Custer, Here We Come!

Welcome to South Dakota!

When we crossed the state line, he said, "Turn around, make a U-turn, I need a picture!" So, in the midst of all that traffic, I found a crossing and turned. He opened the doors and ran toward the sign. In the meantime, our USA map blew out the door and crossed over to Iowa into a huge field of weeds over the side of a hill. I was satisfied to let it fly away, but not him - no way!! He yelled, "Chase it . . ." Well, let's just say, I have the map, but I was ready to kill him as I removed chiggers and bugs from my pants for the next 100 miles.

After the chase . . .

So far, I've driven 22.5 hours - WV, OH, KY, IN, ILL, IA, SD

We visited the famous, Wall Drug Store in SD.

Click on the picture to read about this neat place.

"Free Ice Water"

This is a South Dakota sunset.

We arrived in Custer around 10:30 pm. We hadn't eaten a meal, so we searched for a local eatery and found Cattleman's Restaurant. I was exhausted and starved . . . you guys know me, I have to eat or else!! I had Buffalo chili - it was spicy and oh, so, tasty! I highly recommend this place - a very western atmosphere and delicious food.

We are getting ready to head to Crazy Horse and Mt. Rushmore this morning, then I have another 10 hour drive to Salt Lake City, Utah.

Des Moines, Iowa

We arrived safely in Des Moines around 11:00 pm after stopping for one of "Iowa's Best Burgers," as the sign stated along the roadside. I have to admit, they were pretty good burgers. The flooding had not damaged our hotel. However, the cable television and internet service was down due to the flooding. Thus the reason I didn't blog last night. Above, you'll see pictures of me blogging at the rest area in Madison County, Iowa (remember the movie, The Bridges of Madison County??). We are currently on our way to Custer South Dakota and the GPS says we should arrive around 9:15 pm tonight. I'll keep you posted!

Day 1: Saturday, June 28, 2008 Indianapolis and Des Moines

Can't wait to see Dr. and Mrs. Saunders!

Mrs. Ruth Saunders, me, and Coach Bob

It was a rough start at 4:00 am, trying to get the car packed and on the road,but what awaited was well worth the effort. After driving about 5 hours, we arrived in Indianapolis, Indiana at the home of
Dr. and Mrs. Bob Saunders, two very special people. As most of you know, Dr. Saunders was my Physical Education Professor who taught me to swim back in 1999. He was an inspiration to me and truly touched my life. I met his lovely wife Ruth for the first time yesterday. She is simply beautiful on the inside and out. We toured their condo on the lake and had a delicious lunch with them. Needless to say, they made our day extra special.

A view of the lake . . .

We truly enjoyed our lunch together.

Dr. Bob catches a sun fish and kisses that baby.

Goodbye

A Taste of What's to Come . . . Monterey Bay, CA.

View of Monterey Bay from the Resort

These pictures are of the Monterey Bay Beach Resort where I'll be staying on July 3rd and 4th. There will be fireworks over the Bay - WOW!! I am excited, I hope it's as pretty in person as it is on this blog!

The Dining Area

Will my room look like this????

Getting Ready To Go

Went to AAA today and got the trip books for California. I am so excited about the upcoming trip out west.

I have titled our trip "The Wild West" and I will use this blog to document the entire trip via pictures and video, etc.

This adventure will be wild . . . .stay tuned for more.