Cross-Country Trip (June/July 2012)
Day 1: Arlington VA to North Chicago IL
Ever since our 17 States in 17 Days trip we felt going coast to coast wouldn't be much harder but still a challenge. We just needed a few more days on the road(around 3 weeks), proper leave from our jobs, and a solution for bringing better camping gear (aka Col. Mustard). Camping would be more of a focus this time around, not only to save money, but it is more fun!
Well everything fell in line, of course we saved leave up and decided to go for it. We left at 6 a.m. on Friday June 29th 2012. Since the plan was to go cross country we had the mindset to push it mileage wise the first couple of days. The more we could do now would pay off later when out west.
Here are the pictures from day one, mostly interstate, it was going smoothly till around Indiana when we got hit with a quick thunderstorm. At first it didn't seem bad, but before we could get our rain gear on it was too late. We pulled over a stood under a tree for about an hour hoping it would stop. The tree kept us dry for about 10 minutes. After an hour it slowed down enough to jump on the bike and head towards a gas station. We parked under the awning grabbed our rain gear and fresh clothes. All geared up we rode in the rain for a few minutes then poof! it was nice again and totally dry. We pressed on into the night for a total of 803.9 miles.
Well everything fell in line, of course we saved leave up and decided to go for it. We left at 6 a.m. on Friday June 29th 2012. Since the plan was to go cross country we had the mindset to push it mileage wise the first couple of days. The more we could do now would pay off later when out west.
Here are the pictures from day one, mostly interstate, it was going smoothly till around Indiana when we got hit with a quick thunderstorm. At first it didn't seem bad, but before we could get our rain gear on it was too late. We pulled over a stood under a tree for about an hour hoping it would stop. The tree kept us dry for about 10 minutes. After an hour it slowed down enough to jump on the bike and head towards a gas station. We parked under the awning grabbed our rain gear and fresh clothes. All geared up we rode in the rain for a few minutes then poof! it was nice again and totally dry. We pressed on into the night for a total of 803.9 miles.
Day 2: North Chicago IL to Houlton WI
First stop for Day 2 would be just a couple miles east from our hotel at Lake Michigan. We walked down to a beach area for a couple pictures. Next up breakfast and then north to Milwaukee and the Harley Davidson Museum. We wanted to have a few hours at the museum so we didn't lollygag very much.
The main reason for heading up to Milwaukee was to visit the Harley Davidson Museum. I have to say it is a very nice and well put together. They had a bike from every year pretty much on display, bikes from movies, etc. For more info about it visit their site.
After a great visit to the HD Museum we headed west across the whole state. This is what it looked like for most the time. We only stopped for gas and to take some pics of the sunset over a cornfield.
We ended up staying with Ann's Aunt and Uncle, Traci and Kevin, in Houlton, WI. They have two very cute Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Timmy and Ricky. They even let me park in their garage. Nice!
We ended up staying with Ann's Aunt and Uncle, Traci and Kevin, in Houlton, WI. They have two very cute Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Timmy and Ricky. They even let me park in their garage. Nice!
Day 3: Houlton WI to Sioux Falls SD
Family time with Timmy and Ricky. We would put almonds in our mouth and wait for them to give us a kiss. Makes for funny photos. After breakfast we went to Bass Lake Cheese Factory. We got ice cream and cajun cheese curds....what a combo.
When we got back Traci wanted to know what it's like riding on the back of our bike, so I took her for a short ride around their street. You can tell from the pictures that it agreed with her. We packed up and set our sights on our next camp site in Sioux Falls. We had a great visit, short but sweet. Thanks again Kevin and Traci for having us. Hope to see you guys again soon.
When we got back Traci wanted to know what it's like riding on the back of our bike, so I took her for a short ride around their street. You can tell from the pictures that it agreed with her. We packed up and set our sights on our next camp site in Sioux Falls. We had a great visit, short but sweet. Thanks again Kevin and Traci for having us. Hope to see you guys again soon.
Day 4: Sioux Falls SD to Rapid City SD
First stop of the day would be in Mitchell, SD to the worlds one and only corn palace! Here is what it looked like.
The Badlands of South Dakota would be our first National Park stop of the trip. As soon as we entered to park I got stung by a bee through my shirt on the ribs. That had never happened to me before and threw me a little off guard. We took several breaks to take pictures and hike around a bit. Ann even got off and took a few action shots of Alex with the nice backdrop.
Just before leaving the Badlands, we took a dirt road to where Buffalo where supposed to be. We saw goats, some even in the road, and several off to the sides and on the rocks. Towards the end of the dirt road we could see a big herd in the distance, but couldn't make out if they where Buffalo or not. I'm going with that they where. We hoped to have more chances to see them and pushed on to Wall Drug.
If you have ever been in this part of the country it is mandatory to make a stop at Wall Drug. They have a million billboards all over the state of South Dakota informing you of it. Free ice water, 5 cent coffee, and make sure to get their famous bumper stickers. We shared a beef brisket sandwich and then made a somewhat short ride to Rapid City for our next camp site. We set up camp and enjoyed a fire and somewhat empty campground.
If you have ever been in this part of the country it is mandatory to make a stop at Wall Drug. They have a million billboards all over the state of South Dakota informing you of it. Free ice water, 5 cent coffee, and make sure to get their famous bumper stickers. We shared a beef brisket sandwich and then made a somewhat short ride to Rapid City for our next camp site. We set up camp and enjoyed a fire and somewhat empty campground.
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