I Prefer Aluminum

August 30-Sept 1, 2019 We met our Airstream Buddies in Waterloo, IA (an almost half-way point) and spent Labor Day weekend at the KOA. We planned this trip because this campsite was supposed to have a waterpark attached to it -- but surprisingly, they closed the weekend before Labor Day!  It ended up that the weather would not have been very conducive to go to the waterpark anyway.  Thankfully, we were able to have lots of fun together without the water park's help.  Our KOA had a cardboard boat race -- something we had never participated in before.  We were given sheets of cardboard and rolls of duct tape.  The kids formed teams and got to work building the boats.  The other element of excitement for this camping trip was that we brought the kitties with us. They whined for the first part of the trip but then settled in and relaxed.  It was really great having them with us -- and Taylor only escaped once. Another favo...

The rest of our South Dakota highlights included a beautiful hike in Custer State Park (by way of Needles Highway) and Dinosaur Park in Rapid City. Fireworks shows were cancelled due to a crazy thunderstorm!  The next day we relaxed at the campground.  The kids loved the spring fed water slide. Jude rented a bike and did the climbing wall. Lucy and Pradit went gem mining and made mini marshmallow guns and went on a wagon ride to pelt the staff. It was pretty cute. What a trip!  

This morning we headed out of Billings and headed to South Dakota — our drive was about 5.5 hrs. We’re staying at the Mt Rushmore Palmer Gulch KOA. The drive through Montana and Wyoming was beautiful!

Loading up in the pouring rain was a chilly job!  We ventured to Billings - about 4.5 hrs. When we registered at the KOA, I asked to be situated next to an Airstream if possible.  Not only did they Grand our request - but we also followed one into the campground!  Double whammy!  The KOA was great - a playground right next to our site, a pool, and a mini golf course. We met our Airstream. neighbors and they recommended Pictograph Cave State Park. A short loop trail brought us to ancient cave drawings. It was fascinating!   We drove into Billings for dinner at Last Chance Cider Mill - a kid friendly brewery in town  and called it a night - we leave early in the morning for the Black Hills!

Our hearts are sad today. We heard from our cat sitter that Reverb, our two year old male cat, died suddenly.  He showed no symptoms - she just found him peacefully laying on the rug in the living room. Our only guess is that he had some sort of undiagnosed heart condition.  He was such a sweet kitty!  You will be missed, Verbie Boo!

Today we covered the rest of Yellowstone’s highlights - Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring!  It was nice to slow down a little - we let the kids sleep in and certainly saw larger crowds, but we were able to see everything with the help of our bikes when the parking lots were too crammed!  We came back to the campsite and relaxed and caught up on some laundry. 

Rising with the sun, we were the first at Artist’s Paint Pots trail. Cars slowly started to file in and we met a couple whose dog knew how to “wai” (Thai greeting)!  The wife was Thai and we chatted for a while before we hit the trail. The bubbling mud pits were really cool and smelled of sulfur. Next we headed towards Canyon Village. Our sleepy kids perked up after we entered the gift shop. Pradit found a Yellowstone multi tool - he was very excited. Next up was the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.   We opted for the 3/8 mile hike down to the falls overlook. It was WELL worth it - the view was amazing but the hike back up to the parking lot was a little strenuous!  Next up was Inspiration Point - we were able to see the front of the falls (our hike took us above them). Pradit and I made it to Artist’s Point as well - where famous renderings of the waterfall have been painted. Everyone was sleepy so they took car naps while I drove us North on the upper loop. The goal was the...