Day 147 - August 10, 2008

OK - this is it - the day we start back home - the end of "The Big Adventure".

What can I say? Words cannot describe how much we appreciated seeing the incredible sights of our western USA and meeting so many fantastic people. It truly was a dream come true and we are so very thankful to be able to make this journey. The picture below was taken as we were travelling from the Grand Tetons. Quite a fitting end to be blog wouldn't you say.

Stay tune next spring for the "Eastern Great Adventure and Canadian Maritime Provinces" (God willing and the stock market cooperates).

To all of you that followed us on our "Big Adventure" we are very grateful. We appreciate all your kind and supportive words. You helped to make this trip a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Happy Trails to You Until Next Spring. Keep well and healthy and enjoy each day to the best of your ability.

Day 146 - August 9, 2008

Today is another very special day for our family. Janet Franklin (Frank's sister) celebrates her birthday. Happy Birthday Janet!!!

Well, this is our last day of touring. I didn't feel strong enough to hike so we elected to do a driving tour. We started with a stop at the Jackson Lake Lodge. I thought we were at Disney World. This was really classy and had all sorts of high end shops. The interior was more on the contemporary side. Then it was on to a drive up Signal Mountain with more incredible sights. Next was a delightful visit at Jenny Lake Lodge (see below). We took a scenic drive to Jenny Lake, the Cathedral Group and the Marina but a storm was heading in so the pictures were not very good. I guess the weather knew it was our last day of "The Big Adventure" so it was going to shed a few tears too.

Chapel of the Sacred Heart

Jenny Lake Lodge. Although small, this was the one with the most charm. Their restaurant is 5 star and their wine cellar is among the best in the state. You must have reservations and it is coat and tie. Pretty different for a National Park. The price for a room here is $550 a night for two people but it does include breakfast, dinner, horseback riding and use of bicycles. If you need an extra special place for an extra special occasion, this is it.

View from the porch of Jenny Lake Lodge

Jenny Lake

Day 145 - August 8, 2008

Unfortunately today was a "lost day" as I was sick with a stomach problem which I believe stemmed from lunch meat that was not as fresh as it should be. Frank was a very good nurse and took very good care of me and we didn't leave the coach so no pictures.

Day 144 - August 7, 2008

Today we got an early start and went on a 3 mile Ranger led hike around Swan Lake and Heron Lake. It was awesome in its beauty. Then we went to a Ranger Lecture about the Teton Highlights. It was pretty neat because the Ranger was seasonal and during the year she is a teacher in Jacksonville, FL. Then we went on a very nice boat trip around Jackson Lake. It was pretty amazing because the Cpt of the boat was born and raised in Lakeland and lived around Lake Morton. He was actually a bag boy at the Publix which is now the Polk Public Museum. He was a retired Army Reservist and was also called up for the Desert Storm. There were so many parallels that it was unreal.

Then we went back to the campground and stayed put as I was not feeling well.

Grand Teton Range as reflected in Heron Lake. Is this not an incredible sight?

During our boat ride on Jackson Lake. This is a view of Mt. Moran.

Day 143 - Aug 6, 2008

Today we drove from Yellowstone to the Grand Tetons National Park. It was a short scenic drive and this time we actually got to stay in the Park and had full hookups for the coach. It sure makes it easier getting to all the different areas of the park.

The big event of the day was to drive to Jackson Hole to look for the perfect gus-cut hat for Frank. He has been looking for this hat since New Mexico. He saw one in Santa Fe but it wasn't the right size. He also saw one he liked in Sedonna, AZ but he didn't want to pay the price. He has been checking out western wear shops in every state. Well, thank goodness he found his perfect hat. Now I just have to talk him into letting me take his picture in his new found hat.

First view of the Grand Teton Range

Day 142 - August 5, 2008

Well, this was our last day in Yellowstone and we saved the best for last - Old Faithful.

