Mitch – Wandering Out Westy

Day Ninety

Wind Cave NP to Denver, CO

Waking up to a light breeze flowing over the prairie grasses, a storm was expected to pass through. But we didn’t mind because today’s adventure was taking us below the surface of the Earth. We headed out to Wind Cave National Park and reserved two places on the Fairgrounds Cave Tour: a one and a half hour trip through the natural wonders below the grasslands. We headed out on a trail to the cave’s only know natural entrance, many have believed this place to be spiritual because the air that escapes the earth in this crack crates a constant wind coming from under ground. This wind makes a rushing sound and was the reason a young boy, Alvin McDonald, became curious about the caves in 1890. He entered the crevice with only candle light, and would report his explorations and map his findings in his journal which later lead the park’s service to discover more about the current day cave. Over 130 miles of underground labyrinth have been discovered, but that is less then half of the expected size of the actual cave! Feeling confident and excited we headed into the elevator that took us down farther into the Earth with our ranger guide and co-explorers. The caverns were dimly lit and chilly as the trail path lead from “room” to “room” of extraordinary rock formations on the walls and ceilings. Boxwork formations are the most prevalent in the wind cave, because of the lack of moisture there are no typical stalactites and stalagmites but instead an intricate display of sparkly, honeycomb shaped, paper thin boxwork, all over!! It is estimated that 95% of the world’s found boxwork is located in Wind Cave! Full of facts and fascinating views we continued along to a place built with stage like seating in the rock, here we stopped to experience the true and utter darkness that is the unexplored reality of this cave, and how many before, including Alvin, would have experienced it. Sitting in the pitch black, true pitch black, is unlike any other visual experience I’ve ever had. Your eyes try to adjust, try to pick up on any ounce of light they possibly can, but there is none, it’s wildly strange! When the lights came back on we continued the last stretch of the cave path to the exit, but unexpectedly the lights accidentally went out! Everyone froze in their steps and the ranger quickly reassured us as they radioed the desk back on the surface to turn on the generators! iPhones, and cameras, flash lights and head lamps, began to emerge out of day packs and purses as we all checked to be sure everyone was all right. When the generators kicked in, we headed out of the mystical cave, what an experience! Back in the hot sun, we found ourselves a bite to eat before hitting the road for 400 miles, destined for Denver, CO. On our way we stopped in at Chimney Rock National Historic Monument to view in awe the giant rock chimney crookedly protruding from the horizon. A childhood dream fulfilled to see the real chimney rock in the distance, having passed by it so many times in the virtual world of the Oregon Trail game. Further south we sailed to be caught by Mitch’s lovely sister Maura and a tasty Mexican feast in Colorado!

