On Friday night, we were able to go to the Crazy Horse Memorial. It was pretty cool, but it isn't yet completed. They have a long way to go, but it is HUGE!!! It was neat to see a "work-in-progress," as they are completely carving this figure out of a mountain using dynamite and tools - CRAZY!!!!
On Saturday, we traveled through Custer State Park, the Wildlife loop, down to Hot Springs where we visited an actual Mammoth Paleontological dig. Then, we trucked back up and went through small tunnels on our way back up to the campground. After a doggie potty break, we headed to Keystone for dinner. We ate in a restaurant decorated as an old saloon. The food was okay, not the best, but the atmosphere was cool.
Then, on Sunday, we started heading for Omaha. We stopped in Wall, ND to visit the famous Wall Drug store that was about 10 blocks of stores hooked together. It was pretty much a tourist trap with everything from a restaurant, drug store, book store, western wear shop, chapel, photography displays, fake animal displays, and candy shops. It had a number of other mini-stores inside of the walls too, but we managed to make it out of there with only purchasing some ice cream and soda, and getting a bumper sticker for free.
We made it south of Omaha at about 10 p.m. last night and then got up early, did laundry and headed to Kansas City in pouring rain. We made it safely to Cameron (outside of KC) to meet up with my Mom's side of the family for lunch. It was a lot of fun and we wished we could have stayed longer. Then, as Boyd had to work (ever see someone try to do graphic design from a passenger side seat), I got to drive the trailer to Gladstone, MO to my Uncle Phil's house (my Dad's brother). Let's just say that there were two or three places where Boyd was wishing he was behind the wheel. However, we have arrived here in Gladstone, and both Boyd and I are chugging away on getting some work done. My email is down and I am working on getting it corrected. Hopefully, it will be up and running soon!
We head towards St. Louis first thing tomorrow morning! It is supposed to rain for the next week. We may be a soggy mess before you know it.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Mt. Rushmore
Yesterday was great. Boyd and I worked and Caden did her school work for most of the day. We took a little break to go to lunch at the little restaurant at the Hill City KOA. It was great food. We all think this is our favorite KOA so far, and we have missed out on most of the fun, as they close almost everything at Labor Day. In fact, this whole campground will be closed in less than one week. It is a real destination and one a family or group of families would really enjoy.
One of the coolest things is the summer program they have where many of the positions are filled with Christians. The organization that puts it together is called SummerShine Resort Staffing Ministry and it was founded in Myrtle Beach, SC in 1979. At the KOA here in South Dakota, there were 10 Christians college students, living, working and playing.
At about 6:30 p.m., we headed to Mt. Rushmore. We were able to see it in the daylight and then stayed for the evening program. During the evening program, there was a trivia portion about the mountain, the four Presidents, and the sculptor. There was a little debate when one of the questions posed was, "In what state was our current President born?" After that, one of the Rangers gave us a little history and then we watched a 20 minute video about Mt. Rushmore and the Presidents.
Then, there was the National Anthem and during the National Anthem, the face(s) of Mt. Rushmore lit up. It was breathtaking.
For the grand finale, they called down all former and current military personnel to retire the flag for the evening. It was very moving to watch five people take the flag down and then have it passed from person to person. There must have been 50 people who were up there on the stage. It was probably about 1/4 of the people who were attending the evening show.
Today, we are back at work, but hope to do some more sightseeing this evening and will tomorrow and part of Sunday, for sure.
One of the coolest things is the summer program they have where many of the positions are filled with Christians. The organization that puts it together is called SummerShine Resort Staffing Ministry and it was founded in Myrtle Beach, SC in 1979. At the KOA here in South Dakota, there were 10 Christians college students, living, working and playing.
At about 6:30 p.m., we headed to Mt. Rushmore. We were able to see it in the daylight and then stayed for the evening program. During the evening program, there was a trivia portion about the mountain, the four Presidents, and the sculptor. There was a little debate when one of the questions posed was, "In what state was our current President born?" After that, one of the Rangers gave us a little history and then we watched a 20 minute video about Mt. Rushmore and the Presidents.
