Everyone is Just Waiting.

I know it's been a while- we are currently in  Toronto.  Internet connection here has been spotty at best, and I keep getting booted off.  It is frustrating, to say the least, so I haven't been online much since arriving here.

Back to our travels:  We decided to go to Cedar Rapids, MI instead of Detroit.  There is another Cedarfair amusement park not far from there that is included in our season passes.  The drive from Indianapolis went well.  We left early in the morning and arrived by mid afternoon.  As usual the boys wanted to hit the pool at the hotel to decompress after being cooped up in the car all day.

Lunch stop in Michigan

Next morning we headed out to Michigan's Adventure.  This is a smaller park than most (only seven coasters.)  Maggie and Ian did their coaster thing- I did all but the looping coasters- and we even got Danny to go on a few more.  He actually loved them!  Unfortunately the park was rather crowded.  We were hoping to get done early enough to go to another minor league baseball game, but the lines for many of the rides were pretty long.

The boys on one of the coasters

We finished up in the park around 7:00 PM so I decided to drive towards Lake Michigan.  As we headed into the center of Muskegon we started seeing all of these motorcycles.  All of a sudden we rounded a bend and saw thousands of bikes.  Apparently it was "Bike Time" in Muskegon- Rich would have loved it.

We found the road to the lake beach and pulled in to the lot.  Looking out I saw a lighthouse with a pier leading out to it.  Before I could say anything the three kids had their shoes off and we running across the sand.  What really cracked me up was that minutes before Danny had been sleeping and now he was whooping it up as he raced towards the lake!  I let them play for a bit, but I really wanted to walk out to the lighthouse and watch the sunset.

We followed the pier and sat under the lighthouse as the sun went down. It was a really nice moment for us. Lake Michigan was beautiful and it was nice to watch the boats go by.   Walking back Danny begged to go to the playground on the beach so I let him play there for a bit.  As usual we had no idea how to make it back to the main highway so we just headed in what I hoped was the right direction.  Thankfully it was and we made it back to the hotel.  

You Will Come To a Place Where the Streets Are Not Marked

Indianapolis- a city known for fast car races.  For us- a city we had a "wonderful" driving tour.  I know many people have told me we should have a GPS, but I really do prefer the old fashioned map- or sometimes even just wandering around on our own. And that is exactly what we ended up doing in Indy.  We had many laughs, a little frustration, but finally ended up where we wanted to go.

The day started late- I let everyone sleep until 10:15.  I never really had a firm idea of what to do during our one day in Indianapolis so a figured it was a good day to catch up on some much needed rest.  We decided to head into the downtown of the city, walk around for a while and then go see the Indianapolis Indians ball game.  When I looked online for ticket information I saw that if you showed a receipt for a purchase of honey tickets were but one, get one free.  Being the bargain hunter that I am, I decided we should stop at a supermarket and make the purchase.  Thus began our quest for the day.

We managed to make it into the city with no problems.  However, it seemed no matter which direction we went from there we could not find a grocery store.  In every other city we have been in we ALWAYS find the local Walmart.  But again and again we turned down main roads and NOTHING!  Maggie and Ian wanted me to pull over and ask people where they shopped.  We hypothesized that everyone must eat out or have food delivered.  It was getting to be ridiculous!

We finally turned down this main road and came upon the Indianapolis Speedway.   I figured there had to be something in that neighborhood, and sure enough we located a Kroger.  We purchased our honey, and a few more snacks and headed out.  It was a really nice store, although we thought that the man in the car in front of us was dead when he really was just taking a nap.

Now we had to get back to the downtown of the city.  After making so many wrong turns we were completely turned around.  It took a bit to make it back.  We parked and walked to the War Memorial in the center of the downtown.  There we toured the Civil War museum.  It was a very small, but well done exhibit.  We capped the afternoon with a walk around but then got really hot so we went for an early dinner.

Our next ordeal was in finding cheap parking for the baseball game.  According to the website there is a lot that only charged $5.00.  However as we were driving around we could only find lots that we much more expensive.  On our third try around the stadium I took what I thought was a wrong turn and lo and behold- THERE WAS THE LOT!! I was on the rear side of the stadium.  I wish they had better signage for us tourists.

We purchased our BOGO tickets and headed in.  Batting practice was going on and Ian snagged a ball- good news!!  Just as the game was about to begin an announcement was made that a storm was coming in, so out came the tarps- bad news!!  The rain delay lasted about an hour and a half.  In the meantime, Maggie finished her Artemis Fowl book and the boys had ice cream- not a bad way to wait out a delay.  The game was enjoyable.  Danny and I played Baseball Bingo.  (This forced me to pay attention since the squares are filled with possible plays of the game.)  By the fifth inning everyone was exhausted.  The Indians were losing 4-1 and all three kids asked if we could just go back to the hotel.  Feeling pretty tired myself, I agreed and we called it a night. I wanted to get an early start since the next day was a driving day to Michigan.

