Day 14-15, End of the line!!

Prawn Horn Deer
Lazy Buffalo in Custer State Park

Laura has a friend....

Tunnels on the way to Mt Rushmore

Mt Rushmore

Corn Palace in Mitchell South Dakota (LOL!! Good popcorn though)

Minnesota

Pam find a jackalope

Camping in Custer (Heaven!!)

Dopey finds more relatives, farm gnomes

Baby Chicks born that morning in Iowa

Thank you Nickleback!! (John Deere means alot more to us!)

Goat at Mel's

Cow at Mel's

Our last 2 days on the road were not just driving, we did as I mentioned last entry Custer State Park and the Badlands. We did manage a fine tourist trap called Wall Drug on our way home toward Minnesota. Our last night was at Dana & Mel's farm in Kenyon, MN. We were greeted by baby chicks, animals and a nice comfy bed. It's been a hoot, always waking up somewhere new each day, no chandelier princess room, no eifel tower, no campfire sore back, no roach motel, just a nice blue boy's room with a pirate ship. Cool!

We're home now, all is well, we are tired, and happy. 5,279 miles on the nose from Jerry's Amoco in Hurley on July 10-Pam's Driveway July 24. 2 weeks, 15 states, 3 state parks, 4 national monuments, one ocean, many kinds of wildlifes, a mountain buffet, several hotels, a camper, a princess room, a beautiful home in California, a tent and teenage boys room are all the places we awoke to. This has been our story-we hoped you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed living it!!

Day 13 Wyoming & (Finally!) SD...Another Day, another national monument...

Mount Rushmore: Custer State Park :)

L “It has a McPlay Place!” P- “Oh McJoy!”

Real Cowboys!

Getting lost a few times due to good conversations (We missed our exit)

Muddy Waters-Population 15 and 5 trailers.

Book Discussion (Laura is helping a friend write a fantasy novel)

Prong horn Deer in the prairies of Wyoming. Beautiful rock cuts and mountains ever changing. Pictures will never do this trip any true justice.

Construction changing our plans yet again! (Cut out Yellowstone as well as having to stay in Custer tonight)

P “Come back! Come back!” To a cute Flag Turner (I have really sunk to new levels)

CUSTER STATE PARK!

Custer is an amazing piece of heaven on earth. We got in about 4:00 PM yesterday MST after a long boring drive through Wyoming. We were eager to find a place to tent, eat and see our last big National Monument, Mt Rushmore. We found one of the last Center Lake first come first serve sites and set up our tent. We then went to Legion Lake for a Buffalo Burger and some black peppered Onion rings. We perused the gift shops (wonderful things to see and buy) and made our way out towards the Monument. The switchbacks, the tunnels, the wildlife began as we winded our way towards Rushmore. First we saw what we thought were female Moose, they were called “Mule Deer, and they were grazing a short way into the Ditch. After that, we went through the game lodge area, shopped a minute, and was told the buffalo were on our way toward the monument. There are thousands of buffalo in the park, and it is rut season, so we kept in our car and waited. Sure enough, past the visitor center, I saw my first one by the parking lot, just sitting. I was entranced (along with about 4 other cars) snapped a few pictures and we kept on. Then as we rounded the corner, there were about a hundred between the field, the hills, the road and the ditch. They casually crossed the road, almost all female s with babies, and were massive creatures but sweet, strong and gentle. You could here the ones (male likely) up in the hillside making LOUD grunting noises like an elephant/horse on steroids. We took some video too, to show the kids back home. We rounded another bend, and there were another 50-75, some laying ON the road, and snoozing. It was comical, awe inspiring and curiously fun. I don’t believe we saw a single male, which was okay with me, as the park had warned us one had changed a car that morning. Laura says they tower over the females, and that is quite big.

Next we wound around up into the mountains to come apron prong horn deer, and burrows. There were several in a field, and one visiting cars. He poked his head right in and said hello, as two burrows up on the hillside let out a huge “Hee Haw!” we laughed as we thought of Mikki. Yes, the real hee haw mating call.