We started our touring with a drive through Fishhole Canyon. We saw a great waterfall and encountered a swimming area (but we didn't try it out). Then it was on to the Old Faithful Visitors Center to get the possible eruptions times of Old Faithful and of course to get our Passport Stamp. Then we went over to Black Sand Basin for a great Ranger program from a very experienced Ranger who had so much great information. Then we headed back to Old Faithful for the eruption. It was incredible. It was like Disney World - tons of people waiting for the show. They even tried to do the wave amongst all the visitors on the benches. Then we took the Geyser Hill Trail and had the opportunity to view several more geysers, springs and pools. On our way back home we did the Fishhole Lake Drive for more thermal features.

So tomorrow we bid a fond farewell to Yellowstone. It has been all I expected and more. You should see the map they hand out to you at the entrance - ours must have 20 pieces of scotch tape on it to hold it together. I think we did a rip roaring job of seeing as much of the park as we could. I will always have very fond memories of this visit and the awesome sights we have been blessed to see.

Tomorrow it is on the Grand Tetons. We will actually be staying in the park so I don't know if we will have any wifi capabilities. So, the blog may not be updated for a few days. The Grand Tetons will be our last touring stop. I can only say that this has truly been a "Big Adventure". We are so incredibly thankful to be able to pursue our dreams and have the "Western Big Adventure".

Firehole Falls

Hey Lindsey, does this look familiar?

Can you believe it - Old Faithful. What an awesome treat. I even got sprayed with some of the water from the eruption. Priceless!!!!

Yellowstone National Park - White Dome Geyser

Day 141 - August 4, 2005

Today we had a busy day of touring. We covered the area from Norris to Mammoth Hot Springs. As we drove along the route we saw Roaring Mountain, the Obsidian Cliff (where ancient peoples of North America gathered to collect this hard, black rock that was used to make weapons and implements), Sheepeater Cliffs and hiked quite a bit at the Upper and Lower terraces. Then we spent some time at the Albright Visitor's Center looking at the exhibits and viewing a movie. We made a trip into the neighboring town of Gardiner to eat at the famous Helen's Corral Drive-In for an awesome hamburger. Then we also got the picture of the Roosevelt Arch. At 6:00 we attended a Ranger Program about Ft. Yellowstone. After the area was named a national park there was still quite a bit of illegal activity so the military was sent in for several years to maintain order - hence there are the wonderful buildings which comprise Ft. Yellowstone.

As you can see we had quite a full day. We have 1 more day in Yellowstone then it is on to our last touring stop - the Grand Tetons. So, we are really winding down. I want to take this opportunity to say a special thanks to Frank. He has driven me across country and all around and stopped at all the turnoffs and scenic viewing areas and hasn't complained at all. He just calls it "Driving Miss Daisey". Without Frank this trip could not happen. He has been a fabulous driver and companion!!!

Is this not another incredible sight? We hiked through the Upper ad Lower terraces. It was quite amazing strolling among them as you can observe Mother Nature going about the business of mixing and matching heat, water, limestone, and rock fractures to sculpt the area.
The Boiling River meets the Gardiner River and makes a great swimming area. Where the Boiling River comes in, the water is extremely hot and then it meets the cold water of the Gardiner River. Frank said this looked like Baptismal Day!!!

I couldn't resist trying out the water too!

Can you believe this - here we are walking along a trail and then we spy an elk in the river taking a drink of water. This was truly incredible.

The Roosevelt Arch at the Northern Entrance to the Park

At the close of day, the flag was lowered. I am helping the Park Ranger fold the flag. It was a very special moment.

Liberty Cap - this 37' tall Liberty Cap, which was created by a hot spring that was active in one location for a long time. Its internal pressure was sufficient to raise the water to a great height, allowing mineral deposits to build slowly and continuously for perhaps hundred of years. Estimated to be 2500 years old and now dormant, Liberty Cap was named in 1871 by the Hayden Survey because it resembled the peaked knit caps symbolizing freedom and liberty during the French Revolution.