Then, there was the National Anthem and during the National Anthem, the face(s) of Mt. Rushmore lit up. It was breathtaking.
For the grand finale, they called down all former and current military personnel to retire the flag for the evening. It was very moving to watch five people take the flag down and then have it passed from person to person. There must have been 50 people who were up there on the stage. It was probably about 1/4 of the people who were attending the evening show.
Today, we are back at work, but hope to do some more sightseeing this evening and will tomorrow and part of Sunday, for sure.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Still in Cody, WY
We are postponing our move to South Dakota for another day - need to do a couple telephone meetings today, so we get to stay in Cody for a bit longer.
Caden's cough returned today, so we may also end up taking her into see a doctor. Poor girl.
But, we did have a good day yesterday. Lots of work, then downtown to watch a shootout show, and dinner at the Irma Hotel. Boyd and Caden went for the buffet where they had all-you-can eat prime rib, ribs, pastas, salads, etc. Caden had a huge piece of prime rib, a few BBQ ribs and a serving of Alfredo pasta. Boyd had at least two HUGE (plate size) pieces of prime rib. The horseradish was also great and we did end up clearing up our sinuses! I had a smaller cut of prime rib - it was excellent.
So, today will be a work, school, and possibly doctor day. I am sure it will fly by quickly!
Caden's cough returned today, so we may also end up taking her into see a doctor. Poor girl.
But, we did have a good day yesterday. Lots of work, then downtown to watch a shootout show, and dinner at the Irma Hotel. Boyd and Caden went for the buffet where they had all-you-can eat prime rib, ribs, pastas, salads, etc. Caden had a huge piece of prime rib, a few BBQ ribs and a serving of Alfredo pasta. Boyd had at least two HUGE (plate size) pieces of prime rib. The horseradish was also great and we did end up clearing up our sinuses! I had a smaller cut of prime rib - it was excellent.
So, today will be a work, school, and possibly doctor day. I am sure it will fly by quickly!
Monday, September 14, 2009
From Yellowstone to Cody, WY
Where do I even begin?
We had two of the greatest days exploring Yellowstone National Park. On Saturday, we were able to visit Old Faithful, see tons of wildlife, some fumerals, mud pots, and geysers. It was fantastic. Both Boyd and I have seen three bald eagles (Caden only saw two), tons of elk, bison, and geese.
I guess while we were visiting the park someone hit and killed one of the bison. It totalled their car, but I guess everyone was okay - except for the buffalo. It was a fatal mistake.
Following Karyn and Jacy's advice, we decided not to be the typical tourists who get out of their cars to approach the wildlife. Safety first! We were supposed to remain safe and sound within the confines of our protective vehicle. It worked well until Boyd decided to put his life at risk by posing in front of a huge bull buffalo. I think I saw his life flash in front of my eyes - that is what happens when you have known someone for as long as I have known Boyd. I was scared, as I know that we are an accident prone family. Do not try this at home - or at Yellowstone for that matter. He was within about 40 feet from the buffalo. Was that dumb or what?
Anyway, I had left the truck door open so I could scramble back to the truck to save my life, if necessary. Guess what - all I got was grief for leaving the door open. It was a precautionary measure!!! I had to have a back-up plan. We made it out of there safely.
On Sunday, we packed up the trailer and headed for Cody, WY. We stopped at one of the oldest lodges in Yellowstone for lunch and had a fabulous meal. While the ambiance of the hotel reminded me a little of an old folks' home, the food was fantastic. Boyd had a grilled chicken, sun-dried tomato, arugula, and goat cheese sandwich. It was so tasty! I had an antipasto plate that included meats, cheeses, breads, dressings, and peppers. Yummy! But, the winning meal was Caden's Lobster Ravioli. Not only did she clean up the plate, but she had to fight off both Boyd and me from trying to get bites. The sauce was creamy and delicious and was topped with a white truffle oil. We probably could have stayed there all day eating the ravioli.