Day Eighty Nine

South Dakota

We left bright and early to get a good start on our adventurous day in southwestern South Dakota, it has got it going on. Excited to have found our first Safeway heading west, we picked up a few groceries before driving to Keystone. Mt Rushmore was our next stop. Thrilled for Mitch’s first glance of the heads, we enjoyed the parade like walk through each state flag to the climaxing view of four of our presidents carved into the side of the mountain. At the visitor’s center we learned all about the artist/engineer, Gutzon Borglum, who put the dream into action. Although his masterpiece remains “unfinished” it is a sight to see! We hiked down the Presidents Trail, below the sculpture for different views at new angles. It’s amazing to imagine the scale of each face, two of me could stand erect in George Washington’s eye! So much precision with something as destructive as dynamite, and so much labor from locals in the area, pick axing away at nostrils and Jeffersons curls.; it’s spectacular, the detail!!
Amazed by the beauty of it all, we drove further into the Black Hills toward Custer State Park. Rolling along the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, with views of the Mountains along the road, we spiraled up pigtail turns, honked through one way tunnels, and drove down single lane roads through gorgeous evergreen tree forests. Eventually, we popped out into the rolling prairie hills of Custer. Within a mile, we came across an entire herd of Buffalo grazing along the side of the shoulder. Some crossing directly in front of the car! It was exciting but chilling to be so near a humongous wild animal. Lots of baby calves frolicked along side their parents. When suddenly a motorcyclist passing in the other lane veered to near to one of their young. Mitch and I could hear the low guttural rumble from the angry adult bison, scuffing up a cloud of dust before thrusting its ginormous head to ram the bike! The motorbike cleared in perfect timing, avoiding a near accident. We were thankful it didn’t start a chain reaction, we were within feet of the entire scene and would have been the obvious next victim. Reminded again of the wildness of these majestic beasts, we rolled on once the road was clear. Emerging from the trees we entered beautiful valleys with Pronghorn antelope grazing in the tall whispery grasses. Seemingly endless green prairies wave in the wind to the base of rolling hills. Wildflowers scatter across the fields with sporadic outcroppings of rock. The view is straight from the Little House series. We sat on a rock in the grass and gazed out, imagining how once this expanse covered the majority of the west before settlers changed and developed the landscape. A place where herds of wild buffalo, and wild horses ran freely. A place where hundreds of different grasses seeded themselves. A place where tall pine tree forests regularly burned in wild fires to reproduce. Mostly, we were so thankful to hold the little gem of land remaining untouched, to produce an imagine of a memory we long for. In experiencing our National Parks and other protected areas, we both have developed an intense motivation to continue to save this land, more than just for the enjoyment of future human generations, although that is extremely important, but also for the living plants, animals, and forces at work in these areas for THEIR future generations to live as naturally as possible. After exiting Custer, the prairie continues into Wind Cave National Park. It was getting to be late afternoon so we opted to relax at the campground and enjoy an expedition through the underground caverns in the morning. At our site Mitch identified two trees perfect to sling the hammock between. We read books, ate dinner and enjoyed the sunsetting on the grassland around us.

Day Eighty Eight

Badlands National Park
Grabbed showers the next morning before packing up and driving off. The family was back on the road and headed home, happiness. We jumped on the main drag and drove all day rolling into the Badlands early afternoon. Exiting the highway felt like entering another planet. Along the top crust of the earth sat the rolling endless prairie until it broke and crumbled at the edges leaving a gaping canyon of grayish pink streaked rock formations. It looked like a giant sandpit and each fragile formation could crumble at any moment. We drove the scenic byway, stopping at each overlook to be blown away by different geological features and wildlife! Wild sunflowers grew along the road, how could they survive in this dessert! with green prairie to the right and canyons to the left we stopped to watch the sunset grace the formidable landscape with color. An entire herd of big horned sheep grazed in a lower field with the warm sun retreating till tomorrow. As dark descended we rolled into the Elk’s campground in Rapid City, we didn’t know you needed to be a member, but thanks to my grandpa John who was a devoted member, the kind owner let us park in the lot for free.

Day Eighty Seven

Mitchell, South Dakota
Woke up late the next morning and started some laundry. We texted Kyla and Kathy for an update, we didn’t want them to be stranded all day at a hotel with four boys and no car. Kathy had decided to tow the van back to Keith, a superb choice, and left early to go with it. That left Kyla as the entertainer. Mitch and I decided to invite them to join us to explore the town of his name sake. They excitedly agreed. After a bite to eat at Arby’s we all went to investigate the Mitchell Corn Palace! It was fascinating how artists change the massive corn mosaics on the exterior of the building annually. Each so elaborate with detail and shading, its bewildering to know it is made solely of dried corn cobs and husks! The interior tour included displays on corn uses, hands on grinding corn meal, a simulated combine cab, an old tractor to crawl on, an informative movie on its history, and a fabulous gymnasium with corn mosaics from a century ago. The boys: Carson, Devon, Blake and little Owen, had a lot of fun. With corn on the cob suckers in hand we strolled around the streets but quickly decided a shaded park was much more appealing than the hot sun. While waiting for the next movie time at the theater, we set up the slack line in the park. Mitch introduced this new sport to the boys who spent the next hour bouncing and balancing on the line with smiles stretched ear to ear. After, we wandered over to cool down at the theater to see Monster’s University. The movie and the little family we got to chaffer around all day, stole our hearts. It was truly the best day! Back at their hotel we hugged them all good bye and hoped to see them again someday. The genius Keith would have then back on the road by morning. All filled up with love we drove 20 miles north to visit the itty bitty town of Letcher. This is where my grandma grew up! It was so very fun to hear her thrilled voice on the other line as she directed us around the town from her memory just sixty some years before. We saw her school and that so much has changed except the town is still tiny. We paced through the cemetery, and sat between my great great grandparents and imagined what they would be like, what life would be like, back in the late 1800s when homesteaders like them came west. Drove back to our campsite as another gloriously orange South Dakota sunset stretched across the endless sky.

