Wait Wait more drama

Middle of day two and our second $150 fill up of gas for the day, Rick noticed that one of the tires looks low and tries to fill it. His gauge (he carries one I have no idea what is does or how it does it but he knows) says the pressure is way low but when he tries to put air in the tire none is going in because that air gauge shows the tire to be full. Well Rick’s gauge works better than the ones at the station because five miles outside of Indiana we had a blow out. Well the shoulder of Rt. 70 waiting for the tire repair man is as good a place as any to have your dinner break. Now we have a new tire on the RV and a shredded tire on a good rim sitting in our shower stall (it’s a good thing we can’t use it anyway since the door fell off as we were rolling down the road on day one). Let me just say that someone should make an air freshener that smells of burnt tire rubber and oil it is an enchanting aroma and one we get to enjoy all the way home. WOO HOO!!!

The Road Home

One of my favorite Heart albums and where we are headed. Out of Wyoming, into Nebraska, and down into Kansas (the land of Dorothy) is our first day of travel. Our second day is out of Kansas into Missouri through Illinois, Indiana and into Ohio. The last day is out of Ohio through the corners of West Virginia, Pennsylvania and into Maryland with a final stop in front of our house. It’ll be good getting home again. If you’re wondering where the pictures and commentary on the scenery is well I’m wondering where the scenery is to comment on as well. If you are into dead corn and high grass then this is the ride for you take route 70 across the middle of the US and you will see all that and more. It’s very dry and dusty out here and a lot of the trees are already dropping their leaves with no color changes or anything.

Ooops more drama

We left the dogs in the RV as we did in Yellowstone and our trip to Saratoga without incident. However, this was not the case when we returned from Veadauwoo. When we opened the door to the RV we were met with ribbons of screen that once was the covered the bottom half of the door and top screen pushed out. So it was off the the ACE Hardware store for screen to replace what once was. Thank goodness they were still open because Laramie is still a town that rolls up its sidewalks early and locks up tight.

Vedauwoo

Our next excursion was to Veadauwoo a natural rock formation outside of town to the east. Along the way we stopped at a Lincoln memorial and the Ames Monument. At the rock formation we climbed to the top, yes I climbed shut up, and looked out over the valley. Inspiring is the only way to describe the view. It was amazing. We had a picnic lunch there and came home. Apparently I over did it in the sun because after a brief nap I had a complete system flush. Not enough to keep me from a last night dinner and a stop in the local bar, where every night is a cast party from the real life Deliverance.

Saratoga

Our first excursion out of town took us through Medicine Bow National Park and into Saratoga. Saratoga is home of the Hobo Pool mineral spring. It’s free to anyone who wants to take a soak and is kept up by the town itself. It was a great soak and on the way home we stopped at the Ranger’s station and I noticed that the flag is at half mast. When I asked why the ranger was appalled that I did not realize that it was the anniversary of 9/11. Well, the park was beautiful even if the ranger did think I was the absolute most unpatriotic patron of the day.

But first more drama

It started outside Thermopolis as we headed for Yellowstone, the RV just wouldn’t get up and go and if we tried to go up a hill it didn’t seem to want to get into gear. We called the service number but of course we were in Yellowstone over the weekend. Rick checked the oil when we got to Yellowstone and there was none even though we were told that it had just had an oil change before we took it. Before we left out of Yellowstone we bought 5 qts. of oil and added them. There were no oil puddles under the engine so we knew there wasn’t an oil leak. Look at me saying we like I did something. Rick added the oil and Rick check to see if there was a leak and he said there wasn’t one and that’s how we knew. So the first morning in Laramie we were told to take it to the mechanic. He pronounced it dead and we were sent a new RV. Thankfully we were in Laramie to visit my friend Bob and we were able to take the dogs over to his mom’s house and leave them in her yard. Then we had a lovely day shopping downtown waiting for the new RV to arrive. The new RV was bigger and the layout was much nicer but the RV itself was falling apart. I think this was one they retired and needed to fix before selling because the curtains were stained like they had been left in a puddle of bleach water (the tie-dyed look not very becoming), some of the cabinet doors won’t stay shut (watch your head) even sitting still so driving with the doors flapping is a joy, and the shower door not on track at all at the bottom and falling off the wheels on the top. But the engine runs and it should get us home.

