The drive out from Cheryl's perspective

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CHERYL:

Jul 1 - We got off to a good start. Only 1 ½ later than our target leave time. This is good for us, since normally we run 2 hours behind. Of course there was the lake traffic to contend with getting out of Minneapolis that neither one of us had thought about....Ultimately we got to Fargo around 8:30 ish. We had snacked along the way, so prior to stopping for dinner, we drove around Pat’s alma mater. The kids interest waned very quickly though. At one point, Pat was getting frustrated, and said, “I don’t care if you guys aren’t interested. You are going to pay attention anyway!......Now, over here is the dorm I stayed in my first year”, to which Thomas replied, “....yup........” Around 9PM we stopped at Paradiso’s, a mexican place that holds fond memories for Pat. For me, it was a challenge in decision making for margaritas....I “narrowed it down” to Mango Banana, Wildberry, Melon, Tangerine, or a regular Margarita. I ended up with the Mango Banana. It was ok, not great, so a little disappointing, since I only could have one, since I was going to be driving later. The weather was perfect - it would’ve been a great night to hang out on the patio sipping marg’s with friends and enjoying good conversations....

Jul 2- I really hate sleeping in the car

Last night we drove through the night. I drove from after supper (Fargo) until about 2AM, and then Pat took over until 8:30AM when we stopped for breakfast in Billings, MT. The kids did pretty good sleeping in the car although there was a few wakeups complaining that so-n-so was pushing on them, etc..., but eventually they worked it out and fell into a deep sleep - they reminded me of a bunch of newborn puppies all huddled up.

We pit-stopped in Bozeman, MT and ate lunch at a great place called “Naked Noodles”. Awesome place! It is basically a build-your-own-noodle-dish place. I really would love to spend a weekend in Bozeman. It seems to be a cross between a hip college town and an old town which has been maintained. Think Lawrence, KS, crossed with Stillwater, but bigger. Very cool old downtown, but with many fun, trendy, bohemian shops and eating places. We may try to work stopping there on the way back. I think I could live there....

Jul 3 - Happy Birthday Mark! Still a pup at 29... We are looking forward to your visit and meeting Sandra! Last night we got into Missoula, MT and stayed at a hotel with a waterpark/waterslides, and more importantly, BEDS! The kids had a great time at the waterpark and later, I had a great time sleeping in a horizontal position. Since Pat is driving first today, he indulged me and stopped to get more yarn for knitting scarves, to keep me busy. As this is my new hobby, beware, I think everyone I know will at some point, be getting one! :-)

I have loved driving though Montana. The kids have been doing great, far exceeding my expectations. The mountains and rolling hills have been absolutely beautiful. We have had many potty stops for the kids, and therefore ended up in some very, very small towns with lots of character and not much else. Makes me wonder what it would be like to have a slower paced life amidst all the beauty...

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Comments

[Jean]

Traveling at night
Cheryl - I'm with you - I hate trying to sleep in the car. Not only am I miserable then, I'm also missing some probably great scenery.