Day Eighty Three- Eighty Six

Nebraska City, NE to Sioux Falls, SD
Hugs for Brendan and Stephanie as we headed out the next morning. So beyond thankful for the amazing week spent playing in St Louis. We drove across the state of Missouri to Nebraska City, stopping to fuel up once along the way, we noticed a strange hesitation in trying to start Robin. Eventually her engine turned over. After eating at a delicious local Mexican restaurant, we rolled into a Walmart parking lot late. Next morning she refused to start. So Mitch began to research, read the service guides and the manual. He quickly narrowed it down to a defect in the fuel system, perhaps the fuel filter, which paging through the previous owner’s repair notes, hasn’t been changed in almost ten years! Yikes! We called up the auto parts shop in town, O’Riley’s and excitedly walked two miles in the blazing Nebraska sun, they had a fuel filter that would fit!! At the shop we quickly realized it was not the one that fits our model. Disappointed we walked back after they informed us Omaha O’Reily’s had the exact one, if we could make the drive 70 miles north. Back at Robin, Mitch decided if we could blow out the old filter perhaps it could get us to the new one. Using our handy portable air compressor (thanks dad and mom Z) we tried to clean it out best we could, put it back on, and with a little fuss Robin reared to life. Fingers and toes crossed, we drove to Omaha, and bought two new filters, just in case. After installing it, Robin rolled over every time! Problem solved. We slept soundly that night after watching Mulan on the iPad.

This morning we loaded up and hit the road for South Dakota. Barely across the state line, the van starts to hesitate and sputter. We glance at each other, oh-no in our eyes. Within 30 miles there is no more fuel running to her engine. We slowly glide to a stop on the side of the highway just north of Sioux City, SD. Immediately, we call our friend, Patsy, at state farm who readily assures us that getting a tow to the nearest repair that can fix our van is covered by insurance. While waiting for our tow truck to take us 75 miles north to Sioux Falls, and a well reviewed VW mechanic, we were convinced it had to be the fuel system, maybe the pump. The incredibly kind owner of The Monkey Wrench, Keith, let the truck unload us after hours in his parking lot, our campsite for the night, until we could be diagnosed in the morning.

Woke up to meet Keith in person, what an awesome guy. He was completely swamped but refused to turn us away, he had a few projects this morning before he could check out Robin. While waiting Mitch poked and tested a few more things to help narrow down the diagnosis. He declared it was the fuel relay acting out. Keith agreed and just so happened to have an old spare on hand for us to try out. After replacing the relay, Robin rumbled with happiness. Immediately Keith order a new part to arrive first thing in the morning, along with an electric point system to boot. Another night to spend at the shop, Keith kindly let us roll around the largest town in South Dakota on his old relay. A sweet date to beat the heat we got ice cream, sat in an air conditioned theater to watch a movie, and stuffed ourselves silly at Olive Garden for dinner.

