Here's a little list we compiled on our 12 hour trek from Turkey Run to Ithaca......
Best National Park: Grand Teton National Park- great hiking
Worst National Park: Wind Cave National Park- too easy to lose a baby down there
Best Brewery: Red Lodge
Worst Brewery: Estes Park Brewery
Best Salad: topped with steak and French fries
Worst Salad: just lettuce- soggy from the cooler
Best Coffee: Sean Mangan’s freshly pressed coffee
Worst Coffee: anything from our percolator
Best Soundtrack: Jess and Russ: Coldplay Viva la Vida
Rowan: Ice Ice Baby (everytime we get in the car- Ice Ice a Baby please)
Worst Sountrack: Elmo
Best Movie: there is only one Ro would watch…. Cars
Worst Movie: the only movie 80 times- Cars!
Best Road: US 212
Worst Road: Interstate 80 through Nebraska
Best Shopping: Montana Candy Emporium and Sierra Trading Post
Worst Shopping: anywhere around Mount Rushmore
Best touristy spot: Wal Drug
Worst touristy spot: Wild Bill’s Fort Emporium
Best camping: the Hot Springs
Worst camping: RV park in Chapell, Iowa
Favorite Ro Moment: Chippy hunting or falling into Old Faithful
Least Favorite Ro Moment: Fetching a thrown pacifier in the car for the 1000th time
So, we’re in route to Ithaca with the knowledge that we close on our new house at 3:00 Monday and have to be ready for movers at 9:00 am on Tuesday. Not much is packed so it will be a busy couple of days. Thanks for all your comments and prayers, and for sharing our trip with us. We hope to make more and more trips to see all the friends and family we love and miss across the country. We will be in Ithaca the rest of the summer and love visitors if anyone wants to come and check out our new digs! We’ve got plenty of room now that we can put up Poppy in the backyard!
Monday, July 28, 2008
A week's recap...
Date: July 28, 2008
Weather: Sunny skies to Ithaca…
Health: Excellent…. And in need of our beds
Morale: So excited for our home beds
Food: Josh’s yummy home brew
Current location: Ithaca, NY
Next Landmark: our new home
Miles Traveled: approx. 6700
So it’s obviously been too long since our last post, mainly due to all the fun we’ve been having with many of you! The visits have been so fun- with great destinations, great people, and yummy food and drink to make it better, how could we go wrong? And, we were craving people other than ourselves so we really threw ourselves into it!
Our first visit was to the Yummy Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. Jess was really excited about this- so much that she bought Ro a corn palace sippy and a big bag of popcorn. Only right to eat popcorn as you gaze at murals made from ears of corn… it makes you hungry!
After that, we headed to La Crosse, Wisconsin to hang with Heidi, Josh, and Miles. They were our neighbors in Chicago and have since settled in this great little town. They brew some yummy beer, make yummy ice cream, and have great parks along the Mississippi. We had a great time catching up and meeting Miles for the first time- Thanks!
We continued our voyage to Chi town and went to Romeoville, Illinois, just outside of the city to stay with our friends James, Julie, Jeran, and Ben. It was great to meet Ben and for Ro to have Jeran to get into all sorts of trouble with. We truly enjoyed the fire experience in the backyard and the yummy sausages for dinner. Thanks for the great time!
We headed to downtown Chicago to meet up with the White family who happened to be there for the weekend. Ro, Emily, and Lilly were in their element as they stripped off their clothes to play in the water feature at Millennium Park. It was great catching up over some deep dish Giordano’s.
Side note- Russ took the kids out of the restaurant early to prevent them from literally climbing the walls and while under his supervision, all managed to “fall” into the fountain outside thereby drenching the second change of clothes.
We finished the visit with some yummy Garrit’s popcorn and hugs good-bye as they departed for Columbus.
We trekked back to the ‘burbs to catch up with a classmates of Russ’ from his schooling in South Africa. Gisela and her family are great hosts and had fun playing with Ro. It was nice to hear embarrassing stories about Russ for a change and Jess digged for lots ‘o dirt and saw lots of great pictures of ‘lil Russ. Thanks for the yummy cookies!
