Friday, June 19, 2015

Our trip to South Dakota Day one and two



We are on our way to see our daughter in South Dakota, and witness the arrival of our third grandchild and first granddaughter.

This planning  started six months ago, but things kept coming up, where we couldn't save for the airline fair. So we calculated the cost, and it was far cheaper for us to drive.

My wife and I decided to rent a car, and that way we would not put wear and tear on our own vehicle, plus our 16 year old son - who didn't want to come - would have a way to get around when we were gone.

The trip was set, everything was paid and all was good.

Day one

We went to get our car from #Budgetrentacar, stood on a line at 7:30 am. Only one person was there to check everyone in, and so the going was slow.

We finally made it to the counter, and he demanded my wife's identification and card.

Now let me explain,  my wife and I don't have credit cards, because they were dangerous to us at the first part of our married lives. If we don't have the money for it, we don't buy it.

Budget does not care about our personal beliefs, and they don't except debit.

My wife was upset, my daughter in South Dakota was in tears and we still needed to be on the road.

We went to #EnterpiseRentals and they wanted $3500 to rent the car. I laughed, congratulated the manager on his comedy routine and left.

After much  debate, we decided to take our car. We made sure that the fluids were topped off, and then we set of for South Dakota. My 16 year old son was very upset, but the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few [he always quotes that].

We drove through Oregon, Washington, Idaho and into Montana. We stopped at 9:00 at the cutest little motel in Superior Montana, called Big Sky Motel, bigskymotel.net.

Day 2

We left Superior Montana, and headed east, and across the Rocky Mountains, and into the northern planes of the United States. This was a very long trip. There is not much that went on on the second day, except looking out the window and taking pictures.

We made it into Pierre (locals pronounce it Peer) South Dakota at 11:15 local time. The car made it, and we were exhausted.

Since pictures are worth a thousand words, Here are some pictures for your enjoyment. I think I will take tomorrow off

Columbia River Gorge

Multanmoha Falls, Oregon

The Columbia River

More of the Columbia River

Wind Farm in Washington State

A Large Windmill - What would Don Quixote think? 

Hello Montana

The best little Hotel we have ever visited.

Montana from the passenger side of a moving car.

The Rockies!

Mountains and green prairies.
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River in Eastern Montana
The Plains in Montana
The Rocky Mountains
Wheat Montana Bakery - No good if you are eating paleo!

More of the Rocky Mountains in Montana


A river runs through it in Montana

lots of green grass land in the Wyoming


Welcome to South Dakota

Sunset of Day 2