Just a quick update to send along a bunch of pictures.
Multiple links below. Will update with stories later.
T.
Devil’s Tower to Cody, Wyoming
http://picasaweb.google.com/bigtcas/2009_06_22_MinnCody?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbn0Lqj6dSCYw#
Cody to Yellowstone
http://picasaweb.google.com/bigtcas/2009_06_22_MinnCody?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbn0Lqj6dSCYw#
Yellowstone 6/24
http://picasaweb.google.com/bigtcas/2009_06_23_CodyYellowstone?authkey=Gv1sRgCKL3wqLf1fnyQg#
More Yellowstone 6/25
http://picasaweb.google.com/bigtcas/2009_06_25_Yellowstone?authkey=Gv1sRgCNXCrrPn0JCrfQ#
Even more Yellowstone 6/26
http://picasaweb.google.com/bigtcas/2009_06_26_Yellowstone?authkey=Gv1sRgCPOH5M2th6fTEA#
Tetons
http://picasaweb.google.com/bigtcas/2009_06_27_Tetons?authkey=Gv1sRgCMn0lumEtKLdZg#
Monday, June 29, 2009
6-23-09 -Danny
6-23-09
Woke up, and left the KOA and drove a few miles to Cody, Wyoming, to do some serious White River Rafting. It was awesome! We met some hilarious southerners, named Terry and Kirsten. Terry was hilarious she was a huskier lady who was petrified of the rapids, and at one point during the trip she yelled at the guide who was busy pointing out various species of birds “Should We Be Doin’ Something” as we approached a rapid. Plus every time we had a little bump she’d grab every buddy around her in a huge bear hug. Once we got to the halfway point, some people had to go but we were going to do the whole thing as people got out I was put in the front. When we reached a lower class 3 rapid I got hit straight on completely soaked and wet and went flying off my seat landing right behind me on the floor of the raft. It was crazy! Definitely one of the many highlights so far on the trip. After the river rafting we went grocery shopping then headed into Yellow Stone. So we were all wondering what the first animal we would see would be. To our surprise we saw 3 rangers and a ton of tourist's pulled over on the side of the road, staring at…a grizzly bear. It was so cool! Mom probably didn’t like seeing that right off, but on the plus side it’s got us out of some hikes. The bear was sleeping when we first arrived, but then it started to move. We got some really great photos before the bear left. Then after that we saw some buffalo crossing the road which was neat. Then we arrived at our camp site. Definitely and amazing day.
Just got Internet so post is kinda late,
Danny
Monday, June 22, 2009
Katie's Report
6/18/09
Today we are heading to the Western side of Ottawa. Our journey starts and we are all anxious to see where we will go. I took a 3 hour nap and then we went to cross the Cornwall bridge to Canada. But that didn’t happen so we took a detour. Instead we crossed over the Ogdensburg which was very scary. The reason why it was was because it had holes through the bridge! So now we head for about 1 hour and ½ to our 1st destination.
6/19/09
We got up early at 6 o’clock and took off. I get a little laughter in my head because we stayed in a Wal-Mart parking lot. That day our car started thank god because we were having a little bit of issues. So then we went over the Sault Saint Marie Bridge and stopped at a ford dealership. Luckily the Ford place was about a quarter mile from the Sault Locks. So Dan, Mom, and I went over to go play Mini golf when dad stayed to check in on Bucky. Then dad met us over to watch a 750ft cargo ship come through a narrow opened lock. After Bucky got fixed (new starter) we headed off for a nice hotel. The hotel was named Keewaydin and we ate at a buffet. Dad won money to pay for dinner and Mom well we don’t like to have the words gambling and you know whose name in the same sentence (that could be disastrous). So we settled down and went to bed.
6/20/09
We traveled a long day and decided to take a break. So we saw a river that was called Ladysmith and took a dip. The states we went through today were Michigan through Wisconsin and we ended up staying the night in Minnesota. In Minnesota they had the Mall of America (Hall-a-louh-ya). They had an amusement park inside, a mini golf course, and the best of all 520 stores! So Mom and I went and checked the shops out when dad and Dan went on the rides. I went on 1 ride which was a swing one (my favorite!). Then we traveled an hour to stay at a Wal-Mart in Worthington. Go figure!
