Day 8

Monday, June 29th, 2009

Devils Lake State Park, WI to Minneapolis, MN

We awoke early to the annoying chirp of birds in our camp, packed the car quickly and took a walk around the park.

It is clearly a popular place that was busy during a beautiful weekend. Tara and I kept marveling that we were in Wisconsin and actually on this road trip. We climbed into the car and started the drive with two stops in mind; a post office for more postcard stamps and to an auto repair place for an oil change and to replace the driver side back blinker. Turns out WalMart came to the rescue again on our trip, changing the oil and the light for a surprisingly low price. One thing that struck us about Wisconsin were the incredible rock formations everywhere created by the receding glaciers tens of thousands of years ago. They even have a state wide hiking trail called the Ice Age Trail that might need to be revisited at some point in the future.

We reached our Doubletree Hotel in Minneapolis and I immediately left our only room key in the room. After getting a second key we headed off to the mecca of consumerism; The Mall of America.

We covered about half of the mall, marveled at the Lego Imagination Center (they have a 5' Boba Fett),

and decided to enjoy the all you can eat salad bar at Ruby Tuesdays. Then we convulsed through "The Hangover." Tara woke up this morning still laughing about the punch Mike Tyson laid on Alan.

Map

Day 7

Day 7: Sunday June 28, 2009

Chicago, IL to Devils Lake State park, WI

Since we did not explore Chicago the night before, Tara and I set out with hopes of seeing a little of Oak Park, famous for the areas Craftsman style homes inspired by Frank Llyod Wright, and the Wiener’s Circle, famous for...well…wieners. The houses were full of character and lots of design ideas, and Tara was snapping pictures the entire time early on Sunday morning. We continued on to Lincoln Park and found the Wiener’s Circle just as a gay pride parade was beginning. We took a couple of pictures, grabbed a couple of Char cheddar dogs for breakfast and escaped before the parade, which was already snarling traffic, got to our area. At 1 pm (Central Time), we pulled over in South Beloit, IL. I entered Ted’s Bar and Grill to watch the USA vs. Brazil debacle (I was the only one not watching NASCAR or betting on the horse races) and Tara crossed the street to an Antique Fair. We were back on the road at 3:30, passed by Madison, WI and decided we needed food for dinner. The next closest grocery store to us was a Piggly Wiggly on RT-113 and we jumped at the chance. The route to Devils Lake State Park continued along RT-113 to Lake Wisconsin. On the map it looked like we would bisect the lake, but as we approached we couldn’t see a bridge, and that is when we noticed the ferry. There was no bridge, only a quaint ferry that took 15 or so cars across the lake at a time.

(View from the Ferry going across Lake Wisconsin)

20 minutes later we reached the park, set up camp, made some pasta for dinner and a nice fire to sit by, was visited by a friendly raccoon and enjoyed the rest of the evening.

Map

Day 6

Day 6: Saturday June 27th, 2009

It was a long, long day of driving going from Rocky River, OH to Chicago, IL. It was listed as a 5 and a half hour drive but took closer to 7 and a half. Our slight detour along RT-2 West through the Marblehead, OH region, the picnic lunch of PB&J at a rest stop and the traffic as soon as we hit the Chicago Skyway all contributed to the extra length. While most of the scenery was flat and plain, we did see a tractor race near Ottokee, OH and a curious sign that read "Gary, Indiana Welcomes You" on the Methane holding tank (I think) of their waste treatment facility. Once we got to the Hyatt Regency at O'Hare we decided to explore in the morning, went to the bar, enjoyed their $5 martini menu and some bar food for dinner, then retired to the surprisingly large room. Although, they do not have a coffee maker in here. I might need to get the campstove out. I wonder what type of commotion that will cause...a tanned guy, who hasn't shaved in 2 weeks carrying a propane tank into the lobby of a hotel. Maybe I'll have Tara go get it.

We once again have to express our gratitude to Bob and Eileen Matyjasik for housing us for two nights, despite the fact that they are in the process of showing their home in hopes of selling it soon. Thank you again for your hospitality.

