LAX

With a quick trip around the gift stores for a few last souvenirs we packed up the car for our last time and left Angelina Jolie’s car park. Our last ride in the faithful Camry today took us to the hotel by LAX. While Fraser took the car for its last ride to the car dealer Sarah and Aaron began the last pack of the luggage into the bags.
With a view of the LAX sign for our room it is now sinking in that this is the end and home is just a non stop flight away. So a quick look back over our road trip reveals:
3 People – Fraser, Sarah and Aaron
1 Toyota Camry
11,060 Kilometers by car
20 USA states
2 Canadian Provinces
8 National Parks
1 Helicopter Ride
34 Days
33 Nights
2 Ferry Rides
4 time zones
2 was the lowest room number
0 Flat tires
17 Fuel stops
5 Suitcases squeezed in the boot
1 Bag on the backseat (plus food and water bags)
4 Cameras
817 Liters of petrol put in the car (some still in the tank)
19 Hotels/Motels/Houses
2 Oceans
7 crossings of the Continental Divide
6 Parks
38 degrees Celsius, top temperature (Could be higher)
85 meters below sea level, lowest elevation
4 hours gained
3 Great Lakes
24017 Highest room number
139 Kilograms of check-in luggage
23rd September 2009 lost while flying home
Now it is just Tuesday the 22nd September to go when we fly out to Auckland New Zealand with Air New Zealand.
Thanks for following our trip as we have thoroughly enjoyed our road trip and only wish we had more time (and money) to complete the rest of the USA.
We have seen and done so much, but there is still more to do so keep checking back here for future adventures.

Universal Studios

Entering Hollywood Boulevard we got to see some filming down the main street, though no big action and no actors, but filming all the same. Taking the subway to Universal Studio we go there before opening and made our way onto the first Studio tour of the day. Passing the huge bland sound buildings used for all the TV and movie sound stages we then headed to the out door scenes were more was to be seen.
Passed through the Desperate House Wives street, jaws set, and other building frontages used in a lot Universal movies. The tour included a number of effects including an earthquake in the subway were pyrotechnics and water made for a good show.
The theme park area includes various rides and shows which we competed through out the day. This included the Water World show which was based on the movie with the audience getting wet before and during the show. With more pyrotechnics and a stunning plane landing it was a great show. Other shows of the day were animal actors, Blues Brothers singing, demonstration of special effects – green screens etc. A pyrotechnic display in Backdraft certainly heated the place up.
The rides included the 4D movie Terminator, The Simpsons simulator roller coaster, The Mummy roller coaster that goes both forward and backwards and Jurassic Park water ride which gets you wetter than the other rides.
After a full on day at the park we explored the Universal City Walk then took the subway back to the hotel.

Hollywood to Venice Beach

Out onto the Hollywood Boulevard we wandered up and down the street looking at the stars names that make up the Hollywood walk of Fame. Some well know like Michael Jackson, Kermit the Frog, Brittney Spears to some we no idea of (Sorry can’t name any here as I don’t know who they were in order to remember them).
With many of the places still shut we got a pass for the Hop-on-hope-off Starline tours. Atop the open top double-decker red buss we had a prerecorded commentary of the highlights around Hollywood from famous restaurants, movie locations to celebrity hangouts.
We drove down Rodeo Drive to see the top stores some of which require reservations to enter.
Changing busses we headed to the coastal area of Santa Monica. With the city built up to the wide sandy beach it is a very popular area. Walking down the designated pedestrian path, as apposed to the two way bike path, we saw the variety of people that gather here. Surfies, hippies, homeless, Rastafarians, bathers and us tourists make up this facilitating beach atmospheres. With the beach continuing into the smog we go as far as Venice Beach. This beach side is packed full of stalls selling various gifts. Other things on offer included physic readings, medical marijuana, botox, tattoos and various food and gift stores.
Passing back through this area we saw the two headed turtle and more buckers. We put our feet into the Pacific Ocean (The other side from home in NZ) and then went up onto the Santa Monica Pier. Having been to various theme parks across the country we didn’t bother with this smaller one. We did however see the car show of mainly Shelby Cobras all in mint condition.
Hopping back on the bus we got a further commentary of the sights we past before Mexican food for lunch then a wait for the next bus in the heat of the Californian sun. Back onto the open top bus we clipped the overhanging trees that line the streets and got more prerecorded commentary on the places like the Farmers Market, CBS, Paramount Studios and Pink’s Hot Dogs. Unfortunately the one of the busses had a rather noisy muffler so the commentary was not always heard. Still a great day was had the beach and across the city areas of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Venice Beach.
Back at the hotel we realized more sunscreen was required through out the day as we are now a little redder.

