Day 4: Something Besides Driving
Today we got a taste of what we were all expecting from this big adventure. We got ready to go while Rob had a meeting, then did a quick final exploration of our camp area before heading out.
Google Maps said the drive time was two hours by car, so we planned 2.5 in the RV, a function of driving at 62 mph vs. the limit of 80 on I-94. We traveled past hundreds of railroad cars on a single lane track without an engine or depot site. There were gaps in the cars for side roads, so we have no idea how they will finally move them if they ever do.
Kelly was finally able to have a drive day without white knuckles and long delays. It was glorious. We arrived to the Cottonwood Campground in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota just slightly before noon. We ate lunch together, then Kelly and the boys headed out for five hours to explore part of the park while Rob stayed back to work.
Side note: This was the first time we’d detached the tow car since we left, which meant Kelly’s next driving adventure was beginning: driving a car with a manual transmission despite never owning one. The kids reported some initial shaking, but no stalls, and then we were rolling through the park smoothly. (Note from Rob: she’s actually awesome at it, as she was when she drove my 2003 VW Jetta when we were dating).
Theodore Roosevelt park is the Badlands of North Dakota. After stopping by the visitor center to watch the documentary, buy the NP coins, buy a new Prairie Dog for Nicholas and get hiking recommendations, we headed out. Highlights for Nicholas were the prairie dogs, Cooper loved taking all the pictures, and Kelly always enjoys seeing bison. Hikes completed: Skyline Vista, Wind Canyon Trail, Boicourt Trail, Buck Hill, and Coal Vein Trail.
Back at the campsite we went for a family bike ride around the loops, gathered wood for a fire and enjoyed our first s’mores of the trip.
Rob has declared he just created the best s’mores ever. A layering of thin Reese Peanut Butter cup, roasted marshmallow, Hershey’s chocolate, more roasted marshmallow and then warm it all together, balanced precariously on a roasting stick over the fire.
Cool to see this national park. I bet it doesn’t get that many visitors. It does look like badlands! Yay on the manual car driving going well. I’m still hoping for a lesson in the high school parking lot in the fall. Since I just caught up from day 1, I also want to say that was an excellent balloon arch!
Prairie dog, S’mores, picture taking, and a family hike, WOW it doesn’t get much better. I don’t remember the Jetta stick but Kelly has the talent to try everything and adapt.
Your family is a movie machine with many miles each time. Be safe and keep up the great experience for everyone. We have two bison on the island that I drive by frequently and enjoy each visual.
Quite the adventure already. I’ve heard the badlands are something to see. Keep on truckin’!