Post-It's from the Road

[mrdreamjeans]

Began my trip to Seattle from Minneapolis today. Drove 594 miles. Holed up in a nice Fairfield Inn in Rapid City, SD, attached to an indoor water park near Mt Rushmore. Ate supper at a truck stop where I had a surprisingly tasty meal for $10. The day was mostly sunny and in the low 40's till about 3 pm. I drove the final three hours in a rain storm in temps just above freezing. The posted speed in South Dakota is 75 mph. Everyone was driving it!

Scribbled a bunch of notes on the side of a Kleenex box, so I wouldn't forget ...

Passed these Billboards:

* Dick's Body Shop - 24-Hour Toe Service

* We Dakotans Reject Animal Activists

* Help Manage Your Wildlife .. Wear Fur

Sightings:

* A 60 ft high statue of The Jolly Green Giant
* A sign for "De Smet, SD - Home of Laura Ingalls Wilder
* The beginnings of The Badlands
* The partially frozen, majestic Missouri River at Chamberlain, SD
* Lots of big sky and wide open spaces ...
* A charming metal sculpture of a t-rex being lead on a leash by a young boy

Musings ...

Waved in several directions at blt4success66 when I drove through Sioux Falls, SD! Howdy, Paul! I had no way to contact you at 1 pm on a Sunday afternoon.

The large farms with overflowing silos, multiple sheds, big weathered houses and barns really must be self-contained to withstand the Winter and isolation.

Drove like crazy to get to Wall, SD to visit the drug store and galleries. They were all closed. I'll have to visit when I drive back through in April.

Stopped for a late lunch in Mitchell, SD. It brought back memories because gotmoof and I had to stop overnight there five years ago on our ambitious double-move. There was an issue with the wiring of the U-Haul I was pulling behind the truck. I did manage, today, to take a photo of their (famous?) Corn Palace:) Most of this building is made of corn!



Comedian Bill Engvall was talking on Blue Collar Radio about "Broke" foods, essentially what foods you rely on when you are broke. He mentioned a couple; I've added a couple. Please vote and add your own choices.

[Poll #1346127]

Comments

[joebehrsandiego.livejournal.com]

Neil - I picked mac & cheese, but soup is another option.

I clearly remember a month in undergrad school when I was living off-campus, mis-budgeted and ended up with ~$10 for food for 10 days. Oops. There was much Top Ramen and hot dogs. A friend still in the residence halls leant me his dining room card a couple times so I could hit the salad bar; it was all pretty embarassing.

How fun that you're staying in my hometown tonight. The Fairfield property is almost-brand-new, as is the arterial its on. Elk Vale Road/Canton Blvd forms a "beltway" around east and SE Rapid City; that was all pasture land less than 10 years ago. RC was about 43,000 people when I was a kid in the 70s, and about 75,000 now.

If you don't mind a short drive into-out-of town tomorrow morning, I can highly recommend breakfast at The Colonial House, 2501 Mount Rushmore Road. Reviews: (http://maps.google.com/maps?rls=com.microsoft:en-us&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=house+restaurant+rapid+city&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&view=text&latlng=10229422046654024774&dtab=2&ei=L7iPSdmwIYGStQPRrsWOCQ&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=1&ct=result). It's owned by the Besharas; old family friends. Kevin and I were in high school symphonic band together.

More safe and fun travels tomorrow!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I've still got more than a 1000 miles to drive in the next two days, so I'll most likely pass on The Colonial House this part of the trip. Hopefully, I can eat breakfast there on the way back through in April!

This is a nice property ... There were housing people working last night at 6:30pm when I checked in. I asked one lady about it, curious as to why they were working so late. She told me that they have 140 rooms and they had 123 check-outs on Sunday morning!

HUGS, my friend!

[labeartorycub.livejournal.com]

I chose Spam because it's comfort food. Grandma used to fry it up with eggs (sunnyside-up) and garlic-rice (yum!). My other "broke" item would be Top-Ramen. Add your own vegetables like shredded cabbage, plus any leftover meat, and it's a meal!