San Diego

Reaching our or most southern destination of San Diego we spent the morning exploring the World Famous San Diego Zoo. Although it had a wide variety of animals it was hardly worthy of the world famous title. Aaron finally got to see the Grizzly Bear he had been waiting for, even if though play peak-a-boo from their cave. From elephants, vultures, polar bears, hippos, gazelles, snakes… flamingos, sloth bears…koalas etc and a variety of plants we saw just about everything there was.
Moving on to Sea World we saw the Orca show including the one named Shamu. With the back flips, jumps, splashing the crowd and pushing the trainers around the seven orcas put a great display.
Following lunch we work our way through the aquariums, tanks etc of various fish, sharks, eels from around the world. We touched the sting rays and then went to see the seal show. As the crowd gathered, a ‘cleaner’ named Biff put on a very hilarious show at times picking on the incoming crowd. The seal show included a tamed otter and two seals. The show was comedy taking the mickey out of TV shows while show casing the talents of the seals and otter.
Continuing around the park we went on the motion simulator ride thought the Arctic then went and saw the polar bears, walrus, belugas and manatees from above and below the water. In the chilly penguin enclosure we saw the various species, including the larger emperor penguins. Although they don’t fly they do ‘fly’ through the water with grace.
Seeing the pod of dolphins been fed by the numerous handlers while couples were separated for training enabled an impromptu show of the dolphins performing back flips etc.
A look again at the orca this time from below and up close really highlighted their huge size. Leaving San Diego heading north this time on the I5 began more like a 12 lane parking lot then slowly go moving the further from the city we got. Past the military areas of the Navy and Marine Corps (with the hovercraft and amphibious tanks) we reached the motel to pick up our bags and head further north in Hollywood.
After checking into the motel right behind the Kodak Theater we went for tea and then out onto Hollywood Boulevard into the crowds to get a taste of what Saturday would be all about.

