Final map directions for now. I-64 east to Charleston, WV, I-77 south to I-74 to US52 to Winston-Salem, NC, I-40 to Greensboro, NC, US 421 south to US 64 east to Cary, NC. 534 miles.
After today and yesterday we can see why Westerners are so fascinated with the "greeness" of the East. Often it has seemed as if we were driving down deep canyons as in the West, but instead of rock, sand, dust and gray-green plant life, we were in a living canyon of plant life of all hues of "live" green", from dark to light to almost bright.
Will try to recap the trip over the next couple of days, but for tonight just too tired, but wanted you to know we made it home in pne piece!
Love to you all,
MMG and DDG
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Davenport, IA, to Lexington, KY, June 18, 2009
Another easy map day -- just pick up I-74 south and east from Davenport, IA, across a little of Iowa, a lot of Illinois, a bunch of Indiana, and some of Kentucky to Lexington. 521 miles.
The scenery was green, green, green! Evidently there has been copious rain for the last few weeks. All of the rivers, ponds and lakes shown signs of having recovered from whatever shortfall they may have had last year. Almost all were flooding to some extent.
The high spot of the day had to wait until about 8:30 tonight when we finally arrived and got checked in, then headed out for dinner. As luck would have it, there is a Cracker Barrel just across the street, so we walked over (need exercise, right?) and, to celebrate our return to the South, had a fried chicken liver dinner complete with greens and vinegar, sweet potato casserole, coleslaw, mashed taters with brown gravy, biscuits and cornbread. Yum! Staggered home.....
We plan to drive all the way home tomorrow, no matter how long it takes to go the 500 or so miles!
Sorry about the lack of pictures, but there just wasn't anything that motivated us to get the camera going. Maybe tomorrow!
MMG and DDG
The scenery was green, green, green! Evidently there has been copious rain for the last few weeks. All of the rivers, ponds and lakes shown signs of having recovered from whatever shortfall they may have had last year. Almost all were flooding to some extent.
The high spot of the day had to wait until about 8:30 tonight when we finally arrived and got checked in, then headed out for dinner. As luck would have it, there is a Cracker Barrel just across the street, so we walked over (need exercise, right?) and, to celebrate our return to the South, had a fried chicken liver dinner complete with greens and vinegar, sweet potato casserole, coleslaw, mashed taters with brown gravy, biscuits and cornbread. Yum! Staggered home.....
We plan to drive all the way home tomorrow, no matter how long it takes to go the 500 or so miles!
Sorry about the lack of pictures, but there just wasn't anything that motivated us to get the camera going. Maybe tomorrow!
MMG and DDG
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Kearney, NE, to Davenport, IA, June 17, 2009
Easy map today. I-80 500 miles east from Kearney to Davenport.
Covered a lot of ground, but managed to find time to stop at a Cabela's, a Bass Pro/Outdoor World, a Corning/Corelle outlet, a Coldwater Creek outlet, and an Eddie Bauer outlet. Fortunately, there was a Famous Dave's right across from the Bass Pro, so we were able to get some really great BBQ for lunch. Both ribs and brisket were excellent!
Also, tried KFC's new grilled chicken tonight. I'm going back to original recipe fried. The Colonel must be spinning in his grave!
But the absolute highlight of the day is this. A visit by MMG TONE Nesbitt to the Tone's Spices company near Des Moines, IA, founded by her great-great-grandfather and his brother in 1873. A very interesting history of the company is found here. The history stops a little short of the final chapter and that is that Tone's Spices is now owned and operated by ACH Food Companies, Inc., an Australian company with world wide operations.
Interesting changes in scenery today, from some of the flattest flatlands we've seen to rolling hill country and from 90% pasture land to 90% corn crops. All looking really healthy and like they are getting plenty of rain.
Looking at the Google Maps routing to night, we were offered more options with little difference in mileage or time, so tune in tomorrow to see where we go!
Hope all's well with all of you!
MMG and DDG
Covered a lot of ground, but managed to find time to stop at a Cabela's, a Bass Pro/Outdoor World, a Corning/Corelle outlet, a Coldwater Creek outlet, and an Eddie Bauer outlet. Fortunately, there was a Famous Dave's right across from the Bass Pro, so we were able to get some really great BBQ for lunch. Both ribs and brisket were excellent!
