Denver, CO (USA)

Last night, I slept much better and felt ready to get up when my alarm rang at 0545.  Breakfast was at the Embassy Suites again and I was made it to the simulator building by 0645. Today, our training period was a little shorter and I felt better by the end. We were finished by 1300L and we got lunch at Quizno's (on Peoria).  After returning to the hotel, I took care of work emails and phone calls. Also had time to update my websites and watched a little TV before going down to Happy Hour. Still seeing lots of softball players EVERYWHERE! Worked on blog (old stuff) and then studied until 2230L.  Went to bed soon after that, feeling good about the way things have gone here in Denver.

Denver, CO (USA)

Up at 0545L and ate breakfast at the Embassy Suites again. Drove over to sim around 0645L and spent a LOT of time in there (more than I wanted) today.  Exhausted by the end of our training period (1330L). Had lunch with Joe at Ling and Louie's (Asian food) at Northfield Stapleton Mall. Back in my hotel room, I tried to study for a few hours (it was hard because I felt so tired). Had a drink at Happy Hour and then tried studying again. Watched a little TV before going to bed at 2230L.

Denver, CO (USA)

Woke up earlier than I wanted (due to time change, I think).  Ate breakfast at the hotel (Embassy Suites) and then drove to the training building (arrived at 0745). Saw some old friends and met Joe, my simulator partner. Spent about four hours in class until we had a short break to pick up food (went to Del Taco at Northfield Stapleton Mall). Back at class for three more hours. Took care of work emails and phone calls until heading back for happy hour at the hotel. Did some studying and watched TV until around 2300L - then bed.

Cheyenne, WY (USA)

This week, I was scheduled for a trip for recurrent simulator training - for the first time, it was in Denver!  I started early this morning and Nicky dropped me off at the DFW Airport at around 0645.  My American Airlines flight was scheduled for a 0900 departure and I made good time through TSA.  I got on the aircraft easily (it wasn't very crowded) and we took off on time. Sat next to a guy (GM truck builder from Fort Wayne, IN) who was on his way to the Black Hills and Yellowstone. Talked to him nearly all the way and told him a little about our family trip to South Dakota. He and his buddy were going all out - wilderness camping and fishing. Sounded fun... Arrived in Denver at around 1100L and made an attempt to check into my hotel early (that had always worked in St. Louis...).  After calling the Embassy Suites and learning I couldn't (dang), I waited for a LONG time to get a shuttle that would take me to pick up my rental car (Budget).  Even worse, the check-in took FOREVER!  During this time, I saw the first evidence (lots of teenage girls in softball uniforms everywhere) that something big was going on in town.  I guess there was some kind of tournament scheduled this week... After finally feeling ready to leave the airport (after noon), I called Joy to see if she was around (no luck). Weather was great so I decided to head north to Cheyenne - it might be my only chance this week... Took I-70 and I-76 to I-25. Had lunch (BK) near Johnstown and then continued into Wyoming. After spotting the State Capitol building, drove towards it until I was able to park near the historic train depot. Figured out I had just missed an Irish Music Festival (ended this morning!). Spoke with a lady at the visitor's center - she said the town was great and that most people still know each other. She told me about how her dad had interactions with Dick Cheney in the 1970s and 1980s. Seems like this capital isn't too big - all the politicians look and act like everyone else. Picked up a cowboy hat at the Boot Barn on Capitol Avenue and then drove around a little bit - I like the town (bet it is cold, though!). Joy called and said we should get together for dinner - sounded good. Took some back roads as I drove south again - off road at Terry Farm (buffalo ranch). Saw interesting rock formations and kids shooting off fireworks (Black Cat dealer nearby). Back on I-25 until CO-14 (sign for Colorado State University beckoned). Drove through Fort Collins and south on US-287. Towns of Loveland and Longmont were interesting - started to see some good mountain views. Took CO-119 to Boulder and explored the University of Colorado campus - great stone work on all buildings! Took US-36 back towards Denver and stopped in Westminster to eat with Joy, Kenny and Alex (1800L). It was a nice visit - lots of great food.  After saying goodbye to them, I drove the Embassy Suites (arrived at 2015L) via US-36, I-76 and I-70. After checking in and getting unpacked/organized, I went to bed at around 2200L.  What a day!

