MMG and DDG Travels

October 6, 2009 Delaware, OH to Wytheville, VA

2009-10-06T21:00:00.002-04:00

Map. Back to US36, east to I-71, south across Columbus to I-270, east to US23, south to Chillicothe, US35 south to OH34, south to I-64, east to I-77, south to I-81 at Wytheville, VA.

Beware I-77 in West Virginia! It is Interstate, but it is also the WV Turnpike, a toll road, and it is among the worst roads we have been on the entire trip! It is a concrete highway and every expansion joint is a bump. Even the repairs are being made in concrete and every repair is a bump. And, I remind you, you have to pay extra for using this insult of a highway.

That said, the scenery was more pleasing today, even with the all day overcast. The mountain forests are beginning to show their Fall colors, mostly as a blush, but some almost as a pastel painting, and a few a blaze of glory! And there was even one ridge that treated us to a long view across the tops of the neighboring mountains as we crested it. Beautiful.

We could have driven all the way home tonight, but since it takes a couple of hours to unload the moho after we get there we decided to delay arriving until tomorrow.

It occurred to me that our dinner tonight (last of the trip, darn it) was appropriate. Hot dogs and beans -- and tater salad. Our food budget tapped out? Not really, here we are in Wytheville, VA, eating hot dogs that were really handmade bratwurst from Restvedt & Son Meat Market, of Ennis, MT, near Yellowstone NP. Our favorite brats from our favorite meat market near one of our favorite places in the world. The beans and tater salad were Amish Baked Beans and Amish Potato Salad which MMG bought at the Meijer's in Columbus, OH. They both were different, but really good. The beans were both BBQ hot and sweet and the tater salad was like a combination mayonnaise and mustard tater salad, with a sweet kicker. YUM!

That's about it for the trip and the blog. Will try to do a recap in the next couple of days.

It's been fun -- both the trip and doing the blog. Hope you all have enjoyed at as much as we have!

Love to all.

MMG and DDG

October 5, 2009 Decatur, IN to Delaware, OH

2009-10-05T18:46:00.004-04:00

The Map: US33 southeast from Decatur, IN, to Marysville, OH, US36 through Delaware, OH, to a left on Lackey Old State Road, 3 miles to Cross Creek Camping Resort. About 135 miles.

After parking the camper, we drove around northern Columbus checking out our old haunts in Worthington, Dublin and the Sawmill areas. Even found our old rental house after 20 years!

5763 Maplebrook Lane

That was the high spot of the day. The rest was the 4 hour ride across the farmlands of Ohio, admiring the fields and fields of soybeans, with an occasional cornfield thrown in for good measure. In truth, MMG's high spot was the chance to shop in a Meijer's, kind of an upscale WalMart with a wider variety of merchandise. Kind of liked it myself.

Some of the maple trees are beginning to shown blushes of their Fall reds and yellows, so that was nice.

Tomorrow, we turn south to get on toward home so we can start getting the lower level of the house put back together and get some needed repairs and maintenance on the moho.

More tomorrow.

Our love to you all.

MMG and DDG

October 4, 2009 Springfield, IL to Decatur, IN

2009-10-04T20:36:00.003-04:00

The map! East from Springfield on I-72 to Champaign-Urbana, then I-74 east to Indianapolis, IN, I-435 around Indianapolis to I-69 northeast to exit 86, then US224 to Decatur, IN. About 340 miles.

Pretty much a totally boring ride across miles and miles of similar farm lands. Again impressed with the amount of corn and soybeans still in the field. Lots of harvesting left to do!

The day got a little more exciting when we arrived at the Fleetwood free campground and tried to lower our stabilizing jacks. The right front one refused to go all the way down and after recycling it a couple of times it refused to go back up either!

These electric motor powered jacks manufactured by PowerGear have been the Achilles heal of this motorhome from the time we bought it. It speaks for itself that I had the necessary wires to run from the battery to the jack to apply power directly to the jack to get it to retract. Just like the stories we hear of traveling back in the early 1900's! BYO tools!

The real problem is that in order to put our slides out, the leveling jacks must be down and the coach level to prevent any warping or torquing of the slide structure. Without the jacks, our living space is quite skinny! Also, it's not that comfortable to try to sleep in a bed that's not level......

Tomorrow we take the Fleetwood factory tour, then we may head on over to Columbus, OH for a nostalgic tour (for the not-family and not-friends reading this, we lived in Columbus in the mid-80's and haven't been back since).

Depending on when we can get an appointment to get the jack fixed, we may be home sooner than we originally planned. Stay tuned!

Under the heading of "It's my blog and I'll blog what I please", here are a few pictures of some recent artwork produced by our grandson Robert:

Robert's Picture for Veterans Day

First Place Winning Street Art Picture by Robert and his friend Johnny

Robert the Artist

Love to all!

MMG and DDG

October 3, 2009 Kansas City, MO to Springfield, IL

2009-10-03T21:07:00.001-04:00

DDG received an email taking him to task for getting slack on the map details the last few day, so here's the skinny:

From Sioux Falls, south on I-29 to Sioux City, then exit on US77 south to Walthill, then NE94 west to Pender, NE.

From Pender, NE, take NE16 south to NE51 east to IA175 to I-29 south to I-435 (to get to Cabela's) to I-70 east to east Kansas City, exit 28 to the KOA.

From Exit 28, east I-70 to US54 north to I-72, east to Springfield, IL.

The total joy of the day was finding as we passed into the great state of Illinois that "Trucks weighing more than 4 tons, campers, trailers and motorhomes" are restricted to a speed limit of 55 MPH, even on the interstate. ZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

Oh, did I mention that fuel prices increased $.30/gal. as we crossed the border?

The scenery changed form the supersized farms and fields to the size we are more used to seeing "back east". The crop selection, however, remained the same.

Tomorrow it is on to Decatur, IN and the Fleetwood factory!

Love to all,

MMG and DDG

October 2, 2009 Pender, NE to Kansas City, KS

2009-10-03T19:35:00.004-04:00

First, a little more detail and explanation about our Blue OX hitch. Here are a couple of pictures of it:

From the Left

From the Right.

And here is where it was built and rebuilt:

Blue Ox of Pender, NE, campground in the background, manufacturing facility to the left.

For all the detail, here's what I wrote for the RVForum.net:

"The Navigator/PelicanLady/Mary Ann had read that Blue Ox, manufacturer of our Tow Bar (Aventa LX) and Base Plate, offered tours of their manufacturing facility in Pender, NE., and had an inexpensive or free campground on the factory grounds.

We were in that area ealier this week and I had some questions about maintenance of the tow bar - "How can a device with so many moving parts only call for annual lubing of the bars?", "We are at 35,000 miles of towing a 5500 pound car with this Tow Bar and there is some noticeable wear -- how long before parts needed to be replaced?--so we decided to go take the tour.

While we were discussing my maintenance questions with a Blue Ox employee, we were informed that for $25 Blue Ox would completely rebuild our Tow Bar and that we could stay at their campground free.

We went over to the campground (which, by the way, is first class in every way), got set up, and the Blue Ox folks came over and removed our tow bar and took it to the factory. Had we known about the service and called to make an appointment, the repairs could have been done in a couple of hours while we waited. As it was, there were others ahead of us and it would be the next morning before we could be worked in.

Around 9:30 the next morning, the Blue Ox folks were out at our site reinstalling the tow bar. I was really surprised to see that our well used tow bar now looked brand new. It turned out that aside from the normal washers and other wear parts, a couple of the major components were replaced under the Limited Lifetime Warranty. No additional charge!

As you can tell I was impressed!

I was even more impressed when we took the factory tour. Except for a few parts that Blue Ox cannot fabricate, primarily electrical stuff, all of their products are fabricated right there. The steel, in the form of various thickness sheets and rolled bars (from 3 local mills) comes in the door, and completed tow bars and other products go out the other end. All of the cutting, stamping, assembly, welding, etc. is done on site. As far as I could tell, Blue Ox products are 100% American made from American materials and I like that!

If you like doing business with a company that is here for the long run, and who doesn't, it appears that Blue Ox is surviving the recent RV downturn very well. They did have layoffs last year, but business has improved and they have rehired most of those laid off. They were all very busy making their various products today, but a number of line employees were able to stop what they were doing to answer our questions and describe what they were doing. Blue Ox has a stable workforce of very knowledgeable and experience employees who take a real pride in what they are doing.

Blue Ox sends up to 5 teams of employees to Rallies (FMCA, Good Sam, etc.) and every NASCAR race to provide these factory services to customers attending the rallies, so many of you may have gotten or could get the services there, but if you are in the area do yourself a favor and visit the factory and see all this first hand. I think you'll be glad you did!

Reading back over what I written, I have to admit that it sounds like it could have been written by a Blue Ox PR person, but I call them like I see them and when I see people doing something right and I get more than I expect, I do get enthusiastic. Yes, I did pay the maintenance fee -- $26.38, taxes included!

