Wild West Territory

Friday, September, 2nd, 2011

After a long day through the remainder of Washington, past Cour d’Alene in Idaho and over the continental divide, our band of merry Bama travelers ended up in southeastern Montana within sight of the Little Big Horn battlefield. We were very fortunate to find a ranch that kept 50 immaculate RV pads in their pasture with the best shower facilities to date. We arrived in time to enjoy another spectacular sunset as we grilled our dinner.

Saturday, September 3rd, 2011

Early Saturday morning, we toured the battlefield and Custer’s Last stand.

Panorama of Battlefield looking toward Indian village along Little Big Horn River

Custer was no hero – closer to a military idiot. Reviewing the topography and the size of the Indian village, he should have least performed reconnaissance before separating his forces into three groups and charging into an attack. He got what he deserved and the brave men that followed him to massacre are the true heroes. After a couple hours at the battlefield and an extremely interesting audio auto tour, we decided not to get on the highway again. Instead, we took the Warrior Parkway across open Montana and Wyoming prairie. We were rewarded with the gem of the return trip to date, a close up view of the Devil’s Tower – the alien hot spot as depicted in ET - the Movie, and most recently in the movie Paul.

Devil's Tower, Wyoming - AWESOME!

After communing with the spirits at Devil’s Tower, we meandered across the Wyoming line into the famous old western city of Deadwood. All three enjoyed a walk down Main Street past mostly casinos, but with enough unique shops to make the visit worthwhile as Susie fancied herself a biker chick and found the Harley Davidson shop to her liking.

Brayden in Deadwood, South Dakota

From Deadwood, we had a short drive through the Black Hills to our campground just 8 miles from Mt. Rushmore. No sunset this evening, but we did have an excellent campfire, grilled ribeye steaks and stuffed baked potatoes before turning in.

Sunday, September 4^th, 2011

After sleeping in, we meandered over to the Mt. Rushmore National Monument. As warned, the sculpture is underwhelming. I actually think the sculpture at Stone Mountain northeast of Atlanta is more impressive. Knowing we had a long day of driving ahead of us, we decided to take a hike around the monument on the Presidential Trail. The weather was perfect –as it has been for almost the entire trip – so we had a pleasant walk and then started the big push of 1,400 miles back to Birmingham.

Mount Rushmore National Monument, Black Hills, South Dakota

Susie finally took her first go at the steering wheel as we reached eastern South Dakota and took us into Iowa and towards Omaha, Nebraska where we called it a day and located a quiet camp for rest before another long day of driving on Labor Day. There are very few pictures of the South Dakota leg as only one picture will tell the story of the entire state. Once you get out of the Black Hills, the most exciting Brayden and I did was to play a game of “I can see a tree on my side of the road” I doubt we will be getting back to this part of the country anytime soon.

Making good time, we decided to push on until we ran into flooded out Intersate highway from the big Missouri River overflow this spring. The diversion prevented us from stopping at a campground otside of Omaha, Nebraska as we learned the campground was still under water. We headed east and eventually found a cozy campground in extreme southern Iowa, near the Missouri border. After looking at the map over dinner, we think we might be able to make Birmingham by late tomorrow night. The motivation is very high to sleep in our own beds after a long trip. We'll see.....

Csacade National Park on first day

Thursday started early as we were all anxious to begin the journey home to Alabama.  After successfully navigating the Canadian Border, we were on our way to view some of the most beautiful places America has to offer.  We drove right through the Cascade Mountains and stopped every chance we had to view the natural wonders; lakes, waterfalls and majestic mountain ranges.

Cascade Mountains, Washington state

Susie and Mike in Cascades

Panorama of Cascades

We pushed on to Coulee Dam, as Mike says, 'a big, honking dam' and started to look for a place to camp for the night. 

Grand Coulee Dam on Columbia River

I requested a campsite on the water, which is exactly what Mike found for us.  Upon arrival, the looks of the place did not impress and we decided to move further up the road toward Spokane.  I am so glad we did as just 2 miles up the road we came upon a state park entrance with camping facilities.  The winding road took us to a spot just above Coulee Dam with views of the water, dam and mountain ranges.

 
                     Campsite over Coulee Dam

The sunset was one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen.


            Sunset in Washington State

We did not have water or electric hook-up and Brayden and Mike were both looking at me apprehensively wondering if I was actually going to handle 'roughing it.'  Truth be told, I was not too happy about the lack of a hot shower in the morning, but I was determined to prove that, yes, Susie Margotta can do without the creature comforts!  We all rose to the occasion, cooked a fabulous dinner and enjoyed sitting around our first campfire.  Thank you, Mark, for the lantern!  Of course, I was not without the necessities, the Pinot Grigio was cold and delicious!  I even got to take a very cold, brief shower at the beach facilities overlooking the serene blue waters.  Not too shabby!  We look forward to our second day on the road.

Changing of the Guard

M&M Sightseeing has now ended with the successful delivery of Mason to UBC.  Brayden and I flew into Vancouver and successfully maneuvered Vancouver mass transit to arrive at UBC campus mid afternoon on Wednesday.  We disembarked from the bus in what seemed like the middle of nowhere and lo and behold; a few steps up the road was the 'Rent Me' Dandy RV parked on the street!  Minutes later Mason's smiling face was walking toward us looking refreshed, tanned and excited.

Brayden and I got the tour of UBC campus under clear blue skies and crisp, fresh mountain air.  Such a beautiful setting with flowers everywhere, sparkling water and majestic snow capped mountains in the distance. 

Mason and proud Mama at UBC Rose Garden

The Bro's at UBC

Mason's dorm room is ideal (girls on one side of the hall and boys on the other!).  He is nicely settled in on the seventh floor and has a sunset view of the sound.  The dorm is brand new as are all the international students piling in!

We concluded the day with a sushi dinner at Miku (a restaurant Mason and I found on our last visit to Vancouver) on the outside patio.  Tearful goodbyes (ok, I was the only one that cried) on the bus; we left Mason to continue on to his new home and Mike, Brayden and I to our new 'home' on the 'Rent Me' Dandy RV.

The day concluded at the BCRV Campground with Brayden and I moved in and ready to start the final phase of the RV adventure.