Sioux Falls, SD was a one night stopping point for us as it is about halfway from Mt. Rushmore to Des Moines, IA. It was the first time in over a week where we were in temperatures above 70 and it was not a day we wanted to be outside. So we hunkered in the RV, in the AC and relaxed. But, there as laundry to be done.
We debated on waiting another night to do laundry in Des Moines because we would be there for 2 nights and have more time. But as the evening went on, I decided that we should take care of it now rather than later. So off I went to the laundry room with the first round. I got it started and went back 30min later to change the loads. I decided to wait around the laundry room this go round because the dryers did not take too long. While I sat there, another women came in to do her laundry. She came in and out a few times and we exchanged hellos.
After I dropped my first clean load back at the RV, I went back to wait for the rest to dry. The women from earlier was there and of course, like in any laundromat or campground, we struck up a conversation.
The women's name was Lynda. She was from California and on her way back after many stops, like us. Her farthest point was Chicago, and they were on their trek back home, as we were. They were heading to Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone, so we exchanged some info and gave her the heads up on her upcoming stops.
As we are talking, I am trying to read Lynda as to if she is a safe person to disclose more information about myself. Over the course of this vacation, we have had a few close calls and moments where we were unsure of our surroundings, concerned for my and Frankie's safely once and we have had to proceed with caution because we are a lesbian couple. Yes it exists and yes it is very real.
Lynda lives in California and was originally from Boston. She was a bit older than me, but I figured, what the heck, lets test the waters and see what happens. So I dropped into conversation that I had a wife and she had worked in Boston, and that we enjoyed our time there. Lynda looked at me, and said that she was trying to deduce the same thing about me, whether I was a safe space and that is was in fact traveling with her Wife, Barbara.
Lynda told me about how they had been together for over 30 years, had kids and grandkids that were around Frankie's age. We talked about how we have to be so careful when we travel to areas of the US that are more conservative and not so accepting of people who are not like themselves. In this current time, it has become accepted by a small majority that hate is the way it should be, and the hate has been given a voice. So we cannot be who we are, wherever we are. They sometimes pretend to be sisters in certain areas. We have done the same...acting one way, for self preservation and for safely. This is even more magnified for Diana and I because we need to keep our daughter safe.
Lynda and I spent over an hour talking over folding laundry, talking about life, travels and the world moving forward, hoping for the best. I stopped by later to meet Barbara and drop off my email to Lynda. This was one person who I sincerely hoped to keep in touch with. The next morning, Lynda stopped by with a small gift that her and Barbara like to give when they meet some new people. It was a flag of the state of California. When I get home I will hang it up as a reminder to take a chance and that there is always a friend to be made. We have already exchanged a few emails and I know that this friendship that started over laundry will continue for many years to come.
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Is Mt. Rushmore a Big Deal?
I had talked to many people over the course of the last year about our trip, and many people said it would be cool to see Mt. Rushmore. Most had not been. The few that had had mixed reviews on whether it was something cool, or just a rock carving. And I think it truly is through each person's eyes what they see and how they feel when they are there.
Through my eyes, Diana's Eyes and Frankie's Eyes we are here to say that Mt. Rushmore was an amazing sight, quite a feat of engineering and made us reflect on the amazing leadership that has lead this country through some of the most difficult times that occurred in our young country's history.
Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt, larger than life, are looking down on all the land. Frankie decided to become a Jr. Ranger here as well and we had to watch the video about the creation and conception of Mt. Rushmore. The time and effort that went into this carving was the long game. It took so long that the head of the project died before it was finished.
I wont recommend that you visit...because your experience will be different than mine. Different from your neighbor and even your friends. But if you go in with on open mind, no matter what you think of the carvings, you can walk away with some more information and a bit more appreciation of the presidents that are honored on Mt. Rushmore.
Through my eyes, Diana's Eyes and Frankie's Eyes we are here to say that Mt. Rushmore was an amazing sight, quite a feat of engineering and made us reflect on the amazing leadership that has lead this country through some of the most difficult times that occurred in our young country's history.
Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt, larger than life, are looking down on all the land. Frankie decided to become a Jr. Ranger here as well and we had to watch the video about the creation and conception of Mt. Rushmore. The time and effort that went into this carving was the long game. It took so long that the head of the project died before it was finished.