Don Nesbitt
Cary, NC "

After the factory tour mentioned above, MMG and I had lunch in the moho and then left for Kansas City. We decided on Kansas City because MMG wanted to shop at the supersized Cabela's there. I enjoy spending time at that Cabela's, too, but my real objective was to have dinner at the famous Arther Bryants BBQ restaurant that's within a mile of the Cabela's with a Famous Dave's across the street as a backup! As an added kicker, we could stay in the Cabela's parking lot overnight for free.

After we chugged down the road the 300 or so miles to get to Cabela's our first sign of impending doom was a temporary lighted sign that said, "Race Event Oct 1-4". Now, we knew that the Kansas Speedway was right across the street from Cabela's but had never thought that it would be a problem for us. NASCAR in Kansas? No way! Wrong! NASCAR races there 2 weekends a year and this is one of them! 100,000 spectators expected!

However, as we drove by the Famous Dave's we noticed that there was not a waiting line out the door, so maybe there is hope. As we pulled into the Cabela's truck and RV parking lot, there were numerous open slots, more hope, so we took one, detached the Tahoe and drove up to the Cabela's to check in with a manager (it's only polite) about staying over night.

She drove a spike through the heart of our plans. The parking lot is only open during store hours during race events because of "problems" they have had with race fans staying there in previous years. Cabela's management has told the local police to "tow or ticket" anyone parked in their lots when the store is not open!

So, here we are without a place to stay, Arther Bryants and Famous Dave's are down the tubes, Cabela's is too crowded with race fans to allow us to shop, so on to plan "B".

In a previous year we had stayed at a KOA about 40 miles east of Cabela's, so MMG called them as DDG tooled down the Interstate in their direction. The KOA manager let us know how lucky we were that they had a couple of spaces left for us. In addition to the normal weekend visitors to KC, and in addition to the Race Weekend, the Chiefs had a home game and there was a college game Saturday as well!

So we got into the campground and settled in sometime after 8 PM and just stayed home and ate leftovers!

We had just one observation about the scenery we traveled through today and that was that on the west side of the Missouri River the land is very hilly with few flatlands. On the east side, however, the land is flat for miles -- as if some giant had ironed it! All of it (both sides) is farmland and it is all planted to corn, soybeans, and other grain crops -- much of it still to be harvested.

We took pictures of everything we thought was worthy and here they are:

(This space intentionally left blank!)

More tomorrow!

Love to you all!

MMG and DDG

October 1, 2009 Soux Falls, SD to Blue Ox, NE

2009-10-01T19:07:00.002-04:00

Well, not really Blue Ox, but Blue Ox in Pender, NE.

Blue Ox is the maker of the hitch system that connects our motorhome to the Tahoe so we can drag it around the country.

MMG had read that Blue Ox offered factory tours and had an inexpensive or free campground right at the factory. DDG had some maintenance questions not covered by the owners manual. Since we were only about 130 miles from Blue Ox we decided to go by the factory, take the tour, check out the campground, then decide whether to spend the night or move on.

While we were talking with the Blue Ox employee about DDG's maintenance questions, we were told that for $25 they would completely take our hitch apart, replace all washers, replace any worn parts, lubricate everything, and also check out the electrical connections. He also told us that use of the campground was free to any customer having service done on their Blue Ox product!

It was a pretty easy decision to take them up on their offer and spend the rest of the day and the night here while they refurbish our hitch.

After lunch, we went up to Sioux City, about 30 miles, to get in some "hiking" in at a large indoor mall on the south side of the city. Also checked out a "Menards", a new to us kind of store that we thought would be like a Home Depot or Lowe's. It was much more, including clothing, books, groceries, and pet supplies, among other different things. See it all here.

The drive down here from Sioux Falls was a relief from yesterday, at least for the first hour. No wind! Then the wind did start again, but instead of being from the SE, it was from the NNW, so it was pushing us along but also occasionally giving us a blast from the side that pushed us around a little.

The scenery was handicapped by the low-hanging gray clouds and the occasional showers, but the most interesting thing was that all through the remainder of SD, almost every field was planted to corn, but as we crossed the border into Iowa, the corn gave way to wheat and soybeans with only occasional corn. What's up with that? I dunno.

The town of Pender is located the Omaha Indian Reservation and on our drive through the "Rez" it became obvious that the Omahas cut a much better deal with The Great White Father than their brethren to the west. The land here is covered with fields of corn and grain and showed evidence of being excellent farmland which is being put to good use.

MMG and DDG have decided to go to Decatur, IN to tour the Fleetwood factory there where the Excursion, our brand of motorhome, is made. It is between 700 and 800 miles east of here and the most direct route goes too near the Chicago area to suit us, so we're working on an alternative.

We'll reclaim our good as new hitch in the moring, take the factory tour, and hit the road. We'll let you know which direction tomorrow!

Love to you all,

MMG and DDG

September 29 and 30, 2009 Mt. Rushmore, Norbeck Scenic Byway, Custer State Park

2009-09-30T21:25:00.005-04:00

September 29, 2009

First thing this morning we went back up to Mt. Rushmore to get some pictures in more favorable light. Hope you like these better!

The Approach

Closer

One More Step

Through the Arch

The Monument

Of course there were interesting things not made of stone on the Monument grounds!

Mountain Goats!

Following our morning visit to Mt. Rushmore, we drove the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. See lots of details about the Byway here. Read more about Peter Norbeck here.

While there is a lot of beautiful and impressive scenery which we will get to in a minute, one of the fascinating aspects of the Byway is the use of "pigtail bridges" to traverse the steep mountainsides using a minimum of land to do it.

Click to enlarge, then read all about the bridges.

Here's a video of our ride under, around, and over a pigtail bridge and immediately into a tunnel.

Here's the view as we exited the tunnel (it did not come through in the video):

The white object at the end of the tree clearing is the four faces of the Mt. Rushmore Monument!

Another outstanding aspect of the Byway is the trip through the "Needles", the sharp rock peaks that crown the mountains here.

This formation is The Needles (sic) Eye.

Our timing was perfect. We got to see the sun pass through the Needles Eye!

Here's the tunnel we had to go through to get to the Needles Eye.

It is just about as small as it looks -- no large vehicles here!

Not all the Byway scenery is exciting. Some is just idyllic.......

Sylvan Lake, Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, Needles Road

The Byway led us to Custer State Park, where we found these friendly guys.

Part of a herd of Wild Burros in Custer State Park

And the Fall colors are coming on.

Someone has to be first!

Trees outline the stream in the valley.

And we did return to Mt. Rushmore for the nightly Lighting Ceremony. The dark and lights made it hard to get good pictures, but here are two that will give you the idea.

Through the State Flag Walk

While the Armed Services Veterans from the crowd participate in the flag lowering ceremony, the Monument comes to life.

So now you know why I was so tired last night!

September 30, 2009

Travel (only) day. US16 from Hill City to I-90 at Rapid City. East on I-90 to Sioux Falls, SD. 386 miles.

High wind all day. 25-30 mph with gusts to 40 mph. From the southeast, so we were driving into it all day. Kind of like driving an old car with very loose steering -- exciting sometimes! Took our fuel economy down from 7.5 mpg to 5.4 mpg!

Did get to stop at the big Cabela's in Mitchell, SD. Better, we managed to walk out without buying anything!

Sorry, but no pictures. Didn't see anything worth the effort. Increased our understanding of why South Dakotans are so enamored of the Black Hills -- quite a difference!

Our plan for tomorrow is in a state of flux. Tune it tomorrow to see what we do!

Love to you all,

MMG and DDG

September 28, 2009 Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind cave NP, Mt. Rushmore

2009-09-28T23:04:00.001-04:00

ADDITION TO September 26, 2009

Headline: Turkeys tie up traffic on I-90! And this time we're not talking about Prius drivers going 55 in the fast lane!

These turkeys were parading right across the Interstate as we approached from the West. The line stretched almost all the way across 4 lanes and the median. Both Westbound lanes had already stopped to let them pass and, of course we did, too. It took us a minute to get the camera out and going so we only got the last 13 or so........

Turkey Trot on I-90

On to today!

A busy day! This morning we went on a tour of The Jewel Cave National Monument -- underground! The cave is the second longest known in the U.S. The longest is Mammoth Cave NP in Kentucky at 367 miles!

It is impossible to get pictures of what we saw that show the size and depth of the formations, so let's just enjoy the formations and the colors and let our imaginations run with what we see.

Invasion of the Slime Monsters

Ulcer?

Outer Space Wormhole

Your Guess ?

See the fish ?

Deep Space

Jellyfish

Gold!

Coral Reef

Colors

Stone Lily

Creature from the Black Lagoon Reaching for You!

More Colors

I think the most amazing thing to us is the fluidity of the formations and the colors that spring to life under the flash.

We had our daily picnic under a tree at the Monument then cruised on over t0 the Wind Cave National Park. We arrived too late for one tour and way too early for the next, so decided to drive around the Park while working our way back toward Mt. Rushmore.

The geography of Wind Cave NP is much like the Yellowstone valleys with flatlands and gentle hills. A big difference is that the pasturelands at Wind Cave are populated with thousands of Black-tailed Prairie Dogs and many Pronghorns -- and, yes, a few Bison.

