A LONG DAY

Well it is 9:51 and we have been in our hotel for only about 20 minutes. That tells you how long we were on the road. We drove from Mount Rushmore, South Dakota to Pueblo, Colorado. Of course we did not leave until 1 pm because there were a few more things we wanted to do. We had quite a bit of rain heading down to Pueblo, but Hal was a star driver and got us here safe and sound.

Today we started out at Bear Country USA. This is a drive-thru wilderness preserve. It was recommended to us by a boy in Haley's class who did this trip last summer, so we gave it a try. We saw elk, deer, mountain sheep, arctic wolves, gray wolves, mountain lions and many bears. We got there at 7:45 and were the first car in the park. The animals were all very active. As a matter a fact, many were blocking our way. Wolves came right up to our doors. That was a bit creepy. The bears was pretty funny because it was feeding time. Of course we saw so many animals in Yellowstone that we felt a bit spoiled. The best part of the visit was all the bear cubs. There were about 15. Haley wanted to take one home. We feel in love with them

Next we headed back to Mount Rushmore to see its beauty during the day. I think I forgot to say that we looked at the names of all people who helped with carving the monument. To our amazement, Edward Coad appeared on the list. That was pretty cool.

So we start heading towards Colorado and realize that Nick left the camera bag at Mount Rushmore. Thank goodness we were only about 35 minutes away. So that delayed us about an hour or so. Luckily, the bag was turned in to lost and found. We had the camera, but the bag had one lens in it. We were thankful.

OK so we drove and drove and drove. We passed through South Dakota, Wyoming and then Colorado. We listened to books on tape. We played family feud on DS (whole family participation) and we laughed until we cried. Most of the things we laughed at were a time and place thing. It is funny to read some of the signs along the road...eg Shawnee, Wyoming population: 1. The kids (well really Hal and I too) always say the most hysterical things, especially when you have been in the car for over 8 hours. Here are some quotes. (Some will be anonymous to protect the innocent)
Haley-Mom I am running out of underwear. I counted and packed enough for the trip. I packed 8 pairs. Mom responds laughing, "Haley we are gone for 12 days remember?" OH, says Haley.

"Yes we drove in from Yosemite last night," said by (someone in my family) Yellowstone has been replaced by Yosemite at least ten times now.

"Hey guys, how did you like Coyote, Wyoming?"...(I think that would be Cody, Wyoming.) This too has been repeated multiple times.

Mom said, "Hey Nick put this in the fridge, I mean freezer."
Nick- "Mom we have no freezer of fridge in the car. Do you mean the cooler?"

Obviously when you are in the car for that long, everything is funny. We have had a great time with each other. It has truly been an incredible trip. I have truly enjoyed every minute of it!

Tomorrow we will head to Durango. This is only, thank goodness, 5 hours.
Much Love-Lisa
PS- We have been so blessed with weather. It rained the entire day before we got to Mount Rushmore. Denver had very bad weather all day. The rain seemed to be easing up as we drove through this afternoon. Durango had thunder showers all day today. The forecast calls for clear skies tomorrow. God has been good to us.