Day 24-
We arrived late last night in Portland, welcomed to our first couchsurfing experience. We had no idea where we would stay in this city. Luckily Daniella had accepted to host us in her spare room. She welcomed us with her boyfriend Noah. We watched "Captain Phillips" on her laptop on the porch.
The next day she invited us to a free yoga class and offered to show us around Portland. We went to 10th & Adler to get lunch from the food trucks. Food trucks in all directions! It was a sight to behold. I decided to get the Baby Cheezus from The Grilled Cheese Grill. I don't know why i never made a grilled cheese burger before. It was a grilled cheese with a burger, lettuce, and tomato. it made me happy.
We got lost in Powell's Books and spent a lot of time at Buffalo Exchange. I found a summer dress and some sea green pants that matched my hair color. I received the most complements for my hair in Portland. It was interesting to notice.
We returned to Daniella's and rested before going out that night. We went to Lardo for dinner. They had amazingly delicious pulled pork sandwiches. I had the Korean Pork Shoulder and it gave me the greatest food buzz. We were also drinking that night. After dinner, we went to Crush Bar and crashed a transvestite dance party. Good drinks and fun music, we continued the party at their home when we found her housemate still awake. We stayed up on the porch sharing and making more memories.
Day 25-
We woke up hungover the next morning. Daniella was expecting a Swedish couple to couchsurf. I had connected with a friend of a friend who invited me to a samba class. I went to samba while the group hiked to the Saturday Market.
I did not know what to expect when I arrived at Ankeny Street Studio. Pauline led a very technical samba no pe class. She helped refine some of my movement. The second half of the class focused on a routine that they were rehearsing. I was so lost. I really liked their choreography. It inspired me to keep learning and dancing.
After samba, I was given a ride to the waterfront to meet up with the group. They were still on their way so Greta gave me a tour of the bridges before dropping me off at Voodoo Donuts. I stood in line as the group walked over. In line, I won a t-shirt when I correctly named the Bacon Maple Bar Donut in a round of "Name That Donut!" By the time the group arrived, 45 min later, I was close to the entrance and we could order our donuts. Christina and I got a box: Mango Tango, Mexican Hot Chocolate, No Name, Bacon Maple Bar, and we sampled the Portland Cream too.
We sat in the shade on the grass near the waterfront to enjoy the voodoo. We wandered through the Portland Saturday Market before parting ways for the afternoon. They went to another market while we wandered and discovered Stumptown Coffee and the Lan Su Chinese Garden. We relaxed on the couch at Stumptown listening to Mac Demarco and Girls. In the Garden, we strolled and relaxed in the beauty of it all. We tried to forget the ugly buildings and loud music beyond the walls.
We refueled with some gyros from a food truck before hiking back to Daniella's house. they had a BBQ for dinner, we brought them beer and socialized. I played with my LED hoop in the dark. We slept on her couch that night. We were thankful that she let us stay an extra night.
Day 26-
We woke up early on Sunday morning to hike Multnomah Falls. It was exhausting. There were a lot of switchbacks. It felt simple but it was really high in elevation. It was beautiful.
We drove back to meet with the group to watch the world cup final. That didn't quite work out. I was happy the world cup was over. Germany won. Argentina lost. It was a long game.
We drove south after the world cup and drove to Crater Lake. We stayed to watch the sunset and to watch the full red moon rise from the edge of the crater. It was a magical experience. We drove through the night to arrive in San Francisco the next morning.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
7.10.14 Olympic National Park & Mount St. Helens
Day 23-
I wanted fresh bread from a French Bakery we walked past at the Pike Place Market. we had a long drive ahead of us. We woke up early and I bought a baguette, pain au chocolat, and a cafe au lait from Le Panier. It was everything I want in that moment.
We drove further west to Olympic National Park. we didn't know exactly where we were going but we found a lake with scary furry trees. I think it was called Crescent Lake. we had a little picnic there with Kermit and Timothy. We packed the "family" and headed to the visitor center to make the most of our short time in the park. The park ranger told us that the best views of the mountain were on top of Hurricane Ridge. We drove up the winding road up the mountain. We were rewarded with stunning views of the ice covered glaciers. On the other side, we could see across the water to Vancouver. We didn't stay for long because we had to arrive in Portland that night. We did see Mount Ranier and Mount St. Helens on the way into Portland.