I wont recommend that you visit...because your experience will be different than mine. Different from your neighbor and even your friends. But if you go in with on open mind, no matter what you think of the carvings, you can walk away with some more information and a bit more appreciation of the presidents that are honored on Mt. Rushmore.
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Cody Rodeo!
Last Thursday We headed out of Yellowstone to Cody, WY. It was a very relaxing day of playing at the park, drinking Starbucks and hitting the supermarket. That evening we headed over to the Cody Nite Rodeo. This is an actual rodeo, with actual cowboys and cowgirls, complete with bull riding, roping cows and horses galore! This was something that I found in a Kids Road Atlas that mentioned cool places to stop in each state, and this was one of them. While a little kitchy, we had a great time and had a good time cheering on the riders!
Frankie deciding whether to get on or not
Still Thinking!
Yes!
Our Rodeo Clown
Our final day in Yellowstone
Greetings Blog Readers!
Last week (on Wednesday) we had our final day of touring in Yellowstone. This morning was a very special day as Frankie became an official Junior Ranger of Yellowstone! She had to attend one ranger led program, complete a hike and then do 8 pages in her Ranger Manual! We are so proud of her! On our drive today, we headed North, out and out of the park to see the North entrance, The Roosevelt Arch and Mammoth Hot Springs. Here are just a few pics of our day and a few tidbits to go along with it! Enjoy the pics!
Our Junior Ranger!
Frankie receiving her official patch!
The Family at Mammoth Hot Springs
Baby Elk
A Baby Bear playing, with Mom close by, I am sure!
Coyote just hanging on the road!
Roosevelt Arch
The New Junior Ranger ready to take charge!
Friday, June 22, 2018
Old Faithful and West Yellowstone
Hello there!
Today was our second day, hitting the road, with a full day planned in the amazing Yellowstone! Todays theme was Geysers and Basins. Of course this means our first stop was of course, Old Faithful. This Geyser got its name when the first group of scientists came to the park to collect samples and information in their respective fields to take back to Washington. Old Faithful erupted with such regularity and predictability, that it was named Old Faithful. So the scientists took their samples and successfully and convinced congress to set aside the land as the first national park in the US! Old Faithful now erupts every 90 minutes or so, give or take 10 min. It was a pretty incredible site to see in person! Here are a few pics from the eruption!
After leaving Old Faithful, we headed West. We took two drives off the path and had an awesome chance to see another geyser eruption, Biscuit Basin Geyser, and some very cool basins!
We then headed out of the park to West Yellowstone and took a quick trip to Idaho, so check off another state in our quest to 50 States. On the way back, we visited West Yellowstone, then headed back into the park to see Upper Geyser Basin and the Grand Prismatic Spring. We also stopped to see Fountain Paint Pot.
While we saw just a few things, they were some of the coolest things we have seen! Tonight we headed over to the visitor center for a ranger led talk on the Ghosts of Yellowstone: The hotels and building that have come and gone in the park! It was a great talk, and one that Frankie enjoyed too! The ranger signed off on her Junior ranger requirement and tomorrow she can be sworn in as a junior ranger!
Tomorrow we will be heading North, to the original gateway into Yellowstone!
Today was our second day, hitting the road, with a full day planned in the amazing Yellowstone! Todays theme was Geysers and Basins. Of course this means our first stop was of course, Old Faithful. This Geyser got its name when the first group of scientists came to the park to collect samples and information in their respective fields to take back to Washington. Old Faithful erupted with such regularity and predictability, that it was named Old Faithful. So the scientists took their samples and successfully and convinced congress to set aside the land as the first national park in the US! Old Faithful now erupts every 90 minutes or so, give or take 10 min. It was a pretty incredible site to see in person! Here are a few pics from the eruption!
After leaving Old Faithful, we headed West. We took two drives off the path and had an awesome chance to see another geyser eruption, Biscuit Basin Geyser, and some very cool basins!
We then headed out of the park to West Yellowstone and took a quick trip to Idaho, so check off another state in our quest to 50 States. On the way back, we visited West Yellowstone, then headed back into the park to see Upper Geyser Basin and the Grand Prismatic Spring. We also stopped to see Fountain Paint Pot.