Really feeding our habit for deep dish, we met Josh, Mom, and Dad Bode at the Giordano’s by the airport to wait for Lisa to fly into town. It was great to catch the White Sox game and plot our early morning tailgate for the Sox game.
We stocked up on hot sausages and brats and headed to the Cell to get ready for the Sox game the next morning. We had great seats in left field thanks to Josh.
We met up with our old friend John Valdez who came bearing a South Paw for Rowan. Thanks as he now has to sleep with it tucked into his sleeping bag with his Sox baseball hat. They all play hit hit together at night.
We also met up with Uncle Pat and Aunt Cathy Mangan who came in from Door County to enjoy the game with all of us. We hung in the parking lot continuing to eat and drink until the golf cart security kicked us out. It was a great day that ended with many sunburned, but happy with a winning homerun hit in the 8th.
We all attempted to caravan the following day to Turkey Run State park in Indiana for the Bode family reunion. Attempt due to Russ’ “shortcut”. It was amazing to see all the cousins grown up and with kids and so fun to catch up. Ro had a great time keeping up with his second cousins who were all very patient with him. He also took it upon himself to be the babysitter for Lord Helmsley… not sure the Lord liked this as much as Ro. We also had a chance to celebrate Russ’ birthday with some cupcakes and cake picked up by Ma Bode.
We camped out with all of Jess’ family, the Sean Mangan family, the Julie Schaffer family, Uncle Brett Bode and some of his grandkids, and the Sarah Bode family. There was lots of yummy food for all meals…. Breakfast being the main draw… and fun activities of hayrides, canoe trips and catching up. In all, about 55 people came to the reunion and it was so great to celebrate the awesome Bode family with some “Tiny Bubbles.”
Anyone who has more pictures of our visit with them, we would love to have them through email so they can go up on the blog! Jess' camera died out a couple of times....
Weather: Sunny skies to Ithaca…
Health: Excellent…. And in need of our beds
Morale: So excited for our home beds
Food: Josh’s yummy home brew
Current location: Ithaca, NY
Next Landmark: our new home
Miles Traveled: approx. 6700
So it’s obviously been too long since our last post, mainly due to all the fun we’ve been having with many of you! The visits have been so fun- with great destinations, great people, and yummy food and drink to make it better, how could we go wrong? And, we were craving people other than ourselves so we really threw ourselves into it!
Our first visit was to the Yummy Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. Jess was really excited about this- so much that she bought Ro a corn palace sippy and a big bag of popcorn. Only right to eat popcorn as you gaze at murals made from ears of corn… it makes you hungry!
After that, we headed to La Crosse, Wisconsin to hang with Heidi, Josh, and Miles. They were our neighbors in Chicago and have since settled in this great little town. They brew some yummy beer, make yummy ice cream, and have great parks along the Mississippi. We had a great time catching up and meeting Miles for the first time- Thanks!
We continued our voyage to Chi town and went to Romeoville, Illinois, just outside of the city to stay with our friends James, Julie, Jeran, and Ben. It was great to meet Ben and for Ro to have Jeran to get into all sorts of trouble with. We truly enjoyed the fire experience in the backyard and the yummy sausages for dinner. Thanks for the great time!
We headed to downtown Chicago to meet up with the White family who happened to be there for the weekend. Ro, Emily, and Lilly were in their element as they stripped off their clothes to play in the water feature at Millennium Park. It was great catching up over some deep dish Giordano’s.
Side note- Russ took the kids out of the restaurant early to prevent them from literally climbing the walls and while under his supervision, all managed to “fall” into the fountain outside thereby drenching the second change of clothes.
We finished the visit with some yummy Garrit’s popcorn and hugs good-bye as they departed for Columbus.
We trekked back to the ‘burbs to catch up with a classmates of Russ’ from his schooling in South Africa. Gisela and her family are great hosts and had fun playing with Ro. It was nice to hear embarrassing stories about Russ for a change and Jess digged for lots ‘o dirt and saw lots of great pictures of ‘lil Russ. Thanks for the yummy cookies!