We passed on pictures of the prairie Dogs and the Bison, but the Pronghorns were so close and the male had such a good rack that we couldn't resist!

A First! All Faces!

The Patriarch Herding His Harem

Patriarch I

Patriarch II

Then it was on the Mt. Rushmore.

Guess Who, Guess Where.

Through the Arch

We hope/plan to go back tomorrow to get some pictures with more favorable light. Also to return tomorrow evening to see the Lighting Ceremony. During the day we will take a couple of the scenic drives in Custer State Park.

More then!

Love to you all,

MMG and DDG

September 27, 2009 Trip to Rapid City

2009-09-27T20:11:00.004-04:00

What a day! A cold front came through and the 60 degree temperature we woke up to was the high for the day. It only dropped into the low 50s, but the high winds made it pretty miserable.

We decided it would be a good day to do the laundry and go to Rapid City for some needed shopping. Our plan to go to visit a couple of the caves in the area today fell to the assumption that all the weekenders up here would decide to do the same thing to get out of the wind.

So we did laundry all morning (it had been a long time since we did laundry), then headed to the Big City for lunch and an afternoon of Target, WalMart, a Mall, and Cabela's.

The high point of the trip was the site of this herd of Big Horn Sheep that was helping with the lawn maintenance at a house just on the outskirts of Rapid City. So much for all the time we spend in the "wildlife viewing areas"!

And to wrap it up, a new record for the Pelicanlady World Famous Collection of Wildlife Butts -- the Whole Herd!

Cave visits, more scenic tours, and maybe Mt Rushmore tomorrow.

Love to you all.

MMG and DDG

September 26, 2009 The Black Hills, Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, Devils Tower

2009-09-26T22:13:00.010-04:00

Sightseeing day! Our main objective was to visit Devils Tower, but imagine our surprise when we found that the most direct route to Devils Tour, US385, would run right up the middle of the Black Hills, including a portion of the Black Hills National Forest, and that US385 would connect directly with Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway!

What we had read about the Black Hills indicated that they included the highest peaks east of the Rockies in the U.S. May be, but we didn't see them. In fact, the scenery was more akin to a ride through the NC mountains, pretty, but not impressive, so we were a little down to start the day.

Things improved as we reached the end of US385 and turned toward the scenic byway. We were smack in the middle of Deadwood, SD (and every kid of my generation knows that Deadwood was a "Wild West" town where Wild Bill Hickok was killed) which (the entire town) is on the National Historic District list! It was interesting to see the town now.

Leaving Deadwood, we immediately found ourselves in Lead (pronounced "Leed") locally world famous as the site of the Homestake Mine, a gold mine, discovered in 1876 and continuously operated for over 125 years, producing over a $1 Billion in gold.

Not only did the Homestake have over 200 miles of underground tunnels, it also operated an open pit mine practically in right in town. The mine is 1200 feet deep and 1/2 mile wide!

The Open Cut Mine, a gold pit mine, Lead, SD. Beautiful striations in the rock, no?

While we were checking out the offerings around the Lead visitor center, we were surrounded by flying insects resembling locusts, which I hadn't seen in any number since my days growing up on the family farm. They seem to come in three renditions, or perhaps stages of development. Here they are:

Locust 1

Locust 2

Locusts 3 and 4

Then it was on to Spearfish Canyon. We had been told by a young couple we met in Glacier NP that this scenic drive was a "must do" if we were in the area, especially to see Bridal Veil Falls.

It was with visions of the famous Bridal Veil Fall in Yosemite NP that we set out. After seeing the shallow depth of the canyon, here:

Spearfish Canyon

We weren't really expecting this:

Artist's rendition of Bridal Veil Falls in Yosemite NP

But maybe this:

Bridal Veil -- the real thing in Spring

Or even this:

Bridal Veil -- the real thing in Fall

But for sure not this!

Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Canyon, SD

We can't decide if that young couple, who live in SD, are really impressed with "their" Bridal Veil Falls -- it is pretty unique for this area -- or if they are still chuckling about how they sucked in the old folks.......

So, off to Devils Tower. Finally a place lives up to our expectations! As we approach:

Devils Tower from several miles away.

Facts about Devils Tower.

Up close shot from the visitor center.

Another angle.

View from the trail around the base of the Tower.

And as we left the monument, we passed through the Black-tailed prairie Dog village these dudes posed for us.

Dude 1

Dude 2

And here's your flower for today!

Spearfish Canyon Flower.

Tomorrow, maybe some cave exploring and maybe a trip to town!

Love to all,

MMG and DDG

September 25, 2009 Billings, MT to Hill City, WY

2009-09-25T20:36:00.003-04:00

To the map! I-90 east to Moorcroft, then US16 southeast to Custer, WY. Then North on US16/US385 to Hill City. 370 miles.

Today was more of the same. Rolling hills (big hills) with the scenery changing from agricultural to ranching to coal mining to oil extraction and refining.

At the roadside park along the Powder River where stopped for lunch, an educational exhibit on the Powder River Basin claimed that the coal, gas, and oil produced in the basin are used to produce 1/6 of the WORLD's energy, mostly from the low-sulfur coal.

As we moved through that area, we saw unbelievably long trains of full coal cars moving east. We also saw one coal strip mining operation right beside the Interstate. The coal seam they were working appeared to only about 20 feet below the surface and was at least 100 feet thick. The coarse coal was moved across (under) the Interstate by conveyor belt to a building where it is crushed to what appeared to be a uniformly small size. The coal cars are moved through the building and emerge full of coal.

Once again we were treated all day to the sight of herds upon herds of Pronghorns. If you read the info on the link yesterday, you'll know that it is estimated that Pronghorns outnumber people in Wyoming. We now believe it!

As we transitioned out of the agricultural zone to the ranching zone, the hills became covered with grasses and sagebrush, Every little runoff gully, stream or river sports a fringe of deciduous trees, mostly cottonwoods. The cottonwoods are beginning to show their fall colors - varying shades of yellow dominated by bright yellow. By next week the hills will appear have strands yellow ribbon scattered across them.

We are planning to get out tomorrow and go to Devils Tower, Rapid City, and Mt Rushmore. Later we'll get to Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave NP, and Badlands NP, and the Black Hills. Stay tuned! Pictures coming!

Oh, yes. Here's a picture of some of the wind turbine/windmills we saw yesterday.

Love you all,

MMG and DDG

September 24, 2009 St. Mary, MT to Billings, MT

2009-09-25T00:21:00.002-04:00

Seems like we should have had some kind of ceremony today. As we left St. Mary, MT, on the east side of Glacier NP, it dawned on me that we were actually headed home and that the only Rocky Mountains we would see from now on would be in our review mirror! Sweet sorrow!

Typing up the map directions today may make me as tired as driving the 400+ miles, but here goes.

Follow US89 from St. Mary to Browning, then US2 east to I-15 at Shelby. South on I-15 to Great Falls. Southeast from Great Falls on US87 and Montana 200 to US191 near Moore, MT. South on US191 to Harlowton, MT, then east on Montana 12 to Lavina. South on Montana 3 to Billings.

We took a break around noon to stop in Great Falls at the Lewis and Clark National Historical Trail Interpretive Center. After 2 hours of movies, lectures/story telling by volunteers, hands on interactive exhibits, and many wonderful historical exhibits, we were in awe of what those 47 men plus Sacagawea accomplished! If you are in the area go there!

Then it was back on the road for the remaining 200+ miles to Billings.

The only pictures we have today are verbal as once we turned our backs on the Rockies, we traveled over mile after mile (after mile after mile) of grain farms. I grew up on a farm in an area where size was described in acres. In the lands we drove through today, I could believe that some of these farms are described in terms of square miles! Certainly many of the grain fields we passed had miles of road frontage and extended away from the road as far as the eye could see!

Along the way we also saw wind turbine "farms" with hundreds of windmills. When I get a chance I'm going to try to find out about the science of windmill placement. There was no discernible pattern, but I cannot believe the placement is as random as it appeared. Perhaps the engineers to be could take this on as an assignment. I'd love to hear what you find.

As we turned more to the south, the grain fields gave way to pastureland populated with cattle and sheep -- and hundreds of Pronghorns. They were beautiful to see as they moved across the pastures (or rested) in herds of from 10 to 20 males, females and youngsters.

That about covers it. If you think this is a boring post, you should have been here with us!

We have another travel day tomorrow (another 400 miles) east across I-90, then we'll settle in a more entertaining environment for a few days.

Stay tuned !

Love to all,

MMG and DDG

September 23, 2009 Many Glacier area, Waterton Lakes NP and the International Travelers

2009-09-23T22:48:00.002-04:00

First thing this morning we returned to Many Glaciers to get better pictures with the sun working for us.

Here are some of them:

Approaching Many Glaciers.

Reflections on the way to Many Glaciers.

Mt Wilber across Swiftcurrent Lake. Taken from the bridge to Many Glaciers Hotel.

