Aaaand.... we're back

I've been dreading this post because it means our trip is officially over. It was totally worth it and completely wonderful. It feels like we just left though. But..., we're not putting off the idea that we may go out again, if it comes to that. If feels very strange to be back, to have to re-enter normal society. I'm sure it would feel even more strange if we had been gone longer, but camping takes it's toll on the body and we actually hit all the major stops on our route except Glacier National Park. The park just opened in July and was still snowing in some areas. Our quest was for sun, not winter in July. We'll see it on another trip. We now have some pretty big decisions to make. We plan to take our time though, still try to enjoy August in Seattle, and make our big decisions with the right resources and right amount of heart.

I hope you enjoyed reading and seeing where we stopped along the way. Maybe you are inspired to take an adventure of your own, at some level. Cliche as it may sound, life IS short, and if we don't take the time to do things that feed our souls, test our ability to survive, fuel our human spirit, or take a risk that you know will pay off in the end, then how are we perpetuating anything good into the human race. Remember your heart as much as your head in your life decisions. And don't be afraid to make a 180 turn when life gives you a beating (that's for Mike).

Peace out friends - call us if you want to see us! :)

A quick trip through Montana

Not many pictures from Montana even though it was SOOOO beautiful there. Sadly we had only a few stops along the road and then proceeded to tear it up (too much, will tell stories in person, not on blog) in Three Forks. Way too big shots of Pendleton made the motel room below look quite different in the morning.

Yellowstone... sad, really cool, sad

This park kinda made us sad. It has amazing geothermal features coupled with f-ing everyone and their mother and little manners. We're not up on the news, so I don't how the oil spill has affected this park, but that's also infuriating. This park is just too populated to enjoy at ease. We saw some stuff but had to leave. We jumped in Yellowstone Lake! (invigorating! but had to leave). Mike gave the finger to some a-hole. We didn't fit in here.

Sweet-on, Teton

I'm gonna say it, and I think Mike agrees... Grand Teton was my favorite. Tetons are A-stonishingly beautiful and Jackson Hole was super fun. We hiked Mt. Signal to the summit and we took the aerial tramway up to 10,450 feet at JH Mountain Resort. Had a PBR at the top and saw sunsets that were in incomparable from our campground. We avoided crowds despite being there in the high season. I won't forget the scenic drive back listening to tunes after the tramway. Unforgettable.

The Road to the Tetons

It was both beauty and breaking points. The road through the mountains was amazing. However, we decided to try and camp at the biggest lake/reservoir on the map which turned out to be, eh, not that nice. Sadly, it seems that reservoir campgrounds that are on Indian Reservation land are not that great. Funny (and very disappointing) how that works. We drove around this lake, searching for a decent spot and just barely hit our breaking point before we found something. And were, at least, rewarded with a beautiful full moon over the lake.

Vanagon Time Machine!

Had to post these pictures because it looks like we are now somewhere in the 1970s.

Behold... Devil's Tower

It really is a site to see, sort of ominous and majestic and strange. We saw climbers midway up and others near the top. That must be an amazing feeling. You can also see a pillar that has broken and is now "on watch" by geologists and climbers. Crazy if that thing fell. We also passed through some wild Wyoming weather on our way to an RV park for a shower. This had been a bit of stretch for us. Fun to get dirty though, right?

SD The Finale: Black Hills

Camping in the Black Hills was great. Camped at both Pactola and Bismarck Lakes with great sites. Yes, we did go to Wall Drug on our way there, but it's not that cool. The highlight was the pic below. :) We also saw Mt. Rushmore and drove through Custer State Park hoping to see wildlife. The donkey picture summed up the initial drive, but after turning off onto a dirt road through the middle of the park, we were rewarded with a big boy right outside our window. Like, seriously, right outside the window. Oh, I'd also like to add that I had my first driving experience in our little bus! Very fun, minus the e-break was on the whole time...my bad. I wanted to go to Wind Cave and Jewel Cave but it was not meant to be. Long lines and tours closed for elevator work kept us out. Oh well.

SD Part 2: The Badlands

The Badlands were awesome. The landscape was so unique, it was liking walking on the moon. Very hot out there and no shade to be found, so we stayed at the Budget Host Inn and got up to watch the sunrise and get into the park before it got too hot. Check out the yellow mounds. So beautiful, like rainbow hills.



When did people start smiling in photos? These broads were not happy! It said most people who tried to settle here filed starvation claims and abandoned house.