West Coast Road Trip: Day 1

When most people think of vacation, they envision beaches, ocean side resorts, and bottomless drinks. Not me. With an abundance of vacation time to use, I decided to plan a 5,000 mile road trip across the country and back. Chapter by chapter, this is that adventure (unless I fall off a cliff while taking a selfie).

Day 1:

Start: Madison, WI
Finish: Rapid City, SD
Miles: 795
States: WI, MN, SD

The trip began at 7am yesterday as I was out the door and headed to meet up with my mom in La Crosse. Once the transfer of her 8,000 lbs of junk was made to my car, we were on our way for real.

Driving across Minnesota was kind of a dud as the only thing to see were wind turbines, wind turbines, and more wind turbines.

I took this while driving. A little dark, but professional.

The first stop on the trip was at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD and this place is exactly as it sounds and looks. It's an auditorium style building with designs made entirely of corn on the walls, inside and out.

The Corn Palace, clearly.

The eastern portion of South Dakota was nothing but grass, and thousands upon thousands of billboards so getting to Badlands National Park was a welcome change. The park ended up being a really fun place to visit and we got to meet some chipmunks, big horn sheep, prairie dogs, mule deer, and even a bison. Obviously, the views were stunning as well.

Like I said, I'm a pro.

Photo credit: Mom

The last stop of the day was supposed to be Wall Drug but with light running short after spending so much time in the Badlands, we decided to save it for the way back and headed for Rapid City, SD where we spent the night. 

Quote of the day: "I'm going to write a letter to the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce. Make your state less boring." Debbie 

Upcoming: Reptile Gardens, a bunch of crusty old white guys made of stone, hiking Black Elk Peak, and possibly Deadwood.