Map

Tara's camp

Many people met the news that Tara was going to camp this summer with inconagruity, so here is what the process looks like:

Step 1: Tent platform to keep extra flat and dry

Step 2: Ground cloth for added protection

Step 3: Tent construction

Step 4: Tent completion

Step 5: Tent fly

Step 6: Piece of aerobed for extra waterproofing

Step 7: Three Therm-a-rest camping pads

Step 8: 1st opened sleeping bags for padding

Step 9: 2nd opened sleeping bag

Step 10: Egg crate mattress pad

Step 11: 3rd opened sleeping bag

Step 12: Fitted sheet

Step 13: Two top sheets

Step 14: (Not Shown) Four blankets for warmth

Step 15: Check for bears before getting out

Day 5

Day 5: Friday June 26th, 2009

Today was a lazy, restful day. Tara and I did some laundry at the Matyjasik's, updated the blog finally, put Carlos Beltran on the DL of my fantasy baseball team, and looked through housing design books for most of the morning. I would be remiss if I did not mention that the house we are staying in is amazing. It basically has two wings connected to the kitchen, a grand master suite on one side and three bedrooms on the other. Every detail is modern and in great condition, and I mention all this because this 2900 square foot ranch style beauty in Rocky River, OH is up for sale.

Around 1 pm we got moving, hopped in the car and drove into downtown Cleveland with the intent of seeing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Indians game that night. But first, we were hungry and went to E 4th Street to grab a bite at Zocalo. A couple of margaritas later and an eternity wait for food we realized that it was already past 3 and the R&RHoF closed at 5. So we puttered around downtown, went to the public library, and the Tower Center for shopping. It was nice to walk in a civilized place and not worry about getting creamed by a cab. At 6 we made our way over to Progressive Field to take in the Indians vs. Reds game (Battle for the Ohio cup!!). The night was clear and a touch cool, especially in shorts and short sleeves. The hometeam won 9-2 and we returned to the Matyjasiks for another wonderful nights sleep in a bed.

Day 4

Day 4: Thursday, June 25th, 2009

After our best night sleep yet, (no bear dreams, nice and warm) Tara and I got moving around 7:15. This time I used the percolator to boil water and the coffee filter from the Field and Streams Coffee Maker to make nice strong cups of coffee. Third time’s a charm. We enjoyed the cups in the camp chairs watching the chipmunks chase each other in the field. We broke camp, left around 10 and visited the Kinuza Dam that forms the Allegheny Reservoir. Nuvi then directed us on paved roads to Rum Runners in Erie, PA where we had lunch with my Aunt Nancy and her husband Doug on the waterfront. The warm sun and gentle lapping of the lake waves, along with a full stomach and a delicious Rum Runner nearly put us in a napping mood.

Tara and I took the by-ways west through the rest of Pennsylvania and through Ashtabula, OH (pronounced ash-ta-BU-lah not the fey and whimsical ash-TAB-ula that we hoped) until we heard the thunderstorm warnings and jumped on I-90 to beat them to the Matyjasiks in Rocky River, OH. Once the storms passed by and power was restored, Eileen and Bob prepared an incredible dinner of salad, pork loin with mango chutney, new potatoes, and broccoli with key lime pie for dessert. It was by far the best dinner of the trip and will not be topped easily. They also let us sleep in a bed!