Disneyland

After purchasing our City Passes which is entry to a number of LA and San Diego attractions we began by entering Disney Adventure.
We began the day with a fly over California on the big screen followed by a refreshing water ride where we all walked away wet. Continuing counter clockwise around the park we rode the roller coasters and the Mickey’s Fun wheel. A Ferris wheel where the capsule swings in a giant oval as the wheel turns making a novel change to just a giant circular ride. Been the big kids we are we ventured into the youngsters area for a gentle caterpillar ride past giant fruit and vegetables. More thrilling was the elevator ride in the Tower of Terror where you are trust up and dropped down various times. We caught up with Kermit the Frog and friends in a 4D movie. After seeing all the attractions and riding the rides including the Monsters Inc ride we left the park for a late lunch.
Disneyland was our next venture were we made the most of the Fast Passes by booking our rides for a later return. After a quick glimpse at the Main Street we hit the fast pace Indiana Jones roller coaster ride then returned to Disney Adventure to see the parade.
The parade included numerous characters and floats which was well worth returning to the park to see.
Back at Disneyland we skipped the lines to get to Splash Mountain were we again got a refreshing cool down. After a few more rides including the Mad Tea Party (spinning tea cups) and photos taken of the park, characters and rides we stopped to see the main Parade.
With all the Mickey Toontown characters from the good old days out dancing was a good way to end the night at the park but still had time to do the Sleeping Beauty Walk Castle walk through and a good look at the Disney Castle at nigh reflecting in the moat around it.
Thursday’s special of the City Pass gave us access to the park and hour before the main opening so after breakfast we returned to Disneyland minus some of the crowds. We headed to Tomorrow Land and had fun on the ride/arcade game shooting targets where Sarah scored the highest. From another 3D movie of Honey I Shrunk the Audience to driving carts at Autopia we did all the available. We went and saw the latest inventions by HP, Microsoft etc including Honda’s ASIMO robot. This human like robot can talk, walk, run, dance surf the net, kick a soccer ball and climb and descend stairs. It’s just amazing how far things have come, makes C3PO from the Star Wars (Another ride we did) seem highly plausible.
We descended the Matterhorn by ‘bobsled’ (Roller coaster), entered the singing world of “It’s a Small World” and then into Mickey’s Toontown.
We played another ride/arcade game at Roger Rabbits Car Toon Spin then ventured further into Toontown to meet Mickey Mouse and explore his house. We snuck into Minnie House via the back door while she guarded the main door (A long line to have a photo taken with her). Donald Ducks Boat, Goofy’s Playhouse etc made up a great little town within the Disneyland Park.
Venturing to Fantasy land we did all the rides which dated back to the parks opening so a little less sophisticated but included great characters from the well known cartoons/books etc from Peter Pan, Pinocchio to Snow White.
After meeting up to where we had got up to on Wednesday we did the attractions we had skipped. This included the Pirates Island, a humorous boat ride through the jungle and the Winnie the Pooh ride.
Leaving the park we walked up to Downtown Disney and in and out of various shops then returned to Mimi’s restaurant for tea.

San Francisco to LA

Heading down past Santa Cruz we hit the Pacific Ocean on highway 1 and followed it down to Santa Monica. This coastal road is cut into the side of the bank with a steep drop down to the sea. Although sunny the temperature was manageable and made for a nice dive south.
We stopped to admire the cliff faces, old bridges and the elephant seals and we got a glimpse of the Hearst Castle on the hill top.
When leaving the coast we hit highway 101, this multi lane highway had cast iron bells every few miles or so. They turned out to be Historic El camino Reals which is a marker of the old track that linked the Mission Stations when the area was been colonised.
Hitting LA we saw the effects of some of the fires that had chard the shrub covered hill sides. Heading closer the city the road widened to 4-6 lanes each way and then we hit the 5pm traffic. We slowly crawled across the city and got a quick glimpse of the HOLLYWOOD sign.
Arriving at Anaheim we checked into our hotel, across the road from Disneyland, and went out for tea. Minis Cafe across the road serves up good sized meals, including the half rack of ribs that filled the plate.
Then back to the hotel to sort out the itinerary for the following days.

Alcatraz

Catching the first ferry across to Alcatraz Island at 9am we watched the introduction video outlining The Rock's history from a military post, military prison, federal penitentiary, Indian occupation site to the National Park it is today.
Venturing up the concrete paths and through the gate with a canon aimed at you we made our way up to the prison. The audio tour lead us through the cell blocks, recreation area, wardens house (now in ruins like many of the outer buildings) and other areas of the island. Surprisingly it included an apartment building for the guards and their families. The children would ride a ferry to the main land for school each day and then return to the island for the fantastic view of the city sky line.
We saw the small openings that the men carved using spoons in order to escape. The small cells are stacked three high and each isle had its own nickname such as Broadway.
After over three hours exploring the island we headed up Telegraph Hill to see the Coit Tower. One of the higher spots in San Francisco this tower is visible from around the city and the tower top resembles a fire hose nozzle.
Returning to Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch. Then walked up the to the top of Lombard Street as the line for the cable car was to long. We walked down Lombard Street which is said to be the crooked Street in the world with about 10 switch backs.
Catching another cable car up Mason Street to the cable car museum was far easier than walking despite having wait in line listening to a bucker singing and strumming a guitar.
The cable car museum was very informative of the history and workings of the whole operation. The museum is also where all four cables for the different trams are turned from, running at 9.5 miles an hour.
Hangin on the outside of the cable car we made our way back to our motel for tea and yet another pack up of the bags ready for tomorrows drive south.

