Road Trip!

While living internationally, there were so many things about home that we missed and which have been discussed in-depth in this blog.  But the "road trip" was one that we didn't even know we were longing for.  The freedom to load up your own vehicle with junk food, a few changes of clothing and a full tank of gas, is taken for granted when you can do it any ole time.  It's only when you don't have access to a personal car and the countryside is deemed dangerous, that one might start thinking, "Why didn't I explore the states a bit more?"

Brooke at Mt. Rushmore

So, we are now at liberty to indulge in one of America's greatest past times.  Our Great American Road Trip was a spur-of-the-moment day's long drive to southwestern South Dakota. With our bicycles on the bumper and an ice chest packed full of Gatorade and soda, we drove straight north, up through Kansas and Nebraska, to enjoy the Black Hills.  Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, a plethora of national parks, Sturgis, Deadwood, all wrapped up in a nice little package.

Kyle running along the Mickelson Trail

Escaping a month-long heat wave in Oklahoma, we appreciated the 75 degree highs.  Afternoon rain storms were pleasant and the smell of "mountain air" was reviving.  We enjoyed buffalo meat at the Buglin' Bull Restaurant and rhubarb pie a la mode at a local bakery.  We worked off our calories with runs along the magnificent Mickelson Trail and bicycling in the Badlands.  We didn't even mind the drive home, which for 14 hours, it's hard not to notice that the only radio stations that always come in clearly are either Christian or in Spanish. And in true fashion, the whole way home, I repeatedly asked, "Where are we going next?"