Day 2: 1,100 miles, 17 hours

I’m so exhausted, I could weep at the amazing hot water of Poppy’s downstairs shower and the comfortable bed… but I’m just too tired. I barely remember how we got here. Lets see…

desolate along hwy 90

Day -2: Slo to Portland

Day -1: Portland

Day 0: Portland to Connell, Washington

Day 1: Washington to a Montana rest stop near Rosebud

Day 2: Montana thru North Dakota, thru Minnesota finally to Wisconsin.

When we ended the night in Montana we realized we had a lot of driving to do to reach Poppy’s at the time we said we’d be there. So, Sam woke up at 5am to start driving and I kept sleeping in the back. I have to say it is one of the coziest things ever; hearing the hum of the road and being warm and comfy under a down comforter in a small space with Sam at the helm. Once I finally woke, I took over driving while Sam had a nap.

When he woke up I was listening to Dr. Laura on XM Radio... and I was really into it. Sam’s walkie talkie had lost battery and he had the not so simple task of trying to get my attention. He used waving, staring, knocking and finally a flashlight to no avail, plus both cell phones where in the back. He said this lasted for about an hour, until I finally looked back through the shell window. Once I figured out he was done back there, it took me another 45 miles or so to find a good gas station. North Dakota it turns out, is pretty desolate along hwy 90. Plus, I like listening to Dr. Laura in peace. Anyhow, this semi-team driving allowed us to squeeze in the 17 hrs driving time required for one day… and it’s finally over.