San Francisco

We purchased our three day pass for the public transport and set out to see the city. After seeing the line for the cable car we jumped on a bus and went to Golden Gate Park. We strolled around Stow Lake seeing the swans, turtles and the large central island with the Chinese Provillion on it.
Another bus ride took us to the Golden Gate Bridge. Luckily the weather was still fine to get a view the bridge and allowing a walk partway across this suspension bridge for a view of the city sky line.
Continuing around the coastline by bus we got to Port Mason and walked over a ridge to one end of the city wharfs. At the San Francisco Maritime National area we looked through various historic vessels including the Balclutha, a 256 foot square rigger. build n 1886. In 1890 the British Bark Rangitiki broke adrift in a storm and collied with this boat off Napier NZ.
The Eureka, a side-wheel ferry originally built in 1890 and used as part of US Highway 101 before the Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937.
At another wharf we ventured down into a USS Pampanito, a 1943 submarine. Very confined spaces with six torpedo launching tubes at the bow and four at the rear.
After a long wait in line for the cable car in the rain was worth the experience. Crammed in to start with and up and down some very steep streets stopping at times to cram more people in was quite amazing and somewhat enjoyable.

Oakhurst to San Francisco

Passing back through Yosemite we stopped to see the climbers up El Capitan. Spotting them puts the size of the cliff face into perspective.
In the back and beyond before the fruit orchards and wind turbines we spotted a New Zealand flag out side a small store. Continuing on we got a view of San Francisco Bay and the high rise buildings disappearing into the fog.
After checking in we wandered a few blocks down the steep streets that had cable cars running up and down them and found a nice restaurant for tea.
The temperature has dropped considerable on the coast requiring the long pants and jerseys to be un-packed.

Yosemite

Heading further into California we gained in altitude as we entered Yosemite National Park via Tioga Pass at 3031m. With huge granite cliffs, trees, lakes and rivers it is so different from the other national parks we have visited so far. The entrance to the park was just a taste of what was to come.
Although the temperature was less than the previous days, it was still hot so a walk in the chilly Tioga Lake was welcoming.
With the area so dry there have been numerous fires including one controlled fire started on August 29th that got out of control and burned a large valley. They are still dampening down the hot spots today. With so many burnt trees every where it was at least good to know that certain trees like the giant Sequoia trees actually benefit from forest fires as it clears the undergrowth for the seeds to receive sunlight.
Heading into the populated part of the park via a few tunnels we were welcomed by a variety of trees (Not just pines) a stream through the valley and towering granite cliffs either side.
El Capitan stands out with its face about 3000feet high as does half dome at the end of the valley. On the other side of the valley a small stream flows off the cliff forming the only waterfall at this time of year (At least what we saw).
Leaving the valley we got our last view back up the valley and of El Capitan. We left the park and found our hotel in the small town of Oakhurst. The hotel has a number of large wooden carvings of bears, a water wheel and the Statue of Liberty.
After a quick rest we returned to the park to see the few thousand year old Sequoia trees. These trees are massive around the base and seem taper out to nothing. One of the trees has a tunnel carved through it which allowed horse and cart to pass through in the 1800’s. The small squirrels scurried among the giant trees collecting the pine cones and the thumping sounds of the wood peckers were heard occasionally.
While Fraser and Aaron slowed for more pictures Sarah got the Chicken Little experience of the sky/pine cone falling nearby making a loud noise as it landed.
Returning to the town just as the sun set we had tea and watched the 9/11 remembrance programs.

