Experience the fascination of a tourist; Feel the comfort of the local
I want to meet the person who can fold tarps,” Jim grumbled. “They must have mad ninja folding skills. Fitted sheet level.” So began Day 12. I couldn’t blame him. A) Tarps are notoriously uncooperative. B) It was the eighth time, in twelve days, he had to fold the darn things. By this time, I …
Two Lane Gems, Vol. 2: Day 12 – Grand Teton to Arco, IdahoRead More
In 1872, during an era of unprecedented growth and the continued doctrine of Manifest Destiny, the U.S. government decided to set aside nearly 3,500 square miles for the enjoyment of its people. That land couldn’t be bought, stolen, or borrowed. It was there for everyone, and was a remarkable development at a time of almost …
Two Lane Gems, Vol. 2: Day 11 – Yellowstone to Grand TetonRead More
People often ask me what part of this road trip was my favorite. What was my favorite park, where was my favorite destination, what was my favorite experience. To use a cliché, that’s like choosing a favorite child. BUT. But, this day was up there. It was the place, yes, because you cannot not be …
We’d chosen to overnight in an Extended Stay in Billings and, well rested, I practically jumped out of bed. Today was Yellowstone Day! And, AND, not only was it Yellowstone Day, it was Beartooth Highway Day! I was a wee bit excited. After a few days of emotional, information-packed experiences, we were ready for a …
Two Lane Gems, Vol. 2: Day 9 – Billings to YellowstoneRead More
The wind whipped my hair as I walked to the Belle Fourche River that morning, the sun’s sideways rays turning the landscape into an impressionist painting. I ignored the cheek lashings from my ponytail and felt the magnificence, the sheer splendor of Devils Tower. It’s hard for me to call it that. Everything about that …
Two Lane Gems, Vol. 2: Day 8 – Devils Tower to Billings, MontanaRead More
A fine yellow dust covered everything. Jeannie the Jeep, the picnic table, our bikes, us. EVERYTHING. Mrs. Camp Host, a squat, gruff older lady driving a golf cart, pulled the tag from the post at the end of our campsite so new campers would know it was open. “It’s the pollen,” she huffed. “That lake …
Two Lane Gems, Vol. 2: Day 7 – Black Hills to Devils TowerRead More
We left the next morning after a meal of strawberries and cream, hardboiled eggs, and homemade raspberry muffins. Before breakfast, we didn’t know where we’d be that day, except for a drive through Deadwood and a landing point somewhere in the vicinity of Mount Rushmore. After breakfast, we had a fistful of destinations and a …
Two Lane Gems, Vol. 2: Day 6 – Cattle Ranch to the Black HillsRead More
I’ve had a lot of early morning visitors while camping. Deer. A roadrunner. Rabbits. Turkeys (jerks). But, until this morning, never in my life have I stepped out of the tent and almost immediately come nose to snout with a creature as tall as our SUV and strong enough to smush me with one prairie-tearing …
Two Lane Gems, Vol. 2: Day 5 – Badlands to a Cattle RanchRead More
Is there anything as supremely peaceful as sitting in a camp chair by a wild and scenic river, sipping a cup of coffee while birds sing and skip from branch to branch on a tree that’s a mere two feet away? For me, that morning, the answer was no. Nature orchestrated the soundtrack. No constant …
Two Lane Gems, Vol. 2: Day 4 – Valentine to the BadlandsRead More
When we’re camping, my body has a very keen awareness of the sunrise. Like clockwork, when it’s still dark but the sky starts to lighten in the distance, it decides I have to go to the bathroom NOW. I’ve learned to keep slip-on shoes next to the air mattress and a flashlight in the tent …
Two Lane Gems, Vol. 2: Day 3 – Lewis & Clark State Park to Valentine, NebraskaRead More
I woke up a few seconds before my alarm was scheduled to screech. I stretched, made sure I hadn’t gotten a stray chocolate chip on the pillow, and scribbled in my journal a bit before we showered, packed up, and headed downstairs. Breakfast at Brown Street Inn was a communal affair. The sideboard was loaded …
Two Lane Gems, Vol. 2: Day 2 – Iowa City to Lewis & Clark State ParkRead More
The drive was uneventful, unless you count what appeared to be funnel clouds off in the distance. Summer in Illinois means there’s always a possibility of a tornado, somewhere, but not this time. These formations, while ominous looking, were only a couple of clouds piled up in just the right way. I was grateful that …