South Dakota Trip - Day 13

Had decided last night that this would be the last day of the trip (sad, actually, but kids were ready...). After getting breakfast in our hotel (Holiday Inn Express Village West), we got on the road by 0900L. Used I-435 to get to I-35 - turned into a toll road. Got lucky when we needed a bathroom break: ended up getting off at a rest area (Matfield Green) near Bazaar on the Turnpike and found that it had a monument to Knute Rockne! As a Domer myself, had always wanted to find the site but hadn't tried hard enough to locate it. I guess it was really as close as we could get to the airplane crash site since it is on private land... What a treat! Continued on I-35 and got gas just after the toll road ended (south of Wichita). A short time after crossing the border into Oklahoma, got lunch at Taco Bell. Started to see a LOT of Texas plates - hardly anything else. Took I-35 into Oklahoma City and used I-40 to locate the Oklahoma City Memorial. Had always wanted to visit and had heard that it was a beautiful, quiet place of contemplation to remember the people who were killed by Timothy McVeigh. Those things are true - it is also now part of the National Park system. We spent a little time there but didn't have a chance to visit the museum because we needed to get on the road again. Worth a return visit... Back on I-35, saw low flying aircraft in formation (Thunderbirds ?). Traffic jams started (aaaggghhh!). Wasn't missing the traffic AT ALL! Crossed the Red River around 1800L - all the way up to nearly 40 C by this point... Dinner at Rumpy's German Deli near Gainesville (see APR 2010) - very good! Back in Fort Worth by 1915L. Everyone (especially Frosty!) glad we made it home. A great trip!

South Dakota Trip - Day 12

Up at 0700L and I managed to get the family down breakfast at our hotel (Homewood Suites, located near I-229) - getting people moving is getting more and more difficult this late in the trip... To depart Sioux Falls, we took I-29 south into Iowa, where we stopped at the Sioux City Visitors Center, which had a great monument and museum dedicated to the Lewis and Clark expedition. One of the most interesting things there was a display (aboard an old riverboat!) centered on a member of their group (Sergeant Floyd) who died and was buried nearby. Scientists had reconstructed his appearance from bones they discovered. We also learned more about the riverboat industry from the 19th Century. Missouri river was VERY high, swelling over the banks in some places (including covering trees). Continued south and stopped for lunch (BK) in Council Bluffs. After that, kids had a great time playing with the BK Crown (there are rules written on the inside...). Started to see lots of Texas plates and signs on their windows saying "Omaha or Bust" and "TCU #1" (later learned that the College World Series games had started in Omaha and we had just missed seeing our Horned Frogs play!). Drove into Missouri and got off I-29 at St. Joseph (took I-229). After we got gas in town, drove down US-59 to the Missouri and crossed into Kansas. I had seen a note on the map about Amelia Earhart's birthplace, so we stopped and toured her family home in Atchison. Very interesting experience, especially for the kids. Saw more evidence of the river being over its banks - while trying to get back to Interstate, had to take several VERY rural detours (MO-116, etc.). BIG hills everywhere! Had wanted to visit Fort Leavenworth, but it was nearly impossible to access (major flooding, it turned out). Gave up and got back on I-29. Took I-435 and drove to our hotel (Holiday Inn Express Village West) in Kansas City, Kansas. I had wanted to go into the city, but the kids and Nicky seemed to be tired of "exploring" and decided to settle down where we were staying (Village West area). Turned out to be a good decision - we were able to enjoy the shopping area and had a great dinner at Wild Bill's Steakhouse. After dinner we enjoyed live music in the "square" and visited T-Rex (related to Rainforest Cafe chain) and built a Wooly Mammoth stuffed animal at "Build-a-Dino" (related to Build-a-Bear Workshop). Back at the hotel, watched some movies on TV until 2200L.