I wanted fresh bread from a French Bakery we walked past at the Pike Place Market. we had a long drive ahead of us. We woke up early and I bought a baguette, pain au chocolat, and a cafe au lait from Le Panier. It was everything I want in that moment.
We drove further west to Olympic National Park. we didn't know exactly where we were going but we found a lake with scary furry trees. I think it was called Crescent Lake. we had a little picnic there with Kermit and Timothy. We packed the "family" and headed to the visitor center to make the most of our short time in the park. The park ranger told us that the best views of the mountain were on top of Hurricane Ridge. We drove up the winding road up the mountain. We were rewarded with stunning views of the ice covered glaciers. On the other side, we could see across the water to Vancouver. We didn't stay for long because we had to arrive in Portland that night. We did see Mount Ranier and Mount St. Helens on the way into Portland.
7.9.14 Seattle, WA
Day 22-
My friend Ivan hosted us for a couple of nights in Seattle. We arrived late last night but he hung out with us and showed us the roof top of his apartment. We didn't stay in Seattle for long. Parking is expensive in big cities. His apartment was in a perfect location that had every site within walking distance.
In the morning, we walked to Pike Place Market. We wandered through, looking at arts and crafts. Sampling their foods... including: chili jams, raspberry wine vinagrettes, chocolate covered cherries, smoked salmon. We even saw fishes being tossed. I loved the flower bouquets. I felt that they were very beautiful and inexpensive. The way the vendors arranged the flowers had a strong sense of balance, color, and space. They were very harmonious. So gorgeous!
We discovered Ellenos Greek Yogurt! A man on the corner had a tray of samples and beckoned us to try one, try all. It was the best greek yogurt EVER! The chai was really rich in flavor. We continued wandering and found the Gum Wall. It was surprisingly colorful. It was also sticky. After we put our gum on the wall, I made my way towards Beecher's Handmade Cheese for their Mac&Cheese. I was told that it was so good that Oprah has it flown over to her. The fresh cheese curds were amazing. The Mac&Cheese was creamy. I realized that I prefer baked Mac&Cheese. It was too cheesy for my and I didn't get bread to eat it with to balance out the consistency. Luckily we remembered there was a soccer match. We went to Cantina de San Patricio in Pike Alley. I enjoyed a beer and tortilla chips with my Mac&Cheese from Beecher's.
We continued wandering around the city. I decided that we could walk to the EMP Museum and explore before we had to meet my friend back at his apartment. The EMP was awesome! EMP stand for Experience Music Project. The building was designed by Frank Gehry. the forms were beautiful and reflected the light all around. We entered the building with a very limited amount of time. We explored their exhibits: Sound of Horror Film Scores, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Nirvana, Hendrix, and Music Videos (Spectacle). We sped through the exhibits considering that we had to go back to let my friend into his apartment. He had forgotten he had a work related social event to attend and we forgot to tell him how short our stay was.
We returned to the Space Needle area. I wanted to see the Chihuly Garden & Glass but they wouldn't admit us in for free so we settled for their gift shop. I peeked over the hedges. I didn't care much for his work anyways. It was evening and everything was closing. We walked over the the Olympic Sculpture Park and walked along the waters' edge back towards Pike Place Market. We decide to order something from the original Starbucks. With coffee in our hands, we watched the sunset over the Pacific in the grassy area by the market. We walked back to the apartment and did some travel research. we spent the last night in Seattle having life conversations with our host before sleep.
My friend Ivan hosted us for a couple of nights in Seattle. We arrived late last night but he hung out with us and showed us the roof top of his apartment. We didn't stay in Seattle for long. Parking is expensive in big cities. His apartment was in a perfect location that had every site within walking distance.
In the morning, we walked to Pike Place Market. We wandered through, looking at arts and crafts. Sampling their foods... including: chili jams, raspberry wine vinagrettes, chocolate covered cherries, smoked salmon. We even saw fishes being tossed. I loved the flower bouquets. I felt that they were very beautiful and inexpensive. The way the vendors arranged the flowers had a strong sense of balance, color, and space. They were very harmonious. So gorgeous!
