Yellowstone's Grand Canyon

September 16th, 2009

Warmer weather came in so we decided it was time to hike the south rim of the canyon here in Yellowstone. As we arrived in the parking lot to start our hike, the path was blocked by a huge bison. It is definitely his turf and we decided it was best to hike around him. The hike was a great combination of meadow, forest, steep climbs, and magnificent views. We met a women who counted every step down to the first vista view. Chris, worked around the southern rim one summer doing trail restoration. We appreciated all the work he and the crew did to keep this trail clean and safe....especially with the 320 some steps down and back up to the main trail. It was definitely worth the huffing and puffing for the view. The first picture of the waterfalls is from that vista point.

We decided to continue on down the rim to get a more 'faraway' look at the many waterfalls and rustic river. Yellowstone Lake empties to a sprawling river for good fly fishing, but suddenly falls drops off into the canyon in a series of amazing waterfalls. The days hike was one of the highlights of our trip so far. We stopped at the visitor's center at Canyon Village for a few information movie shorts and a walk through the museum. Again, the overwhelming awe of venturing and camping in the crater of an ancient volcano!

Of course, our day trip would not be complete without driving through the high meadows where the 'buffalo roam'. Skip call them overgrown rodents-they are everywhere! Good to know their numbers are always increasing. My pet peeve is all the 'looky lous' who stop in the middle of the road to take pictures of the bison. Why don't they just park at the pull offs instead of blocking traffic. The park rangers were a little frustrated with some of these 'tourists'...don't blame them. At the visitors center they show a film where a bison suddenly butts a little girl up in the air (to prove their unpredictability and to warn people to keep their distance)...graphic, but I think necessary. However, I don't think a lot of them have seen the video.

Mammoth Hot Springs

September 15, 2009

The weather today is cooler and rather iffy as far as the rain and sunshine. We decided to take the longest day trip planned for Yellowstone. Mammoth Hot Springs is up by the northern entrance of the park. I have read about a natural hot springs which is legal to swim in just north of there and decided to take my swimming suit, just in case.

The hot springs up in Mammoth were rather uneventful...many are not flowing and haven't been for awhile, but still a sight to see. We drove up to the nearest town, Gardiner for some grocieries and gas. On the way back, we looked for the hot springs. It is unmarked and a half mile hike from the parking lot. The weather was coming in with some thunder, but we wanted to at least se it. On the path to the springs we saw some elk doe crossing the river thinking it was pretty cool...then, we saw what was following them-an elk buck in chase during rutting season..........that was a hike stopper! Being only about 75 feet away, we held our place and watched the spectacle. He followed them across the river over our path and up the hill. He was definitely in chase and was calling to the gals.

A Korean couple passed by us and were going to get closer to see and we advised them to let the crossing be and wait. They had found out about the hot spring from somebody at their hotel. We could see the springs flowing out of the wall of the river and the waterfall into the section of the river that had been built up with rocks to help form warm pools. I was ready to join the other tourists and have a nice warm soak! As if the elk wasn't a big enough warning, lighting began to stike....and close. We are outta there! No soak for me today. Again, the tourists were oblivious to the danger. Amazing!! But, the walk and drive that day was well worth the elk spotting.

Tomorrow, we hope for better weather so we can hike the south rim of the canyon.

Old Faithful

September 14, 2009

Actually, the south rim of the canyon was planned for today, but we got too late of a start. So, we decided to set out for good ol faithful. One cannot come to Yellowstone without including it on the visit. Chris told us to hike up above old faithful and see the eruption from there.

On our way up we decided to detour to a few of the smaller geysers next to it. Good thing we did. The beehive geyser only erupts every 10 hours to five days. As we approached the ranger announced the pre indicator and said it should erupt within 15 minutes. It erupted for more than 15 minutes with a pre eruption out of the indicator hole. The winds kept changing and I ended up downwind (wet and 'sulphur-ized') while Skip was able to stay upwind. It kinda makes one nervous hanging out in the middle of an ancient crater....somewhat still active. Amazing.

We scrambled up the hill and saw old faithful...actually, we like the beehive better. But, it was a good view. The castle geyser went on for about 30 minutes, which we could see from the top of the hill.

Tomorrow will depend on the weather. We have been blessed with great weather, but tomorrow might be rain. Actually the morning temps haven't been too cold. Only a few mornings have been in the 30's. The days have been between the 60's-80's. Not bad for September.

Snake River

September 13, 2009

This morning we had to break camp early and get over to the rafting location on the Snake River. Again, we learned a few important lessons about chalks and why they are placed in certain directions (it is called 'rolling!"). But,we are getting better at it every time.

As we approached the river we were able to see a mom moose and her little one crossing the river. Boy, they are tall!

It was cloudy and rains were coming, but we (I) dressed for the occasion. Skip wore shorts and tee shirt (he never gets cold though) and I wore a fleece, down vest, and long pants. He made fun of me for over dressing.....guess who got cold and asked for a blanket??? not me.... For those who know Skip well, he rarely gets cold. I think this is the second time in our 40 years together that I have seen him shiver!

But, the view down the river was something. The Tetons were magnificent! The picture we included is the spot on the river where Ansel Adams got his inspiration for his Teton pic. We don't have too many digital photos on this trip because I forgot to charge my camera batteries and Skip was busy shivering. I did take photos with my 'throw away' camera. So more to come later.

