Not like our normal camping trips

This trip was much different.  Usually we park the rig, pull out the 23 ft awning, throw out the "living room" carpet, set up the Coleman stove and make ourselves a home.  But, no, not this time.  Because we covered so much ground, we didn't stay in one place long enough.  That's ok, we knew it would be that way, just different.  It takes a few days to even get settled in to camping mode, as soon as we did, it was on the move again.  But, I have to say, we have it down to a science, we can break down camp with the best of them.  I have become one with the Rambler.  I can drive her just about anywhere now.  I just don't put her in reverse, only forward LOL! 

To sum it up, we stayed everywhere from the Marriott to a rest stop, to camping in the Badlands, camping in the Black Hills, camping in Yellowstone, and camped in KOA's across the country including Wyoming, Nebraksa, Indiana, and Ohio to get back home and much to our surprise each one nicer than the last.  To all our friends and family that told us we were crazy,we don't regret it for a minute, it was worth every mile, about 5,000 to be exact.  Yellowstone is a place everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.

Cornfields of Ohio

Here it was approaching 8 pm and it's time to find a place to eat and find the location of our next campground.  We are now hooked on KOA's because of their warm hospitality and clean facilities.  We drive upon an exit that seems to have all the fast food restaurants we could want.  Yes, believe it or not we have eaten our share of fast food while on the road, only when necessary.  So, I tell Art we better get off to eat before we get to the campground.  He says "no, I'm sure there's more up further!"  As we headed into the cornfields, and I mean literally we are out in the middle of nowhere, I could pretty much see there wasn't anywhere to eat unless we planned on picking our own from the gardens and killing a cow.  Lola (our nickname for our GPS) has us going in circles, she can't even get us to our destination.  Finally, out of nowhere we see a yellow KOA sign.  Even though Lola said to keep going straight, we followed the sign instead.  Thank God, cause right up ahead was the campground.  I'm now thinking that our cupboards are just about empty, but we have some left over ribs from the night before and plenty of candy from the factory.  We walk inside to check in and are greeted by the nicest couple who could see we where tired and hungry.  They didn't mind in the least making us some dinner at 9:50 pm at night and they even had a boy deliver it right to our site!  Not to mention they upgraded us to some premium site equipped with a 40 foot stone patio, a patio set, picnic table, pot belly fireplace, gas stove, and even the most adorable porch swing!  I could finally relax and unwind.  It was a perfect evening out there in the cornfields, the air was cool and the moon was bright.  The couple really wanted us to stay another day.  Gary (the owner) was going to make his special ribs for dinner Saturday night, and there was even going to be a wine and cheese party for the adults. Right up my alley!  But I knew at this point we are so close to home, no one wanted to stay the extra day.  And I was right!  So I did a quick 15 min. of yoga on my patio, had some coffee, grabbed breakfast in the cafe, grabbed a shower and off we went.  But not without thanking Gary and his wife for their warm hospitality.

What a beautiful morning in Ohio....

Made it to Ohio: July 8 7:00 pm

Just crossed over the line from Indiana to Ohio.  It's been a long day of driving.  Had to get off 80 near Chicago, it was very crazy with traffic.  Jumped on Rt. 30 and finally found some descent pizza at Luigi's Pizza.  Then hit a candy factory called Albanese Candy Factory.  You should have seen the girls face's light up.  What a cool place they make everything right there.  The place was mobbed, but well worth it!
Stopped for gas and Art noticed that the Rambler has a broken control arm, that's not good.  And the generator doesn't seem to want to start.  Not good either.  We won't need the generator as long as we stop at places with hook ups which isn't a problem.  But, the control arm, big problem.  He said we will just drive and hope for the best.  That's not a part we can get from Nappa.
Gotta go call our next KOA campground, we plan on stopping in Mansfield, OH this evening.  If all goes well, should be home by tomorrow evening.

Helping Dad with the driving.........