The trip up the mountain and through tunnels is one like that of the longest manmade roller coaster I have ever been on. It was a delight and assault on my senses. When we came back down, through spirals, tunnels and u turns, we found ourselves almost directly in front of Mt Rushmore. We spent about an hour there, the gift shop was amazing. The lights went on as the sun set, and the mood was surreal. People gathered in the Amphitheatre area to watch the presentation. We headed towards the exit hoping to get back to camp. We had taken nearly an hour to drive 26 miles through buffalo, winding hills and the part. .On our way back, we (fortunately) took a wrong turn and wound up on the highway that passed crazy horse, we caught about 5 minutes of the laser lights show and continued into town to get some eggs and firewood. Back at our site, it was incredibly dark, there were no lights anywhere, and the area were in had no electric. It was very pretty, once I looked up I almost fell back, I had never seen that many stars in my entire life-not even in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. We tried for quite some time (through 2 lighters and half of a notebook) to start our fire. We kicked back and had a celebratory white Russian each, toasting to our last real vacation night. We slept on the ground in a tent under those stars, and surprisingly, it was a perfect night, perfect in the way it has all worked out. Laura woke early to walk to the beach and set up a glorious breakfast of eggs, veggies from Aunt Linda’s Garden, Grapes from Aunt Pat’s backyard and coffee. It certainly has been heaven.

We’re bummed we aren’t there for Arianna’s (Laura’s daughter) 16th birthday today, but we will be home tomorrow. We just passed mile marker 164 on our way to Sioux Falls, SD and by suppertime we should be in Minnesota. This is a day of hard driving and not much more. At the end of this journey, I suppose you all are wondering how we’ve been faring in close quarters-well, we discussed that just this morning. We have definitely enjoyed every moment-I have to say, I knew it would be easy to travel together, but not this much fun or relaxing. We are definitely tighter and happy. We hope you’ve been inspired to grab someone you really love and do this trip (or any trip) with-life’s too short, and this country is worth seeing. I can’t believe I waited this long!

Some thank yours and shout outs: Aaron in MO for fixing the fuses in Laura’s Car, Aunt Linda, Michael, Ricky for use of the boat and camper, Gary, Amy-especially for cookies, Kevin, Matt & Donna….the chick who works at the front desk at Paris-Jenny-who upgraded us to a strip view once she found out it was Laura’s bday. The people kind enough to take our pictures together everywhere-and anywhere! Aunt Pat, Uncle Ed, Debbie, Elizabeth, AJ, Elizabeth’s friend Rachel for hosting us so nicely and taking us all over Ventura (and the young ladies for their excellent Dopey pictures and AJ for has most excellent Gollum & Stitch impressions), Liz & Michael in Vegas for your hospitality and very cute kids, and Marion (HUGS to you all!!). Pete for all of his directions and help during the trip (Yes, we did get lost s few times…LOL) Shirley for finding us some sweet prices in Vegas, Laura’s Dad for directions in St Louis, MO, Michael again for his computer TLC, map download and GPS, to our three semi honks (that we actually heard LOL), Oklahoma welcome center gals, Custer State Park Legion Lake ladies for buffalo tips and conversation, The FRIENDLY automotive department (extremely) in Utah, The dude that makes banana fosters at Aloha Steakhouse, the kick butt waitress, Dana & Mel for housing us tonight (LOL-we are on our way), Pam’s Dave for help when we needed it, watching the fort while I’m gone and not even flinching when I told him I was going on this trip, I love you!! For Arianna from us both for her help out at the Morello’s which made this trip possible, The gal on Route 66 at the classic a car museum for free key rings and pins, cowboys for just being cowboys (eye candy), the incredibly friendly people in each state except UTAH!! (That state is grumpy!!) and good weather, good fortune, good health, the best driver in the world (and safest albeit fastest) Laura, her faithful navigator Pam (without the trip would have been long, lonely and hard) and Herbie, the best little Subaru in the universe for never complaining climbing up and down mountains, being forced to go too slow in the wide open straight parries, the heat and bugs that have turned it slightly green along 5000 miles by the time we pull into home in Hurley….wow…we did it!!

Stay tuned for finale pictures after we return home this weekend-we promise some surprise shots and nice landscapes!!

2 Chicks & a Dwarf named Dopey

Dopey liked the friendly people in Oklahoma

Dopey caught up with the family in Missouri

Dopey at the Gnome Casino in Vegas....what happened to Dopey in Vegas, stays in Vegas

Dopey had some of the best citrus California has to offer

Dopey, at the Grand Canyon, is a bit afraid of heights

Dopey enjoying a California Marina

Dopey at the Ocean

Dopey enjoying the rest stops

Dopey liked working at Sonic for a day

Dopey playing with the cows

Dopey wants to take a ride

Dopey likes his new friend Rusty..

I mentioned a few days back about our having a "flat stanley" which a metaphor for a mascot hidden in some (okay alot) of our pictures. Since the trip is nearly done, we thought it best to no longer keep you in suspense and for those of you in on it as we went, which made it even more fun, this blog's for you!!

