Another Cross-Country Adventure: From Danbury to San Diego

There’s something uniquely thrilling about hitting the open road, and this past summer, Terri and I embarked on another unforgettable journey. We set out from Danbury, Connecticut, on August 12, with San Diego as our ultimate destination. The occasion? Celebrating our daughter Darcie’s 40th birthday—but the journey itself became just as memorable as celebrating the “Big Four-Oh”.

From Connecticut to the Midwest

As usual we chose Interstate 80 as our main route, taking us through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and onward to Wisconsin. The beauty of the changing landscapes kept us company along the way, from rolling hills to the bustling farmlands of the Midwest. A couple of mechanical hiccups with the Vienna caused us a bit of concern, but were quickly remedied (you can read about that here). A standout moment early early in the trip was reconnecting with friends and former neighbors in Hudson, Wisconsin. It was heartwarming to catch up and relive old memories with people who had been a big part of our lives in CT.

A Night on a North Dakota Farm

One of the most charming stops on our journey was a small, third-generation farm in Steele, North Dakota. We spent the night there, surrounded by the simplicity and beauty of rural life. Feeding baby goats and a calf made us feel like real ranchers and gave us a refreshing break from the road. Dinner that evening was a true local experience at the Steele Veteran’s Club Bar and Grill—the town’s only restaurant. Over hearty comfort food, we struck up a conversation with Jim, the local tax collector, whose stories painted a vivid picture of small-town life. And in true North Dakota style, there was a special lottery underway with tickets available. The prize… a pistol. We passed, as cross state carry laws might be a problem if we had a winning ticket.

Family Reunions in Montana

Our journey continued westward to Billings, Montana, where we reunited with family we hadn’t seen in over 50 years. The highlight of this stop was a wonderful dinner at Walker’s, a stylish and cozy restaurant owned by my cousin’s son-in-law. The food was exceptional, but even more special was the joy of reconnecting with relatives and sharing stories that spanned decades. If you visit, follow my lead and order the Apple Brined Pork Shank.

From Billings, we traveled to Anaconda, Montana, to visit friends and former Sandy Utah neighbors. There, we indulged in a mix of leisure and outdoor fun. We played golf at Fairmont Resort, a scenic course surrounded by Montana’s majestic mountains, and went fishing at Georgetown Lake, where the crisp mountain air and serene waters provided the perfect escape. Kim and Ed Jones are always welcoming hosts.

Into the West: Idaho, Utah, and Nevada

As we left Montana, we drove south through the Madison River Valley into Idaho, following the winding Snake River. The views were stunning, with towering cliffs, lush valleys, and rivers that seemed to stretch endlessly. We will return to these waters to pursue some trout on the fly.

Next, we picked up Interstate 15, which carried us through Utah and southern Nevada. The bright lights of Las Vegas were a stark contrast to the quiet countryside we’d experienced earlier, but the excitement of the city reminded us of the incredible diversity this country has to offer.

The Final Stretch to San Diego

Finally, after days of driving, countless memories, and a kaleidoscope of landscapes, we reached San Diego. The destination was well worth the journey, as we celebrated our daughter’s 40th birthday surrounded by family and friends. But looking back, it wasn’t just the destination that mattered—it was the stops along the way, the people we met, and the experiences we shared.

This road trip was more than a physical journey; it was a chance to reconnect with loved ones, explore new places, and appreciate the beauty and variety of this vast country. Our Renegade Vienna pulling our Jeep Wrangler, proved to be the perfect companions for this adventure, offering us both comfort and reliability as we made memories that will last a lifetime.