Really feeding our habit for deep dish, we met Josh, Mom, and Dad Bode at the Giordano’s by the airport to wait for Lisa to fly into town. It was great to catch the White Sox game and plot our early morning tailgate for the Sox game.
We stocked up on hot sausages and brats and headed to the Cell to get ready for the Sox game the next morning. We had great seats in left field thanks to Josh.
We met up with our old friend John Valdez who came bearing a South Paw for Rowan. Thanks as he now has to sleep with it tucked into his sleeping bag with his Sox baseball hat. They all play hit hit together at night.
We also met up with Uncle Pat and Aunt Cathy Mangan who came in from Door County to enjoy the game with all of us. We hung in the parking lot continuing to eat and drink until the golf cart security kicked us out. It was a great day that ended with many sunburned, but happy with a winning homerun hit in the 8th.
We all attempted to caravan the following day to Turkey Run State park in Indiana for the Bode family reunion. Attempt due to Russ’ “shortcut”. It was amazing to see all the cousins grown up and with kids and so fun to catch up. Ro had a great time keeping up with his second cousins who were all very patient with him. He also took it upon himself to be the babysitter for Lord Helmsley… not sure the Lord liked this as much as Ro. We also had a chance to celebrate Russ’ birthday with some cupcakes and cake picked up by Ma Bode.
We camped out with all of Jess’ family, the Sean Mangan family, the Julie Schaffer family, Uncle Brett Bode and some of his grandkids, and the Sarah Bode family. There was lots of yummy food for all meals…. Breakfast being the main draw… and fun activities of hayrides, canoe trips and catching up. In all, about 55 people came to the reunion and it was so great to celebrate the awesome Bode family with some “Tiny Bubbles.”
Anyone who has more pictures of our visit with them, we would love to have them through email so they can go up on the blog! Jess' camera died out a couple of times....
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The Cave Dweller
Date: July 18, 2008
Weather: Thunderstorms thunderstorms thunderstorms
Health: Good- getting more sleep that we’ve gotten since having a baby
Morale: Bad- like the badlands or Crazy- like crazyhorse
Food: Root Beer Floats
Current location: Black Hills of South Dakota
Next Landmark: La Crosse, WI
Miles Traveled: approx. 4700
We arrived in the Black Hills of South Dakota and set off to explore all they have to offer. Rowan's first discovery was the world's largest plastic ice cream cone which despite our warnings, he insisted on trying to eat...
Thus- our first mistake was taking a 2 year old who has been in the car maybe a little too much- on a 2 hour cave tour. First- crying really echoes in dark caves, Second- when your child takes off, they easily stray off course thereby damaging national monuments such as Wind Cave, and Third- the looks of people really into the cave are enough to make you want to curl up and hide down there. Nonetheless, Ro loved it and our biggest struggle was getting him out of there. As the tour headed up the shaft, Ro bid us good-bye proclaiming he wants to live there. So, we left him- if you want to visit the little cave dweller, his new address is Wind Cave National Monument. Have fun finding him in the miles of cave maze…
Our second stop was Crazyhorse- Jess, in her cheesy tourist persona, wanted to see the laser show. It was pretty cool, although definitely full of mixed messages. Fascinating that there were no Native Americans working on the sculpture and yet it is a tribute to Crazyhorse and the Native American struggle in general. The sculpture itself was really impressive and will be amazing when it’s done. Ro especially enjoyed the movie where they show the dynamite used to carve the sculpture.
We slept outside Mount Rushmore for a night and survived a crazy thunderstorm. So far, so good with the poppy- no leaks. Then we headed into Rushmore. What a different feeling to Crazyhorse, although just as impressive! Again- Ro enjoyed the dynamite here and there was even a children’s activity where they could pretend to push the lever down on the box to blow a chunk of the mountain off. Amazing how much boys can get into that….