You'll Be On Your Way Up

"Meet me in St. Louie, Louie..."

We did not go to the fair, but we did go to the Arch.  When we were seated in our pod to go to the top I said to Rich that I felt like Mork.  He agreed and the kids had no idea of what we were laughing about.  God, I feel old!!!  The Arch really is an architectural wonder.  I found it so fascinating reading about the design and construction of it.  The builders had to be extremely precise in their measurements.  The view from the top was so cool.  Since it was a clear day we could see for miles.  Then back into our pod we went for the quick journey down.

After the Arch we walked over to Busch Stadium to get a peek inside.  Unfortunately the Cardinals were on the road and we couldn't see them play.  Maggie had a great time putting her Mets hat on all the statues in the plaza outside the stadium.

At this point we were all close to melting.  I think the temperature had to be at least 100.  Rich was leaving that afternoon so he suggested I just take him the the airport early and then go get lunch with the kids.  No issues in getting to the airport and then Maggie took over as navigator.  She found a mall for us to go to for lunch (we needed the air conditioning.  I also think she had hopes that there would be a bookstore.  And there was- she needed the new Artemis Fowl book.)  

For our adventures after lunch, please read Maggie's entry.  Just as an aside- the neighborhood, while quite rundown, was perfectly safe in daylight.  I don't think I would have ventured there by myself at night.  Upon returning to the hotel the boys had a swim and we called it a night.

The next day after checking out of the hotel we headed to City Museum.  This place was neat.  It is basically a huge playground for kids of all ages.  All of the exhibits are made from found and recycled materials.  There are tunnels, bridges, slides- anything and everything you can think of, and it is all meant to be a hands on experience for everyone.  I will admit that I did not climb around as much as the kids.  I was afraid that 1. I would get stuck and 2. due to my lack of grace I would break my camera.  I did go down one of the huge slides they have and it was a lot of fun.  We also made snowflakes and played the piano.  

Next up was seeing the Cathedral Basilica- part deux.  WE found it much easier than the previous day and even snagged a free parking spot,  When we walked in noon mass was in progress so we sat quietly in the back until it ended.  Ian's first words upon entering the church were "It's amazing."  Amazing it is.  It really reminded me of some of the grand churches I have seen in Europe.  You can definitely add here to my list of recommended places to visit.

Up next, heading to Indianapolis on our way to Michigan.

You'll Find the Bright Places...

Kansas City, day 2....
Another hot and steamy day in the Midwest.  We decided to sleep in and take it easy today.   We've logged so many miles over the past few weeks, it was nice to relax a little.  After foregoing the hotel-provided breakfast we stopped and had a great meal and then Rich decided we needed to get an oil change.  That was quickly accomplished and we headed to Worlds of Fun, another Cedarfair Amusement Park.

Our luck in parks continued.  I don't know if it was because it was Sunday, or that it was so hot, but there were no lines for any of the rides.  We didn't have more than a five minute wait for anything- including all of the coasters!  I did NOT take my motion sickness pills and had a wonderful day.  Despite the heat we made it all the way through the park.  Maggie, Ian and Rich hot all the coasters, and I went on all the non-loopers.  (I didn't want to press my luck!)  Worlds of Fun has one of the fastest wooden coasters I have ever been on.  It was great.  There other coasters are pretty good as well.  Danny ventured out of the Kiddie Park and went on "Fury of the Nile," a roaring rapids type ride.  He loved it!  That was quite a surprise for us.  Of course I was the one that can off the ride the wettest- which really made Danny's day.  We had to go on it again- and yet again, I seemed to attract the water!

Although walking around the park in wet shorts was not my idea of an enjoyable experience- it was worth it to see Danny take a chance on something new.  He is a cautious thinker and it takes a lot to get him to break out of his comfort zone sometimes.

We finished to park in record time and then the boys asked to go back to the hotel and swim.  We picked up food and headed back.  Danny, Ian and Rich headed down as I re-packed all the clothes in preparation for our departure.  We wanted an early start so we could do some sight seeing before heading to St. Louis.


The next day we headed back to the downtown area of the Kansas City.  Our first stop was the Federal Reserve Building.  We took a self guided tour and learned a little about the history of money.  The kids seemed to enjoy it.  Ian and Rich were fascinated by the "robots" that moved the money through while Danny enjoyed the hands on aspects of the exhibition.