South Dakota Trip - Day 11

Got up at 0800 this morning but we didn't leave the Holiday Inn Express until after 1000 (kids got baths...). After breakfast, we drove over to the Mitchell Corn Palace, one of the main attractions in this part of South Dakota.  When I was young, my family visited the landmark (in the late 1970s and mid 1980s) so I wanted to share that memory with my kids. We watched an interesting movie about the history of the place, ate some yummy corn products and watched people creating the new designs for the 2010 season. Next, we drove north on SD-37 and east on SD-34. Scenery was back to cows and large fields (miss the Black Hills already...). Finally turned north on SD-25 and stopped near De Smet at the Ingalls' Homestead (southeast of town). Didn't remember this place from previous visit (turns out it is about 13 years old) but it ended up being a great experience. The entire property was dedicated to making the Laura Ingalls Wilder (AKA "Little House") books come alive. There were examples of the homes the family lived in, interaction with livestock, a chance for the kids to do chores from the period, a covered wagon ride (kids got to take turns driving the team!) and - most interesting - a chance to experience school in a one room schoolhouse (teacher and front-of-the-class recitation included). Kids didn't want to leave - and forgot they hadn't eaten since a late breakfast... We stopped by to see a memorial to the Ingalls family on the corner of their original claim before getting lunch at Subway in town. Used a map we picked up to navigate around town to see significant buildings of people from the stories and wrapped up the visit with a stop at the De Smet cemetery (saw stones for most of the family, including Ma and Pa). On the road again... Took US-14 to Brookings and then I-29 south to our hotel in Sioux Falls (Homewood Suites, located near I-229). Arrived early enough for the kids to swim until 2100. Had problems with my laptop (broken "spine"?) - went to bed.

South Dakota Trip - Day 10

I'll take it from here, kids! Huge thunderstorms all night long (close!)... Woke up at 0730L and started packing. When I finally had a chance to take a shower, the bathrooms were all flooded from the rain and septic tank backup - glad we were leaving... Drove over on US-16 and SD-36 to SD-79 (saw a few signs of wildlife, but never did get to see the big bison herd - too bad). As we arrived at I-90, tried to find a roadside memorial to William Coogan (not a relative) - a man killed by Indians during the Black Hills Gold Rush (1876). I had learned of it before the trip and wanted to get a good photo. Luckily, a Boy Scout had put a sign on the site as his Eagle Scout project. Unluckily, Rapid City decided to re-design the exit on/off ramp system and we were cut off from the monument. It took a little while to figure out how to get close after Nicky first spotted it... Well worth the effort, though. Drove east on I-90 and stopped at Wall Drug. Hadn't been there since 1984, but remembered it as a fun stop. After eating a buffalo meat buffet, we explored the stores and photo spots ("Backyard"). Kids enjoyed the huge "Jackelope" and scary big T-Rex that looked like it was trying to eat people as it made a big racket. Next stop was Badlands National Park (used SD-240). It was very windy but warm and clear for the visit. After looking at some of the rock formations, took a dirt road to see the local bison herd and had some better luck - one came right up next to the car and rolled around in the mud (cool!). Also saw a HUGE prairie dog town. Made it to the visitor's center in time for Mollie to do one more Junior Ranger book. We learned a lot about the wildlife and rocks - very interesting. On the way back to I-90, spotted the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (too bad, closed). Still, learned a lot from the outdoor displays... On the interstate again, continued towards our hotel in South Dakota. Lost an hour as we drove (Central Time). Crossed the Missouri River around 1900L. Dinner at Arby's a short time later, just before we stopped for the night. We then checked into our hotel (Mitchell Holiday Inn Express & Suites) - it was super-big and it had a Water Park (!) inside.  Too bad it closed right after we got there... Found out we wouldn't be able to get together with Trish, Terry and the girls tomorrow after all (too bad). Managed to get everyone to bed around 2200L - whew!

South Dakota Trip - Day 9

This morning we went to breakfast. We were up a little later and we had to hurry. We ate and then got in the shower. We got dressed and then walked to the cabin. We got in the car and headed towards Devil's Tower. When we got there we went to the Visitor Center. Mollie did another Junior Ranger. The rest of us looked around. Then we went to a ranger program. They told us about how scientists think the tower was formed and about the wildlife and plants in the area. Then we went walking on a nature trail, looking for wildflowers. After that we went back to the Visitor Center so Mollie could get her Junior Ranger badge. When we were about to leave, Erin came running and said "A bull snake is on the side of the building!" Then, before we could say anything, she pulled us outside. There it was, slithering on the chimney. It was eating baby birds out of a next. Then, all of a sudden, it fell off - and everyone ran! We stopped at a prairie dog town on the way out of the park. The little animals made funny noises at us as we got close to them. We ate lunch nearby, in Hullett, Wyoming. The restaurant was called Charlie T's. Everyone had subs and chips - they were really good. We drove north [on WY-112 and MT-323] and were soon in Montana. We took a back road that was sometimes paved and sometimes gravel. As we were driving north [switched to MT-7], we saw a park called Medicine Rocks State Park. We stopped and took pictures. Daddy pointed out some missile batteries along the road - he said they could stop missiles that were coming to America. After we drove through a lot of construction, we were in North Dakota [US-12]. Daddy found an interesting place called Fort Dilts. We stopped and learned that people in a wagon train got off the trail and were killed by Indians [including a young Sitting Bull]. After we got gas in Bowman, we drove back to the KOA - towards a huge thunder storm! [Used US-85 and then SD-168 and SD-79 back to I-90]. Because we had used so much time today we had nachos for dinner in the car. One special thing that happened on the way home was that we got to see Mount Rushmore lit up. And, we even saw a cool (lighted) sign for Custer on a hill above their town. It was a great way to finish our visit to South Dakota!