Then, after we had such a great meal, we headed back out to the trailer to walk the dogs and they were able to sample the same type of fabulous meal - buffalo chips (fresh and fantastic). It was a scramble to keep them away from their buffet.
We drove from the lodge to Cody, WY driving past huge cliffs, beautiful rivers, and sweeping plains. We saw rugged land and dramatic homes built on practically unreachable hillsides. The drive was breathtaking.
Once we arrived in Cody, we set up "Howie" - our home on wheels at the local KOA. This KOA gives us something to write home about. It not only has a larger than life chess set, but a playground, dog agility course (which our dogs are failing at miserably), and a jumping pillow - kind of like a trampoline. If we would have made it here before Labor Day, we could have sampled the pancake breakfast and gone for a trail ride right from the KOA grounds. They also have a HUGE game room with a TV, diner tables, tons of video games, Skeeball, Foosball, and many other activities.
If it wasn't so cold here year around, I could see our family living here. It portrays that old wild west feel that we love.
We head for South Dakota tomorrow - hopefully!
We had two of the greatest days exploring Yellowstone National Park. On Saturday, we were able to visit Old Faithful, see tons of wildlife, some fumerals, mud pots, and geysers. It was fantastic. Both Boyd and I have seen three bald eagles (Caden only saw two), tons of elk, bison, and geese.
I guess while we were visiting the park someone hit and killed one of the bison. It totalled their car, but I guess everyone was okay - except for the buffalo. It was a fatal mistake.
Following Karyn and Jacy's advice, we decided not to be the typical tourists who get out of their cars to approach the wildlife. Safety first! We were supposed to remain safe and sound within the confines of our protective vehicle. It worked well until Boyd decided to put his life at risk by posing in front of a huge bull buffalo. I think I saw his life flash in front of my eyes - that is what happens when you have known someone for as long as I have known Boyd. I was scared, as I know that we are an accident prone family. Do not try this at home - or at Yellowstone for that matter. He was within about 40 feet from the buffalo. Was that dumb or what?
Anyway, I had left the truck door open so I could scramble back to the truck to save my life, if necessary. Guess what - all I got was grief for leaving the door open. It was a precautionary measure!!! I had to have a back-up plan. We made it out of there safely.
On Sunday, we packed up the trailer and headed for Cody, WY. We stopped at one of the oldest lodges in Yellowstone for lunch and had a fabulous meal. While the ambiance of the hotel reminded me a little of an old folks' home, the food was fantastic. Boyd had a grilled chicken, sun-dried tomato, arugula, and goat cheese sandwich. It was so tasty! I had an antipasto plate that included meats, cheeses, breads, dressings, and peppers. Yummy! But, the winning meal was Caden's Lobster Ravioli. Not only did she clean up the plate, but she had to fight off both Boyd and me from trying to get bites. The sauce was creamy and delicious and was topped with a white truffle oil. We probably could have stayed there all day eating the ravioli.
Then, after we had such a great meal, we headed back out to the trailer to walk the dogs and they were able to sample the same type of fabulous meal - buffalo chips (fresh and fantastic). It was a scramble to keep them away from their buffet.
We drove from the lodge to Cody, WY driving past huge cliffs, beautiful rivers, and sweeping plains. We saw rugged land and dramatic homes built on practically unreachable hillsides. The drive was breathtaking.
Once we arrived in Cody, we set up "Howie" - our home on wheels at the local KOA. This KOA gives us something to write home about. It not only has a larger than life chess set, but a playground, dog agility course (which our dogs are failing at miserably), and a jumping pillow - kind of like a trampoline. If we would have made it here before Labor Day, we could have sampled the pancake breakfast and gone for a trail ride right from the KOA grounds. They also have a HUGE game room with a TV, diner tables, tons of video games, Skeeball, Foosball, and many other activities.
