The original plan for when we left Michigan was to continue east. Because the weather was getting hot and sticky in the direction we were going to head, we did an about face and went west. We hoped to get back the time in Yellowstone we had to cancel because of the cold and snow. We don’t like to be on the road holiday weekends so where better for the 4th of July then to be with family----we headed for my hometown, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
A dam on the Mississippi River near La Crosse, Wisconsin on I 90. There was water, water everywhere.
Still on I 90 notice that there is water on both sides of the trees. This was taken on June 30 so the worst was almost over.
We were lucky or rather unlucky enough to drive thru Minnesota on July 1, the first day of the Government Shutdown of 2011. All the Rest Areas were closed for approximately 275 miles!!! We were forced, along with lots of other motorists, to wait until we crossed the border into South Dakota before stopping to relieve whatever we had to relieve. Boy was that a crowded place that day!
We spent the 4th of July weekend with family in Baltic, South Dakota, near Sioux Falls. On the day we had our family potluck we were able to gather up 5 of the 7 Hawks family cousins, in back, Shirlene, myself, and sitting Lynette, Judie, and Jody. The two missing are my cousins Ron and Mark. You don’t have any idea of what good food is until you taste Midwestern home cooking.
“Knee high by the 4th of July” Measures up on me but Duffy’s knees are closer to the ground. We spent the 4th on my 1st cousin once removed, Mitch and Patti Oien’s farm. This gave Duffy a chance to get upfront and personal with some animals.
One of the Oien’s horses, Magic, and that’s Paige down in the corner.
…Antonio and Duffy getting acquainted. We had tons of food, fun and fireworks. And I was introduced to Red Beer, a mixture of tomato juice and beer. It is always wonderful to go home again and visit with your roots.
We crossed the Missouri at Chamberlain, South Dakota and renamed it the Extra Wide Missouri. We had stopped at a rest area before the bridge and were greeted with this beautiful sight
I was too scared to take pictures during, but this was just after we passed through a horrible rain and wind event. The rain was blowing sideways (60 to 70 mph) and we were in a construction zone where there was only one narrow lane and no where to pull over! Thanks to the Man upstairs and Dave’s driving skill we made it.
We took a drive through Spearfish Canyon in the Black Hills, near Sturgis, South Dakota. This canyon is sacred to Native American Peoples who to this day collect red bark willow for use in sacred pipes. For more information go to http://www.northamericanparks.com/blackhills_badlands.asp
We were camped at a beautiful site in the Rush-No-More Campground outside of Sturgis.
Duffy met a new friend at the edge of the campground.
They heard the horses across the road.
Deadwood, the burial place of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, was a fun side trip. We didn’t win any money from the one armed bandits but it was a great experience.
On the 9th of July in Wyoming there is still lots of snow.
And lots of flooding.
Duffy loves the rivers. This is the Madison River along Highway 191 between Bozeman, Montana and West Yellowstone, Montana,
On that same stretch of highway we followed these guys for miles, and miles, and miles…….
Grizzly Campground in West Yellowstone, Montana is fantastic!! Great sites, grounds and staff. It was a pleasure and we will return!!!
The Yellowstone River did not escape the high water. It was a beautiful sight.
David and Duffy at a scenic turnout. Wonderful photo op. The water was high and running fast.
Always exciting to see by the side of the road…….
Not so much up close and personal. This guy did try to charge the car. Luckily the car was able to back up and get out of the way.
Explanation for the picture below.
I for one am certainly glad that the wooden bridge was replaced!!!!
We had never been to the Terraces so we decided to tour the area. This is taken from the overlook at the Main Terrace. The Terraces, one of Yellowstone's fastest-changing hydrothermal areas, are one of the world's few active travertine (limestone) terraces. Building for thousands of years, the terraces at Yellowstone are still growing and their hot springs can deposit up to two tons of travertine daily. For more information about the Terraces go to http://www.nps.gov/yell/naturescience/mamterr.htm
Duffy and I stopped for a photo op at the Orange Spring Mound.
We came upon lots of pleasant surprises along the way. This was the most beautiful, serene and quiet little lake. The wildflowers were beautiful.
Another few miles and we were in this gorgeous meadow. All in all it was a glorious day!!!
Ever hopeful of spotting a bear, this is as close as we came. The bear is the brown one!!
We did however happen upon a waggle of Westies. These are senior Westies, at 14, 16, Duffy at 7, and 16. I hope our Duffers lives as long and happily as these 3.
I couldn’t resist sharing the beauty of Idaho.
The drive past the Great Salt Lake to the Bonneville Salt Flats on I 80 is long, flat, straight and boring. On either side of the road where there is water are normally dry salt flats.
On that same stretch of I 80 we had a chance to observe some highway oddities…..yes, I would say that is an oversize load…….
As we passed the rest area, we could see just how “oversize” it was!!!! I don’t know how the front of the truck stayed on the ground.
Can you even imagine the vehicle that needs these tires?
Who knew you could get to Beverly Hills from a turn off in Nevada?
While in Grass Valley, California having some work done on the coach, we took a side trip to Nevada City. It is a really quaint town with all the little shops and eateries we love. We stopped into the Gray Goose to meet Reggie, the resident Westie. He was asleep under one of the racks. After all he is 14 and needs his rest.
Since we had some time on our hands we drove on Highway 49 from Grass Valley to Downieville, California. It was a fantastic drive through the Gold Country and we followed this stream for a long way.
Round about noon, we were hungry but there was not a restaurant or café to be found open in Downieville. They are only open on weekends it seems. A very nice lady told us that the gas station at the edge of town has really good sandwiches. We got some and headed to this place we had seen on the way in. The sandwiches were delicious and the view was even better!!!
Duffy met a new friend at the RV dealership where we were having the coach work done. Her name is TK (short for the kid). She sure was little and she’s full grown!!!!
What a great trip we had. And the best part of any journey is a safe and uneventful return to your home base. We did it!!! Be sure and check in for our next adventure.
Dave and I at the fire.
