Long overdue

We are within a week of our road trip launch and we are anxiously counting down these final days. David is probably the most perfect road trip partner for me because I have the devil may care adventure side full of spontaneity with (while it is not often used) a reasonable collection of camping tips and tricks, and of course where my own knowledge lacks, I have my Eagle Scout big brother to pick up my slack :)

David, on the other hand, is much more of a planner, organizer. He has done an amazing job of creating a detailed itinerary of our trip (see below). In attempts to remain flexible, as I have assured him will be necessary as we combat the unexpected happenings of the road, he has assured me that nothing is set in stone...

except when we arrive at Wall Drug, there is apparently a giant jackalope I must see and climb (this is "not optional" he says).

We are still in need of selecting our trail heads but we may just wait and see what we find when we arrive...

There is much still to do before my departure from Columbus on August 25, 2011 at 7am... but I am optimistic the excitement will power me through (especially hoping for a boost of energy for the 9 hour solo drive I will have to get to David initially. As for now, I need to make it through each of my last 4 shifts at work and then the real fun can begin!

 

THE SPINNING QUARTER ITINERARY

August 25 (Thursday)

AM: Emily drives to Milwaukee

PM: Activity (it’s a surprise)/dinner

Overnight: The Fortress of Solitude

August 26 (Friday)

AM: Drive to Badlands NP

PM: Still driving to Badlands NP

Overnight: arrive round about 6 pm, stay at either

http://www.igougo.com/journal-j60023-East_Berlin-2006_Trip_-_Part_1_-_IA_Badlands_Rushmore.html#1319539

or

http://sunshineinnatwallsd.com/rooms.asp

Notes: Wall Drug is 5 min from the park on I90, Emily has to take a picture on the Jackalope

August 27 (Saturday)

AM: Day hike in Badlands (NEED TO PICK A TRAILHEAD)

PM: Drive to Crazyhorse/Mt. Rushmore

Overnight: Stay in Rapid City somewhere

Notes: Grandma says we have to see the lighting ceremony at Mt. Rushmore at night.

August 28 (Sunday)

AM: Drive to Yellowstone through Powell, WY

PM: Finish drive to Yellowstone, find a campsite (NEED TO PICK A CAMPSITE)

Overnight: camp in Yellowstone

Notes:

August 29 (Monday)

AM: Hike into backcountry in Yellowstone (NEED TO PICK A TRAILHEAD)

PM: Hike

Overnight: camp out in Yellowstone.  Way out.

Notes: We might be pushed for time here hiking back out the next morning?

August 30 (Tuesday)

AM: Hike back from camp

PM: Drive to Teton NP/Jackson Hole, explore Jackson Hole

Overnight: Stay in Jackson Hole (NEED TO FIND A HOTEL)

Notes: we’re supposed to have a nice dinner in Jackson Hole, this is our chill night, maybe research some stuff to explore

August 31 (Wednesday)

AM: Day Hike in Teton (NEED TO FIND A TRAILHEAD)

PM: Leave late for Bridger National Forest (NEED TO FIND ANOTHER TRAILHEAD)

Overnight: Camp by HNYMSRD (NEED TO FIND A CAMPSITE)

Notes:

September 1 (Thursday)

AM: Drive to Denver

PM: Still driving to Denver

Overnight: Chill with some relatives

Notes:

September 2 (Friday)

AM: Denver

PM: Drive up Pike’s Peak Highway (hopefully we aren’t sick of mountains yet)

Overnight: Chill with some relatives

Notes: Go out, have a last nice dinner, do the big city thing

September 3 (Saturday)

AM: Drive to Des Moines

PM: Still driving to Des Moines

Overnight: Hotel

Notes: Need to find a corn based tourist attraction

September 4 (Sunday)

AM: Drive back to Milwaukee

PM: Still driving back to Milwaukee

Overnight: The Fortress of Solitude

Notes:

September 5 (Monday)

The Spinning Quarter separates.  Emily drives back to Columbus.  L