Also, tried KFC's new grilled chicken tonight. I'm going back to original recipe fried. The Colonel must be spinning in his grave!
But the absolute highlight of the day is this. A visit by MMG TONE Nesbitt to the Tone's Spices company near Des Moines, IA, founded by her great-great-grandfather and his brother in 1873. A very interesting history of the company is found here. The history stops a little short of the final chapter and that is that Tone's Spices is now owned and operated by ACH Food Companies, Inc., an Australian company with world wide operations.
Interesting changes in scenery today, from some of the flattest flatlands we've seen to rolling hill country and from 90% pasture land to 90% corn crops. All looking really healthy and like they are getting plenty of rain.
Looking at the Google Maps routing to night, we were offered more options with little difference in mileage or time, so tune in tomorrow to see where we go!
Hope all's well with all of you!
MMG and DDG
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Denver, CO to Kearney, NE June 16, 2009
Before we leave Denver, come with me as I take one last walk around Suzi and Shaun's neighborhood.
Immediately upon leaving the subdivision, the Prairie Dog colony is right across the street.....
Then, as we pass the colony, we come to a large undeveloped lot which lets us have a view of Rockies to the west.......
Then down and around the corner to Albertson's to get the paper. As we come out of the Albertson's and turn to the east, this greets the eye....about 10-15 miles out there somewhere is DIA......
A turn to the south and a short walk brings us by the rainwater run-off collection pond for the shopping center where Albertson's is, occupied this morning by Mr. Blue Heron....
A couple of blocks further south gives us this view down the hill to Commerce City. If you look closely after you enlarge the picture, you can see the snow covered Rockies in the upper right....
The last turn to the west to return to Suzi and Shaun's house takes us by a break in the neighborhood development and this view -- looking down on The Mile High City!
Then it was on the road. This trip back east we're going to take a route that we haven't used in a long time because we thought it was much longer --- I-76 northeast to I-80 across Nebraska and Iowa to Davenport, I-74 to Indianapolis, I-70 to Dayton, OH, US35 across Ohio and into West Virginia, then pick up I-64 east to Charleston, WV, I-77 south to Mt. Airy, NC, US52 south to I-40 at Winston-Salem, NC and follow it all the way home! Google Maps insists that this route is only 100 miles and 2 hours longer than using I-70 to St. Louis then cutting down to I-40 at Nashville. We shall see!
Today's segment was I-76 from Denver northeast to I-80 in Nebraska, then east to Kearney, NB (pronounced locally as Carny). 360 miles.
It's remarkable how much easier it is to drive the Tahoe cross country than the motorhome. It is faster, easier to maneuver when getting off and on the Interstate, getting fuel, etc.
Hope all is well with all of you!
MMG and DDG
Immediately upon leaving the subdivision, the Prairie Dog colony is right across the street.....
Then, as we pass the colony, we come to a large undeveloped lot which lets us have a view of Rockies to the west.......
Then down and around the corner to Albertson's to get the paper. As we come out of the Albertson's and turn to the east, this greets the eye....about 10-15 miles out there somewhere is DIA......
A turn to the south and a short walk brings us by the rainwater run-off collection pond for the shopping center where Albertson's is, occupied this morning by Mr. Blue Heron....
A couple of blocks further south gives us this view down the hill to Commerce City. If you look closely after you enlarge the picture, you can see the snow covered Rockies in the upper right....
The last turn to the west to return to Suzi and Shaun's house takes us by a break in the neighborhood development and this view -- looking down on The Mile High City!
Then it was on the road. This trip back east we're going to take a route that we haven't used in a long time because we thought it was much longer --- I-76 northeast to I-80 across Nebraska and Iowa to Davenport, I-74 to Indianapolis, I-70 to Dayton, OH, US35 across Ohio and into West Virginia, then pick up I-64 east to Charleston, WV, I-77 south to Mt. Airy, NC, US52 south to I-40 at Winston-Salem, NC and follow it all the way home! Google Maps insists that this route is only 100 miles and 2 hours longer than using I-70 to St. Louis then cutting down to I-40 at Nashville. We shall see!
