Deana and I are once again going on vacation. This time it’s going to be more of an adventure than a vacation. The plan as you can see from the map below is to embark on a road trip to the west. Along our way we plan to visit friends and relatives as well as some amazing national parks including Dinosaur, Yellow Stone, Devils tower and Mt Rushmore. Once again feel free to leave comments but remeber they must be approved by me and that requires the internet. I plan to post as often as I can but depending on our location that might not be possible.
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Trip Statistics
4851 Miles total – 140.91 Gallons of gas – 34.426MPG
Money Spent. This does not include things bought prior to the trip.
$366.61 Gasoline
$598.47 Food / Ice / etc
$271.78 Camping and Lodging
$41.50 Showers and Laundry
$27.92 Firewood
$47.15 Tolls and Park fees not covered by our America the Beautiful pass.
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$1495.44 Total cost
On a side note the America the beautiful yearly National park pass I bought cost $80. In total during this trip had I not bought the pass we would have spent $87 on park entrance fees so I saved $7. Of course its still valid for 11 more months.
Tanks again for all or friends and family that let us stay with them along the way.
Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:56:29 -040
Photo update...
Day 16... More driving.
We drove all day long from Iowa right on the Nebraska border to home. It took us around 14 hours but we eventually made it. Along the way we stopped at Herbert Hoover National historic site and the so called worlds largest truck stop Iowa 80.
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Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:48:17 -040
Photo update...
Day 15
We left Custer SD and headed twoards Iowa. Along the way we stopped at Wall Drug the Badlands and the Minuteman missile site.
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Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:29:40 -040
Photo update...
Were home! I will post the final picture and stats in tomorrow sometime.
| Sun, 6 Sep 2009 14:38:57 -0500 truckstop They claim its the worlds largest. Only 516 miles to go. |
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Sun, 06 Sep 2009 01:39:25 -040
Photo update...
Were spending the night in a hotel just North of Omaha. It seems that my shortcut across Nebraska may have cost us some time but I blame that on it getting dark out. Then again according to google it was only 1 mile shorter. oops I knew I should have bought a real map.
Sat, 05 Sep 2009 01:15:05 -040
Photo update...
Here are the photos from todays adventure. Tomorrow we will be driving thru the Badlands and then were heading home.
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Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:49:50 -040
Photo update...
After a minor scheduling mishap we have successfully setup camp in the Black Hills of South Dakota. We have already visited wind cave and the Hot Springs Mammoth dig site today and now were off to see Mount Rushmore. I should have a photo updat later tonight.
Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:09:04 -040
Photo update...
Today
We left Billings and made our way to Devils tower in Wyoming. Along the way we stopped at the Little Big Horn Battlefield where Custers last stand took place. Were camped right at the foot of Devils tower so I hope to get some great photos since the rest of the stars come out. hopefully the nearly full moon wont mess things up for me.
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Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:00:35 -040
Photo update...
Day 12
We decided to hang around Billings. While we were there we visited Pictograph Cave and Pompeys Pillar.
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Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:22:07 -040
Photo update...
We made it to Devils tower. Were going to do some swimming and then I will add some photos to the blog.
Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:21:23 -040
Photo update...
Day 11
Yellowstone to Billings Montana via the Bear tooth highway.
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Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:56:16 -040
Photo update...
We made it to Billings Montana. I have more photos to add in the morning.
Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:49:58 -040
Photo update...
Day 10
Yellowstone
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Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:37:46 -040
Photo update...
Day 9
Yellowstone
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Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:21:28 -040
Photo update...
Day 8
Yellowstone
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Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:07:35 -040
Photo update...
Day 7.
Yellowstone
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Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:51:55 -040
Photo update...
I have once again found the internet so here are photos from day 6 Jackson Wy to Yellowstone via the Grand Tetons.
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Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:56:58 -040
Photo update...
Due to the slowness of my phones internet here in Yellowstone I will not be posting anymore updates until I find some wifi. Check back in a couple days.
| Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:12:32 -060 Yellowstone Here is castle geyser. Lat: 44.4638888889 Lon: -110.836666667 |
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Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:05:03 -040
Photo update...
Last night sure was a cold one. It was 39 degrees when we woke up. The internet seems to be to slow here to upload photos so you may not see any for awhile. They are alot smaller in hopes that the uploading will go faster. I will have limited phone service today so dont expect to many updates.
Day 6
6.5 Hrs - 103 Miles - 37.04 Mpg - $25 Fuel - $48.53 food - $15.50 Blanket - $15 Ice wood Etc - $61.05 3 days of camping.
Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:57:00 -060
Photo update...
We have arrived in Yellowstone. Time for a much needed shower.=
| Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:03:47 -060 Grand Tetons Passing thru grand teton park on are way to yellowstone. |
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Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:51:42 -060
Photo update...
Were heading into yellowstone you may not hear from us for a few days. =
| Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:33:05 -060 breakfast A yummy breakfast befor we head to yellowstone. |
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Thu, 27 Aug 2009 01:42:34 -040
Photo update...
Today we drove from Garden City Utah to Jackson Wyoming. Along the way we passed thru Idaho and followed the Oregon trail.
