An excursion to Portland, OR
September-December 2008
Day 1
Left at noon. Loaded up the car with potato skins and pickled wieners, crossword puzzles, Spider-Man comics and Mama's homemade rhubarb pie.
Things went smoothly until just outside Mankato where I was stopped and cited for going 87 in a 65. I told the guy I just "zoned out", which I was later told was not a particularly smart thing to say to a peace officer. First-ever speeding ticket, $117. Frizzlesticks.
Stopped to gas up in Sioux Falls, and to decide whether or not we were actually going to make it to our planned destination of Rapid City. Decided we would, despite having to drive another five hours and get in after 10pm. Left Sioux Falls, then realized we'd forgotten to gas up. Made several botched attempts at finding appropriate exits and generally pissed the hell out of the British GPS lady.
Made excellent time across South Dakota. Corn Palace was skipped. Authentic 1880's Western Town was skipped. Wall Drug was skipped...well, actually, we stopped there but only to gas up. Crossed unexpectedly into Mountain Time, giving us a free hour. Yayyums.
South Dakota is generally flat, like Minnesota. The first hint of terrain is given as you cross the Missouri River, where you are treated to a breathtaking vista of contoured hills and pristine water. I would have taken a picture if I'd had a camera. Actually I had my phone, but I just didn't care.
Made it to Rapid City, and after an hour of figuring out how the wireless was supposed to work, here I am, exhausted. And the Coke machine costs $1.50 and it doesn't have Sprite Zero.
September-December 2008
Day 1
Left at noon. Loaded up the car with potato skins and pickled wieners, crossword puzzles, Spider-Man comics and Mama's homemade rhubarb pie.
Things went smoothly until just outside Mankato where I was stopped and cited for going 87 in a 65. I told the guy I just "zoned out", which I was later told was not a particularly smart thing to say to a peace officer. First-ever speeding ticket, $117. Frizzlesticks.
Stopped to gas up in Sioux Falls, and to decide whether or not we were actually going to make it to our planned destination of Rapid City. Decided we would, despite having to drive another five hours and get in after 10pm. Left Sioux Falls, then realized we'd forgotten to gas up. Made several botched attempts at finding appropriate exits and generally pissed the hell out of the British GPS lady.
Made excellent time across South Dakota. Corn Palace was skipped. Authentic 1880's Western Town was skipped. Wall Drug was skipped...well, actually, we stopped there but only to gas up. Crossed unexpectedly into Mountain Time, giving us a free hour. Yayyums.
South Dakota is generally flat, like Minnesota. The first hint of terrain is given as you cross the Missouri River, where you are treated to a breathtaking vista of contoured hills and pristine water. I would have taken a picture if I'd had a camera. Actually I had my phone, but I just didn't care.
Made it to Rapid City, and after an hour of figuring out how the wireless was supposed to work, here I am, exhausted. And the Coke machine costs $1.50 and it doesn't have Sprite Zero.