Today's segment was I-76 from Denver northeast to I-80 in Nebraska, then east to Kearney, NB (pronounced locally as Carny). 360 miles.
It's remarkable how much easier it is to drive the Tahoe cross country than the motorhome. It is faster, easier to maneuver when getting off and on the Interstate, getting fuel, etc.
Hope all is well with all of you!
MMG and DDG
Monday, June 15, 2009
Quickie Report for Monday, June 15, 2009
Just a note to let you know we have survived the weekend with Suzi and Shaun and their (our) friends. They all helped us enjoy a great weekend and it was so nice to see them all again.
Beside big city shopping, we went to an Art Show and Sale put on by the faculty and staff of a local art school, a festival in Parker, CO that most resembled the old Firemen's Carnivals that were such a great part of the local social fabric when we were growing up in Western NY State, a cookout at Suzi and Shaun's house where we were reunited with many of the wedding party who were so helpful and whom we like immensely, and a trip along the Peak to Peak Scenic Highway, which ended in a stroll down the main street in Estes Park, CO.
A big Thank You to all who made this weekend very special.
In the morning we'll hit the road "back east" using a new route to us generated by Google Maps. We'll be checking to see if the Google Maps mileage total is accurate, because it seems impossible. First report on the "new route" tomorrow night!
MMG and DDG
A big Thank You to all who made this weekend very special.
In the morning we'll hit the road "back east" using a new route to us generated by Google Maps. We'll be checking to see if the Google Maps mileage total is accurate, because it seems impossible. First report on the "new route" tomorrow night!
MMG and DDG
Friday, June 12, 2009
Denver Prairie Dogs
We've mentioned Prairie Dogs several times during our recent blogs, but haven't posted any pictures. The reason is that Prairie Dogs generally live out on the, you guessed it!, prairie. So we generally only see them as we're whizzing past them on the highway at 65 mph! Plus, they are pretty small and quite far from the road. And, when we do stop to try to get a picture, they give a "Bark!" and head into their tunnels.
The wait and suspense is over! This morning on my walk down to the neighborhood Albertson's to get MMG a Denver Post, I passed a vacant lot where lives a colony of Prairie Dogs! Here are some up close and personal shots for you!
Anyone can give you a picture of a Prairie Dog front -- you have to come here to get a picture of a Prairie Dog back!
Guarding his home and warning the colony!
Closer!
In Action!
What's all that barking about?
Family meeting about all that barking....More later, maybe......
MMG and DDG
MMG and DDG
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Grand Junction, CO to Denver, CO June 11, 2009
Got the moho prepped and tucked away in the storage lot this morning then hit the road (I-70 across the mountains to Denver, about 250 miles).
As we were leaving Grand Junction the rains began and plagued us all the way to Denver. Nonetheless, we've been feeling guilty about the paucity of pictures, so we took a few for you today.
Much of the most impressive scenery in the Rockies is the result of eons of erosion. It hasn't stopped. In this picture the dark area on the cliff to the left center is the detritus from the most recent large erosion of the top layer of the cliff.
Cliffside about 10 miles east of Grand Junction, CO.
As we were leaving Grand Junction the rains began and plagued us all the way to Denver. Nonetheless, we've been feeling guilty about the paucity of pictures, so we took a few for you today.
Much of the most impressive scenery in the Rockies is the result of eons of erosion. It hasn't stopped. In this picture the dark area on the cliff to the left center is the detritus from the most recent large erosion of the top layer of the cliff.
Cliffside about 10 miles east of Grand Junction, CO.For the first 80 miles or so of our trip east on I-70 we were following the valley/canyon carved by the Colorado River as it works its way west to the Gulf of California. The Colorado starts somewhere to the northwest of Denver and though it has been collecting water for about 200 miles, it is not yet a terrifically large river. Here is a picture of the Colorado and the second of many dams (the first is in Glenwood Canyon) that harness its power to generate electricity or provide irrigation.
Old dam on the Colorado, about 40 miles east of Grand Junction, CO.
