We arrived home last night at around 7:30. Safe and sound. Rich went to open the house and found that John had put the deadbolt on both the front and the back doors. We have never used the deadbolt and don't carry a key. We tried to call John but he was at a beanbag tournament and didn't answer his cell. We finally drove over to Tony's to get some tools and Rich took the molding off the garage door and was able to trip the lock. Thankfully John did not lock the door to the garage.
John called today and informed us that he used the one key for both the regular and the deadbolt lock and lo and behold when Rich tried it it worked. He felt like an idiot. When we had new doors put on Tony made sure both the locks used the same key.
So we got in the house about 8:30. By this time we were ready to be home, not breaking into our own garage. By the time we got everything into the house both of us just collapsed. We did have Dairy Queen for dinner. A final vacation treat. It is now back to the fruit and yogurt.
I know that a lot of people think that a driving vacation is really boring and believe me, parts of it are. But there are so many beautiful, incredible and amazing things to see it is worth a little boredom. We saw all the lush greens and wildflowers in the areas that get ample amounts of rain, the browns and yellows in the areas that do not, and the orange and black of the construction that is across the land.
We saw everything from sculptures on the side of the road, to a forest fire, to a camper convention of Airstreams in Gillette Wyoming, to herds of cows, horses, sheep, goats, llamas and buffalos. We saw many, many interesting looking people. We saw towns that were alive and thriving and ones that were dead or dying. We talked to many nice people and even found a couple from Braidwood. The woman used to work in Romeoville. It is truly a small world. It is encouraging to see all the families that are going to see the many landmarks of this country.
The only really sad thing is to see all the homeless people there are looking for help. Men, women and even a family that was trying to raise money to keep from being evicted. They are on every street corner and even in the rest ares. We saw one young man looking for a ride walking with his dog with all his belongings. Just about broke my heart.
We will probably not do another long trip like this. We have decided to cut them down to a couple of weeks. Rich did all the driving and we drove over 7000 miles. I have just turned into a nervous, namby-pamby driver. The high speeds, the mountains and all the semi's just scare me. I like driving around my own little neck of the woods.
We have had a wonderful time and I would recommend this kind of a trip to anyone that can do it.
I will finish with a sign that we saw outside a bar and grill that said "the liver is evil, it must be punished". There is a lot of humor out there also.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Waterloo Iowa
Last night before we left Mitchell South Dakota we went to see the Corn Palace. They were still open so we got to go inside. We have ever only seen the building from the outside.
How do I describe the Corn Palace? It is a large building that has Russian type domes on the outside. It was built in 1935. It has been updated and it is now used for concerts, sporting events, and even proms. They put up a temporary gift shop on the basketball court. They stock it on Memorial Day and dismantle it in August before the corn festival. To say that corn is important to this community is a real understatement. The outside of the building is covered in corn murals all made with natural materials that are related to corn. It has also been called the world's largest birdfeeder. As we were looking at it a very large pigeon was hanging off the building getting his fill of corn. Every year the design changes and all the old stuff is taken down. I hope when I post the pictures that you can get an idea of what I am talking about.
This morning when we woke up I had the weather channel on and out ot the corner of my ear, I hear them say that Waterloo is under water. Now, considering this was our stop for today we were concerned. The rain had stopped but we didn't know if our Motel would be under water. They were really flooded. Turns out our motel is on high ground so we were okay, but many people were't that lucky. The motel's parking lot is filled with water restoration trucks. They must have called them in. There must be ten trucks in or parking lot alone.
Just this morning I was mentioning to Rich that in the 6500 miles that we have driven we have not seen an accident. Well, that string was broken this morning and it looked like a bad one. There was a semi in the left ditch on it's back with the cab completely crushed and there was a semi in the right ditch on his side with his load strewn everywhere. He was out and talking, but the other driver was pinned in his truck, They were sifhoning gas out of tanks so it didn't blow up. I sure hope that driver is okay. It was a bad looking accident.
We also stopped at Sioux City Falls. What a nice city. The falls were very good. They had good volume. I imagine all the rain that has fallen has contributed to their size. I took some videos,I hope they tuen out alright. I think that if we ever head out west this way again we will stop at Sioux City for a few days. There seems to be a lot going on and a lot to see.
We only have one more night until we head home. I am disappointed that it is over and glad that it is over at the same time. It will be nice to get back to our mundane routines. There is something to be said for familiar.
How do I describe the Corn Palace? It is a large building that has Russian type domes on the outside. It was built in 1935. It has been updated and it is now used for concerts, sporting events, and even proms. They put up a temporary gift shop on the basketball court. They stock it on Memorial Day and dismantle it in August before the corn festival. To say that corn is important to this community is a real understatement. The outside of the building is covered in corn murals all made with natural materials that are related to corn. It has also been called the world's largest birdfeeder. As we were looking at it a very large pigeon was hanging off the building getting his fill of corn. Every year the design changes and all the old stuff is taken down. I hope when I post the pictures that you can get an idea of what I am talking about.
