Spring Break: Heading East, our stop in a snowstorm to hike

    Noel requested that we take the northern route home.  Without checking the weather we did so.  This took up up from Idaho, through Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and down into Wisconsin.  We had snow and freezing temperatures all the way.

    I still think it was a good choice to go the northern route. One of the kids' favoirite camping spots over the years of our cross-country travels has been Makoshika State Park by Glendive, MT.   It is part of the badlands, but one of Noel's favorite landscapes. 

     I can see why the indians would call this part of the country "the Badlands" (which is what makoshika means in Lakota).  It lacks the heards of antelope, deer or buffalo we saw along the road in other places of our trip.  It would be tough to travel through the ravines.   But, it is a rock hunters paradise.

    Ephraim only tolerated the cold for a short time before we headed back to the car. T

 It was so cold we had to tie a t-shirt around Sylvia's head for a hat, and layer her in several of my sweaters.  We hadn't really packed our bags with a Montanan snowstorm in mind.
  

Hiking buddies to the end, Noel and Sylvia followed a long trail back to the van.

 Sylvia enjoyed setting up her stuffed animals at several of the hotels we stopped at.  Some of them were on loan from her friend at home, Laura.  That way it was almost like Laura was travelling with us, but it was quieter.  :)

Finally reaching home, Ephraim was so glad to see his own dog again, and play with his own toys.

    It was a long trip, but worth the memories.  Not only do we have great extended family, but I love having snowy adventures with my own kids and Sean. They are the best!  But... perhaps in the future we could look at making memories together without the 60 hours of driving. Definately something to consider.   Who knows where the HinkyPunks will find themselves in the future.  Stay tuned.