Iowa Bound! On the Road - Day 6 - We Arrive!

We were up just after dawn - with about 340-miles ahead of us to reach our goal!  Glenwood!  The horses had been quiet during the night.  The professional driver pulled in & was loading up just before us.  Here - the ground was covered with some type of thorny plant - poor Nika had gotten one in her paw.  I walked Farah - but there was nothing she wanted & I don't blame her!

Chamberlain Fairground~

The sun finally broke through the fog coming off the river & we welcomed the warmth.  After all our day's on the road, it still amazed me the way Farah was so willing to load up.  I think she could feel we were getting close now.

Our camp from the other direction~

We were quick getting to the motel in town.  Courtney was waiting & jumped in.  We didn't bother with breakfast - thinking we'd pick something up later.  It was time to make progress on the road.

Rest Area~

The wind was blowing, but we were making good time.  Somewhere along I-90 in South Dakota, Courtney exclaimed;  "What the heck is That?"  It looked like a giant bulls head...  I've since looked it up & sure enough that's what it was!

Bull's Head

From this point on - neither of us took photos.  We gave a huge shout of excitement when we finally crossed into Iowa!  At Sioux City, we started getting into traffic, heaviest of the entire trip.  I wasn't having fun & it wasn't easy to change lanes.  I tried to stay ahead of the game - making the turn south onto I-29.

The day turned gray - but the Sumac growing along the sides of the road were bright, almost neon shades of oranges & reds.  I called Mom to let her know we'd made it to Iowa!  It was one of the best - of the last conversations we shared.

Soon, we were nearing Glenwood.  We followed the directions of a Facebook friend - who'd invited us to her farm for our first night.  It was late afternoon when we pulled in - the sun had broken through the cloud cover.  We unloaded Farah into a near-by round-pen, where she had a good roll.  It was a relief to know the road-trip was behind us.  We enjoyed a Pizza, met new friends & watched the sun set.  By the time we went to the camper - we could see the lights from Omaha on the horizon.  Yes Grandma - you were right!  I was the one - who would return to Iowa!

Iowa Bound! On the Road - Day 5~

This would be our longest day...  450-miles.  It dawned with filtered sunshine - giving everything a golden glow.  Courtney & I walked Farah - letting her graze - while Butch loaded up.

New Grandstand & Sky-bridge~

The day off the road had done us all good.  Now we were past the mid-point in our trip & were counting down the miles.  A huge dark cloud hung overhead - but no rain fell.

The Pavilion~

Butch had promised us a stop at Wall Drug & we were looking forward to it.  Leaving Wyoming for South Dakota took us past one of my favorite towns, Spearfish.  It had grown tremendously since my last time through.  Soon - we were into the mountains, past Sturgis & traveling through the Black Hills.

We'd made a stop for fuel around noon.  It was an out-of-the way place & Farah wanted out.  There was a nice green lawn area off to the side.  I was holding her lead, she was happily grazing when suddenly - the sprinkler system - which I hadn't noticed - erupted into the air all round us!  I think we both must have left the ground by several feet.  Butch heard the commotion & saw a Sprinkler Company truck off to the far side.  The guy had set off the system, without regard as to our presence.  Now that Farah & I had our jolt for the day - it was time to be on our way!

At Wall Drug~

Our eldest daughter, still a kid at heart, had to ride the Jackalope!  :-)  We did finally get lunch, not the best of food & overpriced.  We toured through every area we could find, the old western art is really something to see - no photos allowed.

Courtney rides the Jackalope!

The day was the warmest of the trip - mid-80's.  We had parked in what shade we could find & returned to let Farah out to graze in an open area for quite a while.  If we wanted to get to Chamberlain - we had no further time to dally.

We drove & drove - moving east into the dusk.  Deer carcass littered the highway.  It seemed like we saw one at least every few miles.  That made me nervous - we passed a state highway employee with a flat bed trailer full of them.  Dusk, Deer, interstate - just not a good combination.  I did some praying...

A full Moon rose out of the east - huge - an incredible sight.  Courtney thought her Dad was getting tired, so we called.  He pulled over & she switched rigs.  For whatever reason I had my second wind, turned on some tunes & we drove on into the night.

Following Butch & Courtney~

It was a relief to take the exit & see the lights of Chamberlain on the far side of the Missouri River.  Courtney had already decided she wanted a room in town with a nice big shower :-)  We dropped her off at the motel & tried to follow the directions to the Fairground in the dark.  We found a gravel road, not a light in sight & ended up back in town.  Our second attempt, we stopped a car coming the opposite direction & he was kind enough to direct us to the turn - obscured by trees.

This Fairground was small - we pulled out our flashlights.  We'd seen a professional horse-hauler at the Sheridan Fairgrounds, he had three black & white paints.  His horses were already in three of the four corrals.  Rather than put Farah next to a strange horse, we found a pipe corral & parked both of our rigs right next to the gate.  We were tired, but had a snack in the camper before bed.  What a relief to be this far with only one more lap to go!  Tomorrow - Glenwood!

Iowa Bound! On the Road - Day 4 - A Day Off!

