How many of you rush from one location to another? Stop and consider that sometimes the actual process of travelling can be as enjoyable as your final destination. Recently my wife and I needed to travel to Snow Mountain Ranch in the Colorado Rockies from northern Minnesota where we would be working as volunteers. The most obvious route according to Google Maps in terms of both the shortest distance and time spent on the road would be as follows:
- Drive I-35 south to Des Moines
- Drive i-40 west to Denver
- Drive up into the Rockies
While this route might seem optimal at first glance, consider these facts:
- Taking secondary roads via South Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming is only 47 miles longer
- These secondary roads often have speed limits of 65 mph (not bad!).
- The traffic is almost non existent, and no semi trucks! (ever been on I-80?)
Thus, a route which seemed longer, does not take a significant amount more time, and the scenery and viewing opportunities via the highway is infinitely more interesting. Here are a few photos from our recent trip. None of these items would we have seen via the interstate highway system.
Finally, each small town will have a personality all its own. Molly and I had a great Valentine's Day Dinner at the Club 29 Steakhouse in Kaduka, South Dakota. The atmosphere was nothing like northern Minnesota, and we loved that fact! All the ranches and their families were out enjoying a night on the town. Cowboy / 10 gallon hats were NOT in short supply!
Therefore, when you take your next big trip, avoid the super highways and see America. You will love the experience. (click upon any image to view a full size / resolution)
Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota (corn construction!)
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Badlands in South Dakota
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Bald Eagle as seen from our car, near the Badlands
(watch video of this eagle feeding) (365DaysOfBirds.Com)
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Our actual route in blue, and Google Map's suggestion!
