We arrived home on July 3rd at 4:35 p.m. just 6 1/2 hours after leaving Orofino. In all the times that we've driven back and forth from my sister's home, we've never done it in less than 8 hours. Today, we only made two quick stops. I guess our children's driving endurance has improved and we didn't even realize it.
It's good to be home!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
We Live in a Beautiful Country!
From the time we left Kent back on the 8th of June, we were immediately surrounded by beautful scenery. It started with the snow topped Cascades into the vineyards surrounding Yakima. From there we hit rolling hills in Eastern Oregon and as we drove into Salt Lake City we were awed by the mountains that surround the city on both sides. Next we headed into eastern Utah where we saw magnificent red cliffs and rock formations. Then we headed up and over the Rockies where the views were stunning - rivers, high cliffs, and snow capped peaks. I drove that portion of the trip and asked Ron to take pictures for me as often as I felt like I could without bothering him! Just as we reached the summit of the mountain we came around a bend to be face to face with the snowy mountaintops that we had seen in the distance and we drove right into them through a tunnel. It was amazing!
From the Rockies we drove northeast into miles of farmland. Nebraska was much greener than we expected (possibly due to all the rain we've had this year) and we thought eastern Kansas and the Kansas City, Missouri area especially pretty - rolling hills, lush rivers, and green trees. From there into Kentucky, we noticed the lovely, old brick homes and buildings.
Seeing Lake Michigan and the Mississippi river were both highlights for me having never been east of Kansas by car. South Dakota was the only state that really didn't offer a whole lot in way of scenery until we reached the Black Hills which were stunning. The night sky in Eastern South Dakota made up for the lack of scenery!
Montana took us back into the northern part of the Rockies and then we headed into Idaho via Hwy 12. That is probably a portion of road that we won't have much reason to drive again, so I'm glad we took advantage of it. It was beautiful!
We had a conversation with a Californian while we were in South Dakota about how simpler things seemed to be when you got away from the Pacific Coast and we'd have to agree. As we stated before rules were more relaxed, our little ones were able to go on the waterslides and we didn't see a child wearing a bicycle helmet at any of our campgrounds. With one exception (due to a car accident), we never sat in a bit of traffic on our entire drive! The change of pace was refreshing as we toured the country together as a family and took in all the sights.
Keri
From the Rockies we drove northeast into miles of farmland. Nebraska was much greener than we expected (possibly due to all the rain we've had this year) and we thought eastern Kansas and the Kansas City, Missouri area especially pretty - rolling hills, lush rivers, and green trees. From there into Kentucky, we noticed the lovely, old brick homes and buildings.
Seeing Lake Michigan and the Mississippi river were both highlights for me having never been east of Kansas by car. South Dakota was the only state that really didn't offer a whole lot in way of scenery until we reached the Black Hills which were stunning. The night sky in Eastern South Dakota made up for the lack of scenery!
Montana took us back into the northern part of the Rockies and then we headed into Idaho via Hwy 12. That is probably a portion of road that we won't have much reason to drive again, so I'm glad we took advantage of it. It was beautiful!
We had a conversation with a Californian while we were in South Dakota about how simpler things seemed to be when you got away from the Pacific Coast and we'd have to agree. As we stated before rules were more relaxed, our little ones were able to go on the waterslides and we didn't see a child wearing a bicycle helmet at any of our campgrounds. With one exception (due to a car accident), we never sat in a bit of traffic on our entire drive! The change of pace was refreshing as we toured the country together as a family and took in all the sights.
A view from Eastern Oregon
It's not green but there is still beauty in these cliffs.
Driving along the Colorado River in the Rockies.
Approaching the tunnel in the Rockies
Colorado farmland
A sunset in Nebraska. There were more trees here than we envisioned.
On the bluffs above the Mississippi River just after crossing into Minnesota
More wildlife spottings in the Black Hills
We even spotted a city named after us - Crawfordsville, Indiana
Our Final Night
We made great time on our way through Montana and as a result we began discussing the possibility of cutting over on Hwy 12 at Missoula to visit my sister, Jeni, and family in Orofino. My side of the family was having a little mini reunion of sorts over the long weekend but we initially didn't think we'd have enough time to join them. We decided to leave it up to the girls because it would add an hour to our driving time. We asked if they would rather stay overnight at a location where there was a pool or go visit family in Orofino. It was unanimous and there was much cheering heard. We contacted Jeni and George and arranged to spend the night at their place. They didn't tell anyone else that we were coming.