Butch & Farah ~

Uncle Keith was leaving on a hunting trip & invited us to an early breakfast out.  Butch & Courtney took him up on his invite.  I was tired & the luxury of sleeping in - sounded good to me.  That extra hour & having no rush to get on the road - felt wonderful.  By the time Butch & Courtney were back, I was sitting out with Nika & my tea, enjoying a beautiful, if overcast morning.

On the Pavilion~

We took Farah out on a walk-a-bout of the fairgrounds, then headed to town.  I can't possibly come to Sheridan without visiting my cousin Jackie's quilt shop!

The Quilters' Fix~

We brought along Jas - the rocking horse we'd purchased in Snohomish many years ago for the Grand-kids.  Most of them have had their photos taken on her :-)  It was time for her to find a new home - here in Sheridan - at the Quilters' Fix. 

Jas in her new colorful home!

We couldn't remember how many years it had been since Jackie & Courtney had seen each other!  Way too may - that's for sure.  Funny though - when it's family - in so many ways it seems like yesterday.  The two girls were yacking away in no time flat! We both bought fabric & I found another project I hope to find time for - some cold winter.

Jackie, Connie & Courtney

 After leaving Jackie's shop, we found a little restaurant for lunch, then did some shopping.  There's no place like Sheridan if you're a fan of the Western lifestyle.  I ended up with a new area rug for a house I hadn't even seen yet. :-)  Our final stop was King's Saddlery - always on my agenda.  This visit I was soon fixated on the Calvary saddles.  They had more than I realized, the rigging & design so similar to my Stonewall.

McClellan~

 Wouldn't it be amazing to know the history of these saddles?  Who rode in them, where they've been & what horses they were on?  Maybe even which battle?

Nice fenders & a really deep seat!

The artifact below was certainly interesting.  I think there's a good probability that this horse was in a battle!

Horses lower jaw with entrenched bullet.

I've preached for years now about saddles with deep seats & the Arabian show saddle below demonstrates that philosophy :-)  It was later in the afternoon by the time we returned to my Aunt & Uncle's home.

It was hard to say our goodbye's - but the distance wont' be quite so far - for us to visit.  Back at the Fairgrounds, it was so quite & the night so dark - easy to fall asleep.  Tomorrow - the next leg of our journey - destination - Chamberlain, SD.

Iowa Bound! On the Road - Day 3

We were really looking forward to our stop-over in Sheridan & had planned an extra day to unwind.  Home of my favorite Aunt & Uncle - it never takes much of an excuse to visit!  Our drive today would be the shortest of the entire trip - just under 300-miles.

Driving into the morning~

We had breakfast on the road - anxious to get to the Sheridan Fairgrounds - our plan was to arrive mid-afternoon.

Wyoming State Line!

It didn't seem like long until we were crossing the state line.  We'd left the snow behind & were thankful for the great driving weather.  Every time we stopped, Farah would get a fresh, cold carrot.  We offered water - sometimes she'd drink - other times not.  I didn't electrolyte her the entire trip.

At the rest area~

We stopped to stretch & give Farah more hay.  Courtney & I enjoyed watching what had become her daily routine.  In the mornings, munching away at her hay bag, hung from the back door & looking out at us from time to time.  When she needed a potty break - she would start moving from side to side & we'd call ahead & tell Butch to pull off.  After our lunch stop - she'd usually spend the afternoon facing front & looking out the side windows at the country.  By late afternoon, she would be as ready as the rest of us to be done for the day!

Our Camping spot~

We were the only ones at the Fairgrounds.  After checking in at the office - paying for the stall & purchasing shavings - we parked by a grassy strip.  Butch unloaded the two trees in large pots, I'd insisted on bringing. By the time we were done, it looked like we'd moved in! :-)

Beautiful historic buildings~

Talk about a gorgeous Fairgrounds!  Sitting up high on a hill, the new bleachers & sky bridge dominate the skyline.  Within in minutes Aunt Shirley & Uncle Keith pulled in!  Auntie always had Mom's knack for knowing when & where I was :-)

Another incredible building~

Farah met everyone, we settled her into a large stall.  We three squeezed into the car, it was only a few blocks to Auntie's house in town.  It was Great to have the opportunity to let-down & relax after  days of driving.

Auntie's beautiful Fall wall hanging~

If I haven't mentioned before how talented my Aunt is - I'll mention it again!  I tried to sneak the above wall-hanging into my purse - but it wouldn't fit :-(  We spend the rest of the afternoon catching up.  Uncle Keith took us all out to a wonderful dinner at one of the best places in town!  Just nine months before- on my way home from visiting Mom - I'd mentioned to my Aunt & Uncle that Butch & I were considering a move to Iowa.  Surreal~

Iowa Bound! On the Road - Day 2

Our next reservation was at the Gallatin Fairgrounds just outside Bozeman.  It would be a four-hundred mile day, with a mountain pass or two along the way :-)  By now - I was used to driving the U-Haul & the feel of the Bronco on the car hauler behind us.

