Leaving Portland, on to Wisconsin

After much debate as to whether to leave Tuesday night or Wednesday morning (this being either June 29th or 30th), we decided on an early Wednesday morning start. What was to become a trend on our trip, we took off half an hour behind schedule at 7:30am. The morning started off with a bang, literally, as Morgan knocked me to the ground (with Starbucks chai in hand) doing one of his characteristic 360s. I think he was excited for the trip.

Marianne knocked over by Morgan - hand wound to prove it

Day 1 - Portland to Evanston, WY (with a stop in Salt Lake City, UT), ~900 miles.

Okay, so I have never liked road trips. I get car sick, antsy, and can just be a general pain in the ass on long car rides. Brent didn't have high hopes for me and was expecting mountains of complaining and whining. But, you know what, I loved it. I didn't get car sick, I didn't complain, and I was able to drive about six of the 14 hours. I wrote in our journal, took naps and stared into the open scenery - which consisted mainly of windmills, some grass and that's about it. We took 84 from Portland, through Idaho, into Utah where we hopped on 80 and finally onto Wyoming. Highlights (or lowlights depending on how you look at it) of the trip:

• I think we saw into the only black man in all of Idaho. The Idaho State Police were arresting him at the cute little rest stop where we were eating. Hmmmmm
• Utah is filled with lots of Mormons, churches, absolutely stunning scenery and Mormons... oh wait, I already said that.
• Beer was surprising good for Utah... not that I've ever had a Utahan beer before, but I didn't have high hopes. Go to Squatters and get some beer there (thanks for the suggestion, Laura and Nick)

Brent in front of a statue at the Temple in Salt Lake

Day 2 - Evanston, WY to Council Bluffs, IA

Another 900+ miles of driving. Wyoming, Nebraska and just into Iowa. Not much to say except there is a ton of corn. Brent hit 100 mph on the open highway in Nebraska. Dairy Queen size small Blizzards are way too big for smallls... not wonder America has a weight problem. Windmills, windmills and more windmills.

A funny little story about our bartender in Nebraska... We stopped for dinner at a Ruby Tuesdays somewhere in Nebraska. After a long day on the road, one needs a beer. The bartender/waitor asked for our IDs, saw the Oregon license and struck up conversation. After finding out we were on a road trip to Wisconsin from Portland, he asked us if there were fun things to do in Oregon. "Beer, wine, mountains, coast, festivals," we replied. "What do you do for fun in Nebraska," I asked our Nebraskan bartender. "Hunting and farming," he said. I had no response. I don't think Nebraska is for me.

Day 3 - Council Bluffs, IA to Beloit and Brookfield, WI

Only 435 miles to go. Yes yes yes. Iowa wasn't so bad to drive through. Green grass, trees, signs of life and civilization. There was also an Arby's which Brent was ecstatic about. We also began to count the number of states we saw on license plates. Thirty-two... also, Quebec and Ontario. It's a fun little road game, especially when your co-driver is sleeping.

We arrived to Beloit at 5:30pm where Brent's sister, Kristi, had a lovely dinner made for us (she is so nice!). We spent a couple of hours there and took off for Brookfield/Milwaukee, WI for the Jones reunion.

Morgan on the Road. I love it when dogs stick their heads out the window!