Safe driving and happy travels as you make your way back West. *hugs*

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Plus, I know you like Spam sushi:) We talked about that.

Thanks for the good wishes, my friend!

HUGS!

Glad you are seeing some things along the way

[rockey1.livejournal.com]

Hopefully you hit Mt Rushmore I took my friends from Australia there at the end of Feb last year.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/62597883@N00/sets/72157604078377028/

I also took them to the badlands and I had forgotten how pretty they are

travel safe and enjoy how long are you goig to be in Seattle. I may be up there this June.

Re: Glad you are seeing some things along the way

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I'd like to take in Mt Rushmore. I haven't been there since I was a kid, but I'm worried about the drive ahead .. over 1000 miles by Wednesday and the weather outside isn't too inviting. I'll see when I get the car loaded how I feel.

Have a safe trip to Missoula. I'll be passing through tomorrow if the weather cooperates.

HUGS!

Re:Good Luck

[rockey1.livejournal.com]

We got lucky when we were there last year as the weather was great. It can get really bad up that way so hopefully you will get out of there and not hie one of those Dakota Blizzards. Travel safe What a pity that you are not going to be going through Missoula on the weekend as i will be there and if i am correct you will probably be going through that city. if you are on 90 you will be

Re: Good Luck

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I think I'll be hitting Missoula tomorrow .. Wednesday at the latest. My rehearsals begin on Saturday, so I've got to get to Seattle in timely fashion. I am sorry to miss you!

And if I am correct!

[rockey1.livejournal.com]

you were only about 4 blocks from me when you were in KC. What a bummer that was. Again travel safe. watch the interstate between Butt and Missoula as well as heading west out of Missoula. Very pretty but if it snows it can be bad I don't think that they forecast to get snow however.

Re: And if I am correct!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I'm in Billings. After a tricky early afternoon drive, the weather cleared out. It was 51 and sunny when I arrived here about 30 minutes ago. We've been so close a couple of times. Seems to me, we're destined to meet!

HUGS!

I hope so

[rockey1.livejournal.com]

I am still a bit sad that I don't know you were going to be in KC and if i recall it was a Saturday evening and i was just sitting at home watching TV. They did get some snow in Missoula today and it appears that is snow there now i will know more when i talk to my friends in Missoula as i do ever monday after get out of teaching my night class. i will drop you a line and tell you what they think of the road conditions in their area Travel safe and enjoy.

Re: I hope so

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, John! I didn't know I was going to be in KC overnight, until I arrived there very late on a Sunday night. I was trying to get North of that storm. I now have your phone number and I won't hesitate to use it.

If you speak with your friends, knowing what the weather is like in their area will be very valuable. My understanding is that I'm 325 miles from them, as I sit here and type this note in Billings. I hope to get to Cour D'Alene, Idaho tomorrow night.

they have had some now

[rockey1.livejournal.com]

It is snow in Missoula at the moment but Rich said the roads there are good. he also suggested that you go to this site.

http://www.mdt511.com/

Click on the area you are interested in .

You can also call 511 to get travel info... see bottom left...

The 20 Miles east of Butte are often bad

and the 20 Miles each side of the MT/Idaho border (Lookout Pass) are often bad...

If you are heading West here is Idaho also

http://511.idaho.gov/

4th of July pass about 30 ? miles east of the WA border are often bad

Re: they have had some now

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I really appreciate the references for the weather. I won't hesitate to call 511 if it looks like there's going to be a rough patch. Idaho here I come today!

HUGS!

[anziulewicz.livejournal.com]

Ramen noodles are pretty versatile. Cook 'em up with a can of some kind of vegetables and maybe some soy sauce, and you've got a cheap, filling meal.

I'm an expert at cheap eats.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

And well-written letters ... When you have something to say, you say it so well. I'm on the look out for postcards for you:)

HUGS!