Following Rushmore, we jumped into the car to find the Badlands. On the way, we stopped at the largest pharmacy that is advertised every mile of South Dakota- Wall Drug. Ro had fun at the mini water park behind it...
In the middle of a Midwest prairie, you find this alien like park. It was very cool to see and we did a quick drive through so we could continue to try and get through South Dakota. Definitely reminded us of the land of Mordar from the Lord of the Rings….
Friday, July 18, 2008
We heart US 212......
Date: July 16, 2008
Weather: chillier.. especially at 10,500 feet altitude
Health: Good- no altitude sickness
Morale: The Hills are alive with the sound of music
Food: Bear Tooth Pale Ale, Glacier Ale, and Bent Nail IPA by Red Lodge Brewery
Current location: Red Lodge MT
Next Landmark: Black Hills and Mount Rushmore, SD
Miles Traveled: approx. 4100
We traveled the most beautiful highway- US 212 over the Bear Tooth Mountains- to the Top of the World- and down to Red Lodge. The poppy made it just fine and the scenery was amazing! The combination of meadows, snow, and lakes were breathtaking and the switchback road provided scenic outlooks one after another. Russ thinks this highway was even better than the road through Rocky Mountain National Park and we highly recommend it as an escape from Yellowstone as it can be taken from the East Entrance.
Here's some pictures from the ride....
Watch me- I can make this jump.....
Can you believe that is the road?
The next best find of the trip is Red Lodge, Montana. It is a great mountain town full of cool shops, great brews, yummy food, and ice cream.
Jess died and went to her second heaven…. The Montana Candy Emporium! It’s like Blacks’ store’s penny candy section multiplied ten fold. Imagine Willy Wonka’s candy factory in the mountains of Montana!!! To tide her over for the night… she filled a bag. But don’t worry- she’ll be back to stock up for the long haul home!
We spent a night sampling the brew at Sam’s Tap Room where they brew Red Lodge Ales. This is the best brewery of the trip. We got a mixed case to share and a growler of the Glacier Ale (our favorite). Not only could you sample at the Tap room, but also listen to little girls sing show tunes for money, roll around on the floor with about 5 dogs (Ro enjoyed this) and eat popcorn straight from the machine.
We rented a guest house from a Milwaukee, WI family with a summer home in Red Lodge. They were so kind and offered yummy fresh brewed coffee in the morning, and showers for us stinky hikers even after we checked out. The guest house was a log cabin on a roaring river. It was so great and our “resort treat.”
Not only is the food amazing, but also the shopping and hiking. We had the chance to do a little of both. The first day was a family hike to Glacier Lake climbing 1,000 feet in altitude over 1 ½ miles. This after a 8 mile dirt road to the trail head which was so rocky and full of holes and little brown creatures that it took 45 minutes to drive. Jess’ knuckles were white by the end of the drive and we were thankful that Ro was beyond Shaken Baby Syndrome. Good way to work off those beer calories. It was amazing at the top.
The second day was Russ and Ro embarking on a 11 mile hike of the Beartooth loop- Ro’s longest hike to date. They saw lots of bear prints so spent lots of time on the hike singing the “hey bear, whoa bear” song to alert any bears around. Ask them to sing it for you. Jess spent the day in town finishing her souvenir shopping and drooling yet again at the candy emporium.
Check out this bear print next to Russ' foot...
Guilty pleasure wise, this town filled a dream for each of us- Ro’s love of ice cream was met at the Red Caboose and Scoops, Jess’ love of candy was met at the Candy Emporium, and Russ’ love of beer was met at Sam’s Tap Room- home of the Red Lodge ales. Not only that but it was the most beautiful scenery and hiking. We fell in love with Montana and can’t wait to go back!
