Earlier this summer, we set out on a two-week maiden voyage in our (now beloved) Winnebago, Bernadette, with our sights set on checking Mount Rushmore off our travel bucket lists.
At first we were like “What did we do?” Now we’re wondering, “Why didn’t we do this sooner?!” It was so much fun exploring different parts of America than we’ve seen before.
Here are some snaps from our travels.
By George, this was unexpectedly my favorite shot of Mount Rushmore. If you drive just past it, there’s a little turn-off on the road where few stop to see America’s #1.At Custer State Park in South Dakota, the views along the Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway scenic drives are as stunning as these adorable, one-lane mini-tunnels carved through the granite.We let the kids pick what we’d do one day. They chose the Alpine-style rollercoaster at Rush Mountain Adventure Park, which we rode at least ten times. Basically, it pull you up to the top of the mountain, and then gravity brings you down. My extra poundage meant that I was the speediest. 🙂Bennie & Pippa are having a great time hanging with us.Silliness while binging Glee. The kids are obsessed with this show, and I’m there for it.
Also, did you know that the largest sand dune in North America is in Colorado of all places? Tucked in the bosom of two mountains, the wind sheds its desert sands to make it over the range…for everyone to surf, sled and climb. It’s insane.
Back in South Dakota, Sylvan Lake is a very different, equally other-worldly scene. If you’ve watched ”National Treasure 2” (I love all of those movies), you’ve seen this lake.The one above, taken by Todd, is one of my faves. Bernadette’s windshield is so big that you can see everything…and in a state like Wyoming (my favorite on this trip), you can see for what seems like 100 miles.If this isn’t the perfect ad for Winnebago, I don’t know what is!Watching family-favorite “The Devil Wears Prada” at a campsite in rural Oklahoma, as typical families do.Claire is obsessed with draining the tanks. She’s Todd’s right-hand woman when it comes to ridding our rig of…poop.We stopped at Billy The Kid’s grave in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. My advice: if you ever want to see it yourself, just look at this picture. This is about as exciting as it gets. It’s hot, dusty and down a long rough road. Consider our sacrifice your gain.Many evenings on this journey, we’ve been blessed with rainbows. This one, taken at the adorable, pint-sized Curt Gowdy State Park near Cheyenne, Wyoming, was a fave.Gone fishing – Claire especially enjoyed slowing down and casting a line. (Lake Anita State Park, Iowa)No drive through South Dakota is complete without a stop at Wall Drug. If you’re wondering where it is, you’ll know when you’re getting closer by the incessant roadside ads for it. (It’s like a Buccee’s, but with 100 rooms and shops under one roof.)Our enormous circularly route, as planned using RV Trip Wizard, included stops in Lubbock (TX), Santa Fe (NM), La Veta (CO), Cheyenne (WY), Louis & Clark Lake (SD), Lake Anita (IA), Kansas City (MO) & Broken Arrow (OK).
I'm a (gay) husband, a dad, adoption advocate, Texan, founder of two businesses (PR firm Cooper Smith Agency & online mag He Said Magazine), wannabe comedian/Martha Stewart and just generally a mess who drinks and cusses too much. Read More
Cooper
@imcoopedup on Instagram
by imcoopedup1 week ago A good sense of humor is vital for maintaining a youthful appearance. That, and a bunch of @kiehls lotions and potions! (Although I think the kids may have overdone it.)
by imcoopedup2 weeks ago I have a big announcement! . Not really, it’s just me holding the precious 13-day old offspring of my super faves @ardenhen and @brockhensarling . I don’t remember my babies being so tiny!
by imcoopedup3 weeks ago Photo highlights from our fabulous day at @dollywood . It was one of the absolutely most beautiful, clean and friendly amusement park experiences I’ve ever had. . In addition to the natural beauty and legit rides, there was plenty of love for @dollyparton herself. The museum (complete with a Dolly hologram!) will fill the hearts of any fan. . This park deserves all the adoration it receives. Can’t wait to return someday. . #dollywood#travel
by imcoopedup4 weeks ago The day started with all of us a little scared about what we’d signed up for, but we conquered the upper Pigeon River - including a couple of Class IV rapids. It was so much fun! - Our @nantahalaoutdoorcenter guide Andy led the way and fortunately no one fell out. (Although Claire and I both fell INTO the boat at the same time!) - The immediate first question from the kids was naturally “Can we do it again?!” - #whitewaterrafting#smokymountains#travel
by imcoopedup4 weeks ago When this happens as you’re hiking 3 miles round trip (half of it uphill) to see a gorgeous waterfall and you don’t know whether to be excited or completely freaked out at a black bear encounter. Especially when you can’t tell if he’s old enough to not have a protective mama close by.
by imcoopedup4 weeks ago Our next epic RV adventure begins: Smoky Mountains, here we come! Whitewater rafting, hiking, hunting for waterfalls, exploring nature…and of course, @dollywood . - This will be our first big trip in Gracie (with Butch in tow). #rv#travel
by imcoopedup1 month ago I’ve always warned Todd that as I grow older, my dream is to be Charlie Nelson Reilly and Paul Lind’s love child, with a splash of Liberace (for high class). Today’s look moves me a couple of steps closer. I love any leopard print moment, especially if it involves neckwear.
by imcoopedup1 month ago Another year at @thekesslerschool under our belts! We officially have two Middle Schoolers. - I hope we look back on this year with affection and a sense of accomplishment that we made the best of a crazy situation. - I’m so proud of our school and its leadership for guiding our children through a situation that no one has ever encountered (or signed up for when they became educators).
by imcoopedup3 months ago Five years ago today, we arrived in fabulous Venice. I now appreciate that more than ever. #tbt
by imcoopedup3 months ago I first met @justinbaldoni years ago and have become a super fan since then. You might know him as hunky Rafael on "Jane The Virgin," but there's so much more to Justin! He's crazy smart and kind and sensitive. Full of love and humanity! . And now he's an author - on shelves today! In "Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity," he explores his own journey and hopes to teach the world how to overcome society's often-damaging narrative about masculinity and what it means to be "Man Enough." Can't wait to dive in and learn! . As a gay man of
by imcoopedup4 months ago Spending a long weekend with Yogi! I had my reservations about staying at Jellystone, but so far it’s been really fun with the water park, miniature golf, and beautiful views of the Guadalupe River.
by imcoopedup4 months ago After watching my signature blonde grow out for over a year, it’s finally back! This, more than just about anything, makes me feel like there’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel. Now to shed some of the Covid-19 20 I gained...
by imcoopedup5 months ago We started the day picking up trash along the beach (something my favorite sister Monica always does), then fishing, more fishing and eating all the snacks. Everyone’s having a great time with the slow pace, gulf breezes and constant meditative sound of the waves.