Across the street from the fed lies the National World War I Museum.  This was my favorite stop on this leg of our trip.  We started our tour by going up into the tower on the grounds for a 360 view of Kansas City.  It was a clear day and the view was great.  The museum is chock full of memorabilia from World War I.  Everything in the museum was incredible.  The manner in which the exhibits are displayed, the volunteers that work there, the multi media presentations, the interactive stations- all of these aspects made learning about this turbulent time an really powerful educational experience for all of us.  I think we all walked out of there learning so much more about World War I.

Our final stop in Kansas City was the Crown Center- an indoor mall- for a quick lunch.  Rich, Maggie and I opted for more KC BBQ from Three Little Piggies, but Ian and Danny wanted pizza.  The pizzeria there was named D'Bronx, and I found out the owners were in fact, from New York.  The boys really enjoyed their pizza.  I had a bite and I have to say, it is the best New York style pizza that I have had in the Midwest.  Time to head to St. Louis!!

And the Magical Things You Can Do With that Ball...

"Kansas City, Kansas City here we come..."  After the looong ride across Kansas we finally made it to Kansas City.  I think we were all glad to get to the hotel and stretch our legs.  Thankfully we had stopped at a family Mexican restaurant in Salina, KS for dinner so we could get settled in immediately.

The next day we decided to go to the KC Royals game.  The heat seems to be following us.  Before we went to the game we stopped at the local Harley dealer.  While Rich was shopping I started talking to one of the salespeople.  She gave me her recommendations for KC BBQ- a must, I have been told if you are in the city. Then we went to the local Cabela's.  This store was HUGE!  It is like nothing I have ever seen.   In addition to the usual displays the store also had:  a pond with fish to feed, an aquarium, a restaurant, a shooting range and the largest exhibit of taxidermy mule deer in nation.  It gave me lots to do with Danny while Rich helped Maggie pick out an archery bow and Ian an air soft gun.

We then went to Arthur Bryant's BBQ (the most authentic as told to me by the Harley lady.)  As we drive deeper into Kansas City I begin to wonder about where we were going.  Finally we find the place- it is 3:00 in the afternoon and there is a line out the door.  Bryant's really is a neighborhood "joint."  When you go in you wait in line, order through a window, pick up your food and then get your table.  The food is basic BBQ, and it is delicious.  Based on the pictures on the walls everyone who is anyone that has passed through KC has stopped here.  (For all you vegetarians- there only options according to the posted menu are cole slaw and beer.)  We were all stuffed after leaving here and ready to take in the baseball game.

Royals Stadium is a beautiful park.  We bought tickets (in the shade) for a vendor in the parking lot and headed in.  The seats were great- on the third base line, lower level.  We arrived early enough to get our "KC Chips and Dip platters" and to take in the White Sox batting practice.  Danny and Ian were quite excited when they got a ball from one of the players.  The game was great, especially since the home team won.  The fountains at the park are very nice and add a great touch to those special moments of the game.  We thoroughly enjoyed the experience!

The Ville

The following is a brief interruption by Maggie who wants to tell the story of half of today's events. The setting is St. Louis. 


Ahem. Just saying- none of this was my fault. It was the map's entirely. 


The problems (somewhat) started right after we dropped my father off at the airport. We were hungry. And I wanted to go to a bookstore. So we decided to go to a mall. Cause there are bookstores, more often then not, in them. So I found a mall in the book-thing and successfully navigated us to food and books. We ate. Then I got my book. (SO VERY HAPPY. YESSSSSS.) It was 4:30ish when we returned to the car but everything closes at 5 so we couldn't really do anything. But mi madre wanted to go see the Basillica Cathedral. So we set out to find it.


There were 4 mini maps I was using as reference. I basically had no idea where we where, except that we were in the general area of St. Louis. Slowly we did make our way back to the city part but- we still didn't know where on the map we were. We would pass-by streets that where no-where to be seen on paper and that was when I realized- we were somewhat lost. And then we drove into- Da' Ville.

Lots of abandoned buildings and shady looking people walking 'bout.

And then we all died. Nope. Then we found the Church!

Nope. That wasn't it either. But thanks to finding a map that has all the streets we got to the really fancy neighborhood and found the really fancy church. Yay!

And then I played with stamps. But that was the end of our fun. Until Niagara Falls and someone falls over 'accidentally'.

DFTBA.

Grind On For Miles ....

