Where to start, we're back in Texas two weeks and we haven't slept a wink; ok that's a stretch, we were back on BOTO on 9/23 at roughly 0900 hrs at which time we proceeded to sleep on and off for four days. This quasi retirement thing is very tiring, anyway it is great to be home and while we have every intention of keeping our travels up to date it is amazing just how busy we can be, the days simply fade away, we hope to be better in the future and hope to hear from folks out there in the either as well.
Back to the roadtrip, for anyone looking for a fun, exciting and inexpensive holiday, take to the road. After leaving the family in Montana we headed east with a first stop at the Little Big Horn Battlefield. Contrary to the Hollywood version of things, the US Calvary encountered several tribes in the valley and although Custer's immediate command was killed not all of the Calvary was routed. The battlefield is interesting for its history, however the national cemetery which adjoins the historic landmark is much more solemn. How's that for a fart in church, huh.
After Custer's last stand, and Ed's appropriate facial hair off we go to South Dakota and Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument. A tremendous artistic endeavor, however we have to wonder at the defacing of the mountains themselves. We pulled offroad and enjoyed lunch under the gaze of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Teddy and Crazy Horse (some may say Crazy Teddy). Like the song says on the road again, Stergis SD (Harley Heaven), Wall Drug (Americana at its best) The Corn Palace (wait is this better?). If you have ever heard of the badlands of SD and wondered what they were, all we can tell you they are a must see. Although I (Ed) was somewhat hesitant as it was an extra stop, I am very grateful to Vicky for finding an off road route to the edge of the Badlands. A desolate and beautiful landscape. Finally back to MN where we bid farewell to Vicky's Mom and we are once again vagabonds.
As we sit here in Kemah, TX aboard Boto it seems somewhat surreal that we travelled a little more than 9,500 miles in 41 days with a number of stops in between. From MN we went through WI (with a stop at Rick and Cheryl, thanks much) then onto a night in South Bend, IN, yep Notre Dame. For those looking to add to the must do list, put South Bend on the list, given the history it is a must see for oneself. Onto Toledo OH in the morning, Ed had hopes of securing a Toledo Mudhens Jersey but none was found. Our final stop for a few days was North Canton OH with Ed's brothers family. We could drone on about our visits, however, I think the girls enjoyed OH more than any stop on the way.
NIAGRA FALLS. For an opening statement this is a good one, if you have not been, GO! We found a camp site on Lake Erie some 20 miles from the falls and were able to visit during the day and night, truly one of the worlds wonders.
The true joy of travelling and being able to take and unlimited time to do so is the ability to spend time with family and friends; after an impromptu visit to PA for a great BBQ with Chris and David we headed to New Jersey.
New Jersey, where we spend a week resting from the road. Great meals, warm bed and the puppies enjoy a yard in which they can run free (yes Jersey still has homes with some property to them). The tristate area is always fun to visit for the family, the history and the culture. A day spent at Princeton University and its surrounding areas including New Hope, PA just up river from where Washington crossed the Delaware; then a day in NYC complete with Ferry rides and a visit to the cities oldest tavern. A stop on the upper east side to visit family then back to NJ via the wonderful transit system, Rahway, Rahway next stop Rahway.
Should anyone find themselves in the Tristate area looking for something of historical interest there is truly no shortage, however if the beach is what you seek along with history take a drive to the end of the state to Cape May, the Victorian homes are wonderful and plentiful; from there you can take the ferry across to Delaware.
As we learn the intricacies and customs of blogging I'm sure we'll become better bloggers, we truly wish to share our adventure with Family and Friends. However, as we headed south from NJ we made a few more stops to visit family as well as some truly beautiful locales; Charleston, SC; Savannah, GA. Once we made it to Jacksonville, Fl we had decided it was time to head home, so off we went with a 24 hour dash from FL to TX, just as we had started.
As we sit here preparing for our ocean voyage we look back on THE roadtrip and smile, what a fun trip and what great people we met along the way (we haven't mentioned clothing optional nights at the LoLo hotsprings), if only for the duration of a beer.