If it wasn't so cold here year around, I could see our family living here. It portrays that old wild west feel that we love.
We head for South Dakota tomorrow - hopefully!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Arriving in West Yellowstone, MT
We made it to West Yellowstone, MT. It was a beautiful drive, but we ended up taking a slightly more challenging route than the one recommended by Karyn and Jacy. Oh well, it worked out fine.
We are staying in the West Yellowstone KOA and it is beautiful. The campsites are phenomenal. We have a swing, a round table, water, sewer, electric, cable - what more could you ask for? Actually getting into the RV? Well, that might be too much to ask. Good thing we have two doors, as our front door completely jammed and we were unable to get into the front of the trailer. Boyd took the lock mechanism apart to try to fix it and the good news is we can now open the door, but we can't lock it from the inside. Ahhhh, the joys of being full-time RVers.
Tonight was a feast of bagel sandwiches - yummmm... and tomorrow we head to Yellowstone Park. We went to the Visitor's Bureau today and asked for input on how we should handle our time here. We now have a game plan.
Last night, Caden and I made Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies. They are so good. Except, now the oven works too well and the cookies ended up a little burned on the bottom. They actually only took 12 minutes to bake. Prior to having the oven fixed (yet another one of our RV issues), it was taking up to 40 minutes to do a batch of cookies. I was under the impression it would take longer than the actual 12 minutes, but alas, the oven works now!
This morning, we met back up with our friends Karyn and Jacy. They own a Veterinary practice in Bozeman. We spent some time talking to them about Moxie and our plans. They really liked the fabrics. They also gave us pointers for getting to Yellowstone.
Also this morning, I woke up really early and did a load of laundry. In the laundry room, I ran into a lady and was talking to her about what we are doing (selling Moxie, traveling, home schooling Caden, etc.). She asked where we came from and I told her we recently left Ellensburg where we were at the rodeo. She said, "No kidding, I am from Ellensburg." What a small world! I didn't recognize her last name, but I believe her name was Jenny and her husband is Jim.
We are excited about visiting the park tomorrow. We are going to Old Faithful and some of the other locations on the Southwest side of the park. Then tomorrow, we head towards Cody, WY and see the Southeast side of the park. Part of the roads are closed, so we will not be able to do both loops.
Until the next update...
We are staying in the West Yellowstone KOA and it is beautiful. The campsites are phenomenal. We have a swing, a round table, water, sewer, electric, cable - what more could you ask for? Actually getting into the RV? Well, that might be too much to ask. Good thing we have two doors, as our front door completely jammed and we were unable to get into the front of the trailer. Boyd took the lock mechanism apart to try to fix it and the good news is we can now open the door, but we can't lock it from the inside. Ahhhh, the joys of being full-time RVers.
Tonight was a feast of bagel sandwiches - yummmm... and tomorrow we head to Yellowstone Park. We went to the Visitor's Bureau today and asked for input on how we should handle our time here. We now have a game plan.
Last night, Caden and I made Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies. They are so good. Except, now the oven works too well and the cookies ended up a little burned on the bottom. They actually only took 12 minutes to bake. Prior to having the oven fixed (yet another one of our RV issues), it was taking up to 40 minutes to do a batch of cookies. I was under the impression it would take longer than the actual 12 minutes, but alas, the oven works now!
This morning, we met back up with our friends Karyn and Jacy. They own a Veterinary practice in Bozeman. We spent some time talking to them about Moxie and our plans. They really liked the fabrics. They also gave us pointers for getting to Yellowstone.
Also this morning, I woke up really early and did a load of laundry. In the laundry room, I ran into a lady and was talking to her about what we are doing (selling Moxie, traveling, home schooling Caden, etc.). She asked where we came from and I told her we recently left Ellensburg where we were at the rodeo. She said, "No kidding, I am from Ellensburg." What a small world! I didn't recognize her last name, but I believe her name was Jenny and her husband is Jim.