The drive along Hwy 12 was beautiful! It is actually the path Lewis and Clark took on their way to the coast. It follows right along the Clearwater River after going over Lolo pass. We could tell we were back in the Pacific Northwest as the trees became taller and thicker. It felt good to be close to home.
When we arrived in Orofino, we parked down the way from their house (they live on a steep one way hill) and walked up to their home. My aunt Sharon was the first to notice us. Jeni and George had hamburgers and hot dogs waiting for us and we had a great time visiting. All the gals, including Michaela and Rebekah, went down to the hotel where my family was staying and sat in the hot tub before bed.
We hit the road around 10:00 this morning and are now on our way home. There is much discussion as to what everyone is looking forward to at home. Seeing friends and sleeping in our own beds are the two things I hear repeated the most. I am looking forward to cleaning out the car and catching up on my sleep!
The drive along Hwy 12 was beautiful! It is actually the path Lewis and Clark took on their way to the coast. It follows right along the Clearwater River after going over Lolo pass. We could tell we were back in the Pacific Northwest as the trees became taller and thicker. It felt good to be close to home.
When we arrived in Orofino, we parked down the way from their house (they live on a steep one way hill) and walked up to their home. My aunt Sharon was the first to notice us. Jeni and George had hamburgers and hot dogs waiting for us and we had a great time visiting. All the gals, including Michaela and Rebekah, went down to the hotel where my family was staying and sat in the hot tub before bed.
We hit the road around 10:00 this morning and are now on our way home. There is much discussion as to what everyone is looking forward to at home. Seeing friends and sleeping in our own beds are the two things I hear repeated the most. I am looking forward to cleaning out the car and catching up on my sleep!
My Aunt Sharon and her friend Barb had flown into Salt Lake City to pick up
my sister and they drove to Orofino. My parents drove over from Whidbey Island. We missed my brother and his family. Here's the whole gang!
And here's the whole gang being silly!
Keri
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Our Highlights of the Trip
Right now we are somewhere in Montana on our way home. We should arrive home tomorrow evening as long as there are no unexpected delays and I thought this would be a great time to post what have been some highlights to each of us besides the Creation Museum.
For Mom it was seeing family as well as sights she had never seen before.
Dad really enjoyed the Nebraska section of our trip.
I really liked the Lego Discovery Center with the Star Wars Fest going on especially getting my picture taken with Jango Fett.
Rebekah's highlights were seeing relatives.
Bethany said seeing Mt. Rushmore and going to Arches National Park.
Alaina liked swimming and seeing Mt. Rushmore.
Virginia told me that she liked the rides at the Lego place.
Lillian replied that she liked the pony rides.
and Annie liked getting out of the car or stroller and crawling!
When I asked what everyone's highlights were they all had a really hard time deciding what to choose because everything on this trip has been so fun!
Michaela
For Mom it was seeing family as well as sights she had never seen before.
Dad really enjoyed the Nebraska section of our trip.
I really liked the Lego Discovery Center with the Star Wars Fest going on especially getting my picture taken with Jango Fett.
Rebekah's highlights were seeing relatives.
Bethany said seeing Mt. Rushmore and going to Arches National Park.
Alaina liked swimming and seeing Mt. Rushmore.
Virginia told me that she liked the rides at the Lego place.
Lillian replied that she liked the pony rides.
and Annie liked getting out of the car or stroller and crawling!
When I asked what everyone's highlights were they all had a really hard time deciding what to choose because everything on this trip has been so fun!
Michaela
Friday, July 1, 2011
Homeward Bound
When Ron and I were planning this trip, we had this crazy idea that we could drive the 17 hours from Mt. Rushmore to home in two days. Thankfully we came to our senses and left the Black Hills a day earlier than planned. Today we drove from Hill City, South Dakota to Billings, Montana in 8 hours (about a 6 hour distance) which is just about the maximum amount of time our children can tolerate. We are all thankful for this last minute change to our plans.
The Black Hills was one of my favorite stops on this trip. We arrived too late to do anything on Wednesday but spent Thursday seeing the sights. Our first stop was to Bear Country USA. This was one of those parks where you drive your car through and the animals roam around your car. There were other animals besides bears, but the bears were our favorite!
From there, we went to Mt. Rushmore. We had never been before (that we can remember) and it was quite a sight! Lillian fell asleep on the way there and slept the entire time of our visit.
