Finally the time is here!

The trip west has been eventful to say the least. Although we have had a multitude of WIFI sources, time has been at a premium. We have covered over 2000 miles since leaving the home base of Ridgeway, Virginia on Saturday June 26. From Virginia we traveled through West Virginia (by God), Kentucky (The Bluegrass State), Indiana and Illinois. The first night proved to be a Griswald experience at the Indianapolis State Fair Grounds! The Midgets had taken over (little cars, not people) and after getting stuck in broiling heat, we slept in a parking lot in 90 degree temps but Dave (Ramsey for those that don’t know) would have been proud, it was FREE! After a hot night, we were on the road early and enjoyed a big fat Cracker Barrel breakfast before heading out. A stop provided plenty of excitement after parking beside a truckload of bees. (Courtney, where were you?) This day provided endless wind turbines and then endless dairy farms as we headed into the Wisconsin Dells for the night. After a good pasta dinner, wine and conversation with the neighbors from Seattle, it was time to call it a night! The next morning started early (why does the sun come up so dad blamed early here?) we were “on the road again”! God traveled again with his arms wrapped around us and we headed to Walnut Grove, home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of my favorite childhood books! The museum was a bit of a letdown but, I was able to cross Plum Creek the place of the book with its namesake. It was quite a thrill for the history and literature buff in me! After a major detour which bumped and jolted us along, we finally were able to gravitate back to a “real” road and head on to South Dakota. Everyone needs to see Wall Drug, or so I thought! Wrong!!!! Been there done that at South of the Border in South Carolina! I do have to say that the doughnuts though were pretty darn good, so we had hot one which my “dear sweet reason for living” walked to pick up while I “made the money” and worked!!! Wall, S.D. is not the place one wants to stay in for very long, so after touring the Badlands National Park, riding among Buffalo and exploring amazing vistas, the Carr wheel house moved on! Our next adventure turned out to be a city park in Mitchell, S.D. home of the Corn Palace (which we did NOT see) and the biggest “baddass” mosquitoes thus far on the trip! Next day, on to the Black Hills, where we now reside! This is by far my favorite thus far on the trip. Beautiful mountains, winding roads, amazing valleys and vistas as well as more animals than I can count. My “dear sweet reason for living” has been my “Miss Daisy” and I have been HOKE as we traveled on the wildlife loop and graveled roads! All I need is the cap, and I am there!!! We have captured on camera, antelope (or pronghorn as they are respectfully called”), buffalo, prairie dogs, rabbits, burros, whitetail deer, elk, heron, chipmunks, and squirrels as we traversed Custer State Park! What an amazing day!!!!! We were back to the wheel house for a lazy afternoon, some steaks and wine and we will then see what tomorrow will bring. Heading to Spearfish early tomorrow and then to Sturgis, my “dear sweet reason for livings” real destination for the trip!! Sorry for the length of the entry, I will try to do better on a daily basis and keep it brief! I pray that God will continue to wrap his arms around us and provide a safe journey, as for each of you I pray for a restful and peaceful day wherever you are! Signing out to eat that steak that “dear sweet reason for living” has prepared and……………..a bit more vino! Blessings!