We are excited about visiting the park tomorrow. We are going to Old Faithful and some of the other locations on the Southwest side of the park. Then tomorrow, we head towards Cody, WY and see the Southeast side of the park. Part of the roads are closed, so we will not be able to do both loops.
Until the next update...
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Bozeman, MT
We made it to Bozeman, MT last night and we are staying in a really nice KOA. The trip went fine and we had no problems with "Howie" (also known as our Home on Wheels) or with the truck. Caden was feeling really sick, but is a bit better today.
Yesterday, we did stop at about lunch time and Caden and I went for about a 1.5 mile hike to a used book store outside of Spokane. We couldn't get close enough with the trailer. It worked out fine, as Boyd had to upload some items, so he stayed with the trailer and worked while we were on our hike.
Caden managed to find a book she was looking for and then we hiked back to the truck and continued our journey.
Today, we were able to track down some friends who live in Bozeman. We weren't able to spend very much time with them, but hope to see them for a bit tomorrow before we head to Yellowstone.
We are enjoying our stay here in Montana. The drive here was beautiful, even though we did have to go through tons of mountain passes. The truck did great and we were able to maintain a good speed throughout the trip.
We are excited for Yellowstone and will keep everyone posted on our progress.
Yesterday, we did stop at about lunch time and Caden and I went for about a 1.5 mile hike to a used book store outside of Spokane. We couldn't get close enough with the trailer. It worked out fine, as Boyd had to upload some items, so he stayed with the trailer and worked while we were on our hike.
Caden managed to find a book she was looking for and then we hiked back to the truck and continued our journey.
Today, we were able to track down some friends who live in Bozeman. We weren't able to spend very much time with them, but hope to see them for a bit tomorrow before we head to Yellowstone.
We are enjoying our stay here in Montana. The drive here was beautiful, even though we did have to go through tons of mountain passes. The truck did great and we were able to maintain a good speed throughout the trip.
We are excited for Yellowstone and will keep everyone posted on our progress.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Had a BLAST in Ellensburg
Okay, so BLAST means many things in this case.
BLAST meaning fun
BLAST meaning blowing wind (both outside and wind from the dogs, if you catch my drift)
BLAST meaning blasting off on rides at the fair
Overall, we did have a good time in Ellensburg. We are glad we got there early and stayed after everyone else left. However, the weather could have been a little less "Artic Chill" and a little more "Indian Summer."
Caden came down with a cold and is feeling pretty miserable today as we start our trip toward Yellowstone. We are going to try to drive as far as possible today to make up for the lack of travel yesterday.
Thanks to Canopy Country RV for fixin' us up enough to continue our trip. We got a new A/C delivered and installed - much to our surprise. We weren't expecting it as we were told that due to a fire in the plant the A/C units were four to six weeks out for delivery. We were pleasantly surprised to be told one arrived. Also, we found out there are breakers hidden on the trailer we knew nothing about - so now we are more prepared. It would really help to have a manual!
As for Moxie, we handed out a lot of business cards, showed off the products and made some sales. It was a great weekend. We were able to visit with friends and family. Enjoy great food and make some new memories.
We watched the rodeo on Saturday and it was great. However, next year, we may just watch the Sunday night show, instead of the "real" rodeo. We have never laughed so hard before. It may have just been due to the mud, but it was like a comedy of errors watching the posse members try to race bareback through the arena. The mutton busting was hilarious. The posse members had roped a sheep to use as a lure to the sheep being ridden by the kids. That poor lamb was so funny. He crawled around on his knees, tried to scramble to get loose, and finally laid down and refused to move. It was so funny.
To all our family and friends we saw in Ellensburg. It was great catching up with everyone and we hope to see you all again soon!