Weather: chillier.. especially at 10,500 feet altitude
Health: Good- no altitude sickness
Morale: The Hills are alive with the sound of music
Food: Bear Tooth Pale Ale, Glacier Ale, and Bent Nail IPA by Red Lodge Brewery
Current location: Red Lodge MT
Next Landmark: Black Hills and Mount Rushmore, SD
Miles Traveled: approx. 4100
We traveled the most beautiful highway- US 212 over the Bear Tooth Mountains- to the Top of the World- and down to Red Lodge. The poppy made it just fine and the scenery was amazing! The combination of meadows, snow, and lakes were breathtaking and the switchback road provided scenic outlooks one after another. Russ thinks this highway was even better than the road through Rocky Mountain National Park and we highly recommend it as an escape from Yellowstone as it can be taken from the East Entrance.
Here's some pictures from the ride....
Watch me- I can make this jump.....
Can you believe that is the road?
The next best find of the trip is Red Lodge, Montana. It is a great mountain town full of cool shops, great brews, yummy food, and ice cream.
Jess died and went to her second heaven…. The Montana Candy Emporium! It’s like Blacks’ store’s penny candy section multiplied ten fold. Imagine Willy Wonka’s candy factory in the mountains of Montana!!! To tide her over for the night… she filled a bag. But don’t worry- she’ll be back to stock up for the long haul home!
We spent a night sampling the brew at Sam’s Tap Room where they brew Red Lodge Ales. This is the best brewery of the trip. We got a mixed case to share and a growler of the Glacier Ale (our favorite). Not only could you sample at the Tap room, but also listen to little girls sing show tunes for money, roll around on the floor with about 5 dogs (Ro enjoyed this) and eat popcorn straight from the machine.
We rented a guest house from a Milwaukee, WI family with a summer home in Red Lodge. They were so kind and offered yummy fresh brewed coffee in the morning, and showers for us stinky hikers even after we checked out. The guest house was a log cabin on a roaring river. It was so great and our “resort treat.”
Not only is the food amazing, but also the shopping and hiking. We had the chance to do a little of both. The first day was a family hike to Glacier Lake climbing 1,000 feet in altitude over 1 ½ miles. This after a 8 mile dirt road to the trail head which was so rocky and full of holes and little brown creatures that it took 45 minutes to drive. Jess’ knuckles were white by the end of the drive and we were thankful that Ro was beyond Shaken Baby Syndrome. Good way to work off those beer calories. It was amazing at the top.
The second day was Russ and Ro embarking on a 11 mile hike of the Beartooth loop- Ro’s longest hike to date. They saw lots of bear prints so spent lots of time on the hike singing the “hey bear, whoa bear” song to alert any bears around. Ask them to sing it for you. Jess spent the day in town finishing her souvenir shopping and drooling yet again at the candy emporium.
Check out this bear print next to Russ' foot...
Guilty pleasure wise, this town filled a dream for each of us- Ro’s love of ice cream was met at the Red Caboose and Scoops, Jess’ love of candy was met at the Candy Emporium, and Russ’ love of beer was met at Sam’s Tap Room- home of the Red Lodge ales. Not only that but it was the most beautiful scenery and hiking. We fell in love with Montana and can’t wait to go back!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Rope a Cowboy
Date: July 14, 2008
Weather: warmer… especially in a little cabin we rented in Cody WY
Health: Good- better than roped cattle
Morale: Much improved thanks to a warm bed and thoughts of rodeos dancing in our heads
Food: Moose Drool Brown Ale by Teton Brewery
Current location: Cody, WY
Next Landmark: Red Lodge, MT
Miles Traveled: approx. 3500
We decided to leave Yellowstone a day early to escape the crowds and to search for more alpine scenery before we have to start heading east. The trip out was beautiful and at one point, we followed a bison over a bridge. They have become Ro’s animal of choice out here.
We checked into the Gateway campground where we rented a cabin for the night and enjoyed some quality time before heading out to get Ro some official cowboy boots for the rodeo. Check 'em out ladies...
Little did we know that Russ has watched many a rodeo on TV for he was able to explain all the events and scoring throughout the rodeo. Late night TV watching can teach you many things.
