Canada: Part 1

And so it begins... My journey to the 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada started four years ago. After watching the U.S. on tv at the World Cup in Germany in 2011, I knew I needed be in Canada for the next one. Right then, I made plans for four years down the road. Yes, me, I made plans for four years into the future. The plans were to drive to Canada for the World Cup, follow the U.S. team wherever they may play, and then after they won gold I would spend some additional time on a cross-country Canadian road trip.

Step One: Drive to Canada for the World Cup

Even though in the past I had been to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, I decided to make them part of my drive. I spent an afternoon and the following morning in Grand Teton. I hiked to Taggart and Bradley Lakes one day and then along Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls the next.

On my way out of the park, I came across this beautiful family as it crossed the road. Amazing!

I took a half-day to drive through Yellowstone. Not nearly enough time, but I got a lot in including Yellowstone Lake, some of the geothermal features, the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls area, and some more wildlife.

I left Yellowstone heading east toward Cody, WY, eventually arriving at Devil's Tower National Monument. The drive through Bighorn National forest provided some wonderful mountain views and the appearance of this little lady. I believe this is the first time I have ever seen a moose in the wild.

Who knew that I would be so fascinated with Devil's Tower? It seemed to show a new face to me every hundred steps as I circled it on the trail.

I sat and watched some brave climbers. They ascended only part way up the formation before descending back down. Can you spot all three of them?

I would have attempted the climb as well if the wooden ladder that was used for the first successful ascent in 1893 was still intact. Unfortunately, it has broken apart since then. If you look closely (in the middle of the photo), you can see its remnants hanging along the right side of the one of the columns.

I ended the day with this spectacular South Dakota sunset!

I made a stop at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. I had only heard of the badlands in South Dakota, but there are also badlands here. The park was beautiful.

These wild horses were roaming around. And the prairie dogs couldn't be missed even if you tried. They were everywhere.

I stumbled upon Rugby, ND before crossing the border into Canada. It just happens to be the geographical center of North America. Cool!

Click here to see more photos of my drive to Canada.

Just because you can't be at the World Cup, doesn't mean you can't watch from home. All games are being broadcast on Fox or Fox Sports in the United States.

U.S. Women's National Team Group Play Schedule:

June 8th @ 7:30pm ET - USA vs Australia

June 12th @ 8pm ET - USA vs Sweden

June 16th @ 8pm ET - USA vs Nigeria