day one: northwest indiana to western minnesota
drive time: 10 hours
our first night of camping, in minnesota (near fargo, north dakota), went photographically undocumented due to severe weather and malicious mosquitoes. we slept somewhat soundly as tornado-watch winds and rain whipped about our nylon house, proving, once again, that we really have a great tent. probably not the most ideal camping experience, but still cheaper than a hotel.
day two: western minnesota to western montana
drive time: 14 hours
the second night, in montana, we visited a beautiful (and free!) state park just outside of butte. tall pine forests are situated between two hundred foot cliffs with a stream running along one side.
the only amenities provided in the park are an outhouse and a drinking water pump, but the amazing scenery more than makes up for lack of creature comforts. we aren't very picky campers anyway, so these are pretty much sufficient in most cases. we had an amazing meal comprised of modified veggie kapow--vegetables, sausage (the modification), spices and butter or olive oil wrapped in foil and cooked over fire--and dessert kapow--apples, cherries, butter and sugar. sometimes, as a good friend likes to say, i can't believe we eat so well.
upon waking the next morning, we were able to wash up a bit in the frigid creek about 10 feet away from our tent. we were refreshed and ready to drive another 8 hours to seattle, washington.