South Dakota Trip - Day 8

This morning we woke up and headed for Mount Rushmore. It was the warmest and sunniest day we've had since we got to South Dakota! We didn't eat breakfast at the Chuck Wagon because we wanted to get there early. Instead, we ate pop-tarts and drank Sunny-D. While driving, we saw some wildlife. When we arrived we had to get in line to park. It took us a while to find a parking spot. When we finished we climbed up some stairs and were instantly overwhelmed with the great view. We saw all of the heads right in front of our eyes. Next, we went to the Visitor Center and Mollie picked up a Junior Ranger booklet. While she and my Dad went on a ranger hike (and learned about how Gutzon Borglum chose the faces), the rest of us watched a movie about the wildlife in this area. We looked at lots of exhibits and learned about all the things Gutzon Borglum had to do. This place was going to be bigger - each man was supposed to be wearing coats. They couldn't do this because of the rock, though. Later, we met up with Dad and Mollie. We ended up leaving soon after because it had got so crowded. Our next stop was Keystone! On the way there, we saw a huge traffic jam of people coming to see Mount Rushmore. We found a place called Rushmore Aerial Tramway and Alpine Slide. We bought some tickets and went up on a skylift. We saw Mount Rushmore on the way. At the top we got pictures taken (our parents decided to buy them). Then we got in some little carts and sped down the hill. It was so much fun! Then, we walked over to Big Time Pizza for lunch. We ordered the Big Ta Tonka, a yummy pizza with buffalo meat, bacon and peppers. It was so awesome. Next, we went to Big Thunder Mine. We got to pan for gold - and found some small pieces. We also ended up collecting cool rocks we found. Later, we headed back to the campsite to get ready for horseback riding. Mollie needed some new clothes, so we picked jeans up at Pamida. When we got to the Spirit Horse Escape (ranch), we played with animals at their petting zoo. We fed a mini horse, a foal, donkey, llama, goats and a fat sheep. While petting them I accidentally let the foal out. I was so embarrassed! Next, we got on our horses. Brenna rode Consuella, Erin rode Taco, Mollie rode Jingles, Dad rode All-But and Mom rode Cricket. The trail ride was fun. We went up hills and saw a lot of scenery. When we had made our way back to the stable, we got a steak dinner. We ate salty fries, juicy steak, fresh salad and bread. It was really good. Then we headed back to our campsite. We played volleybally and soccer across the road from our cabin. After it got dark, we came back to see what Daddy was doing. He made a fire! Before we went to bed we sat around the campfire and roasted marshmallows.

South Dakota Trip - Day 7

Today we woke up late, got dressed and went to the Chuck Wagon. We had cocoa, pancakes and bacon. Then we got a shower. After awhile we drove to the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs. We were waiting in the rain for our tickets for the bone tour. We saw lots of mammoth fossils in a big building. Their names were Murray, Napoleon Bone-apart and Beauty. The people with us on the tour didn't talk much. Then we went to Taco John's and had lunch. We had meat and cheese tacos, quesadillas and sopapillas. Then we went to Evans Plunge. Everybody wants to swim in the natural springs at 87 degrees. We played volleyball and basketball. The floor of the pool was made out of rocks. After four and a half hours there we went to a chinese buffet. On the way home we saw deer, pronghorns and buffalo. We brushed our teeth and went to bed while Mom did laundry.

