I start writing this at 8:30pm Mountain Time after a very, very long and stressful day. Today was suppose to be a day of sightseeing in South Dakota that included stops at the Badlands, Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Unfortunately, a few inches of ice changed that. We were unable to get off the Interstate and actually had to go 100 miles out of the way in order to stay on Interstates in lieu of the most direct route, which included ice covered hills. The roads were pretty good, but they were far from clear. Instead of keeping the 75mph speed limit, we were going 55mph and were driving on ice. It was a tough day, but we ended it at a local brewery. When we walked from our parking spot on the other corner of the block we were energized by the 5 degree temperature. They had some of their own beers that were good, and my BBQ burger was amazing. The patty and the bread were good, but what made it great was the onion ring on it, and the thick pieces of maple bacon. Next time you are in Casper, WY go to Wonderbar. On our way out we noticed it felt much colder, the same bank was now telling us it is 3 degrees outside. I know people say, "it's hot, but it's a dry heat". Well, let me tell you, wet or dry, 3 degrees is REALLY COLD. Hopefully it won't get any colder in the next hour, as Blixen still needs to go out... more on that below.
Speaking of Blix, she has been great. She has a little bit less than half the backseat to lay. But, it isn't as simple as that. Because we have all our stuff in the car, Blixen has a "perch". Her portion of the backseat has two bags and a suitcase on the seat, with our kitchen supplies underneath. On top of all that is Blixen's bed with the Blixenator on top. She also has a regular bed pillow and gets covered by my (Jared's) jacket if she wants it. But, over top of her is a painting we are bringing to hang in our new place. Speaking of our new place, check out or new home. I think Blix enjoys the company and the 5 or 6 walks she gets a day. Still, she is confined and in an unusual space. Tonight it finally got to her. She "ran" out of the hotel room and we had to chase her down. I thought she needed to go out, so I raced her outside only to have her spend 10 minutes sniffing before she gave the ice "her business". I know I'm biased, but I can't imagine a better dog, or one that could handle this better than her. MG is rewarding her with regular treats.
Tomorrow, we drive to Salt Lake City. The high tomorrow in SLC is 46, a far cry from tonight's low of -11 in Casper, WY! Good night all and thanks for reading!!!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
A dissapointing snow storm
not that it wasn't absolutely gorgeous, but it prevented us from visiting the badlands and mount rushmore. sooooo sad but there was honestly no way. we tried valiantly, getting off the interstate and making it a little ways through the rushmore town but we were sliding around all over and struggling to get up even the slightestt incline and the actual mountain was 25 miles away... uphill...we just couldn't do it so after apologizing to each other, not that it was our fault that a blizzard just happened to descend upon us, but because we knew how much we both wanted to see rushmore, we turned around and headed back to the interstate.. jared deserves alot of praise and the opportunity to sit as a passenger for the next three days (maybe once we get out of the white out, please) for driving in this mess and navigating through the rare patches of pavement, slush, ice and dusting powder that drifted everywhere on the streets, highways and interstate.
so we're on our way to our next hotel in wy with hopes of coming back to south dakota... one day. still more fantastic sites to see along the route to portland so we're not discouraged and still in good spirits.
Chicago Pictures
We are in the Mountain Time Zone now, so it's only 6:20 right now. We've already eaten breakfast and Blixen has been for a walk. We'll be heading out in a about 45 minutes for the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse, weather permitting for all (it snowed about 6 inches last night). For now, check out the pictures of Chicago below.
View from River, Trump Tower in the background, Wrigley Building in foreground
Trump Tower, 2nd tallest building in Chicago and one of 4 Super Tall Buildings (over 1k feet)
Navy Pier, it's like a city on a pier!
A Chicago icon
Wrigley Building
Trump Tower from the water. The building vertical setbacks is a tribute to Chicago buildings of the early 20th Century. And, the glass and setbacks allow for light to get to the street.
Architectural Society Boat Tour. Awesome idea! It was recommended by 4 or 5 different people, and even though it was 33 degrees when we did it, it was great!!!
Millennium Park
More in Millennium Park!
Us through the "Big Bean" in Millennium Park. I'm taking the picture with the camera in my hand.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)