6/21/09
First we went to the badlands then took off for Mount Rushmore. Mount Rushmore blew me away! It was a spectacular scene. Next we went to the Rushmore cave which was so cool it was 58 degrees in the tunnels. It will always be 58 degrees no matter what the temperature is outside. This is a pretty neat fact. Then we took off for deadwood to stay overnight in the First Gold Hotel. When we got settled in we ate Oodles of Noodles. LOL! Then Dad took off to go win some more money. Well 20 minutes later we hear a card swipe at our door. Dad walks in and says “There’s a rodeo in town” So we went and saw the rodeo. The people were roping the cows. It was interesting but I can say that we did not fit in. Then we went back to the hotel and had a great night sleep.
Today we are heading to the Western side of Ottawa. Our journey starts and we are all anxious to see where we will go. I took a 3 hour nap and then we went to cross the Cornwall bridge to Canada. But that didn’t happen so we took a detour. Instead we crossed over the Ogdensburg which was very scary. The reason why it was was because it had holes through the bridge! So now we head for about 1 hour and ½ to our 1st destination.
6/19/09
We got up early at 6 o’clock and took off. I get a little laughter in my head because we stayed in a Wal-Mart parking lot. That day our car started thank god because we were having a little bit of issues. So then we went over the Sault Saint Marie Bridge and stopped at a ford dealership. Luckily the Ford place was about a quarter mile from the Sault Locks. So Dan, Mom, and I went over to go play Mini golf when dad stayed to check in on Bucky. Then dad met us over to watch a 750ft cargo ship come through a narrow opened lock. After Bucky got fixed (new starter) we headed off for a nice hotel. The hotel was named Keewaydin and we ate at a buffet. Dad won money to pay for dinner and Mom well we don’t like to have the words gambling and you know whose name in the same sentence (that could be disastrous). So we settled down and went to bed.
6/20/09
We traveled a long day and decided to take a break. So we saw a river that was called Ladysmith and took a dip. The states we went through today were Michigan through Wisconsin and we ended up staying the night in Minnesota. In Minnesota they had the Mall of America (Hall-a-louh-ya). They had an amusement park inside, a mini golf course, and the best of all 520 stores! So Mom and I went and checked the shops out when dad and Dan went on the rides. I went on 1 ride which was a swing one (my favorite!). Then we traveled an hour to stay at a Wal-Mart in Worthington. Go figure!
6/21/09
First we went to the badlands then took off for Mount Rushmore. Mount Rushmore blew me away! It was a spectacular scene. Next we went to the Rushmore cave which was so cool it was 58 degrees in the tunnels. It will always be 58 degrees no matter what the temperature is outside. This is a pretty neat fact. Then we took off for deadwood to stay overnight in the First Gold Hotel. When we got settled in we ate Oodles of Noodles. LOL! Then Dad took off to go win some more money. Well 20 minutes later we hear a card swipe at our door. Dad walks in and says “There’s a rodeo in town” So we went and saw the rodeo. The people were roping the cows. It was interesting but I can say that we did not fit in. Then we went back to the hotel and had a great night sleep.
6/21/09
Yesterday was my favorite day so far. We went to the Badlands which was awesome. There were yellow flowers all over the place that smelled beautiful. As we drove by we saw one of the 700 bison in the area. I spotted it but the joke was that I kept on thinking I saw bison like “Hey look bison, oh no that’s a tree”, or when I really saw it I said “Bison, or a piece of moving trash.” This turned out to be a bison. Also that day we went to Mount Rushmore and listened to a tour guide on a hike, well mom and I did but dad and Katie left to “explore”. It was neat learning about the artist who was anything but ordinary. After that we went on this crazy adventure into the Rushmore Caves, where there was like a miles worth of natural underground caverns. It was awesome. After that we crashed in a motel then dad woke us up saying something about a rodeo so we climbed out of bed and watched it was pretty cool. Then we went back to bed and slept.
-All I Got To Report Right Now,
Danny
Days Three and Four
Day Three
We got an early start on Day Three and headed for Minneapolis. Took off with a new and improved Bucky. We drove along the northern shoreline of Lake Michigan and then decided to take Route 8 a less travelled road west across the Upper peninsula of Michigan. We drove three plus hours and never saw Katie, she was snoozing in the back.