We discovered Ellenos Greek Yogurt! A man on the corner had a tray of samples and beckoned us to try one, try all. It was the best greek yogurt EVER! The chai was really rich in flavor. We continued wandering and found the Gum Wall. It was surprisingly colorful. It was also sticky. After we put our gum on the wall, I made my way towards Beecher's Handmade Cheese for their Mac&Cheese. I was told that it was so good that Oprah has it flown over to her. The fresh cheese curds were amazing. The Mac&Cheese was creamy. I realized that I prefer baked Mac&Cheese. It was too cheesy for my and I didn't get bread to eat it with to balance out the consistency. Luckily we remembered there was a soccer match. We went to Cantina de San Patricio in Pike Alley. I enjoyed a beer and tortilla chips with my Mac&Cheese from Beecher's.
We continued wandering around the city. I decided that we could walk to the EMP Museum and explore before we had to meet my friend back at his apartment. The EMP was awesome! EMP stand for Experience Music Project. The building was designed by Frank Gehry. the forms were beautiful and reflected the light all around. We entered the building with a very limited amount of time. We explored their exhibits: Sound of Horror Film Scores, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Nirvana, Hendrix, and Music Videos (Spectacle). We sped through the exhibits considering that we had to go back to let my friend into his apartment. He had forgotten he had a work related social event to attend and we forgot to tell him how short our stay was.
We returned to the Space Needle area. I wanted to see the Chihuly Garden & Glass but they wouldn't admit us in for free so we settled for their gift shop. I peeked over the hedges. I didn't care much for his work anyways. It was evening and everything was closing. We walked over the the Olympic Sculpture Park and walked along the waters' edge back towards Pike Place Market. We decide to order something from the original Starbucks. With coffee in our hands, we watched the sunset over the Pacific in the grassy area by the market. We walked back to the apartment and did some travel research. we spent the last night in Seattle having life conversations with our host before sleep.
7.8.14 Missoula, MT... arriving in the Pacific Northwest
Day 21-
We left Yellowstone National Park this morning. I woke up to some crazy game of Thrones meets Electric Forest dream. Our escape plan was to get soda and candy at the corner store. Gary oldman was a doomed protagonist figure.
We are driving northwest through Montana listening to Kanye. Letting our loved ones know that we are still alive through dropped calls.
We spent most of the day driving. We stopped in Missoula, Montana at the Blue Bison Grill for lunch. Christina really wanted to try Bison meat. I felt a little guilty but I ordered the White Bison taco. It was bison, mushrooms, and cheese in a fry bread taco.
We happened to be in the bar during the Brazil vs. Germany world cup match. It was painful to watch. We continued west after our meal. The sun was setting as we arrived to Seattle. It was perfection as we arrived to the West Coast. The sunset over the George Gorge with windmills spinning in the background. We go closer to the city and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" played on the radio. I felt so happy knowing that we had arrived.
We left Yellowstone National Park this morning. I woke up to some crazy game of Thrones meets Electric Forest dream. Our escape plan was to get soda and candy at the corner store. Gary oldman was a doomed protagonist figure.
We are driving northwest through Montana listening to Kanye. Letting our loved ones know that we are still alive through dropped calls.
We spent most of the day driving. We stopped in Missoula, Montana at the Blue Bison Grill for lunch. Christina really wanted to try Bison meat. I felt a little guilty but I ordered the White Bison taco. It was bison, mushrooms, and cheese in a fry bread taco.
We happened to be in the bar during the Brazil vs. Germany world cup match. It was painful to watch. We continued west after our meal. The sun was setting as we arrived to Seattle. It was perfection as we arrived to the West Coast. The sunset over the George Gorge with windmills spinning in the background. We go closer to the city and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" played on the radio. I felt so happy knowing that we had arrived.
7.6-7.14 Yellowstone National Park & Grand Teton National Park
Day 19-
I woke up from a dream, cramped in the back of my van. Today was a day of exploration and discovery. It feels like each new day is actually. We reorganized the van in the morning from our search the day before.
I finally had cereal with the milk that Christina craved so much. I didn't have much of an appetite. I was exhausted and my body hurt. Christina drove today. I slept int he passenger seat.