Old dam on the Colorado, about 40 miles east of Grand Junction, CO.Then the rains began to come down in earnest so we gave up on pictures for the next 125 miles, but we just had to get a shot of this unknown mountain as we rested at the top of Vail Pass (10610 ft. elevation).
View southeast from the top of Vail Pass.
The following is representative of our view the rest of the way to Denver........
We made it safely mid-afternoon and will be here until Tuesday morning when we will continue our trip home.
MMG and DDG
View southeast from the top of Vail Pass.The following is representative of our view the rest of the way to Denver........
We made it safely mid-afternoon and will be here until Tuesday morning when we will continue our trip home.
MMG and DDG
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Grand Junction, CO, June 10, 2009
Well, we (mostly MMG) got it done. We figured out what has to go home with us and got it packed in the Tahoe.
In the morning, we'll park the Moho in the storage area, turn everything off, and head on over to Suzi and Shaun's house in Denver.
More then.
Stay well!
MMG and DDG
In the morning, we'll park the Moho in the storage area, turn everything off, and head on over to Suzi and Shaun's house in Denver.
More then.
Stay well!
MMG and DDG
Rawlins, WY, to Grand Junction, CO, June 9, 2009
Forgot to mention yesterday that WY routes 120 and 789 were among the best roads we have driven on the entire trip. Wide, smooth and scenic, too!
Today we followed WY 789 again as it joined I-80 west for about 25 miles, then headed south. What a pleasure. Great road and views that give the phrase "wide open spaces" meaning. We often could see literally miles and miles in all directions.
Along the way we saw hundreds of Pronghorns, dozens of Prairie dogs, a big Red-tailed Hawk, many ground squirrels, Buzzards, and hundreds of either oil or gas wells.
All of this changed about the time we crossed the Colorado border and WY 789 turned into CO 13. The road became definitely second class with abrupt pitch changes, bumps, narrower lanes and shoulders, and much sharper up and down hills as the terrain changed from the flatly rolling prairie to hilly-to-mountainous. The wide open spaces were replaced by the sides of the valleys through which we were passing.
At last we reached I-70 at Rifle, CO, and the 60 or so miles west to Grand Junction were the best scenery of the day and among the best of the entire trip. Go here for a refresher on the scenery!
About 275 miles today, but got in early enough to do the laundry and arrange for Bro Jim and his Jackie (picture here) to come over from Rifle to join us for dinner. A good time was had by all.
Tomorrow will be spent getting the coach ready for a couple of months storage here in Grand Junction while we head back to NC for a while. Not sure how we'll get all the things we need out of the coach packed in the Tahoe for the trip home, but not to worry, I have a secret packing weapon --- MMG!
Love to you all.
MMG and DDG
Today we followed WY 789 again as it joined I-80 west for about 25 miles, then headed south. What a pleasure. Great road and views that give the phrase "wide open spaces" meaning. We often could see literally miles and miles in all directions.
Along the way we saw hundreds of Pronghorns, dozens of Prairie dogs, a big Red-tailed Hawk, many ground squirrels, Buzzards, and hundreds of either oil or gas wells.
All of this changed about the time we crossed the Colorado border and WY 789 turned into CO 13. The road became definitely second class with abrupt pitch changes, bumps, narrower lanes and shoulders, and much sharper up and down hills as the terrain changed from the flatly rolling prairie to hilly-to-mountainous. The wide open spaces were replaced by the sides of the valleys through which we were passing.
At last we reached I-70 at Rifle, CO, and the 60 or so miles west to Grand Junction were the best scenery of the day and among the best of the entire trip. Go here for a refresher on the scenery!
About 275 miles today, but got in early enough to do the laundry and arrange for Bro Jim and his Jackie (picture here) to come over from Rifle to join us for dinner. A good time was had by all.
Tomorrow will be spent getting the coach ready for a couple of months storage here in Grand Junction while we head back to NC for a while. Not sure how we'll get all the things we need out of the coach packed in the Tahoe for the trip home, but not to worry, I have a secret packing weapon --- MMG!
Love to you all.