Kept plugging along and entered Wisconsin. Saw a sign for a picnic area and pond, decided to investigate and hopefully go for a swim. To our dismay it was an overgrown pond and no swimming. There was one person there so I asked if there was another place to swim, I don’t know if it was the Wisconsin accent or what but I was having difficulty understanding the directions and the conversation seemed to take a while. When we finally got underway again with directions to the next swimming spot it was pointed out to me that I had taken a long time to get the directions from this woman. It was also brought to my attention that this woman was wearing a bikini, I guess I was so intent on the directions I had failed to observe that she was wearing a blue bikini with white and green flowers. We stopped for a swim at a town park and continued on our way.
We stopped at a cheese/dairy store and I got into a little altercation when I told the folks we were from Vermont, Home of the world’s best cheddar !! Apparently they think otherwise, what the heck do they know their cheddar is orange !! We got out of town in a hurry. On the road again to Minneapolis. Quick stop to stretch the legs at Mall of America and then back on the road again, then back on the road to another All American Camping spot (aka Walmart). It was a 700 mile day but it went by very well, we enjoyed the scenery and made some fun stops.
Day Four
Woke up early and hit the road. We headed west on I-90 throgh South Dakota. It was pouring rain but we kept saying it will get better, we are going to drive right through this. Of course it did and it became a beautiful day. On to the Badlands. We arrived at the Badlands late morning and it was beautiful scenery. Checked out some small walks, though Katie was a little scared of some of the dropoffs. Checked out the rock formations, prairie dogs and like the Native Americans before us we went in search of buffaloes. Drove on some dirt roads and finally saw one of the 700 that live in the park.
We are not sure where the other 699 were hiding but we know where they weren’t.
On to Mount Rushmore and then explored Rushmore Cave a 1300 foot cave. On to Deadwood, SD for the night. It tucked the family into bed at 8:30 and went out to explore the town. While I was waiting for the trolley I noticed some activity across the road and found that they were having a rodeo. Went back and dragged the family out of bed to see the calf roping, 350 teams of two trying to rope a calf. Let’s just say I didn’t blend right in at the rodeo with my orange T-shirt and flip flops. Guess most cowboys are wearing jeans, cowboy boots, and big belt buckles. Walked with family back to room and then took trolley downtown. Stopped into the bar that Wild Bill Hickok was shot in.
It is a bizarre little town full of true cowboys and tourists.
Well it’s morning and it’s time hit the road Devil’s Tower and the Bighorn National peak Area. Check out link to photos below ----v
http://picasaweb.google.com/bigtcas/DAy34Photos?authkey=Gv1sRgCNGtydDvjJG7qwE
We got an early start on Day Three and headed for Minneapolis. Took off with a new and improved Bucky. We drove along the northern shoreline of Lake Michigan and then decided to take Route 8 a less travelled road west across the Upper peninsula of Michigan. We drove three plus hours and never saw Katie, she was snoozing in the back.
Kept plugging along and entered Wisconsin. Saw a sign for a picnic area and pond, decided to investigate and hopefully go for a swim. To our dismay it was an overgrown pond and no swimming. There was one person there so I asked if there was another place to swim, I don’t know if it was the Wisconsin accent or what but I was having difficulty understanding the directions and the conversation seemed to take a while. When we finally got underway again with directions to the next swimming spot it was pointed out to me that I had taken a long time to get the directions from this woman. It was also brought to my attention that this woman was wearing a bikini, I guess I was so intent on the directions I had failed to observe that she was wearing a blue bikini with white and green flowers. We stopped for a swim at a town park and continued on our way.
We stopped at a cheese/dairy store and I got into a little altercation when I told the folks we were from Vermont, Home of the world’s best cheddar !! Apparently they think otherwise, what the heck do they know their cheddar is orange !! We got out of town in a hurry. On the road again to Minneapolis. Quick stop to stretch the legs at Mall of America and then back on the road again, then back on the road to another All American Camping spot (aka Walmart). It was a 700 mile day but it went by very well, we enjoyed the scenery and made some fun stops.