There's a video view from the bridge to Many Glaciers Hotel here.

Then it was off to the world famous Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada. Waterton Lakes NP adjoins Glacier NP and together they form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

The much anticipated border crossing turned out to be a piece of cake and just like that we were International Travelers!

Aside from the wondrous mountains and the centerpiece Waterton Lakes, the first thing that grabs the eye as one enters the Park is this:

Disney World? Nope. The Prince of Wales Hotel.

The other side.

And up close.

View from the Prince of Wales looking south over Upper Waterton Lake.

And this lady was hanging around for Granddaughter Mary:

Lady Mulie.

As we were headed into the backwoods to take (another) hike to a falls, what to our wondering eyes should appear? Look here:

Can you spot the golf green? Nice, huh?

One of WNP's Tallest peaks -- on the way to the falls.

Blakiston Falls. We drove 130 miles and hiked three miles for this?

Ah well, the scenery was pleasing.

Tomorrow we hit the road again, this time to Great Falls, MT to see the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center there. We don't know where we'll stay tomorrow night as it will be determined by how long we spend at the Center. Will let you know.

Love to all,

MMG and DDG

September 22, 2009 Glacier NP St. Mary and Many Glacier

2009-09-22T21:51:00.006-04:00

We had just a great day! Woke to "severe clear" skies and 40 degree temps. The severe clear lasted all day and the temperature got all the way up to 80, so, with the dry air, it was nearly perfect for hiking and wildlife hunting.

To catch up, here's yesterday's sunset:

And the same view for sunrise:

Part of the reason we moved to this side of the Park was to be able to get pictures of the scenery on this side with the sun behind us. Here are a few of the results:

Wild Goose Island in the middle of St Mary Lake.

There's a panoramic video of this view here.

Guess what the sun brought to light (is that a pun?) on this mountain.

Painted Mountain.

Here's a little unusual factoid for you:

One of a kind, they say.

Onward! As we worked our way to the top of the Park, we got distracted by trails to waterfalls. With the recent snowfall followed by warm days, the drips, rills, runs, creeks, streams, and rivers are showing their best on the way down the mountain.

Unnamed falls near St Mary Falls

Quiet, beautiful setting within feet of the Road

A small part of St. Mary Falls that I thought was beautiful.

There are waterfall videos for you here, and here.

And here is the video of the locally famous St. Mary Falls.

Then it was on to lunch, which we had a little ways down the road from the place we've shown you twice this week. Here's why we changed:

Lunch view to the right.

Lunch view to the left.

More of the view to the right. Remember the little stream that ran by our feet at our former favorite ever lunch spot? This is where it falls into the valley after traveling about 1/4 mile further.

And here is the video.

And here is the video of the overall view.

We promised to try to find wildlife today and it took a long while, but finally......

MMG captures a Black (ok, brown, but he is a Black) Bear.

"I See You!

And a Red Hawk

Same Hawk, different view.

There's a Grizzlie Bear in this picture, but he was about three miles away and this is the best we could do.

A herd of Big Horn Sheep. These were only about 1 1/2 miles away. See how much better it is?

And here's my contribution:

Butterfly?

More tomorrow!

Our love to you all!

MMG and DDG

September 21, 2009 We Move From The West Side of Glacier NP to the East Side

2009-09-21T19:41:00.005-04:00

For the mappers: East on US2 to US89 at Browning, MT (on the Blackfoot Reservation), then north to St. Mary. 102 miles.

The morning drive over to the KOA at St. Mary was under heavy cloud cover which hid the mountains from view. As we checked in at the campground a stiff south wind came on and blew all the clouds away. The rest of the day was beautiful and bright, if a bit windy for comfort.

Here's the view from our campsite:

After lunch we gave into the wind and just took a ride over to East Glacier to visit the Glacier Park Lodge just to look it over again. Here's why:

Lobby from the north end. Note the table.

Lobby view from the south end.

On the ride back, we went into Browning, MT, to look for a grocery store. We found one, an IGA, but the parking lot was so populated with people who appeared to be drunks and panhandlers we decided to try up the road. As we turned around, we were pleasantly surprised by this:

Little Flower Catholic Church, Browning, MT.

Further up the road toward home we found out about "Share the Road", Montana style:

A couple of other nice views on the way home:

Glacier Mountains with their new dusting of snow.

St. Mary Lake nestled in the Glacier Mountains. St. Mary is the lake where Goose Island resides. Quite the different view from a couple of days ago, eh?

Go here for a panoramic view of the eastern Glaciers from US89.

Tomorrow the plan is to go into the Park to get pictures of this side with sun at our backs, then work at finding some wildlife, with Grizzlies at the top of the list. Will let you know how we do.

We are enjoying our trip and sharing the sights and adventures with you. OTOH, we are really interested in how and what you are doing, too. Please drop us a line and let us know what's up with you!

Love to you all,

MMG and DDG

September 20, 2009 Glacier NP Rain/Snow Day

2009-09-20T21:09:00.003-04:00

As Peanuts' Lucy says when the dog kisses her, "BLEAH!". That was our day today.

We had planned to make one more drive up to Logan Pass before the Road is closed tonight. We woke to rain and when we went over to go into the Park anyway, we found that Mother Nature had beaten us to the punch. While were having rain down here, She was snowing up at the Pass elevations and the road was closed up there!

We are not entitled to any weather complaints. Until today, the daytime temps have been in the mid to upper 70s and nights around 45 and the days have been mostly clear. At least the rain gave us an excuse not to go hiking again today!

We visited the Lake McDonald Lodge to look at the interior construction and decorations, then left the Park for a day of driving from West Glacier to Whitefish to Kalispell and back to West Glacier in search of a few necessities for our home on wheels.

Here is one of the places we stopped. MMG wanted a picture of the hanging baskets:

Pretty aren't they? Who'd have thought they sell earrings in a place like this? MMG, that's who! She got a really pretty pair!

And that was it for pictures for today. BUT, I like the following three pictures we took of flowers in the Old Colorado section of Colorado Springs on the day that we went to Seven Falls with Suzi and Shaun and have been looking for an excuse to share them. Today's the day!

In the morning we are moving over to the east side of the Park. That will give us a chance to get pictures of the mountains and lakes on that side of the Park with the morning sun at our backs. Also, assuming the snow melts we'll be able to get to Logan Pass from the east side while the Road is closed from the west side.

More then!

Love to you all,

MMG and DDG

September 19, 2009 Supplement

2009-09-20T00:41:00.002-04:00

The videos in the previous post can now be found on YouTube.

The waterfall here.

The sculptor creek here.

Let us know which you prefer, please.

Thanks.

MMG and DDG

September 19, 2009 Glacier NP Avalanche Lake Trail

2009-09-19T20:59:00.006-04:00

CORRECTION: MMG wants everyone to know that Hidden Lake Trail which I wrote was 1 1/2 miles long was 1 1/2 miles long ONE WAY!

Today, MMG and I hiked about 2 miles then climbed the Washington Monument at least twice! -- at least it seemed like it!. The Park Service lists the Avalanche Trail as 2 miles (ONE WAY) and 500 feet elevation change. MMG and my concensus is that the net elevation change may be 500 feet, but the way the trail is routed the hiker must climb that 500 feet at least three times! Are we whining tonight? You bet! Was it worth it? You bet! And we'll try to show you why.

Sometimes the it's not the destination, but the trip. Today it was both.

For the first half of the hike, the trail follows closely the stream that flows down from Avalanche Lake. The following picture shows the aspect of the stream that appealed to MMG:

Rushing water bordered by ferns and mosses.

The following pictures show the aspect that appealed to DDG:

Rushing waters sculpting rock.

Surrealistic shapes and forms.

Beautiful geometric designs.

A rock garden of sculptures

SEE BELOW: Sculptor at Work Video!

And at the other end of the trail, there is this beautiful little lake with a back drop of high mountains and waterfalls. Our apologies for the quality of these pictures, but there was a lightning caused forest fire south of Glacier and we were having to take pictures through a deep haze.

Waterfalls across the lake

Different angle on the view

Close up of the biggest falls

SEE BELOW: Live Waterfall Action Video

View from the falls end of the lake

Some other parts of the trail offered their own small charms:

The stream in a quiet phase offering pretty colored base and a small pile of river rocks

Pretty Red Berries

Who would have thought that a small blossom like this

would produce a seed ball like this?

Don't have a clue what the name of this is. It is the only example of this plant we have seen in Glacier -- or possibly ever....

SCULPTOR AT WORK!

LIVE WATERFALL ACTION

Maybe one day I'll learn to imbed these vids in the right place!

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Love to you all,

MMG and DDG

September 18, 2009 Addendum

2009-09-19T10:44:00.002-04:00

First remember the picture "MMG Hits The Trail" from a couple of days ago? We now know that the "Destination" in the next picture is just over a mile away, all up hill. Doesn't look that far, does it?

Also, I meant to include this video yesterday showing the road to Logan Pass, the mountain faces it traverses, and the valley below. It is that valley that the workers from yesterday's post are hanging over! The Road is that thin line running from left to right.

