Amanda's Alaskan Adventure

One girl, one big journey

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Monday, August 31st

Day 2 - South Dakota


Today I finished up MN and started on SD.

So far, the Western chunk of MN has the flattest land that I have seen on this trip:


Also, I've been wondering this since most of MN, but its going through SD too: does anyone know what is up with the pink asphalt? I keep trying to take pictures of it, and it keeps looking gray, but I swear its pink.

So anywho, I enter into SD. See lots of cows.


And lots and lots of sunflowers.


Didn't expect those.

And, of course, the obligatory scenic outlook somewhere.


Overall, SD seemed like pretty country. I'm not too fond of the distinct lack of trees, though. And it was very windy.

So, since I was making good time, I was able to stop and wander through the Badlands Ntnl Park area. Very cool.


I took tons of pictures, have barely looked at them yet, could hardly pick one to post on here. Eventually, I plan to set up a photo album around here somewhere... we'll see if that ever happens. Wish I would have had all day to wander through the trails and stuff. And that I would have thought to use some sunscreen, I got a little pink. Still very much enjoyed it though.

So then, after that, since I was right nearby, I had to make the obligatory journey to Wall Drug.


That place is huge and crowded and packed and just in general making me not very comfortable, so I used their bathroom and left. It was getting close to time for me to start looking for a hotel and some supper anyway.

And so I am now almost out of SD, with all sorts more fun driving to do tomorrow.

Today's stats: 447 miles, in 7:10 hours driving time. Including very slow detour through Badlands.

-Amanda
Amanda on 08.31.09 @ 08:27 PM AKDT [link]


Sunday, August 30th

On the Road Again...


This morning was my much awaited beginning to my big trip. Did the last of my loading up the truck, hugged Mom, set up the GPS...

... gave one last wave...

... and hit the road.


And then I got sent on a road that was being deconstructed, so I had to detour... which took me right past where I grew up

Not that you can tell much from this picture, since everything's blurry and my mirror is blocking the house itself, but I don't remember it being quite that overgrown looking - Mom took way better care of the gardens to let it look like a giant blob of green. :/

After dealing with the detour and finally getting on the Interstate, I came across some of the stranger scenery in the state, near the Western edge.


Then came the crossing of the Mighty Mississippi.


Since then, Minnesota has been fairly nondescript. But, I'm almost out of it.

Total miles: 450, in a moving time of 7 and a half hours.

-Amanda
Amanda on 08.30.09 @ 07:15 PM AKDT [link]


Saturday, August 29th

Meow!


So, I got a new camera yesterday, and had to test it out on the cats that have adopted my mom.

First, here's Spot. Original name, I know, but you'd have to talk to my mom about it.


Then, we have Crazy Eyes. Again, Mom's doing.


Then there's Ninja. That one you can blame me for.


Ninja is Crazy Eyes's kitten.


And, as cats are wont to do, each has a quite distinct personality. Crazy Eyes is quite prim and proper, and will take food from your hand most delicately. Spot is liable to take your hand, but I've been working on teaching her the whole "don't bite the hand that feeds you" thing. Seems to have helped a bit. And Ninja likes to disappear. As soon as you move an inch, he's gone. The only way he'll eat from you is if you toss it. And then it sometimes takes a bit to find it. He also enjoys attacking his mom's tail. Quite entertaining.

I miss having a cat.

-Amanda
Amanda on 08.29.09 @ 03:30 PM AKDT [link]


Thursday, August 27th

Introductions

mood: Anticipatory

Hello and welcome!

This is my attempt at documenting and communicating my journey from the "North Country" to someplace even farther north - Alaska. Thus far I have successfully journeyed as far as the family homestead in the great Dairy State, where I have been relaxing for the last two weeks. But the vacation is about to be over, and this weekend shall begin the trek across the continent.

I plan to post updates along the way, with photos when I can. Please be forgiving on the design of the site, it is very much a work in progress - what you see right now is about 30 minutes worth of work, and it will most likely get changed on a daily basis.

Until next time,

-Amanda
Amanda on 08.27.09 @ 08:07 PM AKDT [link]


Test


This is a test.

-Amanda
Amanda on 08.27.09 @ 07:40 PM AKDT [link]


Test

mood: Focused

This is a test.

-Amanda
Amanda on 08.27.09 @ 07:39 PM AKDT [link]