So I thought today was my last day on the road, but the tornadoes in Southern Wisconsin had other plans for me. I knew I would encounter some rain today and put on rain gear just west of the Minnesota-Illinois border on I-94. The rain became so bad that it was difficult to see so I stopped in about 20 miles to wait out the storm at McDonald's (let's call this McD's #1). By chance, my dad and stepmom were traveling north on I-94 and our timing was just about perfect for meeting for lunch in Osseo, Wisconsin (at McD's #2). After lunch, I was on my way, but encountered black, nasty looking skies and pummeling rain. I exited in DeForest, WI and camped out at the Citgo station for a while - the home of the pink elephant!

I learned at the Citgo station that a tornado had been spotted about a mile away. The word was the tornado warning would lift at 6:00. I traveled down the road to McD's #3 to wait it out. I had also talked with my childhood friend, Libby, who lives in Madison. Being only 30 minutes north of Madison, I thought perhaps I would stay with her if the weather did not let up. Libby later called to tell me to wait until at least 7:30 pm to leave, as more tornado warnings were in effect. At that point, I made the decision to travel to Libby's as soon as the warnings were done. Around 8:30, I arrived at Libby's and caught up with her, her husband and two boys. I had not seen them in over a year and my had the two kids grown. It was great to catch up and I look at it as a blessing to have had this time with them. As I got ready for bed that night (the oldest son volunteered his room to me!), I noticed a map of the United States on the wall. I became curious. Now that I've hit some new states on this trip, how many states have I been to? Well, turns out I have been to 41 - only 9 more to go!  It reminded me of a great t-shirt that Bob's BMW carries.  That t-shirt is called Keep Score and you check off the states and provinces you have ridden through as you do so and don't forget while your at Bob's you can check out all of VaVaVroom's womens motorcycle apparel.

Total Miles = 108

After breakfast in the Canyon Lodge cafeteria, we headed for Old Faithful in Yellowstone Park. Along the way, we encountered hordes of bison. We stopped to take pictures and came very close to some of them. Too close for my liking! I couldn't believe how many people walked really close to these bison to take pictures. Bison weigh up to 2,000 pounds and can travel at 40 mph. Every year, park visitors are injured by bison.

We also took pictures by Yellowstone Lake in many spots. We stopped at one of the many sulfur springs, which was cool, but the highlight was seeing a bear down below from a small cliff. It was fun to take a picture at the Continental Divide, but watching the famous Old Faithful erupt was even more fun. Our final destination for the evening was the Mammoth Hot Springs, which are in the northwest corner of the park. The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel was built in the 30s and quite nice. After dinner, there was the most vivid rainbow I have ever seen.

We then enjoyed a challengingwalk to visit the many locations of hot springs in that area. Below Sandra contemplates the meaning of life watching over Cleopatra's Table.

The next several blogs will chronicle my trip from Chicago to the BMW MOA International Rally in Redmond, Oregon.

Total miles = 551

Sandra and I left Chicago at 5:30 a.m. We met Jonny in Galena for breakfast and then took off for our adventure around 10 am. We traveled west on U.S. 20 the entire day. Our goal was to reach Valentine, Nebraska. We did make it to Nebraska, but only to Osmond. Our ride was uneventful until Sandra got a flat tire in Waterloo, Iowa. She handled it well and pulled over slowly and calmly. A nice man from the Iowa Department of Transportation pulled his truck behind us to protect us, while Jonny plugged Sandra's tire.  We had enough CO2 cannisters to get her to Weber's Cycle in Waterloo, where she had a new tire put on. We rode to Sac City, Iowa next where we saw the largest popcorn ball in the world! For some more information on Sac City and the Largest Popcorn Ball, here. There was also a little fake town that had some interesting historic artifacts inside. We were on our way again and stopped in Belden, Nebraska to find a hotel. We weren't having any luck on our own. Luckily, a nice couple stopped and told us about a new motel 20 miles up the road. Yay! We stayed at the Hill Street Inn in Osmond, NE. Quite nice! We made it just as darkness was setting in...

Here’s the VaVaVroom booth and that’s my high school friend Thomas Schroeder who helped me at the Rally. He also does all my media work including web, photography, and video.

The Rally was a success! Last year there were 100,000 people but unfortunately, the weather this year kept many from attending on Friday. Thankfully, Saturday was beautiful and many more people were able to come out and enjoy. Here I am with my junior high school boyfriend, Rob. It was fun catching up with him. This is the Wall of Death, America’s Original Extreme Motorcycle Thrillshow, where daredevils ride vintage Indian and Harley Davidson motorcycles and racing go-karts on a vertical board wall sometimes as high as 15 feet above the ground! Check it out here. Meet Charlie Ransom, one of the stunt daredevils. An action shot of the Wall of Death! They go around so fast, I couldn’t get a clear shot. Some other friends who were vending at the Rally included: Jeff, Alan, and Rob of Traumahead Sportz set up a paintball gallery and shooting range. They also produce video episodes about strategies and tips for paintballing. For more on Traumahead Sportz, here. Sonia and her son were set up in a neighboring booth. Sonia owns Teranga House of Africa, a boutique and hair braiding location in the District at 1706 3rd Ave, Rock Island, IL. They do professional hair braiding and weaving, and sell unique authentic African clothing, gifts, masks, accessories, and musical instruments. Contact them at 309-788-0801. Overall, the rally was really fun! There were reunions with old friends, meetings with new friends and exciting daredevils at the Wall of Death!