This morning when we woke up I had the weather channel on and out ot the corner of my ear, I hear them say that Waterloo is under water. Now, considering this was our stop for today we were concerned. The rain had stopped but we didn't know if our Motel would be under water. They were really flooded. Turns out our motel is on high ground so we were okay, but many people were't that lucky. The motel's parking lot is filled with water restoration trucks. They must have called them in. There must be ten trucks in or parking lot alone.
Just this morning I was mentioning to Rich that in the 6500 miles that we have driven we have not seen an accident. Well, that string was broken this morning and it looked like a bad one. There was a semi in the left ditch on it's back with the cab completely crushed and there was a semi in the right ditch on his side with his load strewn everywhere. He was out and talking, but the other driver was pinned in his truck, They were sifhoning gas out of tanks so it didn't blow up. I sure hope that driver is okay. It was a bad looking accident.
We also stopped at Sioux City Falls. What a nice city. The falls were very good. They had good volume. I imagine all the rain that has fallen has contributed to their size. I took some videos,I hope they tuen out alright. I think that if we ever head out west this way again we will stop at Sioux City for a few days. There seems to be a lot going on and a lot to see.
We only have one more night until we head home. I am disappointed that it is over and glad that it is over at the same time. It will be nice to get back to our mundane routines. There is something to be said for familiar.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Mitchell South Dakota
It rained again today, but it didn't last long and it is warm for a change.
We stopped at Wall Drug on our way today. Anyone who is ever traveling west on I90 has to stop at Wall Drug. It started as a small store in 1935 giving free ice water to travelers. They still give out free ice water but the place has grown to 26 retilers and a couple of restaurants and ice cream places. It is really hokey but it is also fun. We first stopped here in 1976 when we came out to Mt Rushmore with the 3 kids. We stopped again when we came out to Mt Rushmore with Matt. We stopped last year and it changes every time we stop. About 3000 other people think it is fun also.
We stopped for dinner at Al's Oasis. It is a diner that was on the Guy Fieri food network show Diners, Driveins and Dives. It is another different place. We are at an Econo Lodge and this is 100% better than the one we were at last night.
We are on our way out to go see the Corn Palace. Another different stop.
We stopped at Wall Drug on our way today. Anyone who is ever traveling west on I90 has to stop at Wall Drug. It started as a small store in 1935 giving free ice water to travelers. They still give out free ice water but the place has grown to 26 retilers and a couple of restaurants and ice cream places. It is really hokey but it is also fun. We first stopped here in 1976 when we came out to Mt Rushmore with the 3 kids. We stopped again when we came out to Mt Rushmore with Matt. We stopped last year and it changes every time we stop. About 3000 other people think it is fun also.
We stopped for dinner at Al's Oasis. It is a diner that was on the Guy Fieri food network show Diners, Driveins and Dives. It is another different place. We are at an Econo Lodge and this is 100% better than the one we were at last night.
We are on our way out to go see the Corn Palace. Another different stop.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Spearfish South Dakota Day 2
I know this will shock everyone, but it rained today and it was cold. Same old story.
It never even hit 60 today. At one point in the mountains it was 46. But it was a good day anyway.
We went to Custer State Park today and did the Wildlife Loop Drive. Unfortunately the wildlife were in seclusion. The only animals we saw were donkeys. Very tame. The people were out of their cars petting them. They just stood and posed for pictures.
After we got back we headed to Deadwood. What a fun town. It is touristy but the buildings are from the 1900's and they are really interesting. It is a combination of retail, dining and gambling. We had a really good time. We ate at a very nice buffet and I had prime rib that was very good.
This Travelodge leaves a lot to be desired. It just shows that what you see on the internet is not always what it seems.
It never even hit 60 today. At one point in the mountains it was 46. But it was a good day anyway.
We went to Custer State Park today and did the Wildlife Loop Drive. Unfortunately the wildlife were in seclusion. The only animals we saw were donkeys. Very tame. The people were out of their cars petting them. They just stood and posed for pictures.
After we got back we headed to Deadwood. What a fun town. It is touristy but the buildings are from the 1900's and they are really interesting. It is a combination of retail, dining and gambling. We had a really good time. We ate at a very nice buffet and I had prime rib that was very good.
This Travelodge leaves a lot to be desired. It just shows that what you see on the internet is not always what it seems.
Spearfish South Dakota
Today was a much shorter drive. We planned it so that we could have most of the day to do things. There are a lot of things to do in this area but like everywhere else they are miles apart. We took the scenic drive through Spearfish Canyon. It was like driving through a cathedral of fir trees. I liked that we were in the canyon and the sheer rock faces were on the side. I'm not crazy about when we are driving on the rim.
The weather has turned cold again and rainy. I guess we are going to end the vacation just the way we started. You would think that now it is July it would be warmer. We watch the weather channel and see how hot it is everywhere else. They should have us come to the reagion and we could be the "coolers".
