Next, we drove to Yellowstone. This was a first for the whole family - Pete & I had both never been. I was so excited & didn't know what to expect - so again, I did my online research & decided Zoey could become a Jr Ranger. I "prepped" her & we made our way to the Ranger Station to find out what she had to do. (Karli's too young - you have to be 5 y/o) So we got the Jr Ranger
kit & began the adventure. To be a Jr Ranger you have to hike trails, draw what Old Faithful looks like when it blows, describe the colors in the hot springs & definitely know the rules of the park. Zoey was on-task like nobody's business. Unfortunately, when we went back to the Ranger Station to get her Jr Ranger patch there was a bison in our way....oh, & we were late too. But it's true - a GIANT bison was blocking the path & I quickly read how you can send your completed work & Yellowstone will send you the patch - I'll be sending Monday.
Finally we reached our destination, the whole point of our road trip, Bozeman, MT. The sun had finally set at 10pm & we drove up to our lil' piece of Bozeman heaven at nearly midnight. We had 'country directions' to the cottage - "turn right on Davis then the 1st left down the ally & park after the 1st shed on the right - the cottage is down the garden path." At our late arrival I was praying we had the right cottage! Bozeman was lovely - not only did I get to spend time with my bestie - I really dig the co-op, green, natural feel of this town. I felt a certain Zen.
In the end, I must say - we've taken our road trips to CA & Papa's Ranch (Colorado) but never one like this. The girls were awesome travelers, Dad kept us safe the whole way & I learned to contort my body into crazy positions to find what the girls needed as we raced down the road. If driving 16+ hours ONE WAY has intimidated you, it's time to get over it - go on that unforgettable road trip, take pictures & make the memories you only dream of, it's time.
XOXO