The guide was full of information and gave us a good education on the Tetons, river habitat, and history. We did see a bald eagle, but not much else. People who had been on this raft trip before said they saw all kinds of wildlife...probably the weather. All in all, we are glad we did he trip, but better weather would have been better.

We did see elk on the plain going towards Yellowstone. The drive up to the campsite was pretty good despite the construction. I guess summer is the only time they have. We stay in Yellowstone until Friday.

Jackson Lake

September 12, 2009
Another beautiful day in the Tetons. We have been really lucky with all the good weather we have had so far. Today was high of 72 and as the weather channel says, "plentiful sunshine". We rented a little put put boat and toured the lake's many coves and islands with the Tetons as the backdrop. We got some great pictures, however there has been a controlled fire going on the last few days and the smoke really ruins a clear picture of Grand Teton. But, all for a good reason.
We even helped rescue a japanese couple who ran aground. Not sure exactly how they knocked their motor off, but they sure weren't going anywhere. When you rent a boat they give you a radio and evidently, they couldn't get that to work either. We called their position in and got a confirmation of a pending rescue (dad stammerjohn would be proud!).
Skip grilled hamburgers on the grill and we had kay's left over beans. Nothing smells better at a campsite!
Tomorrow we signed up for a guided raft trip down the snake river. I guess Skip is going to have to wake up before 7am...that ought to be a shock to his system! The ad promises loads of wildlife viewing. It should be beautiful nonetheless. Then on to Yellowstone...

High on the Tetons

September 9-10, 2009

We took the ski tram in Jackson Hole Teton Village up the mountain. It lifts 100 skiiers to the top of the crazy mountain. We cannot believe anyone would ski down off this cliff...i think its called jumping, not skiing! Over 50% of the runs are expert and only a few are for the sane people. The view was beautiful and the glaciers were amazing. Lunch at the bottom, looking on to the mountains in the warm afternoon sun, was a great finish to the day's journey.

The Rv village is tight, but enough trees are present to break up each campsite. We are at the end of a block which gives us a little privacy. I think we finally got the leveling idea down...this is the most level the trailer has been. Every campsite is a new lesson learned!

Heading North

September 8, 2009
We left Colorado Springs and started to make a mental inventory realizing we had made another newbie RV foopah. We disconnected the waste hose leaving the adapter in the hole. Now we are adapter-less. Just another purchase on the horizon. Not a crucial problem, but not real smart.
Several thunderstorms and one with hail was in our path to Wyoming, but the drive went well. We found a great RV park outside of Dubois, Wyoming along the Wind River. It gives a short drive to the Tetons the next day.

Air Force Wins the Game!

The Air Force Academy Fam Camp is a great campground. We had our first experience (which there are alot on this trip) leveling the camper on a very unlevel camp site. It wasn't quite level, but a good start. We layed out 'grass', rolled out the awning (now it finally works) lit up the lights-including the palm tree, figured out the satellite tv set up and the got the internet working. oh yes, we also put out the great chairs that were given to us...love those chairs! Dad and Mom, Mike and Maureen, Kay and Julie and the boys all came over for a BBQ. Another first..love it! We have had quite a few people comment on our palm tree. We will post a pic as soon as we transfer it.
We went to the Academy football game on saturday and watched Air Force clobber the other team....72-0. Boring game, but loved the view from the Sup's box. It was good seeing Paula and Mike Gould. They are perfect for the job and, of course are enjoying every bit of it.
Also got to see some old friends....one of Skip's company mates from West Point, Paula and Wayne, and Ron and Mary Scott, friends that were stationed in Japan with us. Eli, our nephew, spent the night for 'camping with a movie' night. He did really well for a 5 year old. It was an action packed week.
Off for the Grand Tetons next.

First KOA Experience

September 1, 2009
Driving into Amarillo and trying to decide where to camp for the night was a new experience for us. We really wanted to stay at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, but after reading the reviews and seeing that the temp was 100 degrees, we decided it would be way too hot. We needed a hook up so we could run the air conditioner. The Amarillo KOA seemed to be the right place to spend the night. Our inexperience as a RV camper took a toll. Our electric cord could not reach the electrical outlet and we did not use the AC (so much for a plan). A barking dog and hot trailer did not give us a good night sleep, but a good lesson learned....always have an extension!! We could not wait to get up north where the temps were dropping. Colorado Springs and the Air Force Academy Fam Camp was the next destination on itinerary. Skip's hand was healing and he was able to drive a few hours. He is getting his stitches out at the Academy Clinic. We look forward to spending time with family: Skip's folks, his brother, Mike and his wife, Maureen, and Kay and Julie and the kids. We hope to have time to spend with friends too.

Detour to Texas

August 26, 2009

Heading to Texas with the trailer to unload about 500 unwanted pounds at the house in Canyon Lake. Stopping to give Jodi and Meg a hug. We will be a lot lighter...and faster. Then travling up to Colorado Springs with a night's stop in Amarillo. Skip's carpal tunnel surgery went great and he will be recovering on the trip.

Graduation Day!

August 19, 2009

Our family and friends joined us in the celebration of 35 years of service to the Air Force and Skip retired (graduted) or like he says, transitioned into civilian life. This is where our great adventure begins and our 2 month camping trip marks its start.