We drove to Mount Rushmore to see the night lighting ceremony. They cancelled the fireworks display because the chance of fire was high, but they had the the rest of it. This is the third time we have been there and I can't believe how much it has changed. The only thing that is the same are the faces.It is still one of the most impressive things an American could ever see. They had a ceremony at the end where they asked all that had served in the military to come up to the stage and I can't tell you how many there were but it had to be a hundred. We sang the Star Spangled Banner and it was quite a moment. Mt Rushmore and the Grand Canyon. You would have to go a long way to beat either one of them. We also went to see the Crazy Horse Memorial. The sculptor was asked by the Lakota Indians to carve a giant likeness of Crazy Horse in the mountain. The Indians revere Crazy Horse because of his courage fighting Custer and his refuasl to live on a reservation. I don't think that the sculpture will ever be finished. He married and had ten kids. 7 of the kids and his wife continue the job, but the scope is of such a magnitude I don't think it is possible to ever finish all the have set out to accomplish.
Tomorrow another day in South Dakota.
The weather has turned cold again and rainy. I guess we are going to end the vacation just the way we started. You would think that now it is July it would be warmer. We watch the weather channel and see how hot it is everywhere else. They should have us come to the reagion and we could be the "coolers".
We drove to Mount Rushmore to see the night lighting ceremony. They cancelled the fireworks display because the chance of fire was high, but they had the the rest of it. This is the third time we have been there and I can't believe how much it has changed. The only thing that is the same are the faces.It is still one of the most impressive things an American could ever see. They had a ceremony at the end where they asked all that had served in the military to come up to the stage and I can't tell you how many there were but it had to be a hundred. We sang the Star Spangled Banner and it was quite a moment. Mt Rushmore and the Grand Canyon. You would have to go a long way to beat either one of them. We also went to see the Crazy Horse Memorial. The sculptor was asked by the Lakota Indians to carve a giant likeness of Crazy Horse in the mountain. The Indians revere Crazy Horse because of his courage fighting Custer and his refuasl to live on a reservation. I don't think that the sculpture will ever be finished. He married and had ten kids. 7 of the kids and his wife continue the job, but the scope is of such a magnitude I don't think it is possible to ever finish all the have set out to accomplish.
Tomorrow another day in South Dakota.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Sheridan Wyoming
We drove 558 miles today. It was even longer than we thought. We had originally intended to cut through Yellowstone but decided to take the interstates instead. We have gotten stuck on some 2 lane roads and tons of road construction, so opted for the interstates even though it was more miles. There was no traffic and we made really good time. The speed limit out here is 75, so you can do 80. We are staying at another Candlewood Suites. I recommend it for anyone traveling by car. Rose said they were good and she was right. They are having a fireworks display here also but we are not going. It doesn't get dark here until 10 and we are tired. We stayed up last night and watched the display in Idaho Falls. Tomorrow is a short drive because we want to get to Spearfish early. We have a few things we want to do there. We only have a few days left and it is a mixed blessing. I love traveling but I want to get home and see the family. I sure am glad we don't live a million miles from our grandchildren. It is going to be hard enough living 6 hours from Matt and Amanda.
Tonight is going to be a little tv and early to bed.
Tonight is going to be a little tv and early to bed.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Idaho Falls Idaho
This morning was a trip to the Northeastern Nevada Museum. See, we can do things other than casinos. But we had to stop at Jackpot Nevada and check out a casino there. It is the last town before you enter Idaho. I'm glad we stopped, we needed to break up the drive. This was another really boring stretch of real estate. There are houses and trailers scattered here and there and a cow or two but why anyone would live here is way beyond me. The more we travel the more attractive good old Illinois becomes. Even with the winters. The temperature today only got to 69. Every time I got out of the car I expected to get hit with heat and it jusst didn't happen.
We got here later than we intended because of our casino stop and it was too late to go out for a nice dinner. This is the day we always celebrate our anniversary and we were going to go out for something good. Instead we had peanut butter and jelly in our room. They are having some big fireworks display tonight and every hotel in town was sold out. We are going to go out and see if we can see anything. I'm really glad I booked early. We are staying at a Candlewood Suites. It is our first time with that brand and I will look for another one on our next trip. We both like it. The only problem is that there are not a lot of them.
We will have to start out early tomorrow because we have a long way to drive. It is about 450 miles to Sheridan Wyoming. It should be a little more interesting though.
We got here later than we intended because of our casino stop and it was too late to go out for a nice dinner. This is the day we always celebrate our anniversary and we were going to go out for something good. Instead we had peanut butter and jelly in our room. They are having some big fireworks display tonight and every hotel in town was sold out. We are going to go out and see if we can see anything. I'm really glad I booked early. We are staying at a Candlewood Suites. It is our first time with that brand and I will look for another one on our next trip. We both like it. The only problem is that there are not a lot of them.
We will have to start out early tomorrow because we have a long way to drive. It is about 450 miles to Sheridan Wyoming. It should be a little more interesting though.
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