Will post today's adventure later.

MMG and DDG

September 18, 2009 Glacier NP Wildlife Safari

2009-09-18T21:21:00.006-04:00

CORRECTION: The MacDonald Lake mentioned yesterday is really McDonald Lake.

MMG and I decided we had shown you enough scenery and that it was time to find some wildlife to keep you (and us) entertained.

With that in mind, we went back up to Logan Pass to take a hike on the Hidden Lake Trail which was touted as being only about 1 1/2 miles long and only a 450 foot gain in elevation on the way to beautiful medium sized alpine lake back in the mountains. The trail, it is claimed, wanders through prime wildlife, particularly Mountain Goat, territory.

These two veteran hikers will testify that Hidden Lake trail is longer than 1 1/2 miles, rises far more than 450 feet, but does indeed pass through some beautiful scenery and does provide a chance to see some wildlife.

But to get to Logan Pass we had to drive through all that magnificent scenery and we couldn't help but take a few pictures:

Here's the early morning sun breaking through the mountains.

For those of you who have been seeking, here it is!

Hackberry Ridge

Glacial Bowl

Some Mountain Greenery

These Pillar Flowers will eventually

completely cover this Pillar. We'll never see it because this plant is on a part of the Road which will be closed after Sunday night.

Now! On to the wildlife! It seemed for the longest time as if the total of our efforts would be this addition to the MMG World Famous Collection of Wildlife Butts!

This is definitely a Mountain Goat (YEA!), but if you click to enlarge you'll see it's pointed the wrong way (again!).

Then, our luck changed. These Marmots are definitely up to hibernation weight!

If one Marmot is good, two are better.

Then we hit the jackpot. This Mountain Goat took lots of time to pose for us!

Full right side.

Face first.

Heads up, face left.

More profile.

Then it was time for lunch. Here's today's lunch view:

Look familiar? Yep, we liked it so much we went back again today!

On the way back down the mountain, we had a chance to observe people doing a job of which we want no part. Here's a picture of their office:

The workers climb into the "office", then dangle about 1500 feet above the canyon floor as the work on the retaining wall and rock guard rail that will be parts of the new Road.

Here they are at work:

Going Down!

And finally, here's a true alpine flower that was growing along the trail today:

Not a very impressive flower bed, eh?

That's it for today. Stay tuned!

Love,

MMG and DDG

September 17, 2009 Glacier National Park

2009-09-17T19:07:00.005-04:00

MMG and I got to go all the way across the Going-to-the-Sun Road (and back) today for the first time in 10 years! It is still just awesome!

This is what we mean. Capturing the scope of the grandeur is impossible, but these will hopefully give you an idea:

Morning view of the mountains across Lake MacDonaldMorning Valley View

Mountainside Greenery

View from Logan Pass Visitor Center

Lonely Goose Island in the middle of St. Mary Lake

Goose Island and the north shore of St. Mary's Lake

MMG about to hit the trail

Closer look at MMG's destination

Sunshine on the mountain. The line through the middle of the picture is the Road.

Way in the back, glaciers hiding!

Lunch View Video

Static Lunch View

And some other interesting things we saw:

Sharon the Road Nazi. Much of the upper Road is still under repair and delays are frequent.

Glacier park Touring Bus. We were amazed at the number of these trekking up and down the Road.

And some small things among the grandeur:

Logan Pass Flower

Going to seed. The Old Men.

Needless to say, we really enjoyed this day!

More tomorrow!

Love to all,

MMG and DDG

September 16, 2009 Butte, MT to Glacier Nationl Park

2009-09-16T23:12:00.006-04:00

To the maps! I-90 west from Butte to Missoula, MT, then north on US93 to Kalispell, MT, then US2 to West Glacier, MT. 272 miles.

Now, we know that US1 runs north and south through Cary, NC on its way from Maine to Florida. Does anyone know the start-finish for US2? I suspect that US1 is the easternmost US highway and US2 the northernmost.

The part of today's journey from Butte to Missoula on I-90 was a true pleasure. The road was smooth the hills and curves gentle and the scenery soothing. The trip from Missoula to West Glacier, OTOH, was a challenge. 14 miles of pavementless construction and 100 miles of hill after hill and curve after curve.

The best part of the trip was the many miles we paralleled Flathead Lake. Here's why:

Here's a little bit about the Flathead (Salish) tribe for which the lake is named.

We arrived at our campground around 4:30, got settled in then realized that we were short of pictures for the blog! So, off to Glacier NP for some reconnoitering and evening picture taking.

Here are the results.

Some of you know that we have been having a love-hate relationship with the road through the GNP known as the Going-to-the-Sun-Road. Love it because of the spectacular scenery it traverses, hate it because it is so often closed -- including the last three years. It is open now, though as we found this afternoon, it is still under construction. We also found out that it is scheduled to close again Sunday! The picture above shows where the Going-to-the-Sun Road goes! Yes, from left to right about 2/3 of the way up you can almost see the road.

Here are some of the sights along the way:

The Road is to the right. This stream flows along most of the lower part of the Road.

Another view of this scene, brought to you by the guy who climbed down near the stream to get the shot! Note the reflection and the trout rising boil to the left.

Intrepid Photographer at work!

The Wall closer up.

Sunset on another Glacier Mountain.

Some things never change. Where there's a glacier above, there'll be a waterfall below.

That's it for today! More, and better, tomorrow!

Love to all,

MMG and DDG

September 15, 2009 Moran, WY to Butte, MT

2009-09-15T22:50:00.003-04:00

To the maps! South on US26/191 from Moran, WY to Jackson, WY, west out of Jackson, WY on WY22 which changes to ID33 to West Center, ID, then ID31 to Swan Valley, US26 to Idaho Falls, I-15 north to I-90/Butte. 323 miles.

We had all kinds of terrain today, from mountains -- 10 percent grades both up and down, to rolling hills covered with rye fields, to a valley as flat as any in Kansas.

Our last view of the Tetons. Clouds rolling in, aspens beginning to yellow:

And they used to advertise chewin' 'baccy on the barn roofs!

And I can still find a pretty flower, this one at the rest area where we stopped for lunch:

More tomorrow!

Love to you all.

MMG and DDG

September 13 and 14, 2009 Grand Teton NP

2009-09-15T20:58:00.008-04:00

Sorry for the delay in getting these into the blog, but we had a basement flood back home and had to spend a lot of time handling it. I should say we spent a lot of time getting other people, neighbors, sons, and professionals to handle it for us. All's well now. Even better, the insurance company called this morning to say they would replace all of the downstairs carpet and pad.

We spent most of the past two days hiking and Moose hunting. The hikes we took included Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, both reached by hiking around Jenny Lake, and Taggart Lake.

Here are the pictures from the hikes:

From the Grand Teton to Mt. Moran

Late Fall Teton Flower

Looking back on the trail to Inspiration Point to see Mt. Owen,

MMG sitting on Inspiration Point with Teewinot Mountain and Mt. Owen.

Unknown Teton Mountain with cloud cap.

Teewinot Mountain top.

MMG and DDG at Hidden Falls, a necessary picture to prove we made it!

Tetons across Taggart Lake.

Teton Squirrel

Another Teton Flower.

Teton forest fire. Naturally started by lightning on August 30, unless it threatens a structure it must die a natural death.

On the drive to and from the hikes:

Tetons across the Snake River.

Photographers taking aim at the Teton Range.

Rare Teton flower growing in the parking lot!

And in its own special place: BULL MOOSE

Our first Bulls of the trip -- and of the last few trips!

Getting eyed by Junior!

And ignored by Big Daddy!

And now we're caught up! Tomorrow, on the road to Glacier NP.

Love to all,

MMG and DDG

September 12, 2009 Grand Teton NP

2009-09-12T23:25:00.006-04:00

MMG and I spent the morning driving through the Park looking for wildlife, but wound up with more scenery than animal pictures.

We did spend a lot of time watching a young Osprey "practicing his moves" in preparation for leaving the nest. There are more pictures than usual on one subject, but I thought all of these were "the best".

I am Getting Psyched

Almost Ready

Oh, Yeah!

Getting Tough!

You are my lunch, fish!

Taking a bow!

Whew! After that this will seem real tame:

Sandhill Crane

Now to the scenery:

A panorama of the Tetons and Jackson Lake so you can see where things are. Click to enlarge.

Compare this picture to the panorama. Can you name the mountains?

A reason that some pictures are a little "cloudy" this week. A lightning caused fire at south end of Jackson Lake.

Recognize this mountain reflected in Jackson Lake?

The Snake River flowing towards the Tetons.

Now, in closing, a couple of close ups:

Another Flyaway

A bee working on Thistle down. Would you have thought Thistle down has nectar?

Around noon our RVForum friends arrived and we spent the rest of the day showing them the Park. Tomorrow we'll do some hiking and more scenery admiring.

Love to all,

MMG and DDG

September 11, 2009 Grand Teton NP

2009-09-11T21:17:00.006-04:00

Another beautiful day here in Paradise! Sunny, warm, dry -- real comfortable.