Following Butch - with Farah~

It was much easier - to follow my husband on the road.  The U-Haul didn't have the ump of the diesel.  Butch often left us behind on the climbs.  The U-Haul rattled & rolled & sounded like it was beating itself to death - but we kept right on truckin'.  Courtney mentioned once, we'd lose weight just from the vibration alone!  :-)

Coeur d'Alene~

We were across the WA state line quickly & into Idaho.  The fog coming off the lake was just breathtaking!  Courtney took photos out the window & we were both open mouthed at nature's splendor.

Sun breaking through~

We had more than one mission on this day.  We were connecting up with Jim, who we'd met at the Back Country Horsemen Rendezvous in Ellensburg, earlier this year.  The Bitterroot Bench furniture booth was the hit of the vendor show.  We'd asked Jim to make us a custom entertainment center.  When I mentioned our upcoming move - Jim managed to get the piece done in time for us to pick it up on our way through Missoula.

Connie & Jim!

We were close to our scheduled time & Jim pulled in minutes after!  When he unwrapped the layers of padding - it was like Christmas!  Such fine craftsmanship & our first new piece of furniture in years - for our new home in Iowa!  It was fun catching up on BCH news - while Farah did some grazing along side the fence.  Great Harvest Bread caught our attention & after a Great lunch - we were back on the road.

Afternoon Rest Stop~

We'd lost some of our momentum in Missoula - the day seemed a long one.  The sun was setting when we found the fairgrounds.  Next - was finding the correct gate & our way to the horse barns.   The temperatures had dropped into the 20's - with snow on the ground.  The barn was large & cold.  Butch found the lights - I put Farah's heavy blanket on.  Since all the hookups were off for the winter & restrooms closed - Courtney called to find a room in town for the night.

We ended up at Bridge Pizza for dinner.   It was packed, loud & took forever for a waiter & eventually, our Pizza.  Food is food when you're hungry!  We dropped Courtney off & returned to the fairgrounds - where we parked just outside the barn doors.

Waking to sunshine, we loaded fast & picked up Courtney in town.  She brought hot breakfast for the road!  Next stop - Sheridan!

Iowa Bound! On the Road - Day 1

The original plan changed.  Once Butch returned home, it didn't take us long to realize we'd easily fill a second U-Haul.  He rented another truck, along with a car-hauler to tow behind it. Since the Bronco wouldn't be taking passengers, we loaded it with some of my concrete statuary & plant pots.  Butch will drive our truck with camper & pull the horse trailer, while I drive the U-Haul.

Our last night - was spent taking the very last items out of the house & packing them where we could.  Last things out - would be the first things in!  Finally, Butch had the Bronco to load onto the car hauler.  Thankfully, Pat offered up her large yard to park the 20ft. U-Haul once we'd picked up the trailer.  Getting the Bronco on - was hair-raising - at least it to those of us watching.  We really couldn't do much but try to guide Butch up the too narrow loading ramps & onto the trailer with hardly an inch to spare! 

We'd been sleeping in the camper since Butch's first trip - but neither of us slept a wink.  Morning came, Pat walked up to say goodbye - super hard for us both...  As Butch loaded Farah's things, I walked the Homestead & couldn't help but think about all the memories we'd made.  Donnie was waiting at the bottom of the hill, a final goodbye...   

We fueled up at the corner station.  Our final stop, was in Duvall to pick up daughter Courtney.  She had insisted from the beginning  - on accompanying us.  We were so glad to have her!  It made leaving a little easier.

Ready to hit the road!  Courtney, Connie & Butch

As we pulled into the Safeway parking lot, I had my first lesson in trying to maneuver the 20-ft. U-Haul & trailer through tight spaces...  Well - OK - Yes - Butch had to rescue me!  :-)   Son-in-law David stopped by, to give his wife a final kiss goodbye & wish us well on our Great Adventure!

Nika - unsure - but willing :-)

 We'd adjusted our travel plans - deciding to make our first day a short one (315-miles) & stop at the Fairgrounds in Spokane for the night.  It was a smart decision.  We were all tired & it was dark by the time we pulled in.  Did I mention cold - temperatures already dropping to the low 30's.

Farah having dinner~

Once Farah was settled, Butch drove the U-Haul & took us out for dinner.  This night - we slept - until the sounds of construction - on the far side of a busy street woke us at 6 a.m.  It was clear, cold & we were ready to be back on our way!  Next stop - Bozeman!

The Great Transition~

Watching as Butch drove the U-Haul out - under the Homestead Arch - it hit home - we're Iowa bound!

Side trip to Mt. Rushmore!

 Transitions are always challenging.  I'm packing the remaining items on the Homestead.  Butch picked up David & the two of them are driving east, moving the largest part of our belongings to Glenwood!  Since these posts belong partially in two states, or on two blogs :-)  I'll cross post them here.

Butch - last morning on the road~

The house has an empty sound...  It will be with some relief - when the last of our things are boxed & we're driving east!  I'm feeling many mixed emotions - knowing that it will be months, before I fully assimilate all the changes happening! 

Butch & David leave for Iowa~
Day Two of the Road Trip~