Map

Day 3

Day 3: Wednesday June 24th, 2009

Forewarned with the understanding that light will get through no matter where we sleep, I was able to prolong my slumber until 6:15. I got up, took out the Stansport cooking stove and the percolator and made the weakest coffee I have ever had. So I let the percolator work and work, using 24 oz. of water to make 8 oz. of mild coffee. Once again discouraged by the coffee making process, I begin to explore the map and possible routes to our next destination; the Allegheny National Forest. Map
Tara and I packed and were on the road before 9am heading first to the Grand Canyon (of Pennsylvania), which is to the SE of Galeton. We entered the location into Nuvi and one missed turn later came across our third black bear in 2 days. This one was still a cub that was trying to cross the road. We decided not to stop to take a picture in case momma decided to make her presence known. In order to get us back on track Nuvi led us on an exciting adventure through 6 miles of unpaved road.
We made a quick stop in Shunk, Pa at the General Store where, for the third time, I absentmindedly opened the back gate instead of the window to get something from the car. I mentioned before that the car is packed thoroughly, but in order to fit everything we fill the back with the gate up, then close it, open the window and stuff more things against the door, so when the back gate is opened first, multiple bags fall out. This opening caused a melamine bucket to break, but not the glass carafe from the feeble Field and Stream Coffee Maker. Sheepishly, I repacked the car, grabbed the postcards that I intended to send and entered the quaintest little store with a Post Office Window that I have ever experienced, complete with four older gentleman playing cards in one corner.
We continue on and follow the signs this time to the visitor center of the Grand Canyon (of Pennsylvania), while Nuvi kept insisting we turn down every unpaved road we came across. The view was outstanding with the bright sun and clear blue skies, but the visitor center had a fly infestation that quickly drove us away.
As we continued west across the state, we foolishly relied on Nuvi and encountered 15 more miles of unpaved road. This included the last 7 miles that went from Westline, PA due west along the Kinuza River with some terrifying drop offs to Red Bridge Campgrounds, our destination, in the Allegheny National Forest. As soon as we made it safely I checked the settings on our mischievous device and found that we had the shortest distance selected instead of the fastest time. Hopefully we will be unpaved road-free for the remainder of the trip.
Our Campsite (#25) had a wonderful view of the Allegheny Reservoir and a sunny field that we were able to dry out our tent fly and ground clothes. We managed to set up camp in just 30 minutes, collected our firewood from the Camp Host, and cooked up Jalapeno Burgers with bell peppers and onions for dinner. Following more S’mores and a shower in the excellent facilities, we settled into our camp chairs to watch the fireflies in the field and the stars come out for the first time on our trip (1st night was cloudy, 2nd night we were tired).

Day 2

Day 2: Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

I was convinced before falling asleep that we would not be bothered by morning light. Our campsite was on the eastern end of Sawmill Lake and with the trees and a steep hill behind us I figured that would shade us for at least a little while. Thus it came as quite a shock to be up at 5:40 in the morning due to too much light. I stumbled out of the tent, wandered to the car, plugged in the Field and Stream Coffee Maker into a lighter socket, and waited and waited and waited. Five minutes pass and I see drips of dark sludge descend into the coffee pot. Not encouraged, I break out the brand new Stansport propane stove, screw in a propane tank, and had boiling water in 2 minutes. I checked the coffee maker and there was a layer of “coffee” at the bottom of the carafe, so I took the coffee filter, poured the boiling water through it, and had a wonderful cup to start the day. By now Tara had emerged, bleary eyed due to a poor nights sleep that she blames on the bears in her dreams. We dine on bananas, blueberries and granola bars, pack up the campsite, load the car, and head out to explore the highest point in NJ.
We make it 100 yards beyond the restrooms where we washed out the coffee mugs and the coffee maker when what to our wondering eyes do we see, but a black bear pulling a bag of food from one of the hiker’s bear boxes. Either the bear figured out how to open the box or some homo sapien did not close it properly, regardless the bear dragged the bag into the woods and plopped down in a grassy opening to bask in the sun as it enjoyed breakfast. Realizing that a) bears are cute, with round, almost Mickey Mouse-like ears and b) they could give a hoot about us in the car, completely demystified the idea that all bears are of the grizzly-in-attack-mode variety for Tara. The 2nd thing we realized is that we needed to have the camera ready at all times and not packed in a bag in the back of the car.
We stopped at the Ranger Station to inform them of the bear and continued on to the scenic route that took us to a viewing platform and then the highest point in NJ, which is marked by a 220 foot obelisk. From these vantage points we could see three states, NJ, NY and Pennsylvania. The entire time in High Point State Park we had to consciously remind ourselves that we were actually in New Jersey. It really was a wonderful way to start the trip. As we were walking back from the view we saw all the way across the parking lot (at least 150 yards away) another, much larger black bear poking around, so we quickened our pace and got in the car.
From the obelisk we went down to Lake Marcia and found that the bathhouses were open and empty. We both showered, which is only notable in that this was the 1st time Tara has showered in a “public” facility. She even claims to have enjoyed it. Cleaned and happy, we leave High Point State Park and New Jersey at 10:30 on the way to Worlds End State Park (WESP) in Pennsylvania. Map
Following a quick stop at another Wal-Mart for a percolator and in a Burger King parking lot for PB&Js we arrive at WESP at 2:30 and had the campsite put up by 3:30. Pleased with our faster pace, we decide to go on a 3.5-mile hike around the park. The hike started out on a dirt road, but promptly entered the forest and we quickly realized that each of us have a different definition for hiking. After going uphill the 1st mile for an hour, we decided to turn back toward camp before we hit the part of the trail that is marked “Steep” on the map.