Friday the 13th.....about half way through the trip.....wake up to a toilet that isn't working..... the day was not starting well.  This is our longest travel day of the trip.  We are travelling from Denver, across Kansas to Kansas City, MO. 

Currently we are about 2/3 of the way there and as there really is nothing to report I am going to take this time for a few mid-trip comments and observations.

The trip so far has gone remarkably well.  I thank God every day that my kids are such great travelers.  That is not to say there hasn't been bickering, but they really cope well with long car rides.

Danny has been treating us to facts about all the states we have been to.  And when he's done with that, he picks a random state to tell us about.  Did you know that it is legal in West Virginia to bring road kill home for dinner?  (Not breakfast or lunch, dinner only.)  He has been a constant source of amusement to us.  He asks questions that can stump anyone.  (What does the Devil look like?  Where is hell?  Can I say hell in school, or will I get in trouble?)  It has been wonderful seeing this country through his eyes.

Ian has been the ever-sweet and conscientious child that he always is.  He sits in the back with Danny and plays with him.  He is always concerned about how I am feeling and what everyone else wants to do.  He's the ice getter in the hotels, and the quickest to get ready to go.  He carries more luggage than the others and will always offer to come with me when I forget something in the car (which happens often.)  He is quick to smile and rarely complains.  He is growing up so quickly and I know will be a man to make any mother proud.

Maggie is well, Maggie.  She's quirky and funny and exasperating all at once.  She's suffering from sleep deprivation but still will read for hours at night. (At least I think that's what she is doing.)  She is our videographer extraordinaire.  It will be interesting to see what she has filmed this trip.  She has been searching for license plates from all 50 states and only needs about a dozen more.   She finds humor in much and while her mood can turn on a dime, has coped well with everything, especially annoying little brothers.  I know once Rich leaves I can depend on her to be my copilot.

Things I have learned:

1.  Most restaurants in the Midwest offer more options for people with food allergies.  Almost everywhere we have gone there has been a large gluten free menu and notes to  ask about other allergy information.

2.  Monuments and parks are much more accessible out here.  I don't know if it is because they are not afraid of vandalism, but everything is so OPEN out here.

3.  The bugs are bigger, especially the ones that get smeared on my windshield. 

4.  Binoculars would have been nice to bring.

5.  According to Maggie, driving is boring.

We have now traveled a total of about 3800 miles since leaving New Jersey on June 30.  I'm looking forward to the next 3800!!

Once More You'll Ride (Mile) High!!

Our original plan was to detour to Devil's Tower in Wyoming on our way to Denver.  Due to our mishap of the day before, we opted to go straight to Denver.  There really isn't much to say about the ride.  Most of the journey was cutting through Wyoming. 

Wyoming was desolate.  You really could see for miles and miles.  There was nothing that broke up the view except cattle.  That's all I have to say about that.

We arrived in Denver and quickly found our hotel.  I really wanted to try one of the places Guy Fieri visited on "Diners, Drive Ins and Dives."  In looking at my list, we decided on Steuben's Food Service.  I'm glad we did!  Steuben's is housed in a former garage.  If you are ever in the Denver area I recommend trying them.  Everything we ate was delicious.  I had the cayenne etouffee, Rich had trout, and the kids had a cheese steak, pulled pork and slider.  As an appetizer we ate pork bits that were grilled and rolled in powered sugar.  Needless to say, every plate was finished. 

Feeling stuffed, we knew we needed to walk off dinner so we headed to the 16th Ave Pedestrian Walkway.  The street is lined with restaurants, bars and shops and is closed to vehicular traffic.  It was a great night to stroll around.  The area was busy with conventioneers.  We walked for a bit and people watched until bedtime.

The next morning we had reserved a tour of the Denver Mint.  However, we missed our turnoff and got there late.  Although our ticket said no one would be allowed in without a reservation or late, we decided to try to get on the next tour.  The Treasury Department Officer was very nice and said he would try.  Just then a woman and her son came up and said that they had a reservation for seven, but only two of them decided to wake up early for the tour.  Lucky break for us!!  The tour was short, but interesting.  Danny said he learned how to make coins.  As they talked about the commemorative quarter program all of us looked at each other and smiled.  I knew we were all thinking of my Dad.  He probably would have loved going to the Mint.