[bansagart.livejournal.com]

My vote is also ramen. Add an egg (which poaches/scrambles in the boiling water) to make it creamy and add protein, and some frozen corn. During my last horribly broke era, ramen noodles were 10 for $1, a much better deal than even the "plain wrap" mac-n-cheese!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Sounds like you've elevated ramen into a desirable dish! I'm about to hit the road again, hoping that the temperatures get up high enough that the roads don't ice over.

Big HUGS!

[jodfoster.livejournal.com]

Ramen usually, but I have found ways to spice it up and make me feel better for eating it :)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Terrific!!! I love this icon of you! I wasn't able to use the generator. I'm missing something it requires on my laptop.

Only 1062 miles till I arrive back in Seattle! :)

HUGS!

[dragonessfaire.livejournal.com]

Oh Gods. S.D. We lived in Brandon (near Sioux Falls) my freshman year of high school. Meh. Have you come across the semi trailors on the side of the road advertising for WALL DRUG yet? Gems for sure. "Wall Drug! Home of free ice water!" *rolls eyes*

I am quite pleased we moved back to Boulder after that year. Although- on Facebook I have become acquainted with freinds from that time. Becky, Bev, Missy, Jason, Stephanie, Jen... Yeppers. And all but Jason still live there. But his upgrade wasn't much better. He is in Wyoming now. LOL!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I passed signs for Wall Drug for several hundred miles. Unfortunately, I arrived in Wall at 5:30pm on Sunday and it all closes at 3:30pm on Sunday. I'll catch it on the way back. I'm on the road this morning ... I'll pass through Gillette, WY in about three hours. I'm not certain how far I'll get today because of the weather. Perhaps, Billings ...

HUGS!

[dragonessfaire.livejournal.com]

And you forgot on your poll to add Little Juan burritos. *gag* But that, the ramen and Mac and Cheese were my poor foods of choice in college. I am sooooooo glad I am not living that life anymore. LMAO!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I've never heard of Little Juan Burritos .. and I grew up in Texas. I never ate Mexican food until I was in college. *ducking my head in shame* .. For that matter, I never had Chinese food or fried chicken until university. My mother's food dislikes were very firmly entrenched into her children until we got away to school.

[use2bshy.livejournal.com]

Oh you can't forget Ramen Noodle soups!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I've only had Ramen noodles one time. Guess I missed out on them growing up. There's lots of things you can do with eggs. I was trying to think of a uniquely Texas "broke" food. I guess tacos would qualify. You can buy then cheaply enough.

Potatoes are broke food too, I think.

[wiltedorange.livejournal.com]

* A 60 ft high statue of The Jolly Green Giant

You know, I think I've driven past this too!

Good luck with the rest of your journey and I hope you get to Seattle safe and sound.

ta ta

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I wish I had seen it before I passed the exit. I would have loved to have taken a photo of it!

Thanks for the good wishes!

HUGS!

[billeyler.livejournal.com]

Our Rushmore/Yellowstone/Casper/Colorado 9-day car and tent adventure in August was certainly a highlight for us. It was mostly nice weather the entire time. Glad you're getting to hit that part of the country; it was an eye-opening first for me.

Your first billboard posting almost made me spew Diet Decaf Pepsi on the screen!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I think when I return from Seattle on this route, that I'm going to take a little time to enjoy the view:) I've been to Yellowstone and Mt Rushmore as a kid; I'd like to spend some time exploring the two as an adult.

As to the billboard ... I saw it three times and each time tow was misspelled. Of course, it could be some kind of kinky dude with a foot fetish who put some money into a billboard or three:)

I'm in Billings, Montana tonight .. only did 400 miles today. It's 51 and sunny here. Go figure!

HUGS!

[stormecho.livejournal.com]

Your adventures are amazing.

Broke - Hot dogs.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I'd forgotten hot dogs!! It's the one I would most likely rely on too! Thanks! :)