Laramie

About 150 miles north of Denver and 120 west of Cheyenne, lies the home of the U of WY and the place of the Matthew Shepard murder and trial. Seems a shame that such a lovely town should have that hanging over there head. But this what people who haven’t been to Laramie think of when they think of Laramie. People who have been to Laramie think of what a beautiful open and friendly town it is. And for me how can I ever forget the first place I tasted breaded and skillet fried bull testicles. Yes, ladies and gentleman Miss Things eats Mountain Oysters. They were actually very good with some hot sauce (just the way I like my chicken livers). The location is perfect as well, there are so many things that are close by and we went and visit a few.

Miss Bob

We came out west to see old monuments and institutions and here we have one of the oldest monumental institutions in my life. He is truly one of my dearest friends and an inspiration in my life. Love you Miss Bob, mean it.

On the road to Laramie

I’m so glad we had the forethought, or we were just bored in the day before and took our side trip through the Grand Tetons, because today as drove through the clouds were low and most of the mountains were obscured. A little side note the weather in Yellowstone was so beautiful when we were there but the morning after we left there was three inches of snow on the ground. We took the southern route out through Jackson Hole and headed east on the main road. Here’s the thing, they are widening the main road and like they did in South Dakota they don’t just widen it, they tear the whole thing up. So there were long stretches of Wyoming State Highway that just didn’t exist and since that is not only the main road, but the only road they didn’t close it they threw some gravel down and expected you to drive on it through the mountain pass. Enjoyable. NOT. But down off the mountain and onto the pavement we were again treated to amazing scenery along the way, like Crow’s Heart, to Laramie.

It’s all fun and games until….

Well if you thought this vacation was all beautiful scenery and wildlife well think again. It wouldn’t be a gay vacation without drama. As we toured through Yellowstone we noticed that we crossed the continental divide a few times and each time we did there was a big sign that said “Continental Divide”. So as we were leaving we saw the sign and thought it would be great to get a photo of us in front of the sign. So off the road we pulled and out of the car we hopped cameras in hand. As I was closing my door Rick says, “Did you lock the door?” I said “No” thinking why in the hell would I lock the door when we are just taking pictures. Well what he said and what he meant were two different things. What he meant was “Don’t close the door, one of us has hit the button and the doors are locked.” Too late, now we are locked out of the car with it running the heat on high because it is cold and overcast and the dogs buckled in. We begged Hunk to hit the window latch with his paw and wouldn’t you know it the first time in his life that he didn’t jump up bounce around or put his paws up he chose this time. He just sat in the window looking at us like we were crazy. Finally, I had the thought to use a credit card and try to and finagle the window lock open. 20 minutes to a half hour later I finally got it and Rick hoisted me through the window and I opened the door. Needless to say there are no pictures of us at the continental divide.

Grand Tetons

"I will lift mine eyes unto the mountains from whence cometh my strength" So said the Mother Superior to Maria Von Trapp as they were headed out over the alps to escape the Nazi's. Anyone who has seen these mountains will know exactly what she was telling her. If you are not into hiking or climbing there is no reason to stay here. But if you are in Yellowstone you must take the drive out of the South Entrance and do the park loop. Every twist and turn in the road gives you a more spectacular view of this small group of mountains. Here's how you know that it was a bunch of straight horney french trappers who discovered this area. First their main pursuit was beaver and second all the mountains reminded them of breasts. Teton is french slang for tits and Grand Teton just means "Big Tits". Imagine going to Big Tits National Park.

Yellowstone Lodge and Old Faithful

The lodge itself is a remarkable piece of architecture. In 1988 when all around the lodge burned the firefighters concentrated on keeping the lodge wet instead of putting out the fire. Good choice. Old Faithful blows right outside the lodge and there are rooms with a view of the geyser if you are someone who feels that you can go all night Old Faithful is your man because so can he.

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Beautiful! This area consists of the upper falls through the "canyon" to the lower falls. If the camera captured it correctly you can see that the walls of the canyon are yellow stone. Now we know where the park got it's name from.

Wildlife

Imagine a raven whose head comes to the top of a picnic table. Walking up a path from the lake and coming eye to "eye" with a moose butt. Deer just walking through your campsite in the morning. Bison blocking the road. All reality here at Yellowstone.

Mineral Springs, Mudpots, and Geysers, oh my…..

These thermal features are amazing to see. The colors in the mineral springs from the minerals combining with different algae at different temperatures. The mudpots just bubble and I could not help thinking that I bet if you could stand the heat that would make a great mud mask facial. The geysers and the force that this water is pushed up into the air, it’s actually what I picture my head doing one the these days driving up 95 to work.