Day 5
6.75 Hrs - 172 Miles - $46.22 Lunch - $ 62 Gifts and Souvenirs - $13 Snacks and food
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| Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:25:14 -060 Camp site Here is our site outside of Jackson Wyoming. We even have a small creek nex= t to our tent. Lat: 43.5383333333 Lon: -111.035833333 |
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| Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:01:09 -060 Jakson WY Done with lunch. Time for Deana to shop. Lat: 43.4802777778 Lon: -110.7625 |
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| Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:26:50 -060 Lunch Were having lunch in Jackson hole Wyoming and then doing a little shopping = beforwe go and setup camp.= |
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| Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:04:21 -060 Idaho Were playing Oregon trail. Lat: 42.3227777778 Lon: -111.2975 |
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| Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:59:12 -060 Good morning Time to tear down our camp site again. Lat: 41.9172222222 Lon: -111.457777778 |
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Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:19:22 -040
Photo update...
Here are the rest of todays photos which include Fossil Butte National park and Bear lake Utah. The rather short drive took us a while due to all of our stopping to see the sights.
Day 4
9 Hrs - 260 Miles - 33.35 Mpg - $23 Fuel - $20.23 Pizza and snacks - $7.50 Ice and wood - $24 Camping
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Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:49:47 -040
Photo update...
Words cant really describe some of the places we saw today and photos dont do them justice either. These were taken on are way from Dinosaur national park to Flaming gorge.
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| Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:07:04 -060 campfire Deana had to bundle up in her snow suit in order to roast marshmallows by t= he fire. Lat: 41.9177777778 Lon: -111.459444444 |
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| Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:53:24 -060 Camp pizza Mmm this camping stuf is hard. |
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| Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:22:00 -060 Bear lake Utah View of the lake near our campground. Lat: 41.9211111111 Lon: -111.456666667 |
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Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:55:28 -060
Photo update...
We made it to camp. Some how thru the magic of the internet I reserved the = site on top of the out house. It only smells when the wind blows.=
| Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:27:57 -060 Ashley valley Senic overlook Lat: 40.6227777778 Lon: -109.473333333 |
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| Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:26:58 -060 bfe We just left dinosaur park and now were in the midle of no where. Lat: 40.4458333333 Lon: -109.418055556 |
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Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:17:47 -060
Photo update...
I forgot to mention last nights camp site cost $29.92.=
| Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:45:41 -060 Rise and shine Time to pack up camp and head out. Lat: 40.4686111111 Lon: -109.526944444 |
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Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:19:02 -040
Photo update...
Today my phone has been acting strange so I wasnt able to make as many posts as I would have liked to. Other than that we had a great drive thru Rocky mountain national park and across the rest of the state. We are camping in Vernal Utah and plan to visit Dinosaur national park in the morning. As promised here are yesterday and todays stats and more photos.
Day 2
10.5 Hrs - 658 Miles - 34.6 MPG - $47.00 Fuel - $2.14 Snacks
Day 3
10 Hrs - 335 Miles - 36.16 MPG - $19.00 Fuel - Food and snacks $25.30 - Ice and wood $8.75
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| Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:06:19 -060 Grand lake On the other side of Rocky mountain park. Lat: 40.25 Lon: -105.835555556 |
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| Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:58:24 -060 Rockey mountain park I figured out what was wrong with the blog heres one of the photos you miss= ed. Lat: 40.4325 Lon: -105.768333333 |
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Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:34:10 -060
Photo update...
It apears my blog has been somewhat broken today. Or maybe its my phone.=
| Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:17:45 -060 Estes park This may be the last post for a while. Lat: 40.3813888889 Lon: -105.510277778 |
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| Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:03:35 -060 entering the rockies Our adventure begins. Lat: 40.4177777778 Lon: -105.220277778 |
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Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:52:40 -040
Photo update...
Today or yesterday I should say was a long day. We drove from Kansas City MO to Loveland CO where we are staying with friends. Since I accidentally left my log book in the car I wont be providing any stats tonight. We saw a few things on the drive including some giant windmills in Kansas downtown Denver and a rainbow.
Goodnight...
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Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:19:17 -060
Photo update...
We made it to Loveland Colorado a few hours ago where we are spending the n= ight with Jasons friend from highschool Jason.=
| Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:56:44 -060 denver We made it to denver. Jason just made a wrong turn. Lat: 39.7802777778 Lon: -104.946388889 |
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| Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:27:25 -060 We made it to Colorado Only 170 miles left for todays drive. Lat: 39.275 Lon: -102.973888889 |
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| Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:26:32 -060 Still in Kansas Its never going to end. Lat: 39.0230555556 Lon: -100.026388889 |
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| Sun, 23 Aug 2009 11:32:00 -050 Windsmills Somwhere in Kansas. Lat: 38.8786111111 Lon: -98.0097222222 |
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| Sun, 23 Aug 2009 09:53:45 -050 Kansas 330 miles to Colorado. Lat: 39.0655555556 Lon: -96.2522222222 |
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Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:40:48 -040
Photo update...
Day 1 recap.