In the evening we went to the Circle B Ranch for a Chuckwagon dinner. This was fabulous. They encouraged us to arrive about 1 1/2 hours before dinner and we spent that time panning for gems, riding ponies, shooting pistols, and playing on the playground. Right before dinner, there was a gunfight between the owner of the Ranch and the Biscuit Bandit. All the children were invited to help catch the bandit. After giving a pep talk, they all took off to hunt him down. They hadn't gone very far around the edge of the building when they ran right into him and he shot his gun up into the air. I wasn't fast enough to get a picture of it, but Alaina lost her flip flop so as the children all came running back, she was by herself at the rear of the pack. She came tearing around the corner with the bandit right on her heels! The look on her face was priceless! Once she was out of the way, a gunfight pursued. They did it in such a way to make sure the children knew it was all pretend (the bandit was told that he was shot and he should be lying down). After the gunfight, we had a cowboy meal with all the fixin's and we were treated to live entertainment. I would highly recommend this ranch if you are ever in the area. The owners not only prepared the meal, they were the entertainment as well, and they did an excellent job in all areas.
You would think that would be enough for a packed full day, but no, during the very last song of the show, Lillian took a dive off of a picnic bench and managed to put a half inch cut into her forehead. Mom and Rebekah dropped everyone else off back at the campground and then we headed to Custer to the emergency room. She was able to be glued back together instead of stitches and it only took us one hour and fifteen minutes from start to finish at the emergency room. (They apologized that it took so long, but that was the shortest emergency room visit that I've ever experienced! They even had two ambulances arrive while we were there.)
On our way out this morning we drove along the Needles Hwy through Custer State Park. This was a treat with rock formations that were very similar to some in Arches National Park. In addition to the rocks, we were also treated to many wildlife sightings, one being three buffalo. At first we thought they were statues and it took us all a minute to realize what we were really seeing. It was quite a fun way to end our time in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
The Black Hills was one of my favorite stops on this trip. We arrived too late to do anything on Wednesday but spent Thursday seeing the sights. Our first stop was to Bear Country USA. This was one of those parks where you drive your car through and the animals roam around your car. There were other animals besides bears, but the bears were our favorite!
The babies were especially fun to see!
From there, we went to Mt. Rushmore. We had never been before (that we can remember) and it was quite a sight! Lillian fell asleep on the way there and slept the entire time of our visit.
In the evening we went to the Circle B Ranch for a Chuckwagon dinner. This was fabulous. They encouraged us to arrive about 1 1/2 hours before dinner and we spent that time panning for gems, riding ponies, shooting pistols, and playing on the playground. Right before dinner, there was a gunfight between the owner of the Ranch and the Biscuit Bandit. All the children were invited to help catch the bandit. After giving a pep talk, they all took off to hunt him down. They hadn't gone very far around the edge of the building when they ran right into him and he shot his gun up into the air. I wasn't fast enough to get a picture of it, but Alaina lost her flip flop so as the children all came running back, she was by herself at the rear of the pack. She came tearing around the corner with the bandit right on her heels! The look on her face was priceless! Once she was out of the way, a gunfight pursued. They did it in such a way to make sure the children knew it was all pretend (the bandit was told that he was shot and he should be lying down). After the gunfight, we had a cowboy meal with all the fixin's and we were treated to live entertainment. I would highly recommend this ranch if you are ever in the area. The owners not only prepared the meal, they were the entertainment as well, and they did an excellent job in all areas.
The second gentleman owned the ranch. The third and fourth are his two sons.
They sang Gene Autry and Roy Rogers and the likes.
You would think that would be enough for a packed full day, but no, during the very last song of the show, Lillian took a dive off of a picnic bench and managed to put a half inch cut into her forehead. Mom and Rebekah dropped everyone else off back at the campground and then we headed to Custer to the emergency room. She was able to be glued back together instead of stitches and it only took us one hour and fifteen minutes from start to finish at the emergency room. (They apologized that it took so long, but that was the shortest emergency room visit that I've ever experienced! They even had two ambulances arrive while we were there.)
On our way out this morning we drove along the Needles Hwy through Custer State Park. This was a treat with rock formations that were very similar to some in Arches National Park. In addition to the rocks, we were also treated to many wildlife sightings, one being three buffalo. At first we thought they were statues and it took us all a minute to realize what we were really seeing. It was quite a fun way to end our time in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Keri
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)