Early the next morning the Ups truck rolled up outside the shop, Keith hadn’t arrived quite yet so Mitch signed for the package knowing it was our parts! When he arrived he handed Mitch the instructions and parts to install, Keith peeked over his shoulder and chipped in a few mini lessons on VW engines. He was awesome, soon we were back on the road! Hugged Keith farewell with immense thanks! We decided to take the slower highways to Mitchell, SD. When exiting I-90 we see a VW camper with its flashers on just off the exit. We pulled up beside to make sure everything was ok. The sweetest worried face of Kathy peered out, “friends!” She said. As we got to talking about her situation it turns out she and her daughter, Kyla with her four young boys were taking a cross country trip home from New Jersey to Oregon, when all of a sudden their van began to hesitate and sputter on the freeway till no gas was going to the engine, they rolled to a stop where they sat now… sounded a bit too familiar!! A tow truck came and dropped the van off at the nearest gas station, Kathy just wanted to get it to a safe place for the kids before making any big decisions, since we were in the middle of no where. We followed behind to the lot. Mitch fiddled around, with Keith on the phone, tried to figure out if their issue was the same as ours, it seemed similar but different, five hours later it was decided to get the kiddos, who were troopers and didn’t complain once, to a hotel to go swimming to cool off, a decision could be made in the morning, either tow it back to Keith or find a different repair place near by or to the west. Either way we were taking them all with us to Mitchell for the evening. Everyone pilled in Robin looked like a clown car for the few miles it took to get to Mitchell, SD. Dropped them off with an exchange of cell phone numbers and headed to our own campground for the night. Watched the sun set over the farm fields bordering our site after an evening game of mini golf. With the misquote netting up to cool the van down we slept deeply, after an exciting day of Robin to the rescue!

Day Seventy Six – Eighty Two

St Louis, Missouri

A little nervous but still excited we rolled into St. Louis, Missouri along with a massive thunder storm. Pulled up to our destination dripping but thrilled to hug Brendan Lind. Got to meet his girlfriend, Stephanie Zimmerman, no know relation besides dating the best friend. Headed to bed thrilled for what the day would bring in the morning, hopefully a little sunshine.

Rise and shine its time to go play! We wandered to Wash U (Brendan and Steph’s alumamatur) to throw around the frisbee. After thoroughly exhausting our disk game ideas, Brendan surprised us all with the most inventive game yet! Turf slip and slide on the pull-volt mats! The recent rain allowed for us to jump cushioned and slip across the perfectly slick surface to catch the frisbee. Soaked to our hearts’ content we waded to the car and headed home. There we showered up and were treated to the most delicious “Rooster” breakfast with toast, eggs, potatoes and sausage smothered in gravy. Props to the cooks, Brendan, Steph and roommate LeeAnne. That evening we headed to Forest Park, laid a picnic blanket on a grassy hill to enjoy our packed goodies while watching the AMAZING rendition of Twelfth Night at the last show of Shakespeare in the park. Blown away by the spectacularly hilarious performance by the actors and Mother Nature, we loaded up and headed home to sleep with smiles on our faces.

Monday, we enjoyed a quiet morning in, working on posts and videos. Around eleven our bellies began to grumble so we loaded up on the famous BBQ at Pappy’s Smokehouse, even got to meet Pappy himself. Pulled pork and rib sandwiches with sweet potato fries and fried corn on the cob. Back at home we sat on the porch swing with Brendan and watched another thunderstorm erupt from the sky, emergency flood warning in effect, the rain thundered down. It felt like we were in a fish bowl, just observing. After the storm passed we picked up Steph. The four of us, Pi Pizza (president Obama’s all time favorite pizza) in hand, headed to St Louis’ outdoor amphitheater, the Muny. Thrilled the show was still on, we were visually stimulated by the colorful and outrageous, Monty Python’s SpamAlot. John O’Hurley acted as King Aruthr, and Eric Idle, the creator of the movie and lyrics, was brought out as a special guest for opening night.

Woke up late Tuesday morning, exhausted from the past two days filled with fun! In the afternoon LeeAnne, Mitch and I joined Brendan’s softball team for an exciting almost win! After, we walked over to another field and joined Stephanie and some friends in a friendly game of kickball. Took me straight back to elementary kickball games on the playground, only this time with a cold brew in hand. With our share of sports games mastered for the evening we found our way to 4hands for some beers and gourmet bar food to catch the end of the sixth NBA final game. Exhausted I slept soundly that night!