While we saw just a few things, they were some of the coolest things we have seen! Tonight we headed over to the visitor center for a ranger led talk on the Ghosts of Yellowstone: The hotels and building that have come and gone in the park! It was a great talk, and one that Frankie enjoyed too! The ranger signed off on her Junior ranger requirement and tomorrow she can be sworn in as a junior ranger!
Tomorrow we will be heading North, to the original gateway into Yellowstone!
Our first day touring Yellowstone
A very good day to you our awesome blog reader!
Today was our first day our and about in Yellowstone National Park. Todays theme was Canyons and the Yellowstone Lake. Yellowstone is a literal supervolcano, the largest in north America. There is an incredible amount of geothermal activity in the way of geysers, hot basins filled with single cell organisms, mud volcanos, and geothermal vents sending hot, stinky steam into the air! It is a nearly perfect, intact ecosystem and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Thank you Wikipedia!).
So with that being said, there is a lot to see along the way, in between the vast miles between major attractions of the park. Today we left Fishing Bridge and headed to the visitors center to get Frankie a Junior Ranger Book For those who do not know, the junior ranger program is available at all national parks and sites, usually for free. The child completes the requirements and is sworn in as a junior ranger of that park, and given a badge or patch. Frankie was excited about the challenge!
After that we headed up the Grand Loop toward Canyon Village to see the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The pictures here cannot give you the full picture, but it was an amazing site! It was one of the first areas photographed within the park in the late 1800s and still captures the minds of all who visit!!
After a quick stop at Canyon Village, we headed back south to see the Mud Volcano. This is a big geothermal area with air coming up and heating the dirt to mud, and making it literally boil!
Along this drive was also a chance to see more wildlife and amazing natural beauty!
Finally we ended down at LeHardy Rapids where Frankie went to complete her hike for her Ranger Program. We walked a mile, round trip, to see some amazing rapids! We were on the lookout for trout, but were unable to find any. The rivers out here are running very fast and high due to the rain and snowmelt! (And yes there was still snow in the park in some areas! It can literally snow year round at the higher altitudes of the park!)
After the hike we returned back our "Home base" looking forward to our next day's adventure!
PS: Yesterday we drive down to the Fishing Bridge and walked along the back of the lake, looking for fish, but we were not successful:-( We did enjoy the views though!
Today was our first day our and about in Yellowstone National Park. Todays theme was Canyons and the Yellowstone Lake. Yellowstone is a literal supervolcano, the largest in north America. There is an incredible amount of geothermal activity in the way of geysers, hot basins filled with single cell organisms, mud volcanos, and geothermal vents sending hot, stinky steam into the air! It is a nearly perfect, intact ecosystem and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Thank you Wikipedia!).
So with that being said, there is a lot to see along the way, in between the vast miles between major attractions of the park. Today we left Fishing Bridge and headed to the visitors center to get Frankie a Junior Ranger Book For those who do not know, the junior ranger program is available at all national parks and sites, usually for free. The child completes the requirements and is sworn in as a junior ranger of that park, and given a badge or patch. Frankie was excited about the challenge!
After that we headed up the Grand Loop toward Canyon Village to see the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The pictures here cannot give you the full picture, but it was an amazing site! It was one of the first areas photographed within the park in the late 1800s and still captures the minds of all who visit!!
After a quick stop at Canyon Village, we headed back south to see the Mud Volcano. This is a big geothermal area with air coming up and heating the dirt to mud, and making it literally boil!
Along this drive was also a chance to see more wildlife and amazing natural beauty!
Finally we ended down at LeHardy Rapids where Frankie went to complete her hike for her Ranger Program. We walked a mile, round trip, to see some amazing rapids! We were on the lookout for trout, but were unable to find any. The rivers out here are running very fast and high due to the rain and snowmelt! (And yes there was still snow in the park in some areas! It can literally snow year round at the higher altitudes of the park!)
After the hike we returned back our "Home base" looking forward to our next day's adventure!
PS: Yesterday we drive down to the Fishing Bridge and walked along the back of the lake, looking for fish, but we were not successful:-( We did enjoy the views though!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)