**Disclaimer** Pam did not know Laura took Dopey from the rock garden until we were halfway to Madison!!

Day 12....heading through Utah, Wyoming, the Rockies

Pictures don't do it justice...

You guys have been asking me about Laura's tatoo, here's the picture:

We're sitting at a Mcd's in Wyoming somewhere having some supper and using the WIFI. It's kinda cute and rustic. There's saddle seats. We are starting to get tired, depressed, perhaps a bit of both. Here's Laura....

Ok is everyone happy they can see the tattoo now? lol I like it...which is a good thing it is on me huh!

The Mountains comming through Utah are amazing! Pam and I both were making all sorts of funky noises while driving and watching the scenery! Poor Pam isnt so sure about driving the switch backs though but to be honest they werent bad at all! BEAUTIFUL!!! The plan at the moment is to make it to Cheyenne tonight so we can see some of the Badlands, and sites near Custer in South Dakota tomarrow. We will have lots of awesome pics of the Mountains hopefully later tonight.

Pam here...Okay, we're in a crappy Econolodge in Rawlings, WY-and I am amazed at how a tiny middle of nowhere town is something like out of vacation-sucking what little cash I have left from me :( I stopped at 3 less than favorable looking places, and settled here. Laura (God bless her) has driven about 4000 miles and it's time for bed....

As we have gone away from our belved ocean, we thought it was just us getting depressed, but it's not, seriously, people are getting crabbier, have less teeth, smell and everything is ucky dirty. Utah had gorgeous mountains, but did nothing for PR. Wyoming-again, not a whole lot to offer-only about 1.5 million people live in the entire state-which makes it even more desolote than Hurley-which I did not think it's possible.

BUT they do have internet. And a bed.

Nough said. Stay tuned for the Badlands (Gee, sounds divine after today??!!)

We saw Mutant Ninja Crows at the very dirty rest stop (the only one for 100 miles) and judging by the garbage and his cawing, I suggested we move out of there quickly. He seemed hungry. He was as big as Sadie....

I think we are both resined that the trip is almost over and we must go home

Some quote's for today:

"Beaver County?" "Iron County?!?"

"80 mph zone!" (L)

"U ran a red light!" (P) "Oh hmm I did!" (L)

"It's soo BIG!" (P) ( a mountain lol)

"He's got big parts!" (P) (commenting on a semi's load)

At the cool high tech McD's where there are plasma TV's, raised booths, a fireplace and yes, even a TV in the Bathroom...I get a sundae.

"Nuts are free" declares the young employee....says the other employee in another moment, "Sorry mam, we appear to be nutless".

Day 11 Citrus Adventures

The left overs from "the orange incident."
This ones for you Mikki!

Roadside Fruit stand.

Hello everyone, it's Laura here. We left Uncle Ed and Aunt Pats house later than we had planned but we just had a hard time leaving knowing we had to begin the journey home. We have been having a wonderful time and seeing so many things and people and it has been such an awesome experience. Our day started with looking out at the lemon trees in the back yard and Uncle Ed giving us directions back towards Las Vegas going through orchards and farm land. The citrus groves are so beautiful and we actually got a little lost took a wrong turn and found some Olive trees as we turned around to head in the right direction. So we saw something we had never seen before...all was not lost! Along the way we saw several small roadside stands selling fresh fruits and produce and we finally stopped at one and picked up some oranges, avacodo, and fresh garlic...yummmm! As we drove along I have to admit the smell of the oranges were driving me crazy so I had Pam peel me one for a snack....we will now call this the orange incident! Let me just say this, my car has been christened with Orange juice and I had to change clothes...it was everywhere! Valencia Oranges are not only tasty but very, very, very juicy!

We also found a Pinkberry yogurt shop, something just for Mikki! I must say it was DELICIOUS! Hmmm is another trip in store? I dont know but it was fun to find something our children had asked us to keep an eye out for. Speaking of which I found something for Arianna's birthday that is going to send her into a tale spin!! Something she will never figure out even if I give a hint....It is nearly impossible to find except on the internet. Keep thinking kiddo! Love ya!

Some Quote's for the day:

(P) "Hey!" a truck load of Hay

(P & L) "Do we have to go home?"

(P) "Dorito Convoy, cool." (L) "Cool Ranch."

We also drove through the Mojave Desert today and Past Edwards air force base, some more highlights. Oh yeah and we had another Mustang "staker?" we arent sure who was stalking who though. It was a very nice shiny and new mustang no plates on it even, just a sticker in the window and we played tag for several miles. lol silliness!

Our favorite sign for the day: "Chuck-A-Rama" What is that??? I really dont think I want to eat there it makes me think....well yuck anyhow.