The rodeo was fun, but now making Jess think she should become a vegetarian... not fun to watch a calf be pulled down and wrestled by a grown man. Although those cowboys sure are yummy and made it not too hard to watch. Jess also loved some of the cowboy names and thinks hmmm maybe we’ll name our next one after wild Bill or something fun like that…
The west is really amazing. The people are so patriotic and a little wild. Guns are everywhere and there is a definite laid back appeal, but willing to say what they think and stand by it to the bitter end. Note to fellow travelers- they hate cell phones here! I’ve seen many people asked to leave stores etc. when the owner proclaimed they had no interest hearing their business and they should take it outside. Rough!
We got our TV fix and caught up on the world and decided to head to Montana for a couple of days… let’s hope Poppy can make it over the mountains!
Weather: warmer… especially in a little cabin we rented in Cody WY
Health: Good- better than roped cattle
Morale: Much improved thanks to a warm bed and thoughts of rodeos dancing in our heads
Food: Moose Drool Brown Ale by Teton Brewery
Current location: Cody, WY
Next Landmark: Red Lodge, MT
Miles Traveled: approx. 3500
We decided to leave Yellowstone a day early to escape the crowds and to search for more alpine scenery before we have to start heading east. The trip out was beautiful and at one point, we followed a bison over a bridge. They have become Ro’s animal of choice out here.
We checked into the Gateway campground where we rented a cabin for the night and enjoyed some quality time before heading out to get Ro some official cowboy boots for the rodeo. Check 'em out ladies...
Little did we know that Russ has watched many a rodeo on TV for he was able to explain all the events and scoring throughout the rodeo. Late night TV watching can teach you many things.
The rodeo was fun, but now making Jess think she should become a vegetarian... not fun to watch a calf be pulled down and wrestled by a grown man. Although those cowboys sure are yummy and made it not too hard to watch. Jess also loved some of the cowboy names and thinks hmmm maybe we’ll name our next one after wild Bill or something fun like that…
The west is really amazing. The people are so patriotic and a little wild. Guns are everywhere and there is a definite laid back appeal, but willing to say what they think and stand by it to the bitter end. Note to fellow travelers- they hate cell phones here! I’ve seen many people asked to leave stores etc. when the owner proclaimed they had no interest hearing their business and they should take it outside. Rough!
We got our TV fix and caught up on the world and decided to head to Montana for a couple of days… let’s hope Poppy can make it over the mountains!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Topic post: road trippin' with Ro
Jess has been keeping you up to date with our happenings, however after all this time behind the wheel I have some topics I thought I'd post on. For starters, how about making a road trip with a 2 year old. Things are different with when traveling with the offspring. For instance:
* you spend less money
You are not going rafting, horseback riding, or even canoing. If it raises your heart rate and someone has to insure it the 2 year old is not coming (unless you are in Mexico, right Bode's?).
And fancy restaurants and nights on the town or at the pub are not happening. Which leads me to....
* your days end at 9pm (and the night are long)
Your sidekick needs 10-12 hours of sleep. So you are going to bed (or sitting around the bed) at 9 or 10 and getting up at 8 or 9. There are 4 hours their that you used to use somehow.
* you are not going to make more friends
In "real" life babies make meeting people easier. In "camping" life people a) are scared off, b) have kids, but this is their time to spend with their family, or c) are really old and scare you off.
I think it's the nature of this kind of vacation that families spend time with themselves. The people that want to meet folks don't go to bed at 9pm.
* they will learn the strangest things
Ro is picking up some odd things. That occurred to me while driving down one of the of the beautiful passes I've seen and listening to Ro sing "Ice Ice Baby". Or being asked "More Elk please" in the meat and cheese shop. Or being introduced to everyone on the trail as Mommy and Daddy (they didn't ask to talk). Or putting yourself in timeout after throwing a rock at Daddy.
* you get tired
Despite going to bed early you get tired. Who knows why.
* consider scheduling an intervention
If you are going to spend a month together just the 3 of you, consider having a friend meet you for a a few days in the middle. They can ensure you are still sane and provide someone new to talk to from 9pm until midnight. Also they might take said two year old for a while since one of you has been with the last 350+ hours straight (except when you left him sleeping one the car that one time).