11.25 Hrs - 673 Miles - 34.75 MPG - $49.85 fuel - $48.55 food
Today was a long day of driving. Were staying with relatives in Kansas City who took us out for BBQ and a tour of the town. Not to many interesting photos today since we drove all day but since my update requires 12 here they are.
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Sat, 22 Aug 2009 18:37:44 -050
Photo update...
We made it to Kansas City. Time for some of that famous BBQ.=
| Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:19:46 -050 Stuck in traffic Outside of St Louis. Lat: 38.7577777778 Lon: -90.0861111111 |
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| Sat, 22 Aug 2009 10:29:30 -040 Indianapolis Stadium Lat: 39.7530555556 Lon: -86.1575 |
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| Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:27:31 -040 Welcome to Indiana One state down alot more to go. Lat: 39.8605555556 Lon: -85.0230555556 |
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| Sat, 22 Aug 2009 08:14:31 -040 The road. 641 miles to kansas city. Lat: 39.9408333333 Lon: -83.4447222222 |
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| Sat, 22 Aug 2009 07:29:04 -040 Hitting the road Time for our adventure to begin. |
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Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:51:05 -040
Photo update...
Ive fixed the timezone on my comments just for Dicky. Time to take Sir Prickles to the hedge hog sitter.
| Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:39:10 -040 1 last test This is my last test of my updated travel blog engine.= |
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Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:25:14 -040
Photo update...
Were almost all packed up. I had to take the back seats out of my Honda Fit which I replaced with some sweet home made wooden shelving. Honda if your interested let me know and we can work out a deal on the design... It looks like everything should fit so were still on schedule to leave in the morning.
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Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:59:46 -040
Photo update...
This week has been a busy one. Were still packing for our trip and more importantly were still trying to figure out how all this stuff is going to fit into my Honda Fit. Wish us luck.
dude… I dont have my stuff ready yet… dont leave till I get there this time….
Somewhere in I think Wyoming, your 4 lane highway turns into a 1 lane dirt road threw cow fields… its pretty sweet… although the cows dont want to talk to you… but you can try like I did…
by the way your time on the comments is off by 4 hours its 6:26pm now.
When you get to Kansas City… You better find 12st & Vine…. and stand there with your Kansas City Baby and bottle of Kansas City Wine!
Have a great trip!!
Inregards to your recent email of 12th st and Vine. If you want to go there I will take you. But after daylight hours I will stand nearby with my Glock while Patricia takes a quick picture……….Thank God for concealed carry permit.
It really is not that bad, but it can have its moments at that location. You want picture….done. We will be fine.
Terry
1. Do you think you packed too much stuff…you’ll be digging through all that stuff for what you want…hint, it’s on the bottom!
2. $49 for gas and $48 for food…what the heck are you eating!!! Use a coupon for buy one and get one free and drink water. 35 mpg is pretty good…sometimes I got 37-40 but I didn’t have to pack heavy…no camping.
3. Rick just got back from the Sequoia National Park and Hume Lake area. He had a great time with family, old people, and fishing for trout.
4. Thursday, gramma, grandpa, and us are leaving to camp near Williamsport to watch the Little League National games. We are going to tent camp!!!!so we are off to buy one of those blow up mattresses…I’m going to die or be turtled on the bed unable to get up.
5. Have big funs and I saw the smiling picture of you guys taking off and you need to take a picture when the “adventure” is over so we can compare a before and after!
Hey Guys,
We are having fun watching your blog! Did you want us to water your garden or do you have it covered?
Peace out!
i miss you guys! hope you are not trying to kill each other yet…lol
Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:27:25 -060
We made it to Colorado
Wow I thought that the rocky mountains would be a little more rockier than that.
That John Denver is full of it!
I see you!! I am loving seeing the sights with ya.. Be safe!! mom
You guys did NOT wait for me… I sat on your front porch for 2 days with all my stuff… thanks… I see how it is… I even packed beef jerky… now I have to eat it all… good luck having fun without me….
don’t feel bad dickie! you can come hang out with me and DD..
I hope your having quiet sex in the tent, your neighbors are a little close, maybe you just take a trip to the car
….Deana has probablly killed you by now……
Dont forget to circle your wagons and take it easy crossin the river…
WATCH OUT FOR THE JACKALOPS IN WYOMING!
You had corn beef hash and eggs and wheat bread.. It looked yummy.. I love you be safe…
Looks like you are having a great trip and didn’t get eaten by a bear. We made it back from the Little League World Series. We have some stories to tell about mud and rain. We also saw an eagle, black bear!, turkeys, deer, and a peacock. Be careful and have fun…Deanna don’t forget to buy some black hills gold.
found internet, you did… use the force, you will…
LOOKS LIKE YOUR SEEING ALL THE COOL SIGHTS OUT WEST… ITS NICE TO SEE THAT ALL THOSE TREES THAT WE PLANTED IN YELLOWSTONE, WHEN WE WERE OUT THERE AFTER THE FIRE OF 1988, ARE GETTING BIGGER… GREAT PICTURES, KEEP HAVING FUNNNNNNN…