Home Away From Home

Portland, Oregon

We were finally leaving the warm, summer weather and heading right into fall.  The leaves were changing colors from beautiful reds, yellows, and oranges and there was a unique chill in the air.  As the saying goes – “We aren’t in Kansas anymore,” but in reality we just weren’t in Texas, Mexico, or Arizona anymore.

It was time to embrace Autumn! And what better way to do that than to go for a nine-mile hike.  I’m not entirely sure that we necessarily came out and said “Let’s go for a nine-mile hike,” but that’s essentially what it turned into. 

We went exploring within the Colombia River Gorge, hiked around Multnomah Falls, and up 1.25 miles to get to the top of Wahkeena Falls and back down, saw the Pool of the Winds while ascending up to the summit of Mount Hamilton 3.20 miles up followed by a breath taking view once you finally reached the top, and finally descending back down the 3.20 miles, finally bringing us to just about nine total miles. 

There aren’t too many places that you can explore the beaten path and the unbeaten trail as we did in a few instances.  Not to mention, the views, being so close and indulged in nature, taking in the fall temperatures and sunshine, hearing the leaving crunch under our footsteps, listening to the water rush down the hillside, and being able to sit on top that mountain and just take all in, all during a days’ hike in a foreign place that none of us particularly call home and without this job, we may have never had the opportunity to do so. 

Its crazy where our lives take us and for that instance we were in Oregon and in the blink of an eye we were in Washington and looking straight to Mount Hood. 

Taking in all that we could it was time to call it day. 

Somehow after all of this and embracing how much the area reminded me of home back in PA, there was still time for a girl’s day, exploring downtown, and VooDoo Donuts!

It’s a place that you have to go to when you come to Portland.  So yummy and who doesn’t love donuts; especially when they are a total surprise? 

That’s how we started our crazy Sunday morning off.  Not only that, but who would have thought that very same day our Stage Manager would end up making an appearance in the ice show again and coming out of retirement and we would all get the “Third Show Crazies.”  From the dance-offs in the make room to the lipstick ending up everywhere to PIE…haha you had to be there for that 8:00 PM show to really understand.  I mean an 8:00 PM show on a Sunday?  That should say enough right there. 

Anyways, it was time to bring in Halloween a little early with class on our Homeless Monday before it was time to hit the road.

Hoping to return soon, we were on our way.   

See you down the road Oregon! 

Off to Idaho we go!

Rattlers, Cacti, Scorpions

Tucson, Arizona

So happy to be back in one of my favorite states; from Phoenix to Tempe to Scottsdale and Old Town Scottsdale to Chandler and Flagstaff and now to Tucson, I find myself falling more in love with the landscape and could really get used to it out this way.   I definitely would miss having the varying seasons that we do at home though because fall is absolutely beautiful back home in PA. 

However, it still being in the upper 70s and low 80s definitely has its perks right about now knowing that just a few days ago it was snowing at home. 

But its home and I love it, however, AZ is home for now and aside from a few thunderstorms the weather was beautiful.  The sun was shining and made for a perfect day to hike or well walk through the Saguaro National Park.  I might add though if you happen to veer off the treaded path beware of the small cacti that literally jump out and into your foot.  I am still pulling cacti spines out of my running shoes.   Anyways that’s beside the point, the scenery was beautiful and especially at sunset.  No picture will ever do that sight justice; it’s just something that you have to experience to believe the beauty. 

And while we weren’t out fighting off a cactus, some of us were soaking up the sun in an amazing pool or hot tub or cooking our full kitchens or working off all the Dairy Queen ice cream at the partnered gym, Platinum Fitness. 

But the real matter was the Happy Helper Auction!  Which of course, just like any year made for some pretty good laughs, a few top bidders, and a decent party fund. 

It was a successful week in the dessert and now it was time to move on into to the Pacific Northwest. 

Show Buzz #2

D34!

A week at home or to go sightseeing is always such a treat for us since we have only been home for about a total of four weeks in the last year along with doing over 500 shows!