* but it is still worth it....
If you asked me 48 hours ago I might not have said it, but despite being different then before it is still a fun. After you re-learn how to travel you see do fine.
Ro really has done well with the car riding and nap while you can policy. He has been game for hikes, shopping, cold nights, and no baths. I think he gets tired of talking to adults, but he rewards us with some cute comments.
Next topic might be about camping in a popup when you are used to tents. Or if National Forests are actually better than National Parks. Or something I think of in the plain states.
* you spend less money
You are not going rafting, horseback riding, or even canoing. If it raises your heart rate and someone has to insure it the 2 year old is not coming (unless you are in Mexico, right Bode's?).
And fancy restaurants and nights on the town or at the pub are not happening. Which leads me to....
* your days end at 9pm (and the night are long)
Your sidekick needs 10-12 hours of sleep. So you are going to bed (or sitting around the bed) at 9 or 10 and getting up at 8 or 9. There are 4 hours their that you used to use somehow.
* you are not going to make more friends
In "real" life babies make meeting people easier. In "camping" life people a) are scared off, b) have kids, but this is their time to spend with their family, or c) are really old and scare you off.
I think it's the nature of this kind of vacation that families spend time with themselves. The people that want to meet folks don't go to bed at 9pm.
* they will learn the strangest things
Ro is picking up some odd things. That occurred to me while driving down one of the of the beautiful passes I've seen and listening to Ro sing "Ice Ice Baby". Or being asked "More Elk please" in the meat and cheese shop. Or being introduced to everyone on the trail as Mommy and Daddy (they didn't ask to talk). Or putting yourself in timeout after throwing a rock at Daddy.
* you get tired
Despite going to bed early you get tired. Who knows why.
* consider scheduling an intervention
If you are going to spend a month together just the 3 of you, consider having a friend meet you for a a few days in the middle. They can ensure you are still sane and provide someone new to talk to from 9pm until midnight. Also they might take said two year old for a while since one of you has been with the last 350+ hours straight (except when you left him sleeping one the car that one time).
* but it is still worth it....
If you asked me 48 hours ago I might not have said it, but despite being different then before it is still a fun. After you re-learn how to travel you see do fine.
Ro really has done well with the car riding and nap while you can policy. He has been game for hikes, shopping, cold nights, and no baths. I think he gets tired of talking to adults, but he rewards us with some cute comments.
Next topic might be about camping in a popup when you are used to tents. Or if National Forests are actually better than National Parks. Or something I think of in the plain states.
Can you blow out Old Faithful?
Date: July 12, 2008
Weather: Freezing- literally at night, but can keep warm by the sulfuric gysers
Health: no dysentery thanks to bean burgers and bison jerky
Morale: Getting a little tired of setting up camp.. but looking forward to exploring Yellowstone….
Food: Old Faithful Pale Ale from Teton Brewery
Current location: Yellowstone National Park
Next Landmark: Cody, WY
Miles Traveled: approx. 2900
Note- entries are a little dated due to the lack of internet access in Yellowstone...
We drove between Grand Teton and Yellowstone national park. It was beautiful and it’s amazing how much the landscape can change so quickly. We set up camp on the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake, which is enormous. Jess caught up on the mounds of laundry while Ro took a long needed nap.
We ran off to catch Old Faithful with a social butterfly of a baby talking to every tourist he saw. The Old Faithful Inn was amazing to see and as we waited for Old Faithful to put on it’s show… we became neglectful parents as Ro toppled backwards off the deck into the sand around it. I love it when they look at you like what are you doing talking on the phone when your child is running around Old Faithful?!? Anyone ever had that moment? Throughout Old Faithful’s eruption, Ro kept trying to blow it out screaming “hot hot”.
We finished off the evening with dinner at the lodge then headed to see the mineral springs.
The night was so cold Ro ended up shacking up in our sleeping bag and kicking us through the night. Despite all the clothes that were layered on him, he still needed some extra warmth….
