass (where I prayed there wasn’t a lost party of gold prospectors) and then down towards Reno. It was getting towards dusk, so all of the casinos were lit up and blinking their names. Personally, I was exhausted from this trip out west and was ready to go home. Show me to my bed and I’ll hit the hay. Scott pulled into his driveway, introduced us to his sick roommate John (hopefully he doesn’t want any fresh chicken noodle soup) and then we went to sleep. We had to be up bright and early the next morning to get to the airport and check in. I slept peacefully, knowing that a great meal was awaiting me when I got home (hopefully at the Clarks – they feed me well!)

Saturday, April 25th

Well, our vacation is finally over. We’re almost in Bloomington, and what an exciting day it was! First, we woke up and got us some breakfast. Rather, the “humans” did. Again, nothing for me. We move so much that I’m having a difficult time finding a local PETA chapter. But once we get to Bloomington, I’m lodging a complaint for inhumane treatment of me! They finished their dinner, the brother dropped off John and Julie at the airport, we made it through security in Reno, and boarded our plane to Denver. No snow here today; just sunny skies and a 2 hour layover. Time to chill out and relax before we go home to Peoria. Then we boarded the plane to Peoria, of which I got my own seat! Finally! Some respect! Of course, Julie got me in trouble with the stewardess, so I had to be on my best behavior. When we landed in Peoria, the stewardess bid me farewell. I thanked her for a lovely trip. Better be on her good side; you never know when she’ll be my stewardess again! We gathered up our gear, got into the car, and almost made it home when John had a “Home Alone” moment! “Oh my God! I left my camera on the plane!” Julie turned around to go back to the airport, got a speeding ticket en route, and dropped John off at the terminal. He came back 15 minutes later without a camera. Apparently, no one turned it in. I sort of feel sorry for him. All of those pictures (some of them of me) gone; all he has is his memory, which is sketchy at best. At least Julie took some pictures. Which I’m SURE John will post soon. Right, John? Right? Anyway, the trip out West was amazing and fun and hot and cold and strenuous and wet and breathtaking and steep and exhilarating and exhausting and necessary. I love getting back to nature; being stuck in an apartment all day really makes me appreciate the great outdoors. I can’t wait for next trip. Hopefully I don’t make it into any of Paula Deen’s recipes!

Yosemite (April 20th PM thru April 22nd)

Monday, April 20th (PM)

After leaving the brilliant, forested haven of Sequoia N.P., we drove back to Fresno to replenish supplies. John and Julie of course didn’t get me anything to eat, but they did load up on bottled water. Would they actually offer me a drink? Apparently not. And let me tell, the weather was unbearable. It had to be 100 degrees in Fresno! (Note from John: It was 95, actually. But Benny’s a chicken, so he can’t read numbers.) The sun was still out and I was getting strange looks from people at the deli counter. I think it’s time we leave this store and head towards Yosemite, OK? Right guys? Hurry … the guy at the counter has a knife! We left the store quickly and got into our rental (I heard them call it a Hyundai Sonata … Sure, they give their cars last names, but I’m only known as “Benny”! Where’s that PETA number again?) Soon we were headed a different direction (I think it was north) and was going towards a different set of mountains. Again, the scenery looked very similar as before – large valley with sweeping vistas, orange groves, and desert landscape. Then we approached the mountain towns before Yosemite. Of course, I was getting hungry, but did we stop? No. I tried pecking through the window, but it was solid glass. I’ll have to practice my pecking skills to get through that! By the time I had planned my escape route, they had packed me back in a bag and zipped it shut. Crap! Now how am I going to get out? Well, apparently it will be when we get to the first scenic overview in Yosemite. It was absolutely awesome! Stretched out before us was the Yosemite Valley, with the Sentinel Rock on the left, Half Dome In the middle, and Bridalveil Falls on the right. I wanted to fly to the falls and cool off, but John held me down while Julie took my picture. He’s quite the manhandler, that one is. Before I could show him who was boss, though, we got back in the car and headed to our hotel for the night. I’m not sure what John and Julie did, but they left me in the room and went out. I was too tired to trash the room, so I rested my eyes and waited for them to come back. I never did hear them enter. I think they went to get some food and do a little bit of sightseeing? Anyway, I fell asleep early and woke up the next day with the birds.

Tuesday, April 21st

Well, today was a glorious day. John and Julie took me out for a morning stroll in the meadows near their lodge. It was a nice open meadow with an awesome view of Yosemite Falls (Upper and Lower). We rode the shuttle around to get a feel of the park. We rode it all the way back to our lodge. Then we loaded up food and water and headed towards Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Apparently, it’s pretty back country where no one goes. Except for us. We drove on the backroads to get there. I think I saw a California Condor, but we didn’t stop, so I’m not sure. When we got to the lake, there was a dam that we had to cross. Of course, they had lunch. Then John put me in his pocket so I could see the view and we headed off towards Wapama Falls. It was a nice day – sun was shining, a slight breeze, probably 70 degrees. John had trouble keeping up with Julie, but he somehow managed to keep within sight of her. About half way to the falls, we came across another falls. Julie played in the water and John took a picture of me lounging on a rock. It felt good to rest. Where’s that picture at, John? Oh, that’s right – you lost your camera. Too bad. (Note from John: Benny, that’s not funny. I hope you got a good price for it when you sold it!) Anyway, we trekked on and ended up at the waterfall. It was misty and cold and refreshing and awesome. I played in it for a little while, and then John and Julie figured it was time to head back. I was sad, but I understand it was just a short little jaunt. Once we made it back to the park, John and Julie took me to dinner. They had pizza, and again I had nothing. I’m beginning to think this isn’t a trip, but a fat camp in disguise! I’m not FAT! FEED ME!! But my cries went unheard. As we headed back to camp, dusk set in and the night sounds started taking over. The waterfall was a steady roar, the birds were chirping, and the car alarms were going off? Turn off your alarm, stupid! We went back to the room, Julie booked a whitewater rafting trip for her and John (I declined … I didn’t want to get my feathers wet) and then we went to bed. All in all, a very eventful day.

Wednesday, April 22nd

John and Julie went white water rafting. I did not. They came back and we went to sleep. (Note from John: Benny is upset because he didn’t get to do anything on this day. Is it my fault that he didn’t want to go rafting with us? Anyway, he’s cranky because of this. Hopefully his mood is better tomorrow, as my brother has just showed up – at midnight! – and we’re hiking a lot tomorrow!)