Still pushing through though, it was time to start the West Coast tour!  We definitely hit the ground-running opening the day after most of us arrived in Kansas City, Missouri. 

So many simple things were greatly appreciated coming back from Mexico such as the coolness of the arena, large make up rooms, and house ice!  Not to mention the area was great that we were in.  The Kansas City Power and Light District has a little bit of everything for everyone.  Not only were there places to eat like Bar Louie, the Flying Saucer, and the Yard House, but there was also a place for outdoor concerts and we were lucky to catch a little bit of two after the shows.  Hard to believe we were able to see the Eli Young Band and a classic rock band perform. 

Before we knew it, the week had finished and the tour was underway.

Bringing up stop number two, we were literally doing the Indianapolis 500 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  It was only the second city and we already had a 12-pack! 

Somehow though, we did manage to find some time to enjoy ourselves in the city whether it was playing giant Jenga, making post cards in the Town Center, going to an Indianapolis Indians game or the Arcade, or shopping at the mall literally two minutes away, or taking a tour of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  It was also a pretty busy week for families to come visit as well, so seeing familiar faces at the beginning is a nice way to start things off.

And then it was time to say goodbye and hit the road again. 

This time we wound up in OKC!

And with some luck it just so happened to be the same time that the state fair was going on.  So, if you weren’t happy with our laser tag matches in Bricktown or testing your bowling abilities in Midtown at the Dust Bowl, or seeing how many goals you could score in our soccer nights at the hotel, you were bound to find something to entertain yourself at the fair. 

From the carnival rides, to the animal stables, to the dart throwing or fishing games, to the food stands and piggy races; there was literally something there for everyone.  I have never seen a fair this size; it just kept going on and on in every direction.  I mean there was even a petting zoo, a western show, and a RAM truck driving course!  Too bad there wasn’t something similar to this every week because no one would get board being at the arena all day on a three show day then. 

But, like any other time, we were back on the road and heading towards The King.  Yes, I mean Elvis Presley.

Beale Street, B.B. Kings’, Bass Pro Shop, Rendezvous BBQ, the Mississippi River, and the Memphis University vs. Cincinnati football game were all in for a treat.  We were headed in their direction hot and heavy and ready to take on the easiest week we have seen on tour with only ONE three-show day and a total of SIX shows!  That is literally unheard of with this show.  No one knew how to take it.  Not even a multiple three-show day?  It was a weird concept to grasp.  However, we managed and just as we could get settled in, we were retracing our steps right back to OK.

Round number two in Oklahoma went a little like this –

MMMMMOOOOOO, BBBBAAAAHHHHH, NNNNNEEEEHH

Haha – We were back on state fair grounds, the very place that Disney On Ice opened 75 years ago and here we are 34 shows later, officially opening our show here and still going strong. 

And even though we were kept pretty busy with the shows during the week, there was some time for a little fun. 

Along with Opening Night Party, there was time for soccer in the park and a big game of laser tag.  Luckily not in that order though and by the time the week had reached its end, we were all ready to see a change of scenery. 

Off to the Lone Star State.

After two short flights and a long layover we found ourselves in El Paso, Texas and it definitely was a mirror image on Mexico.  However, we were strongly advised not to cross the border into Juarez, Mexico; one of the most dangerous cities in the World. 

So, most of us stayed in the states and were able to find plenty to do in what little free time we actually had.  Some went shopping as usual while others went hiking in the state park or walked around The Plaza.

And of course we were all gearing up for Power Skating; which kicked all of our butts, not to mention we started into a nine-pack the day directly preceding the class.  Talk about not being able to sit down, walk up stairs (where are our make up rooms were), or lift our legs (i.e. kick-line in In Summer).  But, if we can make it through over 550 shows, we can keep pushing now.

Heading back further into American soil, it was time to explore what the great state of Arizona had to offer and until next time… See you down the road.