A relaxed Wednesday found us playing Crash Bandicoot Racing in the living room after roasting in the heat reading on the porch. Headed over to Brendan’s uncles’ phenomenal saltwater pool for an afternoon swim with Brendan and LeeAnne. When we got back we loaded up Robin with lawn games and the grill. Drove to Tower Groves park and unloaded a summer BBQ scene straight from a movie set. Brendan’s cousin Mary and her guy, Bryan, met the five of us at the park. Corn Hole, Slack-Linning, hammocks hanging from trees, the scent of burgers wafting through the air, and of course Beersbee was fun for all. Full bellies and faces in permanent grins we headed home for the night.

Thursday, we woke up to sunshine and decided to enjoy it with a stroll through the Botanical Gardens. Themed and manicured, the gardens were breathtaking! We wandered for hours through the twisting and turning paths amongst some of the most beautifully unique flowers and plants I have ever seen! Hedge mazes, scent gardens, mimicked home vegetable gardens, Chinese and Japanese plants and shrubbery line a gorgeous pond with zigzag boardwalks and bridges. Blown glass art and metal sculptures litter the landscape. It is truly something. Tired from the heat we headed home to rest and compete against the reigning Play Station champ, Brendan, before embarking on our next big adventure. As late evening rolled around, we drove across town to the Big Top, Circus Flora presents A Trip to the Moon!! Popcorn and cotton candy, clowns and jugglers, dog, goat and horse acts. Trapeze artists swinging high above our heads, and The Flying Wallendas tightrope walkers riding bicycles across the high wire. We were constantly blown away! It was an epic outing to the circus!

I slept in late Friday but was aroused by the sweet smell of Johns donuts waiting in the kitchen. Filled up on sugar we went to The City Museum to let out a little energy. This place is straight from your wildest dreams! From age 2-82 you can encounter and play to your hearts content in the six story playground of tunnels and slides, ladders and ball pits. It is outstanding what the artist and engineers have put together! Climb through the tallest branches of a two story tall tree, or dive head first into its winding roots to explore underground. Squeeze through the belly of a whale to appear in dimly lit caves with slides galore. Fall into a ball bit in the sunshine with a maze of twisting wire tunneled cages above your head. Scale the tallest ladders high up over the city streets to walk onto the wings of an airplane, or drive a school bus hanging from the top of the building. On the roof top climb on a praying mantis and ride a Farris wheel, then return to street level by sliding down an eleven story slide! If I have not already convinced you of the epicness to be encountered, then know that this is a must on every bucket list. One of the best days of my life, I will for surely be returning to explore this ever changing world. Later, Mitch and Brendan played back to back softball games in the heat of the day, so after we found ourselves quenched by the famous custard at Ted Drewes. Before heading home we picked up the ultimate cheese pizza from Blackthorn to devour over, yes, more video games late into the night.

Day Seventy Four – Seventy Five

Battle Creek, Michigan

Excited to make the drive to Michigan today, knowing who is waiting on the other side! Cruised along the lake before turning toward Battle Creek! Rolled into the Dougherty’s drive way just in time to be greeted by four smiling faces and bear hugs in the yard. Toured the new Dougherty diggs, they have a gorgeous home surrounded by tall trees and loads of yard space to play. Sat on the deck chatting with two little munchkins, Anna and Andrew, in our laps. Loaded into the car to drive downtown for delicious wood-fire pizza and beer at Arcadia Ales. After dinner, Dale drove us around Kellogg’s, his work place, it is huge! I found it funny that the Post plant, the biggest competitor, is located just across the street! Headed back home in time for bed. Both Anna and Andrew read me a chapter out of their chapter books before running up the stairs to read more tucked in bed. Dale, Lynne, Mitch and I stayed up for a few more hours, sharing road stories from these two traveling families. We were even treated to a personal concert, Dale played us a few songs on his fancy guitar, so fun. Tucked in bed, so filled up with love, and under a roof was nice, we slept deeper than we had in weeks!

