Hobbies Imagine a two-week road trip dedicated to exploring and appreciating the past as well as the enormous beauty of the American West. A journey through quintessential Americana, featuring cowboys, historic towns, quirky tourist stops, and breathtaking views across mountain landscapes. Along the way, enjoying hikes in rugged mountains, traversing miles of golden plains, and encountering an abundance of wildlife. Last month, Jordan Grubb , Procurement Manager from Kent, embarked on this adventure with his wife and two children. Over the course of 15 days, they drove more than 4,000 miles through South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota. Their primary destination was a 28-foot camper located just west of Yellowstone National Park, which served as their base camp for exploring this iconic park. • They spent the night at The Historic Occidental Hotel in Buffalo, WY. This hotel is a famous landmark known for hosting notable figures from the Old West, such as Buffalo Bill Cody, Calamity Jane, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. • They visited five national parks, one national monument (Mount Rushmore), and at least six national forests and grasslands. • The Grubbs had a unique glamping experience in a Conestoga-style covered wagon in Medora, ND, near Theodore Roosevelt National Park. • Enjoyed exciting wildlife viewing, including bison herds with their calves, prairie dog towns, moose, elk, and an abundance of eagles. • Hiked an average of three miles per day, with many of the hikes showcasing beautiful waterfalls. • Rented a pontoon boat on Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. While it was too cold to swim, the views were fabulous. ** Trip Highlights: ** • Nothing bad happened, and no one got sick!
• Attended an exciting rodeo in Cody, WY. • Took a cave tour in Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, which is one of the longest caves in the world. For anyone considering a similar adventure with their family, Jordan has a few pieces of advice: • Plan ahead! Even with thorough planning, their family was unable to stay in Yellowstone because it was fully booked. It's also important to consider the timing of your visit; certain areas of Yellowstone can be incredibly crowded! • Additionally, choose a great audiobook series that the whole family will enjoy. The Grubbs listened to “The Chronicles of Narnia” while on the road.
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