We left our campsite at Indian Creek and began our day at Sheepeater Cliff. The water was beautiful. I loved the tiny blue butterflies that surrounded us.
As we headed to our next destination, we found a beautiful waterfall along the side of the road. We stopped to appreciate it. We continued to Canyon Village and explored the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. We stopped in the Visitor Center. I learned why this place got its name. We hiked along the north rim and south rim of the canyon. We found a double rainbow at the base of the falls. I found a small tree to meditate next to at our Sublime Point. we relaxed, stretched, and did yoga at this Sublime Point overlooking the canyon.
Our next destination at Yellowstone was Norris. We wandered along all the paths and viewed all geysers, hot springs, vents, etc...
Today we saw Elk bucks? Moose?
Life is too much to describe. Trying my best to remember. Disconnected. Holiday weekend. Mind lost. Overload.
Day 20 -
Yellowstone National Park
1. Excelsior Geyser Crater - Enjoying the steam warmth
2. Grand Prismatic Spring - Full spectrum visible in the steam as well as the surface. I don't understand.
3. (Biscuit Basin - Biscuits are delicious)
Sapphire Pool - Deep well. Gorgeous blue. Clear water. Steam bath for our skin. Cooling breeze. Perfection.
4. Mystic Falls - Climbing. Drinking fresh water. Feeling hot springs. Pedicure on the rocks. Beauty surrounds. My most favorite place on this entire trip. Hiking the trail to Mystic Falls had the most beautiful smell of pine. I thought of you. I breathed in the air. Experiencing the present moment.
Thank you Earth, Water, Wind, Fire, and Spirit.
5. Old Faithful - Watching water boil... Waiting for the main event... Crowds of spectators.
6. Lake Lewis - Clear waters. Schools of fish. Volcanic stones.
Grand Teton National Park
Lake Jenny - We arrived in the evening. Our goal was to hike to Inspiration Point at Grand Teton and get back to our car before sunset... This was quite honestly, one of the scariest things I have ever done.
A coyote appeared before our trail with an animal in its mouth. It had yellow eyes. I didn't know what to do. I froze along the side of the trail as it ran past us. A man was running after it. I asked him, "Is that yours?"
I have a fear of natural bodies of water at night. I panicked as we approached Hidden Falls. I ran across bridges, terrified of trolls. We saw more wild life grazing. The view from the top was beautiful.(elevation: 6782 feet).
I woke up from a dream, cramped in the back of my van. Today was a day of exploration and discovery. It feels like each new day is actually. We reorganized the van in the morning from our search the day before.
I finally had cereal with the milk that Christina craved so much. I didn't have much of an appetite. I was exhausted and my body hurt. Christina drove today. I slept int he passenger seat.
We left our campsite at Indian Creek and began our day at Sheepeater Cliff. The water was beautiful. I loved the tiny blue butterflies that surrounded us.
As we headed to our next destination, we found a beautiful waterfall along the side of the road. We stopped to appreciate it. We continued to Canyon Village and explored the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. We stopped in the Visitor Center. I learned why this place got its name. We hiked along the north rim and south rim of the canyon. We found a double rainbow at the base of the falls. I found a small tree to meditate next to at our Sublime Point. we relaxed, stretched, and did yoga at this Sublime Point overlooking the canyon.
Our next destination at Yellowstone was Norris. We wandered along all the paths and viewed all geysers, hot springs, vents, etc...
Today we saw Elk bucks? Moose?
Life is too much to describe. Trying my best to remember. Disconnected. Holiday weekend. Mind lost. Overload.
Day 20 -
Yellowstone National Park
1. Excelsior Geyser Crater - Enjoying the steam warmth
2. Grand Prismatic Spring - Full spectrum visible in the steam as well as the surface. I don't understand.
3. (Biscuit Basin - Biscuits are delicious)
Sapphire Pool - Deep well. Gorgeous blue. Clear water. Steam bath for our skin. Cooling breeze. Perfection.
4. Mystic Falls - Climbing. Drinking fresh water. Feeling hot springs. Pedicure on the rocks. Beauty surrounds. My most favorite place on this entire trip. Hiking the trail to Mystic Falls had the most beautiful smell of pine. I thought of you. I breathed in the air. Experiencing the present moment.