Yellowstone

Well you may have noted if you are following along with us that there has been a gap in entries before this lot has showed up. That’s because Yellowstone campsites do not have electricity or wifi. Yes, out here we are really roughing it. Rick even cooked our dinner over the camp fire. This park is awe inspiring there is no place that you can look that you are not amazed that such beauty exists. Oh, and it is COLD in the morning. Each morning we get up to temps in the 30's and unlike at home we have to go out with the dogs here so I am freezing every morning. The daytime highs get up into the 60's and lower 70's we've had some beautiful clear days here. One entry will not do for this so I’ll have to break it down.

On the road to Yellowstone

Across the state through Cody and into Yellowstone there is hardly ever a time when you do not have a spectacular sight to behold in front of you to the left of you or to the right of you. It is truly an amazing drive.

Thermopolis

Do you remember the episode of the Golden Girls when they went to the islands and the hotel they stayed at was nothing like the brochure described. Well there you have The Fountain of Youth resort in Thermopolis WY. Just 500 feet from the highway on one side and 500 feet from the freight train railroad tracks on the other. And yes the trains still run. Rick said he boasted that he had the third largest mineral pool in the area. All well and good except there are only four in the area to begin with. To top it all off the entrepreneur that he calls himself was also just back from the far end of the pool also trying to drill for oil. Well bless his heart is all I can say for the man. For all its downfalls the pool was in fact hot mineral water and very relaxing and in the morning if you looked out past the train tracks you were treated to this beautiful sunrise.

Wyoming

We crossed into Wyoming this afternoon. There were some spectacular views along the road but a lot of wide open areas of nothing. Can someone tell me why out here in the west the women always gets out the car with her husband at the gas pump so she can use the credit card in the pump and she has to ponder over it like it is brand new or someone has changed the whole format over the last decade and then when she has mashed all the buttons she can let the husband put the gas in the car. Is it because she doesn't think the husband can figure out these modern marvels of pay at the pump machines? or she has such control over the money that she would never let her husband even think of holding the credit card not even at the gas pump with her in the car watching every move? or does she just get such a thrill shopping and spending money that even charging gas at the pump gives her a lift?

Buffalo

After seeing them up close I have to tell you I was so impressed that from now on when I see a Bison Burger on the menu. I'm still going to have no problem ordering one.

Oh give me a home....

Where the buffalo roam. We did our first unscheduled side trip. While at Mt. Rushmore we struck up a conversation with a couple from Massachusetts who had come the the monument via a ride through Custer State Park. She really enjoyed it and thought we would like it too. Well, she was right. It was pretty and there were herds of buffalo and donkeys a sighting of wild turkeys some deer (I can't believe the RV in front of us from Virginia stopped the whole road up to look a white tailed deer, maybe they've never seen one standing up before...but I digress) and a bunch of prairie dogs. On top of all of that was some spectacular scenery. It was a great drive through not too far out of our way and we were back on track adding only an hour or so to the drive.

Mt. Rushmore

I know I've said this in the past about a few men but again I have to say "I thought they were bigger than that". Boy it sure brings the Crazy Horse Memorial into perspective. They said in the video at Crazy Horse that four of Mt. Rushmore would fit into just his hair. Imagine trying to brush four Mt. Rushmore's out of your hair. Anyone visiting this area should do Rushmore first and Crazy Horse second. I was a really nice place though. Again we went for the evening ceremony. This one much more tasteful. They gave a little talk. Not really impressed just kept saying imagine this didn't happen or that didn't happen would those men still have been as great as they became. Well, umm doodah, it did happen and they did become great men. Then came a film by the Discovery Channel. When speaking about Thomas Jefferson they quoted the Declaration of Independence "all men are created equal." While reading the passage they showed clips of the civil rights march, the women's rights march, the Native Americans march, umm I think you forgot someone! When that was over they had everyone rise and sing the National Anthem while the gradually lit up the monument. Then they called all the military personnel to the stage to help retire the flag for the evening. Quite enjoyable and a very nice evening over all.

Crazy Horse Memorial

It's big. It's Impressive. It's a rock. We took the shuttle from the campground to the sunset show at the monument. That means you watch the sunset and then they show you a laser presentation on the side of the poor man's head. The sunset was beautiful the laser show was not. It was more like a laser / slide show. The best part was the end when they showed the laser outline of the completed monument. Very nice and I hope the keep that nice shade of mauve it was stunning. I've just one request. Can I see a laser show on the side of a mountain just once that doesn't do the finale' to Lee Greenwood singing about how proud he is.

