Yellowstone NP/ Grand Teton NP (23.-28.09.07)

Arriving at Yellowstone was a bit scary; at the entrance 2 C and about an inch of snow, and we were camping. We asked the ranger how far away our campsite was, and he answered about 2 hours by car (just to give you an impression of Yellowstone's size; it actually took us 2.5 hours to arrive, because of bison jams). This meant mounting our tent at the freezing point at night. In terms of wildlife, gysers, mud pots, fumaroles and hot springs the park is amazing! Grand Teton with its alpine flair also did not disappoint us; but if you saw the alps...

Miles: ca. 3000
Oil changes: 1

Badlands/BlackHills (20.-23.09.07)

The prairie dogs rock in the badlands - the landscape of the badlands is breathtaking and the pictures can't translate its beauty. Next to our campsite in Custer-State park in the Black Hills we saw a 5-6 feet long rattle snake and a buffalo visited us during the breakfast. Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse are ok for a short stop.

Going west..., IL, IA, MN, SD (18-20.9.07)

Nature here we come!

Chicago, IL (16-18.9.07)

We drove from south Chicago to a northern part to meet with Josh. The drive was 19 miles - impressive urban sprawl. Beside that Chicago downtown is what we expected - the hub of the midwest.

Detroit, MI (14-16.09.2007)

Our two days in Detroit are truly rememberable. First the troubles at the borders, which almost put an end to our trip, and then this amazing American motor city - a surely underrated city with many hidden attractions. We stayed with Jodi, who was an awesome host and cicerone. We also met Jeremy and his family, who showed us Wayne State University and the lab - was great seeing them again.

Miles: 880

The US-canadian border

Certainly something to remember. Our re-entry to the US could have been easier, but finally we made it.

On the road...

Toronto, ON (10-14.09.2007)

Next stop Toronto, where we stayed at Tio Joca's and Guida's house in Brampton. We met our cousins and had a really good time with them. We also met Datong at the University of Toronto, saw his lab and went for lunch in Chinatown. A visit to the Niagara-Falls was mandatory.

Miles: 610