South Dakota Trip - Day 6

We woke up this morning and got ready for breakfast. We walked down to the camp headquarters. We had our pancakes and bacon again this morning. We didn't mind it at all. The pancakes were so good! We walked to the bathrooms and got dressed. We wore our Girl Scout uniforms. Next, we drove to the Crazy Horse Memorial and found we could get in for free with our uniforms. The monument was covered with fog when we got there, so we watched a movie about the history and reasons for making the huge stone statue. We looked at all the exhibits and at the people working on crafts. We even bought some pretty jewelry from one of the Indian ladies. We got other souvenirs, too. After that, we noticed that the statue was visible and that there wasn't any fog. We went on a bus ride to the foot of the mountain and learned even more about the future of Crazy Horse Memorial. We had lunch at Subway. We ate sandwiches and then drove down to Wind Cave. We traveled through the cave (down hundreds of steps) and saw rocks like boxwork and popcorn. They were so cool. The tour took over an hour and we even got to see what it was like with no lights on the in the cave! On the way back to our cabin we drove through Custer State Park. We saw a lot of buffalo. We also saw a lot of deer and pronghorns. We went to Wranglers family restaurant for dinner. It was so good. After we finished, we went back to the campsite. We brushed our teeth and played some games in the game room. Then Daddy picked up a rental movie ("Chicken Run") from the KOA people and we watched it in our cabin on his laptop. It was a great day!

South Dakota Trip - Day 5

This morning was our first official day at the KOA. It was a little cold and rainy. We first got dressed and went to the Chuck Wagon Breakfast. We first chose our drinks out of the cold refrigerator. Next, we gave our orders to the cook. After that, we were given hot pancakes and crispy bacon. We ate them and talked to other people eating nearby. Afterwards, we took steaming showers and got ready for the day. When we finally left we headed for Jewel Cave. While driving through the winding roads we looked for wild life. When we got there we looked around and got our tickets for the tour. Mollie worked on yet another Junior Ranger. She completed several activities and walked on a nature trail with Daddy. She saw a bushy tailed chipmunk and chattering red squirrel. When they came back from the trail we made our way to the elevators and started the tour (1135). We traveled 250 feet below ground and finally came to the cave. The ranger told us all about the formations, rocks, crystals and how the cave was formed. We took a lot of cool pictures and then we went back up the elevators. We walked to the car and headed back to the cabin to pick up our video camera. After that, we had lunch at the Pizza Hut (buffet). Then we drove over to Bear Country, USA. On the way we got a good look at Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore. When we got to the animal park we paid and then drove into the Elk area. We saw some and then noticed everyone was stopped in the Arctic Wolves section. We noticed a wolf right next to our car - he was so pretty. We saw Mountain Goats next. They were cool, but they were not attempting to show off. My favorite, and I think everyone can agree with me, was the Bears. They were everywhere! We saw some bathing, scratching themselves and flighting. We next saw some cool Buffalos - including a white one! Next, we went to Babyland (part of the park) and looked at lots of baby animals. When we were done we went to the gift shop and got souvenirs. Then we drove back to the camp site. We went to the camp headquarters and had ice cream. We also got to work on a KOA T-Shirt and KOA bags. We started watching the movie "Antz" but got bored. Back at the cabin we got ready for bed and snuggled in our bunk beds. Daddy told ghost stories. This was a good day - one we won't forget.