Elitch Gardens Amusement Park was our next stop, because "Not to See Elitch's is Not to See Denver."  I have decided that I am not destined to ride many coaster this trip.  Out first ride, Sidewinder, was basically Lightning Loops.  I was fine on the forward ride, but as we looped backwards I started feeling ill.  (I am so embarrassed by this.  I feel like a coaster-newbie.)  After that I took my motion sickness pills.  I rode the classic wooden coaster Twister II.  About a half hour later I began to feel as I did at Valleyfair! in Minnesota.  I sent Rich off with the older kids to ride the rest of the coasters and took Danny to the Kiddie Park.  Sitting on a bench, struggling to stay awake, I pulled out my bottle of motion sickness pills.  It was then I discovered what my problem was- I bought the wring kind!  Instead of the non-drowsy formula I had grabbed the regular ones.  No wonder I felt so sick at both parks!!  When Rich joined me I told him about my mistake.  Being the wonderful man that he is, we sat on a bench while Ian and Danny went on kiddie rides together and I took a little nap.

Feeling much better we brought the kids to the attached water park and let them frolic until it closed. 

Leaving the park we drove to Lookout Point on the outskirts of the city of Denver.  Again we saw amazing views.  The one thing I have to say about this trip is that the United States really is a beautiful place.

Bang-ups and Hang-ups Can Happen to You.

Needles Passage through the Badlands is definitely not for the faint of heart.  I thought the Iron Mountain road was treacherous, but this brings new meaning to it.  The road is very narrow, barely allowing two cars to pass.  There are hairpin turns and steep inclines, most of which have no guardrails.  I actually felt like I was going to be sick as we drove the road.  But yet again, the views are amazing.  You drive through rock formations that look other-worldly.  You can see for miles.  It is like nothing you will ever see in New Jersey!

Looking out the car window on Needles Passage

The "Needles"

After this ride we decided to visit one of the many caves that are in the Black Hills.  We picked the Beautiful Wonderland Cave since it was on our way to Sturgis.  As we were travelling up a small rural highway we see a sign directing us down a dirt road to the cave.  We took the turn...and so our adventure began.  Not far in our fuel light came on.  Anyone who has driven with me knows I push the car- I usually get about another hundred miles before refilling.  Well, this road went on and on.   We finally reach the end and are directed to ANOTHER dirt road.  It was even bumpier and dirtier than the the other.  Rich takes this moment to remind me we have been driving at about 20 miles an hour with the AC on and may not get my hundred miles.  That didn't make me feel any better.  We get to the cave and while I wouldn't call it a beautiful wonderland, it was pretty cool.  The step leading to it were easy to manage on the way down- not so much on the way up.

So after we leave the cave we still have that long dirt road to contend with, a fuel light on, and me getting increasingly nervous.  Once we hit pavement we decided to press our luck and go to Sturgis since backtracking didn't look any more promising. 

We made it to Sturgis and pulled in to the first station we saw.  This was one of those times where I am glad my van gives so much advanced warning.  We filled the car, with a few gallons to spare. (At this point Rich checks the tire, and while one tire is slightly low, there is no indication of what is to come.)

Sturgis is a sleepy little mining town that is dominated by motorcycles.  The town is inundated with about 100000 bikers for a huge rally every August.  It then reverts back to a four block quiet town.  Thankfully, we were not there during bike week.  (Although Rich may disagree.)  We checked out the Harley store and continued on our way to Deadwood.

Downtown Sturgis

Deadwood is the quintessential mining town.  Most of the buildings in the historic district are still the originals.  As we meandered up the main road we saw a sign for a free enactment of the murder of Wild Bill Hickock in the Saloon #10.  I just had to check that out!  In we go, and managed to snag seats close to the action.  An actor steps up and chooses four people from the audience to assist.  (We were not chosen.)  He gives a brief history of Wild Bill's life and then the fateful poker game begins.  With the volunteers acting as the bartender and his playing partners we watch as Bill gets shot in the back while he was holding the "dead man's hand."  It was pretty hokey to me, but I guess convincing to the younger set, as Danny leans over to me and says, "Is he really dead?"

We took a few pictures of the kids with the actors and headed out.  We decided to head back to the hotel since we wanted an early start to Denver the next day and the kids wanted to go swimming.   We were on Interstate 90 for a while when Rich says, "This car next to us is trying to say something."  I look and see the woman saying that our right rear tire is going flat.  We thank her and immediately pull over.  Sure enough, the tire is decidedly pancake looking.   (As an aside- we debated buying new rear tires prior to the trip, but opted not to.  Wrong decision!)  With Danny sleeping contently, the rest of us got out and watched Rich change the tire.  Ian even got in on the action.  In no time at all we were back on our way and trying to figure out where to go for a new tire.  We found a Sears close to our hotel, but they were closed.  So was the other tire place in the area.  Rich decided to call it a night and he would go out early the next morning to take care of things.

After a quick dinner we returned for swimming and laundry.  I was glad this day was done!