Grand Canyon to Las Vegas

Sun rise over the Grand Canyon was worth getting up early for, great colour in the sky and rocks. Following breakfast we headed to the airport.
On board the helicopter flight were four Australians, our pilot and the three of us. The flight began by flying over the large pine forest at 180km/hr 100m above the trees. Surprising it seemed a lot slower then 180km/hr. We then dropping over into the Grand Canyon and looked about 1km down into the canyon and Colorado River below. We had a very smooth ride with great views of the canyon and a running commentary for the pilot. We fly past various rock formations with various names and one that looked like a helicopter with no rotor blades. The canyon is huge but still hard to grasp how big even from the air. Maverick helicopters are well set up with all seats getting a great view and a DVD of the flight available, which we got.
The 50 minutes of flight was over before we know it and we were back on at the airport in time to check out of the motel and begin the days drive.
After a drive through part of Route 66 we passing through more bare areas with straight roads with little more than rock and small shrubs to look at, we were hot and wishing we had air condensing in the car.
We stopped to marvel at the Hoover Dam along with numerous others ending their three day labour weekend, luckily more were heading in the opposite direction.

ON TO LAS VEGAS

Entering Las Vegas we could see The Strip from far away as it was the only area with high-rise buildings. After arriving at our hotel, Treasure Island, we unloaded and got a view of The Strip form our 24th floor. We began wandering the casinos and got tickets for the Blue Man Group (A comedy/drumming/entertainment show done by three men dressed in black with blue heads and blue hands, no not smurfs).
The show was very entertaining with no spoken words. It’s hard to explain you just have to see it to understand.
Following the show we retreated to the cool comfort of the hotel and got some sleep.
Wandering along the strip and in and out of the casinos each with its own theme was unlike any other city so far. It has a real party atmosphere and like New York does not go to sleep. The casinos varied in themes from New York with replica high-rise buildings, Paris with the Eiffel tower, and Luxor in the shape of the pyramid. MGM had lions inside; the Venetian had punting boat that travel through out the hotel, The Flamingo with pink flamingo and turtles the day was over the sun setting.
After dark Treasure Island, our hotel, had a pirate show with fire works, flames etc which ended our second night in Las Vegas.
Begging the next day we went in the opposite direction down the strip to Circus Circus. Set up a bit more for younger families with carnival side shows we ate breakfast and waited for the free circus show. With two acts, one a clown and the other a gymnast it was far from Cirque de Soleil standards we saw in Quebec City. To be fair there other acts through out the day we didn’t stick around to see.
We ventured away from the casinos and to the Gun Store. With a wide range of weapons Fraser seemed at home. Although for a price you could try anything from full automatic weapons to handguns we opted not too.
Arriving at the factory outlet stores in 38degrees celsius heat we spent plenty of time in the air conditioned stores rather than in the heat.
After dark we set off to see the free entertainment put on by the various casinos. This included the volcano at the Mirage and the fountains set to music at the Bellagio.

ON TO BISHOP

Leaving Las Vegas early to beat the heat there were still people sitting at the pokies that could have been there all night. Don’t you wish we all had that much money to spend?
Heading down into Death Valley we saw little but rock, a few Joshua Trees and small shrubs. Hitting sea level we still had further to descend. Heading into the Devils Golf Course there was no vegetation, just dried mud and salt crystals. Looking out at about the same level was Badwater basin, salt plains, the lowest point in the USA at 86m (282 feet) below sea level.
Stopping at the visitor centre at a mare 190 feet below sea level we were glad for the air conditioning. Making our way out of the valley there were sand dunes and more rocks and surprisingly a few small settlements. Why they chose to live the heat is beyond us.
From one valley to the next little changed although the fighter jet doing low level flying up the valleys and canyons distracted us slightly from the heat.
Passing through a few small settlements with a few thousand people we arrived in Bishop with 2600 odd residents. Taking cover form the 34degree heat (plus humidity) in the motel room we caught up on washing and rest partially Sarah who has developed a cough.

