Rapid City, South Dakota We see more of Rapid City this morning as we start our day's activities headed to the Black Hills. Rolling hills of different shapes, sizes, and colors blanket the countryside. It was nice to take a very relaxing morning morning before headeing out, though now running later than we had expected to get our tour stops in. No worries. We will see what we are able to see and leave the rest for other planning. Bear Country USA What a treat this was! For the most part, the animals here live in a pretty natural habitat for their particular species. You slowly drive through each area trying to heed the warning of the greeter to stay in your car and keep windows rolled up. There were warnings posted along the way as ... read more

Much Needed Rest Today we declared a down day. This last week has been constant on-the-go. Also, for the first time, we have significant rain in the forecast - both here in Sheridan and the next two days at Mt. Rushmore where we plan to head from here. So, for today, we decided to stay in Sheridan, Wyoming, watch the Packer game, try to get through some pictures to share while getting some much needed rest. Oh those Packers! We were so hopeful that the Packers would hold out for the win but alas, they just couldn't do it, much to our disappointment and those we watched with. However, we met some wonderful people including Paul and Jane who are avid Packer fans. Donning packer clothes, these folks, along with some others whose daughters live near ... read more

Planning is Key We begin today with one of our more difficult planning sessions. We have only one day to play with given weather predictions of rain, cold and potential snow within another day or two. We have many options from which to choose but we need to plan wisely so that we don't end up in the same position as last night - driving in Yellowstone, in the dark, without adequate lodging facility in range. We settle on heading up toward Mammouth Springs and around, then down toward the East Entrance of Yellowstone, heading to Cody where lodging will be plentiful. We decide to set time goals through the day so that we are sure to stay on track. It will be a challenge but we decide we are up for it. Yellowstone National Park ... read more

What a difference a day makes! Jerry was breathing better this morning so he took to the map and suggested a new route to investigate an area off the expressway on our way to Jerome, Idaho. It was a great ride. Gone were the blind turns, 25 mph speeds, and endless climbs and descents. These were rolling hills (or mountains) with a more normal road that had a yellow center line and other very clear markings. It was like our Wisconsin treks of yester-year where we took this county road, than that one, and oh, let's turn here. We could see shadows of mountains off in the distance on both sides but for today, it seemed our travels would be fast and easy. The further we traveled, the more arid and flat it became. Between driving ... read more

Packers We did not post yesterday as there really wasn't much to post. We wanted to watch the Packer game and needed a down day anyway. So, we stayed a second night in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. It is just outside of Spokane, Washington. A local helped us with the town's pronunciation (think of apple core, then duh, then lean - altogether core dah lean). We found Paddy's with help from the hotel staff where every football game is guaranteed to be on one of their TVs. Upon arrival, we found the local packer contingent donned with Packer shirts and caps. They welcomed us and we all hollered, laughed, and cried throughout the game. Beers, food, and company were awesome. Unfortunately, the Packers lost so it wasn't quite as big a party as it might have been ... read more