Place to see:

Kansas City, MO – Flying Saucer, Bar Louie, Kansas City Power and Light District, Chipotle, Constantino’s, Jimmy John’s

Indianapolis – P.F. Changs, Steak N’ Shake, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Victory Field, Luca Oil Stadium, the Coliseum, Rock Bottom Brewery, Buffalo Wild Wings, Circle Center, Panera Bread

Oklahoma City – Performed and rehearsed on the OKC State Fairgrounds while it was going on, Mid Town, Brick Town, laser tag, Marble Slab, Earl’s BBQ, Dust Bowl

Memphis – Beale Street, Mississippi River, Bass Pro Shop, B.B. King’s, Hard Rock Café, Graceland, Gibson Guitar Factory, Rendezvous BBQ

Tulsa – Tulsa State Fair, Laser tag, soccer – Veteran’s Park, Mix Co.

El Paso – The Plaza, El Paso Zoo, Camino Royal, State Park

Border Town

El Paso, Texas

Well, I can now say that I have been to eight cities in Texas from Waco to Laredo to Corpus Christi to Allen to Houston to Dallas to San Antonio and now to El Paso.   And after being in Mexico for five weeks earlier this tour, El Paso is by far the most similar to Mexico rather than American culture. 

A lot has to do with the fact that literally not only out the window of our hotel can you see Mexico, but if you happen to miss the exit for the arena, you will end up in Juarez, Mexico.   And from what we have heard, that is not exactly the best place you would want to stumble upon. 

So, for the most part we stuck to exploring in America with only a few that chose to cross the boarder.  However, since it was a flight-type of travel day and a pretty tight turn around there wasn’t a whole lot of time left to explore. 

Staying close, some went shopping or hiking in the state park a little ways away, but most just stuck around the hotel and walked around The Plaza in preparation for our Power Skating class later in the week.  (We all died a little) (Power Skating – interval track workouts skating style; jumps included).

Getting out and soaking up some sun was much needed though.  It was comfortable with a slight breeze and lots of sunshine and no humidity, but that did not stop the thunderstorms that occurred almost every night. 

Some enjoyed the light show and some clung to our covers when the thunder rumbled over-head. 

Grateful for a roof over our head even if the hotel was older.  The Camino Royal was rich in history, but way behind the times and it may not have been up to the standards of some, however it was a place for us to stay for the week and seek shelter.  I am sure that back in 1912 when it was built, it was absolutely beautiful though. 

And after this week, I think we are all going to be happy to perform in an arena and a stay in a hotel that is not only up to date, but also that isn’t covered in dirt from the outside.  It has really opened our eyes and made us realize how lucky we are to have the luxuries that we do. 

Excited to get back on the road after this week.  See you in Tucson, AZ!

Horses, Cows, Goats, OH MY!

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Round two back in OK on state fairgrounds again! 

It may be a different city, a different arena, and a different crowd, but again we were beside the goats.  Who would have ever thought? 

We didn’t have as much time to explore the fair this time, but most of us did manage to make it out and enjoy some more yummy fair food.  Some of us even got to see the animals.   We even found the horses and cows!  It still amazes me though that these are state fairs and there are more carnival rides and food booths than there are barn animals, 4-H tents, or FFA booths. 

The county fair back home (Washington County Fair) not only has these, but they have baking contests, truck and tractor pulls, demolition derbies for both cars and school buses, along with band night (local high school bands perform).  There, it is more about the outdoor life than it is the entertainment side of things even though there are still the game tents as well as the carnival rides, but they aren’t the biggest attraction of the fair.  We like it a little more country, a little rough around the edges at home. 

But enough about that, it was time to get cleaned up and brush off that fair dust because it was Opening Night Party!   I know the show has been open for a few weeks and its tradition to have a celebration like this when the first show of the season has commenced, but as usual our show is a little different.

Finally having time in our schedule and having most of the cast in the same place, it was time.  We finally made it happen.  It was a long, crazy ride last year and we are in for about the same this year, so it was time to officially get started. 

And where better, than to open in Tulsa, where the very first Disney On Ice Show performed 75 years ago. 

Hard to believe, 34-shows later, we are still going strong and performing all around the world.  But next stop for us…El Paso, Texas.