Grand Canyon

Leaving Zion Canyon via the way we came in, we headed further down the grand stair case. We passing through the desert below the Vermilion Cliffs with little vegetation and parts with none at all. It is surprising the Navajo Indians are still living there and selling their jewelry etc on the side of the highway.
Before crossing the Colorado River we passed some balancing rocks. In the 1930’s someone choose to build structures in and under them which still stand today.
With a stop to see the Colorado River we walked out over the pedestrian bridge to see the river which created the Grand Canyon.
Entering the Grand Canyon National Park from the east we looked down into the numerous side canyons that lead into the main central canyon from along the South Rim.
After checking into the motel we headed to the west along the canyon rim and stopped to see the sun set before returning to the town ship south of the park for dinner and a night’s sleep.

Zion Canyon

Heading too two thirds of the way down the grand stair case we entered Zion National Park from the east entrance. With our hotel on the other side of the park, in Springdale, we cruised through part of the park including the one mile long tunnel and various switchbacks to get to the valley floor and down to our hotel.
We had breakfast then took the free bus up to the far end of the side canyon as cars are not allowed in this area.
Beginning at the top we saw the narrow opening formed by the river and spreading out to the wide valley with marinading river along its base.
Stopping at each available stop we walked the tracks to get great vantage points of the cliffs, valley floor etc. The walk up to Scouts lookout included various switchbacks and steep drop offs. Aaron completed the walk up to Scouts lookout and the (easy) first stage to Angles Landing.
Various other walks we did included walking up to three pools connected by water falls.
After about 8 hours in the park we returned to the hotel for a swim and spa before a walk through the town followed by dinner.
If only we had weeks to spend at each park, as there as there are numerous long hikes, climbing, abseiling (etc) opportunities one would not get board.

Bryce Canyon

Driving south down through a wide valley with dry brown vegetation with little grass in high heat made for another uneventful drive.
However all was rewarded when we left this valley and headed towards Bryce Canyon. A few photo stops along the scenic road to the National Park was a welcome relief.
Entering the Bryce Canyon National Park we drove to the far end of the dead end road as all to see is on the east side of the canyon. A short walk at the end of the road through the pine trees provided a great view over the plains. Below us were the colourful Hoodoos (Rock Pillar formations).
Driving back we stopped at all the lookouts which provided great views out in the distance and even better views out in front. From standing on the canyon rim the formations were spread out below us. Various colours, sizes and shapes made for numerous photo opportunities.
The red and white layering in the mud/rock is a welcome change from brown grass.
A few antelopes roamed the pine covered canyon rim (By the road) and eagles and crows circled the air with chipmunks scurrying around everywhere.
With a light shower of rain the heat slightly dropped to more manageable temperature, but still getting a sun tan.
Checking into our motel in the small town of Tropic (Population 460) began by calling the staff by the outside phone and then he arrives by a farm bike from down the road. The small motel has possibly 5 rooms and was possibly once a house. Despite our initial thoughts the inside is very spacious, clean tidy and just as good as the high rises in the big cities.
Pizza for tea across the road was very fulling and tasty. After a few skype talks we watched Close Up segments on the Kiwis in Bonneville breaking records, shame we missed seeing the Kiwis there yesterday.

Salt Lake City

Packed and waiting for breakfast at 6:30am we had another great breakfast at the Lodge with the way too happy waitress.
Now heading South we crossed the Continental Divide for the 7th time as the border changed from Montana to Idaho. Further south into Utah we continued past Salt Lake City to Interstate 80. A stop at the rest stop proved the straight roads were not over, not even close. A warning sign, this time not of deer or bison but snakes and scorpions proved we had ventured into new grounds. This long flat road across took as to the Bonneville Salt Flat.
After a walk on the salt and a taste test we continued to the famous Bonneville Speedway. While chatting to a guy manning the entrance we saw a sit down motorbike do 188.8 miles and hour. Earlier that day females we going 240miles an hour. After finding out about the 11mile long coarse we headed back the way we came.
Starting with the 58km straight, no rise no turns just flat. Then the most slightest of bend then straight for another 23km. After a slight deviation we continued straight and flat before a rise after 9km and a bend 4km later. So one hill and one corner in 84km.
After a hot day a swim followed by a spa proved relaxing. Wendys for tea and a relaxing time back at the hotel.

