Our Travels

So, now that we are 14 days into our summer adventure, you might be wondering how we are doing this and how is it really working? So, I will start with some statistics. We have covered about 3000 miles. Gas prices have ranged from $2.59 (Indian reservation) to $2.99. We have camped 7 nights, stayed with family 5 nights, and 2 nights in hotels. [ Ok I did sleep in the car one night starting around midnight when a massive wind storm started to blow the tent like crazy. Noah and the kids managed to sleep through it] We have been to 2 museums (Science and Technology in Chicago and of course the SPAM museum in MN). We have only eaten at McDonald’s twice and that was because we were desperate, hungry and in a hurry to get somewhere. The kids have nailed 3 Jr. Ranger badges so far and are eagerly looking for the next badge-opportunity. Despite what you may think, we are not bored with the driving/car time. We are always busy in the car with looking out the window, reading our maps and guide books, listening to Satellite radio (Radio Disney (which is really painful for Noah and me), the Red Sox games, and World Cup soccer) and watching the occasional video on the long highway stretches. We are eating well, stopping to reload food every day or so. Noah is the master of cooking on the Coleman stove. Noah and I are managing to get a run in everyday.

So far, everyone is smiling and excited by the adventure with no fights, crabbiness or homesickness. My favorite spots thus far are the Badlands and Black Hills in South Dakota and Devils Tower, WY. The Field of Dreams stop was also truly memorable. While we were in Chicago, we realized we were going to pass right by the field, so we checked the movie out of the library and watched it. The kids had never seen the movie and I needed a refresher. The stop was a truly unexpected gem.

I am working on teaching the kids how to play poker – this is a Popper tradition that goes back to when I was a kid and my dad gave me an allowance only to win it back from me at the card table. So far, Eli is the black jack king. The kids are more interested in the poker chips and betting than in the actual cards, but we have many nights to work on this. By the time we get to Vegas, they will be ready for action.

I am writing this from a hotel in Billings, Montana where we slept last night. This was a much needed re-group from 5 nights of camping in SD. We are now off to Glacier National Park, which from the pictures looks fabulous – I am looking forward to getting there – only about 400 miles from here.

Lastly, we have had very spotty connectivity for cell phones and web access. Our newest sport is how to poach wi-fi. We have found that if you drive up next to hotels that have wi-fi you can usually poach from the car in the parking lot. Thus, our updates may come sporadically.

We love email and phone calls to distract us on the long drives, so don’t be shy.

-- CatPop

What do you do when it is 8:00 at night, big Montana Thunderstorms are passing overhead and everyone is tired?






Get dinner anyway you can and punt. The hotel room in Billings MT felt like an oasis after 5 nights camping and eating off the Coleman stove.

Glacier National Park is our next destination... 

An unplanned stop at the historic site where the Battle of Little Bighorn was fought.


Where Custer fell.


An eerie place. The Indians kicked Custer hard. The battle is presented that way by the National Park Service.


 

Awesome! Better yet, we both managed to get 40 minute trail runs all around the outer prarie circling the tower. I ran for 5 miles and didn't pass another person. Just the chirping prarie dogs.




Once again, the kids got very involved in the Jr. Ranger program. They learn significant facts, history and respect and earn a badge after an hour's work.

When they get the badge, they are sworn in by a ranger from that particular park.

 

S'mores time! A great way to celebrat the 4th of July!

 

Needless to day, on a lantern tour there was no flash photography. I was busy holding on to my lantern and a kid, anyway!




 

We called ahead and were able to reserve 4 spots on a 20 person spelunking trip in Jewel cave, the 4th largest cave in the US. This was an old0-timey lantern tour: Dark, lots of steps and bats and rats. 2 hours underground, at depths of up to 125 feet. No elevators.

Very cool!



 

Uh, Dad, are those rocks going to fall down on us?

 

...was jammed with people on July 4th, so we found interesting alipine views from farther away. And avoided the PARKING GARAGE that is at the base of Mt. Rushmore. Ugh.




 

Wild Burros


Pronghorn Antelope


Bison


Wild children

Western South Dakota is a pretty amazing place. Wouldn't want to cross it without a map, though.

Can you imagine hitting this in a covered wagon in 110 degree heat?


 

Lost in the vast expanses of the west. No traffic, no turns. Just the chirping of the prarie dogs.





 

I unilaterally declared it was a good campsire for an evening scotch on the rocks.


We went for a sunset hike (ok, so the trail guide said 2 moderate to strenuous miles, not for those with a fear of heights -- the kids can do it, no?)


One of the "ladders" on the trail. Then you walked along a cliff...


But the views were worth it!