BLAST meaning fun
BLAST meaning blowing wind (both outside and wind from the dogs, if you catch my drift)
BLAST meaning blasting off on rides at the fair
Overall, we did have a good time in Ellensburg. We are glad we got there early and stayed after everyone else left. However, the weather could have been a little less "Artic Chill" and a little more "Indian Summer."
Caden came down with a cold and is feeling pretty miserable today as we start our trip toward Yellowstone. We are going to try to drive as far as possible today to make up for the lack of travel yesterday.
Thanks to Canopy Country RV for fixin' us up enough to continue our trip. We got a new A/C delivered and installed - much to our surprise. We weren't expecting it as we were told that due to a fire in the plant the A/C units were four to six weeks out for delivery. We were pleasantly surprised to be told one arrived. Also, we found out there are breakers hidden on the trailer we knew nothing about - so now we are more prepared. It would really help to have a manual!
As for Moxie, we handed out a lot of business cards, showed off the products and made some sales. It was a great weekend. We were able to visit with friends and family. Enjoy great food and make some new memories.
We watched the rodeo on Saturday and it was great. However, next year, we may just watch the Sunday night show, instead of the "real" rodeo. We have never laughed so hard before. It may have just been due to the mud, but it was like a comedy of errors watching the posse members try to race bareback through the arena. The mutton busting was hilarious. The posse members had roped a sheep to use as a lure to the sheep being ridden by the kids. That poor lamb was so funny. He crawled around on his knees, tried to scramble to get loose, and finally laid down and refused to move. It was so funny.
To all our family and friends we saw in Ellensburg. It was great catching up with everyone and we hope to see you all again soon!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Time in Ellensburg
We have been so busy - work, meeting up with family and friends, and taking care of some things with the RV. Plus, there is all the really fun stuff. I am sitting here doing laundry in a huge facility so that I can get clean sheets on four beds for rodeo.
Ah, the joys of traveling full-time!
So, we have had a lot of fun the last few days - lots of food, cards, Mexican Train dominos, reading, gardening, and BBQing!
On Sunday, after church, we went to our high school friend's house and Caden had a blast. Molly has horses and she allowed Caden and Courtney (Molly's younger daughter) to ride their horses to the rodeo grounds. They had a blast.
Caden has made new friends here - both Courtney and also Lenny and Lizzer's neighbor's daughter. She has been able to play with them when she hasn't been doing school work.
We are looking forward to the arrival of "the troops" starting on Thursday. Tons of Boyd and Dane's friends, my mom, my dad and Julie, Julie's family, Linda and R.J. are just some of the people showing up for the weekend. It will be crazy!
We also just got some good news - another offer on our house - hopefully this one will go through. We also just got some bad news - we were told the air conditioning unit would arrive yesterday. It didn't show up and we have now been told that it will be almost a month before the unit arrives, due to a backlog from a fire in the factory. Arrggghhhh....
Anyway, tomorrow is another day - hopefully, it will be a great one!
Ah, the joys of traveling full-time!
So, we have had a lot of fun the last few days - lots of food, cards, Mexican Train dominos, reading, gardening, and BBQing!
On Sunday, after church, we went to our high school friend's house and Caden had a blast. Molly has horses and she allowed Caden and Courtney (Molly's younger daughter) to ride their horses to the rodeo grounds. They had a blast.
Caden has made new friends here - both Courtney and also Lenny and Lizzer's neighbor's daughter. She has been able to play with them when she hasn't been doing school work.
We are looking forward to the arrival of "the troops" starting on Thursday. Tons of Boyd and Dane's friends, my mom, my dad and Julie, Julie's family, Linda and R.J. are just some of the people showing up for the weekend. It will be crazy!
We also just got some good news - another offer on our house - hopefully this one will go through. We also just got some bad news - we were told the air conditioning unit would arrive yesterday. It didn't show up and we have now been told that it will be almost a month before the unit arrives, due to a backlog from a fire in the factory. Arrggghhhh....
Anyway, tomorrow is another day - hopefully, it will be a great one!
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