Iowa July 8th

We made it as far as Rock Island, Iowa just East of the Mississippi River late last night.  So close to Illinois, yet so far from home.  Had our first experience at a Texas Roadhouse Restaurant.  Pretty neat place, we have never heard of them.  It had a real Texas feal.  Peanut shells all over the floor, country music and even the waitresses take time out to do a line dance.  First time we ever tried fried pickles.  There was a KOA 20 min. up the road so of course that's where we stayed.  I have to say, we have really become adjusted to the camping way of life.  We meet so many great people who are here for the same reason we are.  We have been blessed with beautiful weather, the mornings are my favorite and Art's too.  The girls, well, not so much..........But, that's ok, gives Art and I a chance to enjoy some nice peaceful time together.  Thinking about stopping at Cedar Point, but not sure if we will have time.   Let's see how today goes.
It's now 8:52 am and Art is getting anxious to move on.  Off we go.........

More pics

A father/daughter moment.

Lake Yellowstone.  If you're not a camper, I highly suggest this place.  But, plan ahead usally a year in advance.

80 degrees and sunny at the bottom!  Lovin it!

Had some fun at one of the rest areas in the Tetons.  This was Nicole's idea. 


Pappa bear was hungry after a long day behind the wheel



The Grand Tetons were just breathtaking.  I couldn't stop taking pictures.  I wish we could have spent more time in this region, but had to move on.

On the road again............



Big Boy steam engine; biggest ever made; has been here since 1963





We thought our RV was old, how about a 1968 Winni



Leaving Nebraska, July 7th

Got a late start this morning.  Lost an hour after passing through North Platte yesterday.  It felt good just to have some down time last night. The girls and I took long, hot showers at the KOA, the shower in the RV doesn't cut it for me.  Played a game of Clue and didn't get to bed until late.  We were in shock to here on the news that there was a deadly grizzly attack in Yellowstone.  How very sad.......I can't help but think of all the wonderful, friendly people we met there. 
The Rambler is back to running like her old self again.  We seem to think it may have been a bad tank of gas.  Hope to cover a lot of miles today.  It's hard to believe it's already Thursday.  You totally lose track of time around here.  We are back down to 1200 ft. wow, what a difference.  Totally gives The Rambler more power!  Say goodbye to the mountains and that amazing crisp, dry air.  I really miss that.  We are really going to miss Yellowstone.  Art and I could have stayed so much longer. 
Gotta go, stopping in Lincoln for a late breakfast.

Wednesday afternoon, July 6 (Cheyenne, Wyoming),

 Stopped at the really cool visitors center this morning to cook some eggs.  Called "The Summit" it's the highest point of Rt. 80 in Wyoming at 8,960 feet.  The rig did not like climbing that mountain at all!  Also had a Lincoln monument.  even a grizzly bear!

After our visitors stop, we were back on the road.  But, 30 minutes away I talked Art into stopping in a historical western town called Cheyenne.  It's a true Western Town with tons of history.  It was the main city for the Union Pacific Railroad back in the 1800's.  Back then it was known as the richest little city in the United States.  We didn't stay long, have so much road to cover today.  Art's plan is to make it half way through Nebraska by nightfall, not sure if that's going to happen.  I already set him back 90 min!!!

Wind Cave

We visited wind cave back in the Black Hills.  It's the 5th largest cave in the world, at least that's been discovered.  The cool part is 98% of the cave hasn't been explored.  They are always looking for volunteers to help explore the natural wonder.  It was nice and cool down there.

 

Out here in Wyoming somewhere

Left Yellowstone yesterday and headed down through the Grand Tetons.  This place just keeps getting more and more beautiful.  Ate lunch at Jackson Lodge in the Tetons on a sprawling patio overlooking the valley where you could sometimes see moose, unfortunately not while we where there.  It was too hot in the middle of the day.  I love that it's 80 where we are, but when you look up we had a majestic view of snow capped mountains, the biggest I've seen yet.  I wanted to do the loop around the Teton's but the rest of the family was eager to move on.  I don't know what their rush is.  The girls think they are missing something special back home.  Dropped the rental off at Jackson airport.  Heading through Wyoming, drove for about 8 hours stayed at a KOA campsite.  The drive was tough for the old Rambler, Art is getting concerned she's not running well, we have no power, chugging and sputtering.  BUT, after a good nights rest at a KOA in Rawlins she's running like a champ.  I still camp believe we are still at 7,000 ft.  And once again Art had me up bright and early to hit the road.  We even took off this morning with the girls still in their bed.  We are branching off Rt. 80 to go North to Scotts Bluff National  Monument, then East on Hwy 2 to Grand Island which we hear is one of the top scenic highways in the country, we'll let you know on that one.  Until then, here are some more pics.
 

