The Badlands and the freeway.

The cursed land

Waking up at 6:30am we scrambled our things together and were off on the road knowing that we will have a longgggggg drive ahead of us. Our spirits were upbeat and ready to charge on to the unknown. First we decided to take a scenic route to the Badlands National Park and boy we sure glad that we did. The mountains were striped with different shades of color of red, orange, purple, brown, and white. The Badland mountains were spread out far as the eye can see and along the trails of the turn outs there were signs of warning of rattlesnakes. I hoped to see some rattlesnakes but much to my dismay I did not see any but was delighted to see a cuddly brown jackrabbit nibbling on a nearby plant on the trail to the overview scenery. I walked right by the hungry bunny snapping pictures like there was no tomorrow and Jon so wanted to pick it up and thought twice about it. After admiring the view we walked back to the car and the half jackalope was gone. Jon grumbled saying he should have picked it up but assured him if he did he would be scratched up like how Sherbert does.

Is it half Jackalope?

No Jon! Leave it alone!

The drive along the park was something that we ohhhed and ahhhed about and it was neat to see the sun shine through the rocks. The Badlands mountains are a perfect example of what an erosion mountain would be like and thought to myself the next time I teach a science lesson on mountains I can use my past experiences and make the lesson more exciting for the eager learned school kids. On the way out of the park we saw like 10 to 15 old fashioned 1900's style car passing me by on the road. Jon exciting exclaimed snap some pictures and as fast as I could shot it away. I thought to myself my dad would sure like those cars. Upon leaving the park we pulled over and we hungry tourists wanted a picture of the Badlands sign proving that we stepped upon the park.

The grand splendor

Back on the road again and we discussed whether to drive straight to Michigan to visit Jon's good friend J.D. or stop for the night somewhere and press on in the morning. After much discussion pressing on like pioneers we decided to head out to Michigan. Passing by farmland and prairies the drive was pretty relaxing aside from frequent stops of ROAD CONSTRUCTION! That's right I do not like road construction but paved on through like tough vikings striking out the beast.

Any rattlesnakes around?

We passed through Minnestoa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and finally arrived in our desired destination in Michigan. Along the route we stopped at Wisconsin and pulled over at a nearest Cheese Mart we could find since Wisconsin is famous for it's cheese and knowing me I love cheese. As some people are to chocolates, I am the same way about cheese. I don't know what it is about cheese but it sure can be addicting. One bite of cheese and I am in heaven. We bought some fresh cheese curds cheddar, cajun and even horseraddish cheese. Jon wanted to get some beef sausages and crackers to put cheese on it. On the ride we snacked and snacked on cheese and our bellies got full.

Hey Dad, look!

Upon arriving in Illinois close to Chicago we had 8 toll roads to go through and it got quite annoying having to pay to get across the road in order to arrive to our destination. By the last toll we went through we ran out of change. I had to sacrifice two precious out of state quarters of Colorado and Nebraska and let me tell you I was not happy. Since we arrived in chicago sometime around midnight all the lights in the city was lit up and it was a cool sight to see a bunch of tall buildings and skyscrapers lit up like a firefly that surrounds the city.

I wonder if I have any mouse ancestors?

Once we entered Michigan and got in J.D's home town we got lost and had to pull over to a nearest MacDonald for J.D. to come and meet us there. Apparently they have a 24 hour MacDonald and was quite surprised to see one since I have never seen one before especially at that particular fast food place. As we waited for J.D. to arrive the two men got together and hugged each other like long lost friends. J.D. lifted Jon high up in the air and swung him around like a squealing kid being swung around by his daddy. J.D. introduced us to his girlfriend Judith. Judith is a sweetheart and I could tell just by looking at them they make such a cute couple. Since we lost two hours upon arriving to Michigan it was 3am in the morning when in fact in California time it was only midnight. J.D. guided us back to his place and gathered up our things and crashed down for the night. We brave exploring pioneers have made it without being gored by any wild beasts.

Until tomorrow folks.

P.S. our official author has taken a day of rest and the co-author has taken over for now. -Stephanie