Yellowstone

Up at 5:45am again, for yet another drive across the prairies, this time we saw oil pumps and more grass. A stop at Buffalo for a chat with Jim at the Information Centre then up over a scenic pass with rock/mud formations, waterfalls and trees - a bit of greenery.
As it was another long day on the road we just drove through Yellowstone Park with a short road block due the bison. Crossing the Continental Divide twice. A big as the car it pays to give them the right of way. Saw bald eagles tending to its squawking young high in the tree tops.
Checked into Thee Bears Lodge and a stroll through West Yellowstone town for tea.

After a sleep in till 7:20am we were off. Back into the park. A look around the Old Faithfull Geyser area and saw Riverside Geyser erupt lasting about 20 minutes - it only goes off ever 6hrs. A look at the numerous geysers and hot springs including Morning Glory a colourful hot spring.
Continued the dive through the pine forests and past Yellowstone Lake, the way we came the previous night. After many heads of Bison we were on the look out for more wildlife. At the Yellowstone Grand Canyon we saw the Lower Falls - twice the height of Niagara Falls. And Osprey (Eagle) flying its nest.
After mud pools that were less impressive as those in Rotorua we headed up the North west corner for Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces. Huge hill with with terraces down it formed by the minerals from the hot water flowing from the springs.
Across the top of the park were more open fields with water falls and odd lava formations exposed in the canyon. A stop to look for Yogi and Boo Boo grizzly bears, or any bears came to nothing. Due to road closures we had to pass back pass the Yellowstone lake, pine forest and Continental Divide for the third time.
A wait to see Old Faithfull erupt was impressive even though it lased only 2 minutes. As the sun set we left the park and got dinner and some much needed sleep.

Sandusky to Chicago and on

Well to tell the true we are now in Yellowstone but will get back to that later.

After an earlier Morning start we headed out of sandusky, got back onto the I90 and headed west, to tell the truth the drive was not that exciting so we drove along the waterfront heading into Chicago. We got to the hotel and checked in then walked into town and showed Aaron around things we had seen, like the bean.
After wondering in town we went back to the hotel had a break and then walked to the John Hancock building Where Sarah and I left Aaron to go up, we headed off and found something for dinner, Just had to try a deep dish pizza, it was alright but had had better.

The next day we had another early start to get out of Chicago before the traffic got to bad, We were heading for Sioux Falls, one of the biggest drives we had.
Once we got passed all the toll roads out of Chicago things were good just a straight run west again. The drive west headed away from the hills and into the flat lands, with the biggest thing we saw being the upper Mississippi, we dropped down from the flat lands into the river basin and then back up to the flat lands
again. The other thing we saw were lots of wind turbines I mean lots.
Once we checked into the hotel we decided to look around town and went to grand Sioux falls, the name was bigger than the falls turned out to be.

Once again we were up early and again heading west today's destination was Rapid city and the black mountains.
On the way to rapid we decided to go look at a corn castle, was not that good.
We drove past corn fields sunflowers and just grass. One thing we all noticed was that south Dakota is flat really flat. In this state we crossed the Missouri River.
We decided to take a detour through the bad lands and look at all the neat formations, we took lots of pictures and then carried on to Rapid city checked in and then headed into the black mountains and Crazy horse and the Rushmore monuments.
The crazy horse monument will be amazing when it is finished but has a bit more to go.
From there we headed back to the mount Rushmore monument, we walked around and did a walk below the bottom on the monument before having something to eat and then watching the lighting of the monument for night. Rushmore was amazing to actually see it in person instead of pictures or tv.