The ‘57 Dodge was packed. I was ready for my first long trip. Of course, I didn’t have much to do to get ready, but my mother was a different story! It wasn’t until I was grown that I realized what a chore that was for her – trying to keep herd on 6 kids and a husband, prepare food, make sure everyone had clothing and essentials, along with a gazillion other little details. At 5 years old, I was just excited! I was extra excited because it was to be my first trip to Montana.
Daddy named the appointed time for departure. I learned quickly that he did not abide by that rule regardless of Mama’s disapproval. It didn’t matter what time in the morning he planned on leaving, by 1:00 a.m. he was itching and ready to go. He’d come to our room and say, “Are you kids awake?” When we all exclaimed, “Yes,” he’d say, “Let’s go!” I can still hear the crickets and feel the humid night air and the darkness as we scrambled out of the house and crammed into the car. There was an excitement in the air and anticipation that cannot be described. Darkness soon gave way to light filtering over the horizon and soon the sun would peak over the landscape. With the coming dawn, I was filled with a second wind as the day was filled with promise and adventure.
I still marvel at how we all fit into the car. Most of the time, one kid sat in the front seat with mama and daddy, 4 kids in the back seat and one kid in the back window – that would be me! I always thought I had the best “seat.” I didn’t want to sleep or take my eyes off the changing landscape. We went from thick forests of the south with tall pines and oaks, across flat plains, crossing rivers of all sizes, to mountains rising from prairies. We came to hills that looked like patchwork quilts. Crops of wheat, oats, alfalfa, and more, along with fallow fields, made quite a display of greens, browns, and golds as grains reflected in the sun. The sky got bigger as we went west. I still remember asking about those black shapes that moved along the ground. It was hard for me to believe that they were shadows cast from the clouds – the same clouds that became dragons, dogs, alligators and other things. As day turned to night, the vast skies came to life with the stars winking at me. Seeing antelope meant that we had reached the west. Rolling hills were covered with sagebrush and prickly pears.
We made a few stops along the long road through South Dakota. We stopped at the Corn Palace in Mitchell. A & W in Chamberlain was a must. We stopped there every time we went that way until it was no longer in operation. When we crossed the Missouri River, the land changed drastically into sagebrush hills. My mother always, and I mean always, wanted to go through the Badlands. She marveled at the harsh barren colored hills. She called the Badlands “God’s Cathedral.”
Our first stop to visit family was at my great uncle’s place. My sister and I would often sleep outside with a couple of our cousins. That’s where I heard my first coyote. I ran into the house to tell my uncle that there was a little kid out on the prairie calling for its mama. He laughed when I described the sound, “maamaaaa, maamaaaa.” I was skeptical when he told me that was just a den of coyote pups. My imagination worked overtime when I thought the coyotes would jump over the short wire fence around the yard and drag me off to their den. Though the mournful cries scared me and sent shivers down my spine, I wouldn’t give in to my fear. Now when I hear those calls across the hills, it is comforting somehow.
Something magical happened to me on that trip. I caught the fever of adventure – of exploring new places. That fever continues to burn inside me today. Actually, I think it was given to me at birth. I still find myself in awe as I travel down country roads. I don’t want to miss a thing. I still look out the window with that childlike wonder, but now I get the front seat.
Always love reading your stories. The great detail that you give makes me feel like I’m right there with you!
I feel the same way…her words ALWAYS make me feel like I am on her adventure with her!
Lovely story! I enjoyed reading it!
Looking forward to more posts in your blog.
Enjoyed the read, keep them coming.
Oh my goodness you are a writer too! I throughly enjoyed every word! I think you need to write a book of Your adventures. I know I would buy it! ❤️