In the morning we were greeted by the delicious scent of tasty donuts wafting up the stairs! Breakfast was a feast of baked goods, bacon and fruit! After eating the kids pulled Mitch outside to play basketball, they were dying to see him dunk! The sun was peeking in and out but the humidity kept the air warm. After a few rounds of PIG, we were all a bit sweaty, leave it to Andrew to solve the problem, he came running from the house with two fully loaded water guns! We laughed so hard chasing each other around the yard. Two soaked kids later, it was sadly time for us to continue on the road. But not before Lynne and Dale so graciously loaded the van full of treats to last us weeks !! Lots of hugs and loves later we waved good bye, excited for the next time to see this wonderful family with such huge hearts.

~~Battle Creek, Michigan~~

Day Seventy Three

Niagara Falls, NY
Woke up to a very rainy day in New York. Just outside Buffalo we decided to head to Niagara Falls and see how the weather would hold. Arrived to be greeted by the largest most powerful waterfalls I could ever, ever imagine! It is insane! The waterfalls line the border between US and Canada, Goat Island on the US side sits in the river at the head of the falls before the water topples over the edge with a roar. Zipped in our rain coats , standing at the edge of the falls we were blown away by the utter power of nature. The pounding water erupted in a thick mist forming like smoke clouds billowing from a chimney. We walked along the trail beside the falls and river that flows through them toward the look-out sky bridge, extending out over the water. Thrilled for an attraction that didn’t cost an arm and a leg, we walked out high into the sky over the water for outstanding views. After, we took the elevator to the rocky beach below, wandered along the slimy wet rocks to stand beside the base as water poured down a couple hundred feet above us. It was a sight to see. Pretty chilled we took the trail back to the van and hit the road. We drove along Lake Erie with fantastic views on our way to sleep just outside Cleveland, Ohio for the night.

Day Seventy Two

Vermont to New York

In the morning we were thrilled to continue through the beautiful scenery at the base of the White Mountains and all through Vermont. Hardwood forests for miles in every direction, streams and ponds pop up every so often adding variety to the color scheme of the scenery . Stopped for lunch at an adorable brewery named Long Trail Brewery. Ate delicious food and shared the sample tastes of each beer brewed. After lunch we toured the brewery and learned all about the process of beer making from where the ingredients come from to how the bottling machine works. With filled bellies and excited minds we headed west! Through northern New York we traveled, lovely views all around on our way toward Niagara Falls! Stopped short of our destination as angry pitch black clouds had formed on the horizon. Quickly we checked the weather report for our current location, come to find out a horrible wind storm was to hit from Chicago to the east coast. We were just shy of the weather diagrams path. Slightly terrified of potential tornados that accompany high winds and thunder storms, we almost opted to stay at a hotel, but instead decided on the local 24 hour Walmart. The parking lot was packed with campers just like us, stopped for the storm. In good company, we slept restlessly that night with the top down. Besides a down pour that lasted for hours, we were safe and sound in Robin, untouched by the storm.

Day Seventy One

The Flume, Franconia Notch, NH

We left Bangor early in the morning and drove through Maine into New Hampshire. The white mountains were spectacular, even though it was very rainy. The mist hid the peaks from view. Late afternoon we arrived at our destination, The Flume! For the next three hours the clouds held in their loads and let us explore the unique geographical feature almost drip dry. Hiking the Flume was a wonderful treat. On the foot of Mt. Liberty in Franconia Notch lies the Flume: steep ninety foot fern walls gorged by a rushing river with waterfalls galore! A wooden boardwalk is placed artistically amongst the excitement crossing the river on wooden bridges and close enough to feel the fluffy moss walls and catch the drips falling from the fern leaves. Sediment in the river causes the water to appear like a frothy root beer float and stain the rocks a magnificent rust orange. Toward the end of the gorge the trail veers right to climb on your hands and knees through a dark wet rock cave. Once through, the trail continues through a hardwood forest with trees, roots growing exposed, on the sides of gigantic boulders. It was an awesome experience. By now it was getting late so we stopped to camp and feast on curried rice pilaf with stir fried vegetables.