(Bill's idea of a hike)

(Tara's idea of a hike)

We started the fire and cooked a successful dinner of chicken breasts with a peach jelly glaze and peas. We ended the evening with S’mores, and kept an amused eye on the chipmunks that came to lick up our chocolate and marshmallow droppings. Tara kept a wary eye on our college-aged neighbors until they brought us more wood that they split when they noticed we were out. The night passed coldly, very, very coldly.

Day 1 Concluded

June 22nd, 2009

Tara and I departed NYC at 9:30 with the car haphazardly packed and barely able to see out of the back window. Day 1 was the trial day, to see what works and doesn't work, and initially the packed car wasn't working. Things improved once we shipped off my golf bag and Tara's engagement ring to Texas (full disclosure, it was the golf bag taking up more room than her ring). Following stops at Wal-Mart and a grocery store we had a great drive along RT-23 even though Nuvi (our GPS device) took us through the worst part of Passaic, NJ. The rolling hills were beautiful once we passed NW of I-287 and we made it without incident to High Point State Park at 3 pm. At the Ranger Station we were told that most of the campsites were available so we drove around Sawmill Lake and decided on Campsite 4 which had a wonderful view of the water and a raised sleeping platform.

We also could not miss the bear warning signs posted at every campsite, on each picnic table, by the dumpster and hiking bear boxes (the Appalachian Trail passes through), and next to the meager facilities that existed. We spent about 75 minutes setting up camp and repacking the car (much of this process will be chronicled in a forthcoming post) and took a nice stroll around the Lake before starting the campfire. What struck us the most was the lack of people. Sawmill Lake is over a mile in circumference and there were maybe 4 other sites occupied. We could not see evidence of another camper from our site. While this might be appealing soon, coming directly from the city to the middle of nowhere in the woods with night descending was a touch unnerving. For dinner we dropped a couple of foil wrapped potatoes into the fire once some coals developed. We pulled them out 30 minutes later to find that we had horribly burned the skins and only some of the innards were edible. Following this paltry fare we packed the food and trash into the car, watched the fire die out and retired to our comfy tent with the ‘bear’ bat by me and the fire extinguisher by Tara.

Day 1

With the bright morning sun and honking cabs on 1st Ave below, we awaken and slowly finalize our preparation for our 948 hour trip. The travel today is minimal. We are heading 1st to a Wal-Mart in Riverdale, New Jersey to get the last of the supplies, mainly food items. Then to a Post Office to ship a few things that we want when we arrive in Texas on August 2nd. We'll also stop for a quick oil change. Finally, we will head to the highest point in NJ, called...High Point, NJ. This might be a long trip, but the cabs will not be missed.

Total planned mileage: 70 miles

Map

Prologue

Tara and I are in NYC enjoying our last lazy Sunday here until September. Our plans today are to do laundry, finish packing, and load the car for our trip. An overview of the trip is posted below. We will try to keep this as up-to-date as possible. This should be fun!

42-day plan:

Day 1 Monday 6/22: NYC to High Point State Park, NJ $20 for a camp site, $65 for a cabin (973) 875-4800 - 70.4 miles

Day 2 Tuesday 6/23: High Point State Park, NJ to World's End State Park, PA $15 for a camp site 570-924-3287 or 888-PA-PARKS - 136 miles

Day 3 Wednesday 6/24: World's End State Park, PA to Allegheny National Forest, PA, $10 - $20 for a camp site, $45 for a cabin 814-368-4158 - 179 miles

Day 4 Thursday 6/25: Allegheny National Forest, PA lunch in Erie, PA to Cleveland, OH, Ryan Matyjasik's Mom - 171 miles

Day 5 Friday 6/26: Stay in Cleveland, OH - Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 10 - 5:30 $22/person, Indians game 7:05 pm $9 - $20

Day 6 Saturday 6/27: Cleveland, OH (leave no later than 10 AM) to Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, to Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Chicago IL $82- 361 miles

