California to South Dakota

[Jim & DJ]

When you get to the area of Sandy City, watch for I 215 and go in an easterly direction. It is a belt route that runs over to I 80 and you will see the east bound ramp to I 80. It bypasses most of downtown Salt lake.

SAFE TRAVELS

[austinp]

Thanks for the travel suggestions. It turned out my GPS took is from the 15 to University and away from Downtown salt lake. Exactly what hankaye suggested yesterday. [emoji1] we made it to Rock Springs at about 5PM Mountain time. Some of the 80 was down to 1 lane due to construction, but was flowing well. Weather was good except for some wind right after entering Wyoming. Took it nice and slow at 60 MPH. This Ecoboost engine is a beast uphill. Averaging so far 9.7 miles per gallon. Ran like a champ. Wish me luck with the wind tomorrow for our last leg.

[hankaye]

austinp, Howdy;

Best way to handle the winds is to pull over, if that's not a good option
then just slow down.
Travel safely young windwalker ...

hankaye

[austinp]

Thanks hankaye.

[bsmith0404]

How's the trip going? You can't just leave us hanging...

[austinp]

Here's an update on the trip.
We left Rock Springs this morning at about 7:45AM (late start). Drove E/B 80 to Rawlins and went North on 287. It was pretty windy on the 287, so I drove about 50 MPH. Then took the 220E into Casper and then the 25N to the 387E. South on the 59 for a very short while to the 450 E into Newcastle and then the 16 to the 385N. It was a long drive and we didn't get here until 5:45 PM. Taking this route seemed to avoid traffic on the interstate and avoided some of the wind, except for the 287. Now enjoying a pastrami Reuben sandwich and getting ready for bed. Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions. So far so good
[emoji12]

[bsmith0404]

Sounds like you had a pretty nice trip. I will give you a bit of a hard time about one thing though, "Taking this route seemed to avoid traffic on the interstate ". It's Wyoming, there isn't any traffic on the interstate

[austinp]

Originally Posted by bsmith0404

Sounds like you had a pretty nice trip. I will give you a bit of a hard time about one thing though, "Taking this route seemed to avoid traffic on the interstate ". It's Wyoming, there isn't any traffic on the interstate

I should clarify that... Being passed by 500 big rigs.

[hankaye]

austinp, Howdy;

Glad to hear you made it in one piece...

hankaye

[bsmith0404]

Originally Posted by austinp

I should clarify that... Being passed by 500 big rigs.

Now that is believable on 80.

[austinp]

Originally Posted by hankaye

austinp, Howdy;

Glad to hear you made it in one piece...

hankaye

Thanks hankaye

[austinp]

Today's visit to Mount Rushmore

[bsmith0404]

Hope you hiked the loop, it's a good time

[austinp]

Originally Posted by bsmith0404

Hope you hiked the loop, it's a good time

Sure did. Also did the self guided tour. Lots of stuff I didn't know. Always learning.

[bsmith0404]

I love that area, could spend weeks up there and learn something new every day. Great area for bike riding as well. Last time we were there the DW and I ride 20-30 miles each day and saw wildlife on every ride

[gkainz]

did you stay at Rushmore for the evening lighting ceremony?
Oh wait - you said "today's visit" and posted it today ... so I assume you've already left?

[austinp]

Nice. We are going back there tonight for the lighting ceremony after dinner. It's only 10-20 minutes away from where we are staying. We didn't bring our bikes this trip, primarily didn't know where to ride, but the Mickelson trail is right behind us. Next time we come here we'll definitely bring bikes. We already saw two mountain goats and tons of deer.

[bsmith0404]

Crazy horse does a great lazer light show as well

[austinp]

Went to the Mount Rushmore lighting ceremony last night. Great patriotic ceremony.

[austinp]

Went to the Crazy Horse Memorial yesterday. There was a lot of great information there. Off to Jewel Cave today.