MMG and I actually got out and hiked three miles this morning. We did the Heron Pond/Swan Lake trail. We saw neither Swans (here, more later) nor Herons, but it was a sometimes beautiful hike nonetheless.

On the way to the trailhead, we stopped by the Oxbow Bend and saw a Moose up to her shoulders in the Snake River feeding on aquatic vegetation. While she was quite visible in the binoculars, she was just too far away to allow us to get a clear picture.

On to the hike. Not everything has to be awesome or bigger than life to grab your attention. Here are some examples from the hike:

Pinecone sitting on dead branch.

Butterfly!

Reflections over the Waterlilies on Swan Lake

But big works, too:

Teton across Jackson Lake with forest fire smoke on foot.

There are 2 waterfalls here. Click to enlarge and see if you can spot them.

Sun setting on a Teton.

Same, from afar.

And animals are good, too:

Trumpeter Swan

Young Moose Calf

More Young Moose Calf

Pronghorn

More Pronghorn

And sometimes it's not the animal, but the form. None of the following three pictures of an Osprey hunting over the Jackson Lake Dam is a good Osprey picture, but DDG found these very interesting:

Floating

Looking

Not sure what the Osprey is doing here. I just liked the geometry of the Osprey and the juxtaposition of the bird and the mountaintop.

And sometimes a little humor may be in order:

THE END

Hope you liked this little departure from the norm. We did take all theses pictures today!

Love to you all.

MMG and DDG

September 10, 2009 Grand Teton NP and Yellowstone NP

2009-09-10T22:37:00.006-04:00

Another beautiful day! We decided to go up to Yellowstone NP today to try to see a Grizzly Bear. Yellowstone and Grand Teton are joined, the north border of GT and the south border of YNP being the same. It is only about a 60 mile drive and the temptation was too great!

We did not see a Grizzly, but it was a nice trip anyway.

Here's a shot of our lunch spot:

And a busy bee who joined us for lunch. He's trying to get the last bit of nectar before winter sets in.

On the way back, we had some luck with the wildlife:

Sandhill Crane.

Sandhill Crane and Young One

Young Bull Elk.

Of course, once we were back in Grand Teton, you-know-who found a you-know-what:

Then, to top it off, just upstream from the White Pelican was this lady:

Moose

More Moose.

Here's a couple of DDG's small scale pictures:

New Thistle.

Old Thistle.

And, of course, the scenery. Here's a little bit of it I meant to send to you yesterday:

More tomorrow!

MMG and DDG

September 9, 2009 Great Day at Grand Teton

2009-09-09T23:28:00.008-04:00

Such a wonderful day! Cold at wake up, but warmed up throughout the day until we reached the mid 70's this evening. As you'll see, not a cloud in the sky!

Not only that, we got to see more wildlife than almost any other day I can remember. In addition to the wildlife below, we saw, but could not get a good shot at, a Golden Eagle soaring, a small herd of Pronghorn, White Pelicans (though there are a couple in the pictures below), and a chipmunk outside our window at the Jenny Lake Lodge where we had lunch.

Here's why we are so excited:

Juvenile Osprey surveying the scene.

Coyote looking back at the photographer lady.

Really tough shot to get but look carefully. There is a Moose mother and her calf there!

WOLF!

Trumpeter Swan family revisited.

Not all that awed us moved. Look at some of the beauty that surrounded us today!

Tetons across the Oxbow.

Tetons across Jackson Lake as seen from the deck at the Jackson Lake Lodge.

Tetons reflected in Jackson Lake - from the Jackson Lake Dam.

Mt. Moran in the morning sun.

Getting closer to the Tetons!

Tetons across Jenny Lake.

The Big Ones. Grand Teton on left and Mt. Owen on right.

While MMG was concentrating on the big picture, I looked at some of the little stuff.

Flowers on the deck of the Jackson Lake Lodge.

Flyaway ready emulate its name.

Yes, you can go to church in the Grand Teton NP. The church only holds fifty persons, there is no organ or piano, the service very short (we were told).

The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration.

On the upside, this is the view from every pew........

Amen!

And we still found time to visit the Moose, WY, post office to check on when the mail is delivered, go to Jackson for shopping (Coldwater Creek, Albertsons Grocery, and Smiths Grocery), and stop by and check out the Gros Ventre (French words that are not pronounceable by Americans) Campground for next time.

I haven't been told what the plan for tomorrow is, but I'll bet it involves picture taking......

Love to all,

MMG and DDG

September 8, 2009 Salt Lake City to Grand Teton NP

2009-09-08T23:34:00.007-04:00

For the map fiends -- I-15 north from Salt Lake City to US89 at Brigham City. US89 all the way to Grand Teton NP. 301 miles.

Most of US89 is mostly two lane with passing lanes provided on the uphills and there are many of those as US89 goes right through the mountains over high passes. A part of the road is designated as a National Scenic Byway, click here. Needless to say, the scenery was great!

The downside of taking US89 was that, other than when we were on the Scenic Byway, we had to go through what seemed like dozens of small towns, each with its own idea of the proper speed.....but the scenery made up for that!

Here are a couple of examples:

20 mile long Bear Lake. Blue, eh?

Why it is Blue. (click to enlarge)

Rafters on the Snake River.

Not all the scenery was beautiful!

The approach to the Grand Teton NP from the south is through Jackson, WY. As we left Jackson and drove along the east edge of the Park, we were struck once again by how magnificent the Teton Range is when seen up close. We'll have pictures of the mountains for you tomorrow.

As soon as we got settled in our campground, MMG was anxious to get out looking for wildlife to photograph. So at 6:30, off we went. It paid off with these:

A family of Trumpeter Swans on the Snake River.

A Bull Elk checking us out! What a rack!

Do you think this is my best side?

MMG only let me come home when it got too dark to take pictures any more.

Also when the sun went down, we found that we ain't in Kansas anymore, Toto. The last 10 days in Grand Junction and Salt Lake City the daily highs were in the mid 90's with overnight lows near 70. The low here tonight is predicted to be 26! For the next week, the highs are supposed to be in the mid-70's and the lows in the mid-30's.

We are planning to stay here until Monday when we'll head on up to Glacier NP, assuming the Going-to-the-Sun Highway hasn't been snow closed!

Until tomorrow!

MMG and DDG

September 7, 2009 Salt lake City

2009-09-07T20:18:00.002-04:00

Laundry in the morning.

Lunch in the moho after laundry.

Shopping in a great downtown outdoor mall in SLC. Large Labor Day shopping crowd. Fun to see lots of young people.

Sorry, no pictures.

Tomorrow, on the the Grand Tetons.

MMG and DDG

September 6, 2009 Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

2009-09-06T23:15:00.005-04:00

MMG, also know as the PelicanLady, is smiling to night! We drove about 60 miles north of Salt lake City today, then 15 miles west on a mostly washboard dirt road to reach the 12 mile circular dirt road that wanders through the wetlands that compose the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.

Among the hundreds of birds that migrate through the refuge we saw these -- White Pelicans, of course, the PelicanLady's favorite:

Of course we also saw many other birds, among them:

After spending much of the day at the Refuge, we drove through Logan, UT, home of Utah State University, on the way back to the moho. Utah is proud of its great trout fishing as can be seen by this "medium" fly on display in Logan.

I was going to send you one, but export from Utah is prohibited as these flies are too big for the trout in other states!

One more day in Salt Lake City, then on to the Tetons!

Stay Well.

MMG and DDG

September 5, 2009 Salt Lake City and the Nebo Loop

2009-09-05T19:19:00.005-04:00

Today we took a ride down south of SLC to travel the Nebo Loop. As its website says, " this route has breathtaking views of the Wasatch Range and 11,877-foot Mt. Nebo, its tallest mountain."

Please be sure to click on the Wasatch Range link, then go to the bottom of the page where there is a panoramic picture of the Wasatch Range as seen from Salt Lake City. Use the slider at the bottom of the picture to see it all.

Our good luck with the weather ran out and we were in and out of showers, some heavy, all day. Also, the low pressure system helped concentrate the LA fires smoke and the usual SLC smog in the valley and made it difficult to see the scenery.

Here's an example:

But there were breaks in the rain and smog such as this:

and this:
And this:
And this:
And this chance to see the last remnant of last year's snows:

But the high point of the day was the visit here:

To see the Siamese fish:

Tomorrow is supposed to clear up and we'll do better for you.

Love to all.

MMG and DDG

September 4, 2009 Grand Junction, CO to Salt Lake City, UT

2009-09-04T22:36:00.006-04:00

This isn't the shortest route between GJ and SLC, but it sure is the most awesome. I-70 west from GJ to Saline, UT, then US50 north and west to I-15 north to SLC. 357 miles.

What sets this route apart is the San Rafael Reef and San Rafael Swell which lie across I-70 starting about 5 miles west of Green River, UT, continuing for about 50 miles. There are numerous "View Areas", also known as "Rest Areas", along the route so you can get off the Interstate and marvel.

The pictures will tell it better than I can:

First view of the San Rafael reef.