MMG and DDG
Monday, June 8, 2009
Cody, WY to Rawlins, WY, June 8, 2009
Beautiful ride down WY 120 to Thermopolis, WY, then WY 789 from Thermopolis to Rawlins. Nice roads and great scenery, especially the Wind River Canyon . 291 miles and in the campground by 4:00 PM!
On to Grand Junction, CO tomorrow.
Sorry about no pictures, but we just didn't get any today. We did see a few dozen Pronghorns, an Eagle, a Coyote, and a whole bunch of Prairie Dogs, but none were posing!
Gotta run and watch the Yankees beat the Rays on ESPN -- right now!
MMG and DDG
On to Grand Junction, CO tomorrow.
Sorry about no pictures, but we just didn't get any today. We did see a few dozen Pronghorns, an Eagle, a Coyote, and a whole bunch of Prairie Dogs, but none were posing!
Gotta run and watch the Yankees beat the Rays on ESPN -- right now!
MMG and DDG
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Cody, WY, June 7, 2009, The Rest of the Day
After breakfast and a completing a series of overdue chores, MMG and I decided that the weather had lifted enough for us to go see the real reason we had for coming to Cody.
About 15 miles west of Cody is the Buffalo Bill Dam which backs up the Buffalo Bill Cody Reservoir. Where the North Fork of the Shoshone River enters the reservoir there is a shallow area perfect as a feeding and resting area for the migrating White Pelicans. Last year there were dozens of them in residence and MMG was able to get many excellent pictures. We were hoping to duplicate that success this year.
Here's why the plan did not quite work out....
The snow and misty rain were not quite through up on the mountains....
So, back to the campground where we were just in time for the Mule Deer parade!
After lunch and a little walking tour of downtown Cody, we decided to give it another shot and were able to get these pictures, among others......
"I'm telling you guys, it's time to go fishing!"
Looks like a lullaby duet. Look at the sleepers.
"Booooring." Yawn........
About 15 miles west of Cody is the Buffalo Bill Dam which backs up the Buffalo Bill Cody Reservoir. Where the North Fork of the Shoshone River enters the reservoir there is a shallow area perfect as a feeding and resting area for the migrating White Pelicans. Last year there were dozens of them in residence and MMG was able to get many excellent pictures. We were hoping to duplicate that success this year.
Here's why the plan did not quite work out....
The snow and misty rain were not quite through up on the mountains....So, back to the campground where we were just in time for the Mule Deer parade!
After lunch and a little walking tour of downtown Cody, we decided to give it another shot and were able to get these pictures, among others......
"I'm telling you guys, it's time to go fishing!"
Looks like a lullaby duet. Look at the sleepers.
"Booooring." Yawn........Fortunately there were other animals around. Here are a couple especially for Mary E. Nesbitt, Granddaughter!
A prancing Mule Deer.
And......
A Bunny Rabbit!
Also we did find our next house. It's empty and available. The architect/owner was killed in an accident while building it.......
Can't figure out why it hasn't sold.......
And so our Snowy Morn Day ended like this.....
Tomorrow we'll be heading south, planning to spend the night in Rawlins, WY.
'Til then.....
MMG and DDG
A prancing Mule Deer.And......
A Bunny Rabbit!Also we did find our next house. It's empty and available. The architect/owner was killed in an accident while building it.......
Can't figure out why it hasn't sold.......And so our Snowy Morn Day ended like this.....
Tomorrow we'll be heading south, planning to spend the night in Rawlins, WY.
'Til then.....
MMG and DDG
Cody, WY, June 7, 2009, 7:00 AM Snowy Morn
We woke to a little heavy wet snow this morning -- and it is still coming down......
Can you spot the guy on his roof sweeping off the snow?
And here are a couple of the Ponderosa Swamp, or why we won't stay here again. We can accept that heavy rains will create temporary puddles even in the best graded campgrounds, but these are water filled muddy potholes which they've made no recent attempt to fill in and the whole area needs additional gravel.
The Potholes. Just a few of many!
Our own personal lake.....
Can you spot the guy on his roof sweeping off the snow?
The Potholes. Just a few of many!
Our own personal lake.....More later!
