Days 32-34 consisted of driving, driving, and more driving... We drove through the night and the next morning, arriving in South Dakota where we laid low during the heat of the day. We stayed at a hotel and left in the middle of the night. The later in the morning we got Ihop for breakfast!
G cleaned the bugs of the windshield while I gassed up the van
These signs appeared all along the Iowa/South Dakota I-90, presumably where people had passed away in accidents.
The beautiful rolling plains of South Dakota and Wyoming...
In Wyoming we had to change the fourth and final tire after the van began shaking again. We should have changed them all the first time, but we didn't know... We drove through the night and slept at a rest stop. We woke up early and drove as the sun was rising. It was amazing!
South Dakota was so open and peaceful
Around 6am we arrived at Badlands National Park for our last excursion before the final push home. The Badlands were incredible and it was great to see them so early in the morning.
"I think I saw a wabbit!"
"I am woman, hear me roar!"
This rabbit wasn't scared
I was having a great time, I don't know why I look so grumpy...
We climbed a big canyon wall from the bottom of the plains and when we got to the top, there were more plains at a different elevation! We are definitely coming back to camp here for an extended period...
After a few glorious hours we decided to keep moving. We were really anxious to get home... Montana was stunning and we regret that we didn't stay there for a while, but a Montana trip is in the works... We drove all day and basically all night. We arrived in Idaho for breakfast and then drove across Washington until we got home around 2pm.
Almost home!
Home!
It's been an incredible trip that we'll never forget. Thank you Grandpa and Grandma Smith for everything you took care of for us, not the least of which was the use of that amazing camper van! It only overheated one time and was flawless the rest of the time! We couldn't have done this trip without your help! Also, thanks to Jordan and Kristina, Nancy and Justin, Sadie, Kim and Phil, Dave and Tim and all the Harder Family for the hospitality, food, and wonderful times we had together! We've been inspired for a number of future trips we plan to take. This includes Utah, Badlands and Montana, and more Iowa trips! Grace and I are now decompressing at home for a bit, enjoying the cool northwest, and Grace is planning out her class which starts in a month!!! Thanks for following the blog, hope you enjoyed it!!!