Roaring Mountain - A patch of ground totally devoid of brush and plant life, covered with trees and stumps from the fire. Its bareness is attributed to the fact that, as steam vents developed here, the ground became too hot and acidic, which bleached and crumbed the rock, taking the undergrowth with it. Historian say that the noise from the Roaring Mountain was once so loud that it could be heard as far as 4 miles away; these days it is nearly silent.

Day 140 - August 3, 2008

Today is a great day of celebration. My neice, Theresa de Almagro, gave birth to Ian Joseph de Almagro at 12:15 am, weighing 6lbs 9 oz, 18 1/2 inches long. He has beautiful olive colored skin and lots of brown hair. What a blessing. Mother and Baby are doing wonderful. Congratulations to Theresa, Ignacio, Isabella, little Ignacio and Blanche and Ray.

We took a day off from touring today. We just kicked back, read and had a great fire.

Day 139 - August 2, 2008

Since today was a Saturday and lots of visitors to the park, we decided to stay close to our campground and tour the places we were always passing on our travels.

Today we visited Two Ribbons Trail, Riveside turnout, Terrace Springs, Beryl Spring and the Artist Paint Pot Trail. After looking at the pictures, I think you will agree it was a day well spent.

Hiking on Two Ribbons Trail. It offers an opportunity to walk through and inspect the effects of the 1988 fire.

View up the Madison River. This is supposed to be prime trout territory but sorry Parker we didn't see any.

Terrace Springs

Beryl Springs - we were standing down wind from the spring and thought we were in a sauna. Gives you some idea about how hot these thermals are. Also, the sound from the steam vent sounded like a freight train. Quite a bit of power under the earth!!. Who knows when this active volcano activity will blow.

Check out the rack on this bull/buck elk. He is the one that caused the animal jam in the last picture below.

One of the mud pots at Artists Paint P0t site

Fantastic view looking out from Artists Paint Pot

Just couldn't pass it up - another hilarious "animal jam" picture"

Day 138 - August 1, 2008

Today we drove to the south western part of the park. Our first stop was at Fishing Village Visitors' Center which had a really good wildlife display. Of course we had to stop there too to get our Passport Book Stamp. Carrie and George had given us the National Parks Passport Book a few years ago and they didn't know what a monster they created. We stop at all the visitors' centers so we can get our "stamp". We have tons of stamps now.

Then we took 2 hikes - Pelican Creek and Storm Point. The Storm Point hike went through beautiful wildflower meadows and then to Yellowstone Lake and then through the forest. I sure was making lots of noise (clapping and calling out "coming through") as this was prime bear country. The sights on this hike were incredible

Then we drove to Lake Village and saw the Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Also we made a stop at Bridge Bay Marina to check it out.

Then it was on to West Thumb Geyser Basin where we saw a unique series of geysers. They were awesome. Last stop was at Grant Village and of course another stamp in the Passport Book. So as you can tell, we covered a lot of territory and saw some amazing, wondrous sights. Another blessed day seeing the awesome USA!!!

This is a typical "animal jam". As soon as any wildlife is viewed and you stop and point and take out your camera or binoculars, you get this result. Pretty funny, huh? This particular animal was an elk. We are still on the hunt for a bear. The only one we saw was a little dot in the distance. Of course, we want to view the bear from the safety of our car!!

At Stormy Point on Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is North America's largest mountain lake. Over geological time it has drained into the Pacific Ocean and into the Arctic Ocean via Hudson Bay. It now drains into the Atlantic via the Gulf of Mexico. The lake is 20 miles long, 14 miles wide, and 430 feet deep at its deepest point. It averages 140 feet deep. Native trout generally inhabit the upper 60 feet because their foods rarely occur below that depth. Average August surface temperature is 60 degrees. Bottom temperature never rises above 42 degrees. Swimming is discouraged as such cold waters can cause potentially fatal hypothermia and hyperventilation within mere minutes.

The Le Hardys Fire at Yellowstone National Park. The latest news is that they are making progress on it. The fire is in the unpopulated south western part of the park and is no threat to visitors or structures. Looks pretty scary to me!!