South Dakota Trip - Day 4

Woke at 0630L and had breakfast (let kids and Nicky sleep). From my research last night, found nearly all repair shops in town wouldn't open until 0800L. Drove around and ended up finding one that opened at 0730L. He put our car right on the lift and fixed the studs (and, supposedly, the flat). Luckily, had our VISA Gift Card... Picked up family at hotel around 1000L and then drove over the Fort Cody - a nearby super-souvenir store. Found some good stuff. Then drove to Ogallala to visit the historic downtown. The place had special significance because it used to be the end of the cattle drive trail from Texas. We explored a cool Petrified Rock museum and pretended the twins were having a shoot-out on the old main street. Unfortunately, one of them shot out our tire again (had to change another!!!). This is when our luck changed for the better - there was a Firestone dealer not even 200 meters away! Turns out we got a better price for four tires at that place than any of the quotes Nicky had gotten before we left on the trip. They were quick, too! Kids had enough time for lunch at A&W (next door) while I chatted with the tire guys. Felt much better after they were done - nice new tires! On the road again around 1300L - had time to stop by "Boot Hill", where the lawless and destitute were buried during the cattle drive hey-days. Later drove up US-26 and around the north side of Lake McConaughy ("Big Mac") on NE-92 - looked like a great place for swimming (on sand, beaches, no less!). Back on US-26 for awhile - saw lots of coal trains. Also saw several towns with lights/signs and gates that said to turn back (I guess for the big snow and thunder storms). Crossed North Platte River at Bridgeport and drove over to Chimney Rock. It was a cool sight - landmark on the Oregon and Mormon trails. We even saw a real wagon train on the road - heading from Iowa to Utah. What a sight! Spent a little time at the national park and then decided to head west to Scotts Bluff on NE-92. Found a National Monument there, an even more impressive trail landmark. Mollie worked on a new Junior Ranger badge and we learned a lot about the hopes/dreams and trials of the pioneers. We are so lucky to be able to drive up to the Dakotas in three days - I can't imagine how our family could make it if it took six weeks to make it from Omaha to Scotts Bluff... Getting very late - decided to hightail it north. Took NE-71 all the way. Fortunately, had food in the car and didn't have to stop. Drove through Oglala National Grassland and saw tons of cows in huge fields. Mountains coming into view, but rain started... Entered South Dakota near Ardmore and then entered Black Hills National Forest. Raining pretty hard by the time we hit Hot Springs - almost there! Switched to US-385 and drove through Wind Cave National Park. Along the way, saw several elk and deer in the middle of the road (watch out!). Arrived at Custer KOA around 2000L. Fortunately, we were able to switch from our reserved campsite to a two room cabin - the 10 C overnight temperatures (unseasonable and unexpected for the area) would make camping COOOLD... Went to bed soon after arriving - lucky we had a space heater! That's it for now: the kids will be taking over the blog while we are in the Black Hills.

South Dakota Trip - Day 3

Up at 0800L - breakfast and then on the road. Clear skies again - mid 20s C. After breakfast in the lobby (Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites), we departed Garden City, KS.  We first used US-83 until we reached Scott City - then got on KS-96. Found a monument to George Washington Carver on the side of the road. He apparently homesteaded in the area before moving back east and gaining fame at Tuskegee. Turned north after getting gas at Rush Center (US-183). Kids commented on all the cows we've been seeing. Had lunch (BK) in Hays and saw a few more buffalo on the southwest side of town. Continued north on US-183 until we came to the Nebraska border. Turned on NE-89 and headed to Orleans. This was where my mom's family lived at the end of the 19th Century and I visited when I was younger (see "1984 Trip - Part 1", listed on this blog in JAN 1985). Just since the last time, the town had basically died. Nothing was open on the main streets and store front windows were shattered/boarded up. I had done some research and learned that there was still a historical society in town - and we met a nice lady who gave us a tour. The place used to have hundreds of people, but now they want to give buildings away. We got to see antiques from the old businesses and homes. One highlight of the visit was the little town swimming pool. Almost every local kid was there (probably around 15) and they greeted our girls just like old friends. We spent around two hours swimming and enjoying the small town charm. Finally had to leave - sad - and looked around a little for the town cemetery. No luck, but found a restaurant folks had recommended - TP's Burger Barn. They had broasted chicken - a great meal! More locals approached us - they had heard about us from their neighbors - and told us all about the area. We actually met the cemetery groundskeeper and he told us where we could find our ancestor's burial place. Paid our respects to the Dalrymple and Peirce we found there and then headed took US-136 back to US-183 (had wanted to stop in at Turkey Days in Oxford, nearby, but didn't have time). Mollie navigating. Made it to I-80 around 1945L and then drove West. We lucked out and gained an hour back (Mountain Time) - needed it later... Stopped at Gothenburg to see the Pony Express Station - found it, too. While girls were exploring, I found a flat tire (see MAR 2010). Was able to change it in the fading light, but also sheared off two studs ($%$# !). Meanwhile, girls searched high and low for a restroom - finished just as I got the spare on. Didn't feel good about the tire, so drove at 35 mph on US-30 (Lincoln Highway - see AUG 2008) all the way to North Platte, where our hotel was. As we neared the town, started to see non-stop lightning in the distance - what a great show! Too bad it was the sign of a HUGE storm... Made it to Holiday Inn Express around 2200L - had time to research repair shops before going to bed late.