Thank you Earth, Water, Wind, Fire, and Spirit.
5. Old Faithful - Watching water boil... Waiting for the main event... Crowds of spectators.
6. Lake Lewis - Clear waters. Schools of fish. Volcanic stones.
Grand Teton National Park
Lake Jenny - We arrived in the evening. Our goal was to hike to Inspiration Point at Grand Teton and get back to our car before sunset... This was quite honestly, one of the scariest things I have ever done.
A coyote appeared before our trail with an animal in its mouth. It had yellow eyes. I didn't know what to do. I froze along the side of the trail as it ran past us. A man was running after it. I asked him, "Is that yours?"
I have a fear of natural bodies of water at night. I panicked as we approached Hidden Falls. I ran across bridges, terrified of trolls. We saw more wild life grazing. The view from the top was beautiful.(elevation: 6782 feet).
7.5.14 Wyoming Scenic Byways
Day 18-
I am going to change my life.
I like signs.
I wanted to know what the speed limit was. I sure found out - I got pulled over for speeding Wyoming. They searched our entire van. They were really kind. It was the first time I ever sat in the back of a police vehicle. Maybe it was the hoops in the back of the car, my green hair, and the tie-dye I was wearing.
I still broke the law. They left us with a citation and let us go. I learned. It was exactly what I needed in my life. A reminder. Treachery of beauty. Distractions.
Take your time to enjoy the scenery. Enjoy your surroundings. There was no rush. Nowhere to be. We had actually configured an extra day - that time was spent with Wyoming State Patrols in the middle of nowhere.
Our day began early at Devils Tower in Wyoming. We complete an early morning hike before getting on our way towards Yellowstone National Park tonight. Devils Tower was impressive. A sacred sight, it scared me and set the tone for the day. I didn't quite understand how it was standing. Land eroded around a magma plug for thousands of year. I learned that many of the sites we drove past were dated to their prehistoric existence. Dinosaurs began to make sense.
Once upon a time, there were rivers, oceans, volcanoes. Today we have mountains and plains, valleys and creeks.
I drove the entire day, we drove through 3 scenic byways: US-16, US-212, US-14... not sure exactly in which order.
We stopped by a lake shore to rest in Big Horn National Forest. The field of flowers was gorgeous. Purple and little white flowers filled the field by the lake. The sun was shinning and everything was perfect. Families were fishing. We sat by the lake and reflected on life. Fear of the unknown. being both scared and excited by all that life has in store ahead.
Carrying our excitement and taking in all the beauty, we continued on the journey. Life was so beautiful and amazing that I failed to find the speed limit. Life felt limitless. I learned how to use the speed cruiser. I thought that the speed limit was 75~80 mph. I was wrong.
I accelerated and passed the wrong car. I forgot to adjust the speed back down and had to pull over when that car began to flash lights behind me.
It was okay. I found peace during the situation. The officer was doing his job. I was thankful for his care and leniency. We had both gone to the same University. After the entire ordeal, I smiled. I was happy. Sure a citation is unfortunate but I accept it. It was ironic and hilarious. It was what it was and everything happens for a reason.
During the ride, after adjusting my outlook on life, I began to attach new memories to an album that has had heavy emotional significance to me. I let go of past memories. Grateful for all of them. Grateful for their significance. Now I saw life ahead of me. On a journey. Heading west. Staying illuminated. The future was out there. It was bright and oh so beautiful.
"My dearest friend, you'll soon begin to love again."
Devendra Banhart - My Dearest Friend - Thunder Rolls Down Smokey Canyon
History was behind us. Life is amazing. I am thankful.
(Moment hit me as we drove by the Jim Bridger Trail)
4 hours left, we proceed down the most beautiful route in the United States. Turns and curves, ups and downs, snow covered mountains, deep valleys - it became our own self guided tour of America. That is what this has really always been. Forging our own path. Every turn presented a different perspective on our landscape. I understood everything. I knew nothing.
We listened to Devendra the entire time. It was exactly what I needed in that moment. I felt so happy.