A big huge THANKS! to all of those who have helped us plot our map and make suggestions. You all know who you are....YOU ARE THE BEST!

Day 10 Have you seen our Flat Stanley??

I am wondering aloud, as some of you may or may not have noticed, we have a "Flat Stanley". This is a metaphor for a little mascot person we have slipped into some (well, okay maybe 100) pictures. I don't even think the owner of this said item realizes it just yet. Most of you have been in on this little fun experiment, so with the trip winding down, we are proud to say it's almost time to unveil him. Perhaps, if you have time and want to go back and look for him, you might see him this time. Soon, we will have a post dedicated just to him. :)

Day 9 Part 2 Updated & Complete!

Ed & Pat's back yard
REAL Lemon Trees!!!


and grapes....

We picked our own lemons this morning!!
(it's hard work on this here Lemon ranch)

Happy Laura

The Pier

Here we are!!! Thelma & Louise have made it to the ocean and the end of rt 66!!!

I know, I know....tooooo sexy!!! (First time in the Pacific)

Chillaxin

Danny "Patridge Family" Bonaducci

Lunch with cousin Deb, AJ, Elizabeth, Pat & Rachel

Marina

Hey Dave!!! It's a "Thing"

Pirate Days at Ventura Harbor

California PUG!!!

Johnny Depp? Not exactly....

Cruisin with Pirates

We are tired after a long day at Ventura Beach.....as I type, it's technically Day 10, and Aunt Pat is playing her beautiful music. We saw the ocean, hippies selling crafts, surfer dudes, pigeons and Danny Bonaduci(Patridge Family red head boy from the 70's). It was a perfect Californian Day. I can say that the Walmarts here are not as nice, pretty or clean back home, but the flowers, homes and people are gorgeous. We are sad it is time to go.

Pam here, typing on 14 heading for Palmdale. Nice view of the valleys and mountains. We spent a couple days in California, visiting family, laying on the beach next to the Ocean and getting major eye candy. We were greeted with rolling hills, valleys and mountain ranges as we dropped from 7000 ft to sea level. We got about 40 MPG!! We skirted around Los Angeles and came into orange groves, fields of citrus, lemons, strawberries and avocados. Amazing….

Uncle Ed’s and Aunt Pat’s home is in lovely Camarillo just south of Ventura Beach. We were treated like princesses and enjoyed our visit with them so much, I do believe we will make this a nice habit and visit again soon. The beach was so cool, right out of the movies, we had the pier, the bike rentals, the hippies, the surfer dudes and an endless supply of sunshine. We went to eat at the Aloha steakhouse with Cousin Debbie, AJ & Elizabeth and her friend from Kentucky, Rachel. The temp was perfect for a day at the beach (and yes, the water does taste like salt), Aunt Pat took us to a cute marina full of shopping and it was having “Pirate Days” and that was a lot of fun. People walking around with their cute little doggies and kids, swashbucklers and wenches, very nice.

The boats, the flowers, the landscaping, the cars, the buildings and all the happy people-amazing. I am not sure why the heck I live where I live-especially when you can go outside and pick a lemon off your tree for your tea, or grapes for a snack. How about having a concert pianist play you some Beethoven and Chopin to sleep?? It does not get any better than this.

That being said, the only scary thing about the LA area was the fast traffic and the Wal-Mart in Ventura. Apparently, that bathroom is the last thing they ever plan to clean and some of the employees looked like they had been there 24 hours. I scored some odd candy, gums and things for the girls however, and got out with my life.

After two all too quick days, we wake up today to the somber realization that we must indeed, begin heading Northeast and begin our trek homeward. Missions almost all accomplished, nearly all the people we set out to see have been seen. We had to slice off a little more now again, we aren’t sure if we have a way to cut up and through Yellowstone easy or not. So today, we took an Uncle Ed suggestion and took some back roads toward Vegas again-we saw more orchards-even olive ones, and stopped at a roadside fruit stand and bought some Valencia oranges (from Valencia where we were driving) garlic, avocados, some special treats for Pam’s Dave and then shopped in the local mall to stretch our legs and eat some lunch. Pam found a Pinkberry for her beloved Mikki, we even videoed the cute girl making our parfait. .

This afternoon and tonight we will drive as far as we can and collapse in a cheap hotel along our route towards Salt Lake City UT. Who knows, we might even go through Denver. We are flying solo now, and our goal is to be home by Thursday or Friday late.

Today, we have coasted through the edge of the Rockies to get into Utah, and are at a little po dunk place for the night (with free wifi of course) Stay tuned for more adventures!!