Hill City KOA

We're here in South Dakota in a camp site right between Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. When I get up in the morning and have me coffeezzzzzz. This is my view. Actually, it's my view when I open the window by the bunk before I get up (but not before the first cup of coffee). It sure beats the morning view I get at work when have to lean back look through AJ's office and out his window to the lovely brick wall with ladder accent. Which would you choose?

The RVing Community

Rick calls them friendly like they are your neighbors. I call them nosy and all up in your business. I suppose they fall somewhere in between. They all want to know where you're from where you're going what you're going to see. Then they want to tell you what you should see all about what you're going to see and why did you choose that instead of this and oh you are so close to here you should really stop by here or there. An RVers version of so close I think is 200 miles or less. I am so glad that Rick is in the service industry and likes to chat with people because they would really hate me. I'll stick to my dogs. Here's a pic that has nothing to do with this post. Just thought I'd add it because you haven't seen Hunk enjoying the ride yet.

South Dakota

and this

South Dakota

One long road across one long state the beginning is pretty flat then into the rolling hills of the Badlands and then up into the mountains. South Dakota does not repave their roads the rip them up and start all over again. So there were long stretches where we had to divert to the other side of the highway because there was no highway on our side. All was forgiven though because you get views like this.

The Long Long Trailer

Well I wasn't in the back trying to make dinner like Lucy was (because we all know I don't make dinner). However we hit a bumpy patch in the road and the cupboard over the sink openned up and down came the manwhich and tuna and lunches and condiments. And let me tell you it was not easy getting it all up there when we were sitting still in front of the house it's even harder to do while driving down the still bumpy road. Not to mention while I was looking up the drawer at my leg opened and I about killed myself reaching for a few of the cans that still needed to go up. Sorry guys no pics for this one. I'm just glad that with all we the stuff we did pack we did not a bag of flour.

Mosquito-sota

I now know why the state abbreviation is MN it stands for mosquito netting and bring lots of it. They are huge and they are all over the place and you can't shoo them away. They latch on and ride you like a bucking bronco. We spent the second night there and I am sooo glad it was just the one night. As you can see by the picture all this riding is wearing some of us out.

Day One Over

Well we went 750 miles the first day, Rick drove all of them. We made it to the other side of Chicago. Let me just say that the end of Indiana and into Chicago is almost identical to driving up the Jersey Turnpike through Secaucus across the Goethal’s Bridge and into Hoboken. I know the New York route doesn’t work like that but I can tell you Chicago is not New York. More after Day two.

Marley & Me

For those of you waiting for me to finish Marley & Me so I could start reading Harry Potter. Well, it’s done. Just one word of advice. DO NOT read the end of this book while driving along a bumpy road with your 13 year old yellow lab’s head in your lap. Especially if that lab has major hip and spine concerns.

Pennsylvania Turnpike

I can’t believe they make you pay to drive on this road. I don’t know where the tolls go but I do know they don’t go for road maintenance. It was like driving on railroad tracks and down flights of stairs. I want my money back.

And we’re off

Well we’ve always been off but now we are on the road.

Here’s the plan: We pick up the RV, take it home and pack it. Me and the dogs will sleep in the RV and Rick would sleep in the house. Rick would get up about 3 in the morning come out and start driving.

Here’s what really happened: We picked up the RV packed it with everything we planned to pack, then started going around the house to see if we forgot anything. Well we may not have forgotten it but there are lots of things in this boat that probably could have stayed home. Just look at all the granola, nuts and chips. It would take us a year to eat all of that at home and yet we felt the need to have it all with us for a two week trip. Well if there is a freak storm in Yellowstone and we get snowed in, at least we won't starve. We went out for our usual fajita Friday and came home stuffed. We both fell asleep in the house and didn’t get up until 7. More last looks more stuff packed. By 8 we had to leave or we wouldn’t be able to fit us in.

How are we getting there?

OK, a lot of you are wondering in what type of vehicle we are traveling over the mountains, down in the valleys and across the wide open plain in. So here's a link to the RV we are renting.

http://www.cruiseamerica.com/rent/our_vehicles/standard_rv.aspx

There's a series of about 8 pics to look at here. In pic #4 you will see my seat. I think at this point we have everything together for the trip. On Friday 8/31 we will pick it up, pack it up and get up bright and early on Saturday to head out. Pic #6 shows you where I'll be during the first part of the trip anyway. Before I make my way to the big chair.

Let the adventure begin

We head out on Sept. 1 our first destination is Mt. Rushmore. Three days driving for Rick three days riding for me Zeke and Hunk. I hope we make it!