South Dakota Trip - Day 2

When we woke up this morning (0700L), we were pleasantly surprised by the temperature: 20s C! It did get a little warmer, but it was a welcome respite from the high 30s-40s C we've had this Spring in Texas... After breakfast in our hotel ((Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites), we left the the town of Canyon (0930L) and drove over to nearby Palo Duro Canyon. Many people had described it to us as a "small Grand Canyon" and we wanted to see for ourselves. Mollie picked up her first Texas State Park Junior Ranger pamphlet and we all went off in search of the native animals (lizards, hawks, raptors) and plants (including cacti with pretty yellow flowers). We went on a pretty nature trail and saw a painter trying to capture the scenery. After several hours, drove north - through Amarillo and further on US-287. Stopped for gas and lunch (Subway) in Dumas (not a pleasant place - very rough). After a few more miles, turned northeast on US-54. Drove across the Oklahoma Panhandle - first time - and then into Kansas. First stop was Liberal - unofficial "home" of Dorothy (from the Wizard of Oz). Got to see a replica of her home, complete with a tour of the place given by the lady herself. She gave the kids demonstrations of tools and toys from the early 20th Century. Afterwards, she took us on a tour of the Land of Oz (indoor recreation of movie scenes). Kids liked it all! Also saw our first hint of early explorers of our country (Coronado monument). Continued north - now on US-83 - to Garden City. As we entered town, saw we were one day early for the start of Beef Empire Days (including rodeo). Too bad we missed that! After checking in at our lodging in Garden City (Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites), we had dinner at the A&W (always fun). Did some shopping at Walmart and then went back to swim at the hotel. Mollie and I also counted the different license plates in the parking lot (saw a cute rabbit, too). Bed around 2200L.

South Dakota Trip - Day 1

Left kind of late (lots of packing) - 1300L. Actually had to jump-start the car because we left the doors open for so long (lights and automatic doors use a lot of battery, I guess). Drove up US-287 towards Wichita Falls and then into the Texas Panhandle. Got gas in Childress and then took TX-86 to Caprock Canyons State Park. Drove through Turkey, TX... Too bad we were late - the interesting visitors center was already closed. We did get to see a few glimpses of the large bison herd that purportedly exists there. Scenery was great (tall red stones and wild campsites). Also saw mule deer. After finishing the park visit, drove over to I-27 and then to Canyon, where our lodging for the night (Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites) was located. It was a cool little town - home of West Texas A&M. The lady at the desk suggested dinner at the Thai Kitchen. Since the girls have recently discovered an appreciation for Thai food (at home), this was a fun experience. We tried all kinds of food - very inexpensive - and talked with our waitress about the local area. Canyon is different, too, from its "parent" city (Amarillo) that we've often seen from I-40. Back at the hotel around 2100 and then bed.

Lemoore, CA (USA)

After a good night's sleep in the NAS Lemoore Navy Gateway Inn, I met up with my crew in the morning.  We ate breakfast at the only place available - McDonalds. After that, we spent most of the morning trying to fix our plane. Our scheduler had expected us to go to Nevada and Everett (WA), but the degraded avionics prevented that. Too bad - we had to strand our passengers. I spent a lot of time changing from one flight plan to another. When we finally headed towards home, we were short several required tools and had to pick our way through weather. It was a big relief to finally reach Fort Worth - I've had my fill of maintenance problems for awhile...

Lemoore, CA (USA)

Had a flight today - glad to start off the month with one (for once)! Went down to Key West to pick up our passengers - saw the huge BP oil slick on the way (strange to see something from the news up close). Very hot and humid... Had to stop through Fort Worth on our way to California - a long delay. Because of some ground delays, weather and a bad flight planned route, we had to hawk the fuel all the way to Lemoore. Made it with about 50 pounds of fuel to spare... We ended up landing about two hours late, but it was still around 1700L. This time, we had rental cars - and I was able to get everyone to the hotel (Navy Gateway and Suites Lemoore) quickly - it was surprising to learn that I was the only one who had ever been there for the night. We decided to find a restaurant in town - and we got a real feel for what it might be like to live there. I would say it was like Meridian (MS) without the trees - nothing to do and far from everything. We drove down Lemoore Avenue and found some places to eat. Ended up having margaritas and enchiladas at Senor Panchos. Back at my room, attempted to stay awake until 2200L (difficult) so I'd be on the time zone...