Eventually, we arrived to Yellowstone. We explored and wondered. We adventured, trying to find a campsite for the night. Now, here I am with a beverage in hand, sitting under the stars with a flash light. We saw beautiful bison! I had been getting depressed for the past few days knowing that the plains that had been dominated by them were populated by cattle instead. Bison were hunted to near extinction. The best part was seeing A BEAR IN A FIELD OF WILD FLOWERS AT SUNSET!
Tomorrow will begin our first full day of adventure at Yellowstone National Park. Tonight I will sleep in my makeshift bed across the back seat of my minivan. Our second night in the van.
I am going to change my life.
I like signs.
I wanted to know what the speed limit was. I sure found out - I got pulled over for speeding Wyoming. They searched our entire van. They were really kind. It was the first time I ever sat in the back of a police vehicle. Maybe it was the hoops in the back of the car, my green hair, and the tie-dye I was wearing.
I still broke the law. They left us with a citation and let us go. I learned. It was exactly what I needed in my life. A reminder. Treachery of beauty. Distractions.
Take your time to enjoy the scenery. Enjoy your surroundings. There was no rush. Nowhere to be. We had actually configured an extra day - that time was spent with Wyoming State Patrols in the middle of nowhere.
Our day began early at Devils Tower in Wyoming. We complete an early morning hike before getting on our way towards Yellowstone National Park tonight. Devils Tower was impressive. A sacred sight, it scared me and set the tone for the day. I didn't quite understand how it was standing. Land eroded around a magma plug for thousands of year. I learned that many of the sites we drove past were dated to their prehistoric existence. Dinosaurs began to make sense.
Once upon a time, there were rivers, oceans, volcanoes. Today we have mountains and plains, valleys and creeks.
I drove the entire day, we drove through 3 scenic byways: US-16, US-212, US-14... not sure exactly in which order.
We stopped by a lake shore to rest in Big Horn National Forest. The field of flowers was gorgeous. Purple and little white flowers filled the field by the lake. The sun was shinning and everything was perfect. Families were fishing. We sat by the lake and reflected on life. Fear of the unknown. being both scared and excited by all that life has in store ahead.
Carrying our excitement and taking in all the beauty, we continued on the journey. Life was so beautiful and amazing that I failed to find the speed limit. Life felt limitless. I learned how to use the speed cruiser. I thought that the speed limit was 75~80 mph. I was wrong.
I accelerated and passed the wrong car. I forgot to adjust the speed back down and had to pull over when that car began to flash lights behind me.
It was okay. I found peace during the situation. The officer was doing his job. I was thankful for his care and leniency. We had both gone to the same University. After the entire ordeal, I smiled. I was happy. Sure a citation is unfortunate but I accept it. It was ironic and hilarious. It was what it was and everything happens for a reason.
During the ride, after adjusting my outlook on life, I began to attach new memories to an album that has had heavy emotional significance to me. I let go of past memories. Grateful for all of them. Grateful for their significance. Now I saw life ahead of me. On a journey. Heading west. Staying illuminated. The future was out there. It was bright and oh so beautiful.
"My dearest friend, you'll soon begin to love again."
Devendra Banhart - My Dearest Friend - Thunder Rolls Down Smokey Canyon
History was behind us. Life is amazing. I am thankful.
(Moment hit me as we drove by the Jim Bridger Trail)
4 hours left, we proceed down the most beautiful route in the United States. Turns and curves, ups and downs, snow covered mountains, deep valleys - it became our own self guided tour of America. That is what this has really always been. Forging our own path. Every turn presented a different perspective on our landscape. I understood everything. I knew nothing.
We listened to Devendra the entire time. It was exactly what I needed in that moment. I felt so happy.
Eventually, we arrived to Yellowstone. We explored and wondered. We adventured, trying to find a campsite for the night. Now, here I am with a beverage in hand, sitting under the stars with a flash light. We saw beautiful bison! I had been getting depressed for the past few days knowing that the plains that had been dominated by them were populated by cattle instead. Bison were hunted to near extinction. The best part was seeing A BEAR IN A FIELD OF WILD FLOWERS AT SUNSET!
Tomorrow will begin our first full day of adventure at Yellowstone National Park. Tonight I will sleep in my makeshift bed across the back seat of my minivan. Our second night in the van.