MMG and DDG
MMG and DDG
Saturday, June 6, 2009
From Cody, WY
The weather forecast for today was cool, breezy, 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, so we just took a ride up to Billings, MT so MMG could get a "big city" fix.
The ride up to Billings on north WY 120, MT 72, US 310, US 212 and I-90 was fairly quick on good roads through wide open spaces with some mountains to the west and the company of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River for much of the ride.
After several weeks of shopping deprivation, we had a fun day getting back in practice by visiting a Costco, Best Buy, Coldwater Creek, Kohl's, Pierce RV Superstore, and, because my low grease light was flickering, an Arby's for lunch.
Ever since the Hop, Skip and Jump Rally, MMG has been suffering from a case of "campfire chair envy". Fixed that today. MMG's new chair, pictures below, has an aluminum frame, attached pop up side table on the right side, a set of various pockets for "stuff" on the left side, is very stable and she can get up out of it unassisted -- unlike our current "bucket seat" folding canvas chairs. Notice the latest in camo colors.......
The trip home was uneventful. No wildlife other than a couple of Ospreys and Blue Herons.
As I'm typing this the temp is about 42 with a breeze of about 15 MPH out of the northwest and a mist in the air. Our forecast for tomorrow is ".....Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. North wind between 9 and 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%...", but there's a lot to do in and around Cody, so we'll be getting out in it.
Love to all.
MMG and DDG
The ride up to Billings on north WY 120, MT 72, US 310, US 212 and I-90 was fairly quick on good roads through wide open spaces with some mountains to the west and the company of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River for much of the ride.
After several weeks of shopping deprivation, we had a fun day getting back in practice by visiting a Costco, Best Buy, Coldwater Creek, Kohl's, Pierce RV Superstore, and, because my low grease light was flickering, an Arby's for lunch.
Ever since the Hop, Skip and Jump Rally, MMG has been suffering from a case of "campfire chair envy". Fixed that today. MMG's new chair, pictures below, has an aluminum frame, attached pop up side table on the right side, a set of various pockets for "stuff" on the left side, is very stable and she can get up out of it unassisted -- unlike our current "bucket seat" folding canvas chairs. Notice the latest in camo colors.......
The trip home was uneventful. No wildlife other than a couple of Ospreys and Blue Herons.
As I'm typing this the temp is about 42 with a breeze of about 15 MPH out of the northwest and a mist in the air. Our forecast for tomorrow is ".....Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. North wind between 9 and 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%...", but there's a lot to do in and around Cody, so we'll be getting out in it.
Love to all.
MMG and DDG
Friday, June 5, 2009
West Yellowstone, MT, to Cody, WY and MOOSE!
Despite a forecast of showers and thunderstorms, we had a pleasant and dry ride across Yellowstone NP and down the mountains into Cody.
And I do mean down the mountains! The altitude at West Yellowstone is 6666 feet, Sylvan Pass over which we journeyed on the east side of YNP, 8530 feet, and Cody, 4997. So we climbed about 2000 feet up to Sylvan Pass and then dove about 3500 feet down into Cody! Thank heavens for the exhaust/retarder brake!
Since we were traveling in the moho and it is very difficult to find places to pull over in the Park, I had not anticipated having pictures for you tonight. Happy ending, though, as MMG came through big time!
As we were passing through the east part of YNP, she got one more shot (through the side window) of a young Bull Elk....
Another qualifier for her locally world famous collection of wildlife butts, but she got the antlers, too!
Then, as we drove through the east entrance/exit of YNP, we noticed sure signs of wildlife ahead (see yesterday's post for an explanation of how we do this). As we drove by the signs, MMG demanded that I drop her off by the side of the road so she could get some pictures of the MOOSE she had seen! So drop her off I did! Heh, heh.........
Fortunately, there was some road construction not too much further down the road and there was a wide place where I could get off and wait. Before too long, MMG came chugging down the road all excited about showing me these pictures......
Then it was onto lunch. After leaving YNP, we were traveling the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway which follows the North Fork of the Shoshone River through the Wapiti Valley and into Cody. There are many scenic pull outs along the road and we picked a good one. Below is a video of our view as we ate lunch seated on our folding camp chairs alongside the moho.
