The Ultimate Planner

I am "The Ultimate Planner". It is not enough for me just to relax and "enjoy the scenery" (although I like that too). For months I have been learning everything one could ever need to know about every mile of our trip. I find it a richer experience when I know if I might see Elk, Bison or Bears there. I enjoy it more when I can imagine a historical figure or event that occurred. Of course, it helps that the good old USA is abundant in history and nature.

I don't think it's reaching very far to say I got that trait from my Dad. I guess the history buff doesn't fall far from the tree. :) And now, I get to pass that on the girls. We have been listening to books on tape, watching documentaries and reading all kinds of stories over the past few months as the anticipation for this extended vacation has been building. They are so excited to see the many different animals in Yellowstone and fascinated by the mountains, forests and lakes. But more so they are interested in seeing the town that Buffalo Bill Cody created, or the birthplace of Sacajawea, where the Oregon Trail blazed its way west and the great Missouri River where Lewis and Clark made their expidition.

This is a trip of a lifetime. I hope it goes as well as we anticipate. If it does, we will traverse it again and again I am sure. Here are a few of the sites that we look forward to seeing on our 2,500 mile journey. As long as I have access to Internet, you will find pictures and posts here throughout the next week.

Sam Houston State Park

Tornado Alley!! (hopefully that isn't as exciting as it sounds)

Fort Hays, KS

Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, etc

Independence Rock

Douglas, WY - Home of the Jackalope!

Cody, WY - Buffalo Bill's Town

Shoshone National Forest

Yellowstone National Park

Three Forks, MT (Sacajawea birthplace)

Coeur d'Alene Lake, ID

Pikes Place Fish Market, Seattle