Grand Teton National Park

Came into Grand Teton from the west via Teton Pass.  10% road gradients and intermittent rain do NOT make for a fun drive.  Wish I could have enjoyed the views on the cliff sides but no good overlooks/turnouts without risking life and limb.  Probably the most dangerous road I’ve been on. Weather of course did … Read more

Yellowstone National Park

Arrived at Yellowstone and the weather was very temperamental – gray skies with rain, then sun, then thunderstorms.  Drove almost the entire main circle through the park minus area just west of the southern gate.  Saw tons of bison and elk but no bears.  Saw Old Faithful and by dumb luck showed up during its … Read more

Devils Tower National Monument

Crossed into Wyoming to see the Devils Tower (aka Bear Lodge, the true / non-whitey appropriated name).  Did the 1.3 mile Tower Trail which was very peaceful.  If you ever do this yourself, find a bench and wait for all people to leave your sight.  Listen to the wind through the trees and enjoy the … Read more

Belle Fourche, SD

North of Deadwood in the town of Belle Fourche, SD there is a monument for the geographical center of the US (factoring in AK and HI).  Also they have preserved the first house ever built in that town and it turns out he was from Wisconsin.  The tour guides were volunteers and provided me with … Read more

Mount Moriah and more Deadwood

Visited the Mount Moriah Cemetary where Wild Bill and Calamity Jane are buried.  I’m not a graveyard geek but this would be an excellent final resting place.  View overlooking Deadwood. Some photos of the Starlight casino displays as well.  Kevin Costner owns the joint if you can’t tell.  And a few of Main Street and … Read more

Badlands National Park – Part 2

Woke up freezing in my tent.  Either the wind chills got very low or my 20 degree bag isn’t quite up to par, but will make due for now.  Wind died early morning and gave way to a lone coyote howling in the distance. Camp stove and pot work well and the freezer bag cooking … Read more

Badlands National Park – Part 1

Made it to the Badlands in South Dakota.  Once I crossed the Missouri River it was a white-knuckle drive due to 40mph sustained winds today with stronger gusts.  Watched the terrain go from flat, boring corn fields to rolling grass hills with sunflower fields and hundreds of free-grazing cattle.  Then the rock formations appeared and … Read more

2014 Road Trip – Tröegs and Devons

Tröegs beer flight

One of the main reasons we chose to go this route was a suggestion by another friend (also named Dan) who heard Tröegs Brewing Company had some killer microbrews and he was spot on.  Took the brewery tour, enjoyed fresh beer and filled up some growlers to bring back home.  They had a good food program but … Read more

2013 Detroit, MI Vacation

My friend Joe and I decided to spend Turkey Day on the road this year, and what better place to go than sunny Detroit, MI!  Well, we didn’t go for the weather.  Instead the main goal was to catch both a Redwings and Packers game in 2 days time.  Drove out to decent weather, but … Read more