Day Four
Woke up early and hit the road. We headed west on I-90 throgh South Dakota. It was pouring rain but we kept saying it will get better, we are going to drive right through this. Of course it did and it became a beautiful day. On to the Badlands. We arrived at the Badlands late morning and it was beautiful scenery. Checked out some small walks, though Katie was a little scared of some of the dropoffs. Checked out the rock formations, prairie dogs and like the Native Americans before us we went in search of buffaloes. Drove on some dirt roads and finally saw one of the 700 that live in the park.
We are not sure where the other 699 were hiding but we know where they weren’t.
On to Mount Rushmore and then explored Rushmore Cave a 1300 foot cave. On to Deadwood, SD for the night. It tucked the family into bed at 8:30 and went out to explore the town. While I was waiting for the trolley I noticed some activity across the road and found that they were having a rodeo. Went back and dragged the family out of bed to see the calf roping, 350 teams of two trying to rope a calf. Let’s just say I didn’t blend right in at the rodeo with my orange T-shirt and flip flops. Guess most cowboys are wearing jeans, cowboy boots, and big belt buckles. Walked with family back to room and then took trolley downtown. Stopped into the bar that Wild Bill Hickok was shot in.
It is a bizarre little town full of true cowboys and tourists.
Well it’s morning and it’s time hit the road Devil’s Tower and the Bighorn National peak Area. Check out link to photos below ----v
http://picasaweb.google.com/bigtcas/DAy34Photos?authkey=Gv1sRgCNGtydDvjJG7qwE
Sunday, June 21, 2009
6/20/09
Yesterday we drove, and drove, and drove. Then we stopped did some swimming in Lady Smith, Wisconsin. It was so cold! Played 500 with a Frisbee which was really fun. Got some nice action photos of that. After that we did some driving again, and went to the mall of America…shopping…. (Groan). But it was actually really cool they had a built in amusement park, and tons of shops. So I bet you can guess who went where. Dad and I hit some real crazy rides, one like the Splatoshere, a log ride, a roller coaster that spun as you made your way down the track, and some more. It was awesome. As for Katie and Mom, they did the little kid Backyardigan swing ride then went shopping…wimps. Then later we found another Wal-Mart and slept in that parking lot.
-Signing off
Danny
6/19/09
Can you believe it we made it all the way to Sault Saint Marie before breaking down. Well the plus side was that the Ford station was pretty close to some touristy things like the Sault Locks which were really cool. Also we played some mini-golf (I won). Then were on the road again. We drove to the Indian Casino Keywaydin where we went swimming and for a run, and Dad did great in poker and made up the money for us staying there, and mom well…we don’t speak of mom when it comes to gambling. We went to any awesome buffet, for our dinner…and breakfast. Then posted some stuff on the blog, and called it a night.
-Gonna catch some sleep,
Danny
Friday, June 19, 2009
Days 1 & 2
We left Morrisville at about 1:30 and started our trip West. Our plan was to head to Ottawa (4 hours) and call it a night. We attempted to cross the border at Cornwall, NY but were thwarted by the border being closed. Apparently all of the issues with the Injuns and the White Man have not been settled, leading to the closing of this border crossing. So we continued West and crossed at Ogdensburg. Headed north to Ottawa on a dreary day. Travels were going well Katie was snoozing and Danny was content on his laptop. Me and the Missus were glad to be on vacation and to have started our trip. We decided to press on past Ottawa as it was dreary and might as well make put some more miles behind us. We finally needed to stop after 6 hours on the road to fuel up, it helps that all of us have bladders made of steel. We don’t stop for anything but gas !!! Pulled into the gas station and mistakenly was at a credit only pump. Went to start the van and would you believe it would not start !!! What day one and this wonderful van (named Bucky) decided that it had had enough and it was time to take a break. I quickly befriended another motorist and asked if he could give us a boost. He did, Bucky roared back to life and we were ready to hit the road. We drove a couple hundred more miles before pulling over in Sudbury, Ontario (nickel capital of the world) to call it a night at midnight. After a little exploring of Sudbury we found a lovely campsite (a.k.a. Walmart parking lot).
Shut off Bucky and tried to restart just to see if the not starting at the gas station was a unique event. Bucky once again decided it was too tired to start. No worries, it was bedtime we can tackle the issue of the van not starting in the morning. Had a wonderful night sleep and turned the key with fingers crossed, Bucky roared to life once again, and was anxious to be on the road again. We pressed on to Sault Ste. Marie (300 kilometers in the distance) crossed over into the US and inquired at the Michigan information center if there was a Ford Dealer nearby. Drove there and shut off Bucky tried to restart and ..