Day 7 Sunday 6/28: Chicago, IL to Devils Lake State Park, WI $27 stop in Fitchburg, WI to see Transformers 2 on IMAX (12:20 or 3:40 Showing) - 182 miles

Day 8 Monday 6/29: Devils Lake State Park, WI to 1500 Park Place Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55416 Doubletree Hotel $56 - 236 miles Visit Mall of America

Day 9 Tuesday 6/30: Mall of America, MN to Mitchell, SD der Rumbolz plat B&B 605-227- 4385 or River Road B&B 605-996-5813 or 605-999-2031 ~ 337 miles

Day 10 Wednesday 7/1: Mitchell, SD to Badlands National Park Camping Free (no water) to $12 (cold water only) - 211 miles (Stop in Chamberlain, SD for camping supplies and extra water)

Day 11 Thursday 7/2: Badlands National Park to Black Hills of SD, 4030 Jackson Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57702 ~ 88 miles

Day 12 Friday 7/3: Rapid City, SD Sylvan Lake to Harney Peak hike Staying at 4030 Jackson Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57702

Day 13 Saturday 7/4: Rapid City, SD Crazy Horse and Deadwood for Gambling Staying at 4030 Jackson Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57702

Day 14 Sunday 7/5: Rapid City to Keyhole State Park, WY 22 Marina Road Moorcroft, WY 82721 (307) 756-3596 (Office) - 111 miles

Day 15 Monday 7/6: Keyhole State Park, WY to Devil's Tower, WY (hike), to Billings, MT ~ 332 miles

Day 16 Tuesday 7/7: Billings, MT to Great Falls, MT (Hotel) Ulm Pishkun State Park- 219 miles

Day 17 Wednesday 7/8: Great Falls, MT to Rising Sun Campground in Glacier National Park (1st come 1st served, get there before 3 pm) $20 - 179 miles

Day 18 Thursday 7/9: Rising Sun Campground to Kalispell, MT (Hotel) or Flathead Lake State Park - 76 miles

Day 19 Friday 7/10: Kalispell, MT to Georgetown Lake, MT, 208 miles

Day 20 Saturday 7/11: Georgetown Lake, MT to Lake Henry State Park, ID- 282 miles

Day 21 Sunday 7/12: Lake Henry State Park, ID to West Thumb, Yellowstone NP, WY - 65 miles

Day 22 Monday 7/13: West Thumb, WY to Jackson, WY - 79 miles

Day 23 Tuesday 7/14: Jackson, WY to Manila, UT (Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area) - 236 miles

Day 24 Wednesday 7/15: FGNRA to Vernal, UT - 63 miles

Day 25, 26, 27 Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7/16, 17, 18: Vernal, UT to Kanab, UT (Rt-89 S from Springfield, UT to Kanab, UT)- Points of Interest are Strawberry Reservoir, Uinta National Forest, Fishlake National Forest, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park

Day 28 Sunday 7/19: Kanab, UT to North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park Campground (reservations made!!)

Day 29 Monday 7/20: North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park to Mexican Hat, Utah

Day 30 Tuesday 7/21: Mexican Hat, Utah to Moab, UT

Day 31 Wednesday 7/22: Moab, UT to between Grand Junction, CO and Leadville, CO

Day 32 Thursday 7/23: Grand Junction and Leadville, CO to Estes Park, CO

Day 33 Friday 7/24: (Mom/Rita's Birthday) Estes Park, CO to Denver, CO - Rockies vs SF Giants 7:10 MT

Day 34 Saturday 7/25: Stay in Denver ?

Day 35 Sunday 7/26: Denver to Colorado Springs

Day 36 Monday 7/27: Colorado Springs to Great Sand Dunes National Park

Day 37 Tuesday 7/28: Great Sand Dunes National Park to Cimmaron Canyon State Park, NM

Day 38 Wednesday 7/29: Cimmaron Canyon State Park, NM to Alburquerque, NM

Day 39 Thursday 7/30: Albuquerque to Carlsbad, NM

Day 40 Friday 7/31: Carlsbad, NM to Big Bend National Park, TX

Day 41 Saturday 8/1: Big Bend National Park to Fort Stockton, Ozona, or Sonora, TX

Day 42 Sunday 8/2: Middle of Texas to Tara's Parents, Austin, TX