Getting Closer.

San Rafael Reef about to swallow a Triple Trailer Semi.

Now it's our turn to go through the REEF!

Now onto the "Swell"

View Area Canyon.

San Rafael Swell Buttes.

Proud Mary of the Black Canyon.

Examples of Unusual "Erosions" as my friend George calls them:

The San Rafael Swell has its own "Painted Desert"!

And, finally, for perspective, a picture of the picture taker:

One other strange occurrence today. As we were traveling north on I-15, I became aware of a small plane coming head-on down the Interstate right in my face! The design looked like it might be a home built with swoopy wings and winglets for better control. I became concerned that the pilot was in trouble and looking for a landing on the Interstate.

At the last minute, the plane arrested its descent and moved over the median. By then I had realized that the plane was a remote control plane of the size and configuration of the "drones" we read about being used in Iraq and Afghanistan! The ones used over there are controlled via satellite by "pilots" in Omaha, NE. I wonder who was controlling this one!

We'll be staying in SLC at least until Monday, taking in the local sights.

More tomorrow.

MMG and DDG

September 3, 2009 Grand Mesa and the Land's End Observatory

2009-09-03T20:07:00.005-04:00

Last Spring MMG and I took a day trip over the Grand Mesa Scenic and Historical Byway to the southeast of Grand junction, CO. While the altitude of Grand Junction is around 4500 feet, the top of Grand Mesa ranges from 10,000 to 11,000 feet.

The attraction to DDG is that on the road to the top of Grand Mesa there are spectacular views back down into the Colorado River valley/canyon to the east of Grand Junction while once on top of the mesa, the view to the south and west of the Gunnison River Canyon are equally awesome.

As a comparison of the respective altitudes shows, the view from the mesa down to either of the rivers is more than a mile. Because the canyons are so wide, the view is not much at all like the Grand Canyon, but the scope is similar.

On the Spring trip we wanted to go to the Land's End Observation point some 12 miles of dirt road to the west of the main road through Grand Mesa but were foiled by unmelted snow banks.

Not today. After a dusty, bumpy ride we were rewarded by a view west from the rim of the mesa into and over the Gunnison River Canyon. On a clear day, this view would stretch some 70 to 100 miles to the west and nearly 100 miles from south to north, including the junction of the Gunnison River with the Colorado River, the Grand Junction.

This picture gives a little history on the building of the Observatory:

We had our picnic lunch on a convenient bench on the back of the Observatory an found that we were not the only sightseers there:

It has recently been suggested that the reason that I am enamored of long and wide views is that as a (voluntarily) grounded former pilot I like to think I'm seeing the view from the cockpit without having to constantly scan for other aircraft and worry about the eventual landing. May be some truth in that.

In any event, you can imagine our disappointment to find that the view was severely restricted by the smoke from the Los Angeles fire that has been blown into this area! The following picture is the best we could get:

We found that the road down from the Observatory into the Gunnison River Canyon was a real treat -- 18 more miles of hairpin turns on a mostly dirt road! You can see it in this picture:

Despite the disappointment caused by the LA smoke, we had a nice day and will keep this ride on our "next time" list!

Tomorrow we're finally getting underway on our trip. First stop, Salt Lake City!

Our Best to you all.

MMG and DDG

August 29, 2009 Seven Falls, Colorado Springs, CO

2009-08-30T23:39:00.005-04:00

We're not really back to traveling yet, but we did take a day trip with our daughter and son-in-law from their Denver area home down to the famous Seven Falls near Colorado Springs.

Before we even got to the Falls, we had to stop and admire this yard art we found along the way:

These were all working weather vanes and we enjoyed watching them glide majestically into the wind as it changed directions.

Now, to the Falls. The Seven Falls cascade 181 feet down a granite cliff:

We weren't able to stay for the nightly colored lights show, but you can get some idea of the spectacle by clicking on this link to the Seven Falls website.

Even more memorable to those of us who hike are the 224 iron steps that lead to the top of the falls and the mile trail with a 400 foot elevation change that leads to the overview of downtown Colorado Springs.

Here are the first half of the steps:

And here is the hike's reward:

Beautiful downtown Colorado Springs, CO.

Downtown Colorado Springs in the middle left of the picture with the edge of the known world somewhere between 75 and 100 miles in the distance (we're told).

Tomorrow we're to be reunited with the moho. Please say a little prayer for us that everything still works after nearly 3 months in dry dock!

We still haven't decided on the next destination. Santa Rosa, CA, Coos Bay, OR, and West Glacier, MT are all in the running and all about 1000 miles distant. Stay tuned!

MMG and DDG

August 24, 2009 Housekeeping

2009-08-24T10:44:00.002-04:00

Just a note to let everyone know that we got back to Cary from Seattle without a hitch.

Spent some time getting maintenance done on DDG (everything is A-OK), then drove the toad out to Denver where we are spending a week visiting our daughter and her husband and attending the wedding of a couple of our daughter's friends that we have gotten to know and like over the past couple of years.

Sometime in the next ten days we're going to go to Grand Junction, reclaim the moho and get back to traveling/touring as it was meant to be!

Will resume travel blog postings then.

MMG and DDG

August 2 and 3, 2009 Ketchikan to Vancouver and Vancouver to Seattle

2009-08-17T17:22:00.001-04:00

Sunday was a "day at sea" as the Island Princess had to cover 500+ miles to get us to Vancouver by Monday morning. We did not miss much by being "at sea" as the weather was pretty gloomy. Here's a typical view:

However, the sun did occasionally break through and during one of those times, we were treated to "The Little Tug That Could":

The little tug on the left is pulling the crane and both of the trailing barges!

At almost sunrise, MMG snapped this picture from our deck as were about to enter the Vancouver harbor:

The skies cleared and the sun shone brightly on the waterfront downtown of Vancouver as we maneuvered to dock at the well camouflaged docking facility:

I don't usually waste pictures on seagulls, but the gulls competing for the offerings of a man feeding them on the dock below the ship were wheeling in the sun and I was trying to get the light and shadowed effects. Instead I got these. Sometimes accidents are good! When we get home I'll try to sharpen these up and resend them:

I know I said in the last email that this was "The End", but his time it is true. This one was taken from the bus window as we were leaving for Seattle and the flight home tomorrow (Tuesday).

THE END, again!

Love to all,

MMG and DDG

August 1, 2009 Ketchikan

2009-08-17T14:51:00.006-04:00

First, a flashback to Skagway for a picture that was left off because of a hurried sign-off:

Really fresh Salmon, anyone? Scene from right beside our ship!

Ketchikan! The first city in Alaska AND the Salmon Capitol of the World! Here's proof:

After making port and be able to disembark (get off the boat) we took a tour to and through the Tongass National Forest. We wanted to see what a rainforest in Alaska looked like. Rainforest in Alaska? You bet! The second largest rainforest in the world. 160 inches of rain per year. 17,000,000 acres in the National Forest.

Here's some of what we saw:

Ferns. Alaska? Yep!

Another wet lands denizen -- Skunk Cabbage.

Renewal. Note that the downed tee trunk is covered in mosses. A young tree has taken root in the mosses but has sent out root tendrils (the white "strings" in the left center of the picture) to try to reach more substantial soil for future growth.

When all goes well, that young tree will look like this in 25 to 50 years:

Those tendrils have quite the growth future in store!

But the rainforest is home to not just flora, but fauna, too. Here are some:

"Nevermore"

Juvenile Eagle posing in abandoned sawmill. He won't get his distinctive white head and tail until about age 5.

The Real Deal Soars!

And Another.

This Great Horned Owl is undergoing rehab, but wanted to be included.

Then it was back to the ship for a late lunch and an afternoon of, what else?, shopping. To escape terminal boredom, I made up a game for you. It's called Where is MMG? The game board is below. I guarantee that MMG is in this picture!

And a little oddity to share. We had to come all the way to Ketchikan to catch this picture of both ends of the road transportation continuum:

The latest in battery powered cars in the front, the horse-drawn wagon in the background.....

THE END!

We still have to sail down to Vancouver where we will catch a bus to Seattle, but the cruise is really over, so this seems appropriate.

Our love to you all.

MMG and DDG

July 31, 2009 Juneau and Juneau to Ketchikan

2009-08-16T13:49:00.006-04:00

Woke this morning already docked in Juneau. We had barely stepped out on to our deck when this dude flew by!

Then, we turned to the left and nearly all of Juneau was spread out before us. It may be the capitol of Alaska and the third largest city in Alaska, but is still pretty much a small town:

Believe it or not, we elected to take a tour to see yet another glacier! The Mendenhall Glacier is among the largest of the 38 glaciers fed by the Juneau ice field, which covers an area of about 1500 square miles. Mendenhall is the only one which can be approached by car.

As our tour bus dropped us in the parking lot and we started up the trail to the visitors center, we immediately got our money's worth. Here are a couple pictures of a Mama Black Bear and one of her two cubs. Mom's sent the cubs up a tree why she takes a break on the ground:

First, the best I could do with Mama in the undergrowth. She's looking straight at us:

Here's junior taking a nap on a branch high up in a tree:

Too cute not to do twice!

