Tonelli's Travels

We’ve logged nearly 1,600 miles and crossed six states in the last six days! We were on a mission to reach Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota and we made it. Our longest day of driving covered 340 miles and our shortest 240 miles. To say I am tired of driving would be an understatement! I’m looking forward to staying in one spot for a few days and stretching our legs.

Driving along 1-90 to I-94, we passed acres upon acres of farmland. The flat, sprawling land was dotted with lime green cornfields, their wispy yellow tassels dancing in the breeze, forest green soya plants in neatly planted rows, and amber brown hay fields. While I longed for mountains, it was amazing to witness the vastness of the farming industry.

My favorite part was the sunflower fields that popped up here and there. The golden yellow blanket over the land brought a big smile to my face and was a happy change. They seemed to be saying, “Hello! You can do this!” Giving me that pick me up just when I needed it.

While most of our days recently have focused on logging miles to get west, we have sprinkled our days with some sightseeing. The long days and late setting sun (sometimes not until 9PM) have allowed us to truly enjoy each day.

In Vermillion County, Ohio, we set up camp for the night at Vermillion Valley Vineyards, the homeland of the Erie people. We spent the evening enjoying their wine and pear cider, walking the neighborhood, and watching the sunset. One thing I’ve learned is that flat, straight roads are very deceiving. The stop sign often feels “just ahead” but is really a mile away. We earned our beverages that night!

In Indiana, we spent a morning at Indiana Dunes National Park. Set on land that home to a variety of tribes including Kickapoo, Peoria, Potawatomi (also find info here), and Miami. Many of these tribes have active organizations today and are working to reclaim their ancestral lands. This is a relatively new national park whose mission is to reset the earth to its natural habit. There are restoration projects in various areas. One of their biggest goals is to bring native wildlife back to the area. I am happy to report that for the first time in decades, egrets, herons and least bitterns are enjoying the marshes and swamps in the park!

Pushing through the sand, we climbed up and over the dunes to Lake Michigan. The marine blue green water is a serene sight. Waves crashed on the shore and children played in the water. One could easily think this was the ocean, until you saw the outline of Chicago skyscrapers in the hazy distance. The water was cold due to a recent storm, but fun to stick our toes in anyways.

After enjoying the shore, we hiked back to the car (hiking in sand is hard!) and took our bikes off the rack. We packed our bags, filled our water bottles, and took off on the Calumet Trail. Wildflowers, blackberries, and butterflies entertained us along the path until the town of Beverly Shore. Then we departed the path and rode to the lakeshore drive to admire the water once again. Riding along the road we drooled at the houses with lovely views, set high up on the hill. Many had long staircases up to their front doors and tram systems to carry up their belongings. Very helpful! Eventually we made it back to the parking lot, happy we had some time to enjoy the fresh air (and do something other than drive!). Then, of course, we hit the road.

Driving through Illinois and Wisconsin on the following days was largely uneventful, but in Minnesota we took time to explore Munsinger Gardens in St. Cloud. This land originally belongs to the Anishinabewaki, Mdewakanton, and Sioux tribes. Today, this part of the city is a beautifully maintained collection of plants and flowers, it spans several city blocks. Think of a type of flower, and it was probably there! I took loads of pictures, but unfortunately I can’t get them to transfer from my camera currently. I’ll share at another point!

This morning we left Jamestown, North Dakota (Yanktonai and Sioux territory), where we had spent a restful night at a lovely county campground. My mom and I enjoyed as early morning run as the sun rose and were greeted by a deer having breakfast. Then we prepared for the last leg of our trip (for a few days) and headed to Medora, North Dakota. Can’t wait to share the sights of Theodore Roosevelt National Park with you!