7.4.14 American Independence Day!
Day 17-
Driving overnight from Wisconsin to South Dakota was miserable! We completed so much on the previous day with little rest. There was very little rest on this night too. I began to see things in the distance. Even when we traded we driver - passenger/sleeper roles, I had strange visions in my dreams. One of which was a faceless Virgin Mary. I blame that on Rene Magritte. We saw the sun rise over the plains.
Eventually after multiple shifts, we arrived to the Badlands of South Dakota. They were beautiful! unreal! I couldn't comprehend. How did all these formations exist?
We walked around a loop and then found the Notch Trail. It was fun to pretend we were on a treasure hunt, searching for trail markers. I don't have much experience hiking but I am interested. We walked along the trail not knowing exactly which direction to go, knowing that we would soon find an answer. Life. That is how it is. once we reached the end of the trail, Christina faced her fear of heights and began to climb higher. It was a good experience. We were free to explore at dawn.
After Badlands, we continued to celebrate Independence day at Mount Rushmore. I was not a fan. I did not understand why someone would carve these faces on this mountain of all places. There were so many people. I didn't care enough. The carving techniques were interesting.
We stopped by Gillette,Wyoming for food. We needed more salad in our bodies. We found Smiling Moose Deli and spent a good two hours eating our Ancho Chipotle Lime Salads and relaxing. We needed to restock on supplies before we headed into Yellowstone National park the next day. We found an amazing sale at Rue 21 across the street. I found pants for $5. I was refreshing my wardrobe for this year. I intended to let go of the majority of the clothes that I brought with me in this trip. I had to throw away some pieces and I had a lot to give away. I am ready for new beginnings. We also stopped by Walmart. I love dehydrated veggies, almonds, and dried mango. I liked Gillette.
Once ready, we drove to Devil's Tower to camp for the night. We arrived and didn't know where to park or where to go we just pulled over along the side of the road with other spectators. we were not aware that they would host a firework show at Devil's Tower. We were exhausted and saw the explosions from our car. I got dark and we decided to sleep in the car. It would be our first night sleeping in the minivan. Stars were amazing in the open night sky.
Driving overnight from Wisconsin to South Dakota was miserable! We completed so much on the previous day with little rest. There was very little rest on this night too. I began to see things in the distance. Even when we traded we driver - passenger/sleeper roles, I had strange visions in my dreams. One of which was a faceless Virgin Mary. I blame that on Rene Magritte. We saw the sun rise over the plains.
Eventually after multiple shifts, we arrived to the Badlands of South Dakota. They were beautiful! unreal! I couldn't comprehend. How did all these formations exist?
We walked around a loop and then found the Notch Trail. It was fun to pretend we were on a treasure hunt, searching for trail markers. I don't have much experience hiking but I am interested. We walked along the trail not knowing exactly which direction to go, knowing that we would soon find an answer. Life. That is how it is. once we reached the end of the trail, Christina faced her fear of heights and began to climb higher. It was a good experience. We were free to explore at dawn.
After Badlands, we continued to celebrate Independence day at Mount Rushmore. I was not a fan. I did not understand why someone would carve these faces on this mountain of all places. There were so many people. I didn't care enough. The carving techniques were interesting.
We stopped by Gillette,Wyoming for food. We needed more salad in our bodies. We found Smiling Moose Deli and spent a good two hours eating our Ancho Chipotle Lime Salads and relaxing. We needed to restock on supplies before we headed into Yellowstone National park the next day. We found an amazing sale at Rue 21 across the street. I found pants for $5. I was refreshing my wardrobe for this year. I intended to let go of the majority of the clothes that I brought with me in this trip. I had to throw away some pieces and I had a lot to give away. I am ready for new beginnings. We also stopped by Walmart. I love dehydrated veggies, almonds, and dried mango. I liked Gillette.
Once ready, we drove to Devil's Tower to camp for the night. We arrived and didn't know where to park or where to go we just pulled over along the side of the road with other spectators. we were not aware that they would host a firework show at Devil's Tower. We were exhausted and saw the explosions from our car. I got dark and we decided to sleep in the car. It would be our first night sleeping in the minivan. Stars were amazing in the open night sky.
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