No Go. Carolyn and the kids kicked some ties on the new cars in the lot whiled I gave my expert opinion to the mechanic. Carolyn and the kids walked a few blocks to the locks, while I stayed faithfully at Bucky’s side awaiting the prognosis. It was discovered that Bucky needed a new starter, while this was happening, I walked down to the locks to find the rest of the family. Found them on a mini golf course, we then watched a very large ship (700 ft) go through the locks. Walked back to get Bucky who was now good as new.
Drove past the locks and saw a 1000ft ship go through. On to a Kewadin Casino/Hotel
for the night. Kids took a swim, I went to the tables to make money for dinner. If I had no good luck it would be ramen noodles in the room. I was successful and we enjoyed an all ypu can eat buffet. We are now sitting in the room with big bellies. Carolyn is downstairs trying to earn breakfast, if she has no good luck it will be oatmeal and raisin bran in the morning. The plan for tomorrow is to drive to somewhere in the vicinity of Minneapolis.
We left Morrisville at about 1:30 and started our trip West. Our plan was to head to Ottawa (4 hours) and call it a night. We attempted to cross the border at Cornwall, NY but were thwarted by the border being closed. Apparently all of the issues with the Injuns and the White Man have not been settled, leading to the closing of this border crossing. So we continued West and crossed at Ogdensburg. Headed north to Ottawa on a dreary day. Travels were going well Katie was snoozing and Danny was content on his laptop. Me and the Missus were glad to be on vacation and to have started our trip. We decided to press on past Ottawa as it was dreary and might as well make put some more miles behind us. We finally needed to stop after 6 hours on the road to fuel up, it helps that all of us have bladders made of steel. We don’t stop for anything but gas !!! Pulled into the gas station and mistakenly was at a credit only pump. Went to start the van and would you believe it would not start !!! What day one and this wonderful van (named Bucky) decided that it had had enough and it was time to take a break. I quickly befriended another motorist and asked if he could give us a boost. He did, Bucky roared back to life and we were ready to hit the road. We drove a couple hundred more miles before pulling over in Sudbury, Ontario (nickel capital of the world) to call it a night at midnight. After a little exploring of Sudbury we found a lovely campsite (a.k.a. Walmart parking lot).
Shut off Bucky and tried to restart just to see if the not starting at the gas station was a unique event. Bucky once again decided it was too tired to start. No worries, it was bedtime we can tackle the issue of the van not starting in the morning. Had a wonderful night sleep and turned the key with fingers crossed, Bucky roared to life once again, and was anxious to be on the road again. We pressed on to Sault Ste. Marie (300 kilometers in the distance) crossed over into the US and inquired at the Michigan information center if there was a Ford Dealer nearby. Drove there and shut off Bucky tried to restart and ..
No Go. Carolyn and the kids kicked some ties on the new cars in the lot whiled I gave my expert opinion to the mechanic. Carolyn and the kids walked a few blocks to the locks, while I stayed faithfully at Bucky’s side awaiting the prognosis. It was discovered that Bucky needed a new starter, while this was happening, I walked down to the locks to find the rest of the family. Found them on a mini golf course, we then watched a very large ship (700 ft) go through the locks. Walked back to get Bucky who was now good as new.
Drove past the locks and saw a 1000ft ship go through. On to a Kewadin Casino/Hotel
for the night. Kids took a swim, I went to the tables to make money for dinner. If I had no good luck it would be ramen noodles in the room. I was successful and we enjoyed an all ypu can eat buffet. We are now sitting in the room with big bellies. Carolyn is downstairs trying to earn breakfast, if she has no good luck it will be oatmeal and raisin bran in the morning. The plan for tomorrow is to drive to somewhere in the vicinity of Minneapolis.
6/18/09
As we reached the Cornwall bridge we were stopped due to “feuding Indians” whatever that means. Pretty weird huh? But not as weird as Dad driving past Akwasane Indian Casino. So we got to go over this see-through bridge below. It was awesome. You could look down and see the water. It was all because their were small gaps in the sheets of metal holding you up.
After that it started getting late and we fell asleep in some Wal-Mart parking lot.
All I Have To Report Now,
Danny
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
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