We decided to do up Yellowstone the old fashioned way- by driving the loop. We first ate lunch at the Old Faithful Inn. It was yummy, especially after many meals at the campsite. Ro insisted on his own back-pack…. Thanks Aunt Amanda and Uncle Nick….
The loop took us around the whole park and along the way we saw bison, elk, moose, and bear. Ro did his best to help spot some "big game". He became great at spotting bison.. or horsies as he would call them...
We made some new friends along the way at the west entrance and Ro had a chance to play and hang out with…. They had a great time playing in the telephone booths at the West Entrance. As they ran around on a wild sugar ice cream high, they paid little attention to the elk running around them....
We also hiked the Yellowstone Grand Canyon to get a glimpse of the upper and lower falls. They were beautiful and the switchbacks were a nice bit of exercise.
Ro tried his best to catch some fish in Yellowstone Lake, but was only able to catch weeds. He spent the morning practicing casting into our fire pit and fell into the fire pit once or twice. Thanks Ouma and Oupa for the fishing pole!
There has never been a dirtier baby. Who thought you could be so dirty that your binky would leave a ring of dirt around your mouth???? It’s true! Here’s proof:
PS- Thanks Grandma, Grandpa, and Lisa for the book and dvd- they've kept me really occupied in the car......
Weather: Freezing- literally at night, but can keep warm by the sulfuric gysers
Health: no dysentery thanks to bean burgers and bison jerky
Morale: Getting a little tired of setting up camp.. but looking forward to exploring Yellowstone….
Food: Old Faithful Pale Ale from Teton Brewery
Current location: Yellowstone National Park
Next Landmark: Cody, WY
Miles Traveled: approx. 2900
Note- entries are a little dated due to the lack of internet access in Yellowstone...
We drove between Grand Teton and Yellowstone national park. It was beautiful and it’s amazing how much the landscape can change so quickly. We set up camp on the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake, which is enormous. Jess caught up on the mounds of laundry while Ro took a long needed nap.
We ran off to catch Old Faithful with a social butterfly of a baby talking to every tourist he saw. The Old Faithful Inn was amazing to see and as we waited for Old Faithful to put on it’s show… we became neglectful parents as Ro toppled backwards off the deck into the sand around it. I love it when they look at you like what are you doing talking on the phone when your child is running around Old Faithful?!? Anyone ever had that moment? Throughout Old Faithful’s eruption, Ro kept trying to blow it out screaming “hot hot”.
We finished off the evening with dinner at the lodge then headed to see the mineral springs.
The night was so cold Ro ended up shacking up in our sleeping bag and kicking us through the night. Despite all the clothes that were layered on him, he still needed some extra warmth….
We decided to do up Yellowstone the old fashioned way- by driving the loop. We first ate lunch at the Old Faithful Inn. It was yummy, especially after many meals at the campsite. Ro insisted on his own back-pack…. Thanks Aunt Amanda and Uncle Nick….
The loop took us around the whole park and along the way we saw bison, elk, moose, and bear. Ro did his best to help spot some "big game". He became great at spotting bison.. or horsies as he would call them...
We made some new friends along the way at the west entrance and Ro had a chance to play and hang out with…. They had a great time playing in the telephone booths at the West Entrance. As they ran around on a wild sugar ice cream high, they paid little attention to the elk running around them....
We also hiked the Yellowstone Grand Canyon to get a glimpse of the upper and lower falls. They were beautiful and the switchbacks were a nice bit of exercise.
Ro tried his best to catch some fish in Yellowstone Lake, but was only able to catch weeds. He spent the morning practicing casting into our fire pit and fell into the fire pit once or twice. Thanks Ouma and Oupa for the fishing pole!
There has never been a dirtier baby. Who thought you could be so dirty that your binky would leave a ring of dirt around your mouth???? It’s true! Here’s proof:
PS- Thanks Grandma, Grandpa, and Lisa for the book and dvd- they've kept me really occupied in the car......
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