Yellowstone July 3 & 4th

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!  At this moment we are sitting atop of a very large mountain peak at the East entrance of the park.   This spot is know for it's amazing sunsets, unfortunately there is a storm rolling over the horizon.  As we look to our left we see the Grand Tetons with the bright sun still shining down at 8:30 pm, but to our West we are watching a storm roll over the lake.  Great lightening show! We just had a wonderful dinner at Lake Yellowstone Hotel.  A historic landmark dating back over one hundred years to the stage coach days.  A great little parade came rolling by the hotel grounds for the 4th celebration.  I think this is probably the first 4th of July ever that we have not watched any fireworks.  The girls are fighting in the back seat because Sarah can't find her ipod. 


Look out for bison!





Just chillin on our last afternoon at Yellowstone.  Art's mapping our route to the next destination, atlas in hand.

 The horseback ride through the Canyon Region, went past Coyote Slide and even got to see a coyote up close, what an awesome way to end the evening last night.  This is our last night at Yellowstone.  Off to the Grand Tetons!  Until then, here are some more pics!

Second day at Yellowstone

Hydrothermal Springs. they look better in real life. A must see for all. 

Old Faithful shooting sideways

panoramic of Grand Prismatic Spring

 Stay tuned.......cellular service is very limited in this vast natural wonderous region.  Sitting in a cafe right now to blog. Art is getting antsy. got to go.  We don't stop much during the day, too busy exploring.  Today we will visit Mammoth Hot Springs and an evening horseback ride.Not sure if we're ever coming home, but we can ship the kids....any takers?

July 1 and July 2

Bison everywhere!  Literally walking all around us as we explored geothermal geysers, springs and mudpots.



Grand Canyon of Yellowstone



Waterfalls are abundant and lively due to 200% over normal snowfall accumulation. 

Up close to a grizzly, almost too close. 

On top of the world.

A brief moment of sisterly love. 

Mr. Grizzly, this guy was big!  They cause quite the traffic jam on these windy mountain roads.

Wolf about to chase an elk.

We made it to Yellowstone! June 29, 9:30 PM

The ride in from Big Horn National Park was incredible at an elevation of over 10,000 ft.  As you can see, still a lot of snow.  Thought we were going to have to shoot the Rambler by the time we made it to the top.  That was the first time I was REALLY nervous.  The views were amazing. 

Entering Yellowstone from the East.  What a drive in.  Followed Yellowstone River all the way to Fishing Bridge.  Nicole and I followed behind in the car we rented.  Very good call in renting a car, you do not want to climb these mountains in a 33 ft. RV.

Sorry we haven't been in touch for a few days.  There is only very spotty service in certain parts of the park.  Yes, Grandpa, we got your message last night, we are alive and having a great time.  This place is, well words can't even describe, but the closest we can say is simply majestic. 

Crazy Horse World's Largest Mountain Carving

The face is the first notch to the left, it's a profile, you can see the nose sticking out.

Work began in 1948; it took 50 years to complete the face of Lakota Chief Crazy Horse.  We won't see the completion in our life time:(  But the girls promised to bring our grandchildren here one day to see it.

This is what it will look like when complete.  It is completely privately funded project, they do not except money from state or government. 

I can't believe we missed the twice a year event of night blasting on the mountain.  We were right down the road and didn't even know it was happening.  It was the 85th birthday of Ruth which is Korczak's wife, he is since passed away and the 135th anniversary of the Battle of Little Big Horn.  Our neighbor went, he said it was really cool.  Oh well, we can always come back in September to see the second one.