Road Trip USA

Many things have happened over the past few months that have deterred me from blogging and eventually blogging just felt overwhelming. However, a good friend of mine started a blog and although it has absolutely nothing to do with me, Ramsey, dogs in general, or anything about this blog... it gave me a push to get back to this. The next post will explain a little more about my lack of blogging motivation... This post however, will be fun.

At the end of October, Greg accepted a job across the country, in Oregon. We put the house up for sale, packed all our things, planned a 9 day cross-country road trip itinerary, and off we went, 3 weeks later. 

Stop #1: Chicago

We decided that we'd head North first, and stop a night near Chicago before heading west. My best friend lives in Chicago with her husband, yellow lab, and 'new' baby. The baby is only 'new' since I hadn't met him yet. At the time of our visit, he was 10 months already! They were nice enough to let us, and Ramsey, disrupt their usual routine and stay at their house on a semi random Sunday night. Rams and Baloo (almost) got along. Rams is definitely a provoker, and his chasing other dogs around apparently is not limited to dogs smaller than him. Baloo was a champ though and although there were a few teeth sitings, there was no blood shed. Good job boys!

Kelly was able to look past Ramsey's naughty side and love him all the same. Rams can't help but love those who allow him on their furniture!

Stop #2: Decorah, Iowa

We took a nice long walk along the Trout Run Trail. The paved trail runs 11 miles around the town (we only did a 2.5 mile stretch, out and back). The goal of our trek was to spot the Decorah Eagle family. A family of bald eagles that have made their nest along the route and been staying there for several years. 

 

We couldn't get the greatest view of the nest, but we did see this guy! 

Ramsey was equally excited to see a Hawk, and crows, and sparrows...anything with wings.

Stop #3: Sioux Falls, South Dakota

We walked around Falls Park for about an hour in the morning before heading out. The park was pretty, it had a slight smell of Goose poop though... could have just been the season! The park was deserted, partially because it was in the 20 degree range, and partially because it was 7:30 in the morning. The lack of people did let us take some nice pictures though! 

Rams, pondering all of life's questions while watching the falls.

I assume if Ramsey had a camera this would be a picture he'd have saved.

Stop # 4: Rapid City, South Dakota

We stopped just before Rapid City and visited the Badlands National Park. The park was more of a drive through and stop at the scenic areas. Each stop had a little path to an incredible view. Although every walkway said no pets.... Rams lucked out because we only saw a few other people who didn't seem bothered by his presence. Here's Rams loungin at the Badlands. (We probably should have left him there... Badlands for Bad dogs.... my frustrations will be detailed next time).

We spent two nights in Rapid City, which gave us an entire day to site see and relax without thinking about hours in the car afterwards. First destination was Custer park, amazing! We drove the 'Wildlife Loop,' they don't allow dogs in the park (out of the car) because they interfere with the animals who life there. After the drive... I was glad we stayed in the car!

Rams staring down the two ton Buffalo! What are you thinking little dog!?!? Luckily we noticed the Bison staring semi agitated at our vehicle and put two and two together. We had to swerve around a bit to get by, but I think he may have charged us down if we hadn't! 

Bye, bye Buffalo!

Next up was the Crazy Horse Memorial. The memorial was pretty cool, and the museums were great. However... we read that it was pet friendly. Unfortunately, the only part that's pet friendly is the look out deck. Ok, that would be fine... but they refused to let us buy lunch and eat it on the deck. They said if we wanted to eat on the deck we could go to the snack bar instead. Disappointed, we left. We get it if you're not really pet friendly, but don't advertise yourself as such. 

After we left Crazy Horse, we hit up Mount Rushmore. We knew Mount Rushmore was not pet friendly, and Rams was still pretty tired from watching the wildlife at Custer to mind staying in the car. (The Rushmore website does say that dogs are allowed only in the pet friendly area next to the parking lot, the parking lot is actually a parking garage... and we saw no grass, so I'm not sure what they were talking about!) On the way out, we did get a nice view that Rams could enjoy also. We pulled over and took full advantage!

Stop # 5 Bozeman, Montana

We didn't stay in Bozeman very long, but we did look up some nearby trails and chose this one to hike on. Traveling with a dog limits what you can do, but also forces you to get in a lot of parks and walks!

Rams enjoyed a bit of snow.

Stop # 6: Spokane, Washington

We went to Riverfront park in the morning before we  headed out. 

Huge red flyer wagon.

Incase you didn't notice Ramsey up there.... Yes, he took a ride in the wagon.

Rams met Ram.

Enjoyed the River view.

Stop # 7: The Dalles, Oregon

The Dalles, is right on the Columbia river (the border between Washington and Oregon). We just spent the night there, and didn't do too much exploring. It was raining, which was a sure sign we ere getting close! A little bit outside the Dalles is Multnomah Falls. We stopped there to hike around a little bit despite the rain. Might not look familiar in this picture but part of the Twilight movie was filmed here.

Family photo!

After Multnomah, we headed 'home.' Not without stopping at Voodoo doughnuts in Portland, and then an outlet mall about 45 minutes outside our final destination. Even though we wanted to get in, we had no reason to rush. Our furniture or things wouldn't be delivered for a week! (That's another story).