Day One: The Dakots

THE DAKOTS!!!! In the heart of the state that God forgot, we're writing this noble blog’s opening post. With the sweet serenade of Cat “Yusif” Stevens in the background and burning 90+ degree weather, nothing could be better. Perhaps North Dakota’s famous “enchanted highway” has inspired us to put pen to pad, after all we're pretty sure its received numerous votes for being one of the modern 7 wonders. Or maybe it’s simply the byproduct of Todd's need to distract himself from Will’s perpetual use of the cell phone. Regardless, the first post is here and that’s what counts.

Tonight we stay in Jamestown, ND with a girl we met on couchsurfing.org (a fabulous site for moochers), and she’s suggested that camping could be in the cards. Either way, the price will be right and we're sure we’ll enjoy ourselves. We’ve got a little baseball inspiration already as our friends Nate, Chris and Josh are in Cooperstown attending Ricky “Slick Rick” Henderson’s Hall of Fame induction. We’re sure humility will not be the name of the game, and it will certainly not involve as many tears as Michael Irvin’s “I’m the Jesus of football” speech.

For our fellow Montana natives, you’re likely already privy to the misery that is I-94. We're sure North Dakota is filled with wonderful people (unlike South Dakota which is filled entirely with murderers and witches), but this drive is horrible. It feels like a 10,000 mile drive on a completely straight road surrounded by a flat abyss. If you like farms, dirt, power lines and the occasional oil derrick however, then this is the land of milk and honey. (Side note, the scenic highlight thus far has been Will keenly observing a cloud that “looks like a bird.”)

However, spirits are high. Our 1999 Chevy Prizm has yet to break down, despite the constant presence of our friend the “check engine” light. We’ve planned our trip out very precisely and look forward to two months of hectic relaxation. (Second side note, anyone we haven’t contacted already that has a line on tickets, or a hunk of floor we might be allowed to pull up, don’t hesitate to let us know! We’ll do our best to grace you with our presence!) In short, this is the magical part of any road trip where things have yet to be said that can’t be unsaid, and eyes have not been blackened.

So, pray for our car, our morale and us. We hope to see all of you at soon and keep tuning in!

-Todd & Will