Black Pool at West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail. At one time the pool was actually black. Lower water temperature allowed thick mats of dark green and brown thermophiles to grow in the pool, causing it to appear black. The water temperature rose during the summer of 1991, killing the organisms. Black Pool also erupted that summer and several times the following winter. Black Pool is now a quiet and beautiful pool.

Seismograph Pool at the West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail

Elk right outside the Grant Village Visitors' Center.

We crossed the Continental Divide 4 times today in our travels.

Beautiful Montana sky as we head back to our campsite after a day of touring.

Day 137 - July 31, 2008

Today is a very special day for us - it is the birthday of our eldest daughter Carrie. Happy Birthday to you Carrie. We will be nice and not tell your age (of course telling your age makes us feel very old, so it serves us well to keep a tight lip).

Today we got a late start as we tried to update the blog from yesterday in the morning. We have discovered that the wifi in the campground is only as good as the number of people who are trying to use it. So, the evening hours are a frustrating time of continually being bumped off. It is much better to access in the morning or very late at night.

We saw many really neat things today on the eastern side of the park. I think you will agree from the pictures below.

This is the fire to the east of Fishing Bridge. It was started by a downed power line fueled by the winds. Since it was not a natural fire, they are trying to put it out. However, it is not even to the point of being contained. Thank goodness it is not in an area where there are buildings or people. The only consequence we are suffering is a blocked road.

We searched high and low today along some mighty dusty dirt roads in search of a bear and this is all we saw. Check out the little black dot in the middle of the picture. I guess we can be thankful we didn't run across one on a hiking trail.

View from the Calcige Springs Overlook.

Petrified Rock - a redwood that, while standing, was burned by volcanic ash more than 50 million years ago. There used to be 3 trees but souvenoir takers demolised the other two trees so you can understand why the remaining one is inside a fence.

Undine Falls

This is not Disneyland - this is real stuff. Check out the mule deer right outside the Mammoth Hot Springs Lodge. Can you believe it - there were actually 4 deer just feasting on the grass in front of the lodge. Pretty incredible!!

Day 136 - July 30, 2008

Today we tried to get an early start to catch a ranger program. Well, our first mistake was to try to drive through McDonald's for a quick breakfast - Bad Mistake. Total chaos. Well, we decided to go to a little cafe and had a nice big breakfast. Then it was on to Canyon Village. We went to the Visitor Center and saw a nice film and checked out a couple of the shops. Then we went to the South Rim area and walked a very steep trail and we were able to see the fantastic Upper Falls. Then on to Artist Point for a spectacular view of the Lower Falls. Then we rode through Hayden Valley and saw lots of buffalo. We were planning to go down to Fishing Village for some more touring but we could see a lot of smoke and found out there was a fire down in Fishing Village from a downed power line. So, the road was closed. Hopefully, they will contain the fire quickly.

Our change of plans took us to the Norris Basin and we took the boardwalk trail and saw geysers, hot springs and lots of hot pots.

Quite a breathe taking day we had!!

Herd of Elk

We like to stop and eat our picnic lunch at one of the picnic areas. It beats the crowds and wait time at the various eating places. This picnic spot was right by the Yellowstone River.

Upper Falls as seen from the Uncle Tom's Trail which is a very, very steep 500' staircase.

Lower Falls as seen from Artist Point. Isn't this spectacular!!

"O give me a home where the buffalo roam". We had many encounters in the Hayden Valley. The valley is a former lakebed. Soil here permits little tree growth, and the shrub-and-grass land valley plants are used by grazing animals.

Steamboat Geyser in the Norris Geyser Basin. We saw this one on the 1.5 mile Back Basin Loop hike. Pretty amazing!!

Clear Springs at the Norris Geyser Basin area. The basin is living testimony to the park's unique thermal activity. It is the location of one of the park's highest concentrations of thermal features. Underground water temperatures can reach 459 degrees.