We got into town in early afternoon, checked in to the campground, then drove through Cody checking out the sights. The promised rain arrived about 4 PM and is still going strong now (6 PM).
Lots to do tomorrow, but what we do will depend on the weather. More rain is predicted.
Until then.....
MMG and DDG
And I do mean down the mountains! The altitude at West Yellowstone is 6666 feet, Sylvan Pass over which we journeyed on the east side of YNP, 8530 feet, and Cody, 4997. So we climbed about 2000 feet up to Sylvan Pass and then dove about 3500 feet down into Cody! Thank heavens for the exhaust/retarder brake!
Since we were traveling in the moho and it is very difficult to find places to pull over in the Park, I had not anticipated having pictures for you tonight. Happy ending, though, as MMG came through big time!
As we were passing through the east part of YNP, she got one more shot (through the side window) of a young Bull Elk....
Another qualifier for her locally world famous collection of wildlife butts, but she got the antlers, too!Then, as we drove through the east entrance/exit of YNP, we noticed sure signs of wildlife ahead (see yesterday's post for an explanation of how we do this). As we drove by the signs, MMG demanded that I drop her off by the side of the road so she could get some pictures of the MOOSE she had seen! So drop her off I did! Heh, heh.........
Fortunately, there was some road construction not too much further down the road and there was a wide place where I could get off and wait. Before too long, MMG came chugging down the road all excited about showing me these pictures......
Then it was onto lunch. After leaving YNP, we were traveling the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway which follows the North Fork of the Shoshone River through the Wapiti Valley and into Cody. There are many scenic pull outs along the road and we picked a good one. Below is a video of our view as we ate lunch seated on our folding camp chairs alongside the moho.
We got into town in early afternoon, checked in to the campground, then drove through Cody checking out the sights. The promised rain arrived about 4 PM and is still going strong now (6 PM).
Lots to do tomorrow, but what we do will depend on the weather. More rain is predicted.
Until then.....
MMG and DDG
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Yellowstone NP, Day 13 Last Full Day in the Park
Great Day! We got an earlier start and it paid off, as you shall see in a moment.
First, the question has been asked about how we go about finding the wildlife for the pictures. It is a lot like hunting. First, you study the habits of the animals you're searching for. Second, you research the habitat preferences of the animals you want. Armed with this knowledge, you venture into the Park at the right time of day and look in the places that favor the preferences of your prey. Then, you search diligently for clues that your prey is in the area so you can focus your search.
After all that research, we have found that the most reliable clue to the presence of your prey is as follows:
Now that I've had my fun, here's some fun for you. In order, here are our finds for today.
First, Bro' Coyote!
Next, Br'er Bear number 1.
Then, Br'er Bear number 2.
Next, a mule deer gives us the eye -- and ear!
Then a stop to check on the Sandhill Crane. Still sitting on the egg(s).
Next, on to the Big Horn Ram.....
Last, an unidentified Hawk......
Then came the rains, effectively ending our day in the Park.
Tomorrow, we move over to Cody, WY, and will have some different scenery for you.
Stay well!
MMG and DDG
First, the question has been asked about how we go about finding the wildlife for the pictures. It is a lot like hunting. First, you study the habits of the animals you're searching for. Second, you research the habitat preferences of the animals you want. Armed with this knowledge, you venture into the Park at the right time of day and look in the places that favor the preferences of your prey. Then, you search diligently for clues that your prey is in the area so you can focus your search.
After all that research, we have found that the most reliable clue to the presence of your prey is as follows:
Now that I've had my fun, here's some fun for you. In order, here are our finds for today.
First, Bro' Coyote!
Next, Br'er Bear number 1.
Then, Br'er Bear number 2.
Next, a mule deer gives us the eye -- and ear!
Then a stop to check on the Sandhill Crane. Still sitting on the egg(s).
Next, on to the Big Horn Ram.....
Last, an unidentified Hawk......
Then came the rains, effectively ending our day in the Park.
Tomorrow, we move over to Cody, WY, and will have some different scenery for you.
Stay well!
MMG and DDG
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