Here's what Mama was looking for. Not a koi! One of the millions of Salmon that are making their annual breeding "run":

Finally, the glacier:

We even got to touch some actual glacial ice from the glacier:

Educational stuff, but interesting:

Then it was on to the Salmon Hatchery. This is a non-profit, non-commercial operation that puts about 125,000,000 8-inch salmon into these waters every year. Since the Salmon always return to the place of their birth to breed (and then die), it's no wonder there's a long waiting line at the fish ladder that leads to the hatchery:

The way they are stacked up in the lower left, it looks like you could walk across them!

The Salmon work their way up the ladder to the hatchery, are relieved of their eggs and milt, and then about 20% are turned into dog and cat food (remember that they are going to die anyway) and the balance returned to the Salmon waters to provide whatever they would have provided in the wild.

We spent the afternoon shopping, then returned to the ship which promptly left port so we could be in Ketchikan tomorrow. On our way out of the bay, this whale waved goodbye top us!

We were really wishing we had brought MMG's big camera and lens. The whales were thick here!

And we had another great sunset!

The End!

More tomorrow from Ketchikan!

OH! The real high point of the day was the announcement that Hanna Ilyssa Nesbitt joined the world this afternoon! 19.5 inches, 7lbs. 11oz. Mama Sara and Proud Papa Peter and baby all doing fine!

Love to you all!

MMG and DDG

July 30, 2009 Skagway!

2009-08-16T13:19:00.005-04:00

We arrived at the Skagway dock around 5:30 this morning.

Skagway is located at the end of the 2nd largest and 2nd deepest fjord in the world. While it is an ideal transportation port for this area, it got its first real growth by being the closest port to Dawson (200 miles) during the gold rush. After the rush was over, it relied on shipping traffic for the lumber, oil and mining industries. As those have diminished in volume, it has become a center for the tourism industry during the summer months. The railroad that used to carry freight and miners now carries tourists on a ride of a bout 20 miles up into the mountains, gaining 2500 feet elevation in the process. The route is along the trail that the gold rushers followed on the way to Dawson and gives one a real good idea of the hardships they faced.

These pictures will tell the story better than my words -- and show why the rushers didn't just go some easier way!

Boat basin and downtown Skagway as seen from the bridge of the Island Princess.

The train we rode as seen from an upper deck of the Island Princess.

Not our car, but just what it looked like -- definitely not "modern"!

View from part way up the mountain. That's Skagway in the bottom center. Those white dots are cruise ships.

Just a view from the track.

Another view from the track.

And another. That's our engine in green and yellow up there. The pink flowers are fire weed.

More mountains and flowers.

Another view of the dominant mountain.

A view of another mountain on the trip.

A couple pictures of the track we rode:

Actually, this bridge is retired. It is, however, on the National Architectural Registry, right there along with the Statue of Liberty and the Golden Gate Bridge. Its cantilevered design was a really advanced concept for its time.

A couple of other aspects of Skagway:

We just think the snow blower is a modern contraption. This 123 ton beauty was built in 1898. Its powerful steam engine's output was used solely to spin the knife-sharp blades of the blower. This blower had to be tough enough to cut through snow banks turned to solid ice by the extremely low temperatures experienced here. The snow blower was pushed along the track by 2 regular steam engines.

Gotta get this on the way. MMG just pointed out that we've left port and I'll be losing the signal soon!

Love you all.

MMG and DDG

July 29, 2009 Glacier Bay!

2009-08-15T14:10:00.004-04:00

Note for new readers: You can "blow up" any picture by clicking on it. You probably will need to on this page to see the whale blows and the ship in by the glacier.

What a great day. After listening to the fog horn all night, we awoke to this sight out our window:

It was the precursor of a bright sunny day. Glacier Bay, where we cruised all day, lived up to its rep.

We were greeted at the entrance by this blow from a whale:

We passed several glaciers that came right down to the water's edge as we progressed up the bay, but this was the largest, about 300 feet high and 1/2 mile wide:

Note the boat in the picture for some perspective....

Where do the glaciers come from? Lots of snow on the mountaintops collects and starts a slow slide down the mountain and valleys. Because of the cold weather, the snow accumulates rather than melting, the weight turning the lower layers to ice. Here's a picture of the source of this one:

Some of the glaciers take a longer and more tortured path down the mountain. Here's one:

The "snow road" around both sides of the mountain in the middle is, or are, glaciers working their way down.

As we left the bay late today, another whale blew a farewell kiss:

As we departed the bay, we saw the first nice sunset of the trip:

Tomorrow, Skagway!

Love to you all,

MMG and DDG

July 28, 2009 Cruisin' at Last College Bay Galciers

2009-08-15T09:45:00.004-04:00

Up at 6 this morning to be greeted by this sight out our cabin window:

One of six glaciers in College Bay, all named after Ivy League schools. I can't remember the name of the one above, but it turned out to be one of the smaller ones. The quality of the picture is not the result of poor pictorial technique or the photographer's skill, but the fog that plagued us all day. This was the clearest part of the day.

Of course, the glaciers were "calving", or dropping chunks into the bay. Here's a pic of one that we got near. The blue of the ice is the result of the glacier compacting the snow of many years to a hardness that causes it to absorb all of the color spectrum except this shade of blue:

The highlight of the Bay, and indeed the day, was the Harvard Glacier, about 1/2 mile wide and easily twice as high as the Ship.

Just a small section of the Harvard Glacier showing one of the the clean parts (the center) of the glacier.

Here's what the edge (the part in contact with the bottom or side of the valleys) looks like:

The above also shows in the background the source of the glacier up in the mountains.

Below, a closer look at the face of the glacier. Notice the blue of the ice and the many cracks and fissures where the ice will eventually fall off into the bay:

About 7:30 we turned to leave the bay. Here's what the rest of the day looked like:

Tomorrow is promised to be more clear as we enter the famous Glacier Bay. Let's hope so!

A couple good news/bad news items. First, we're only about 150 feet and up one flight of stairs from the 24 hour buffet! Second, the food quality is sub-Golden Corral!

(I've been copying the texts of these postings from original emails. I never completed the second good news/bad news item and cannot remember what it might have been!)

More when we can!

MMG and DDG

July 27, 2009 Denali to Whittier to the Island Princess

2009-08-14T18:48:00.005-04:00

On the train by 8 AM, arrived Whittier about 6 PM. Seems like we traversed all of Alaska!

Here are a few of the sights:

Our train car:

Outside:

Inside:

At least MMG is smiling -- and the trip hasn't even started yet!

The omnipresent fireweed:

Who says the glaciers have all melted? Look here:

One of about 10 that we saw today.

Hometown of "Guess Who"?

The latest in mountain fashion, the cloud chapeau:

Reflections:

The Island Princess at last!

Note the terrific weather! Here's the view from our cabin's deck:

Here's hoping tomorrow clears up a bit!

My fears came true. The boat has wifi, but it is satellite and purchase of minutes is required @ $.55 per minute with a 100 minute minimum. I just ain't paying it!

I'll do a letter everyday and send then to you when we get where I can send them without doing business with highway robbers!

MMG and DDG

July 26, 2009 Our Day at Denali NP

2009-08-14T11:09:00.004-04:00

We spent the morning kind of resting up for our 5 hour school bus ride through a part of Denali NP this afternoon.

When we went to the Denali Visitor Center DDG was most disappointed to find that the animal exhibits, which in all the other NPs we have visited have been very fine examples of the taxidernists' art, are here all made of fiberglass.

First, here's a shot of one of the Denali Princess buildings at the foot of Mt Healy which seems to look over our shoulders all day. Not bad, eh?

On our 5 hour jaunt (by bus) through the Park, we saw almost no wildlife for the first 4 hours. Here's the exception, woohoo:

However, on the way out, we were fortunate enough to hit the two biggies, a Moose and a Grizzlie:

Got back to the hotel about 7:00, dinner and early to bed so we can have the luggage outside the room by 6:30 and be on the bus to the train station by 7:30. On the train by 8:00 where we will spend the day, arriving in Whittier where we'll get on the cruise boat around 5:15.

This is as good a place as any to apologize for the quality of the pictures in this Alaskan trip Blog. There are two factors at work. First, we did not bring MMG's "Big Lens" and camera, so we're making do with a smaller camera, our new Canon Powershot G10, which, while it is a very fine camera with many capabilities, just can't get us "up close and personal" like MMG's could. Second, most of the pictures have been taken through the windows of whatever bus or train we were on, adding the problems of shooting around fellow travelers, through windows with reflections, at whatever speed we are moving down the track or road.

Not sure about the wifi situation on the boat, so this may be the last you get for a while.

Love to all,

MMG and DDG

July 25, 2009 Mt McKinley to Denali NP

2009-08-14T10:41:00.004-04:00

Before we leave the Mt McKinley Princess, a few more pictures of the scenery. First, a neat cast eagle statue on the grounds:

The view from the Lodge deck this morning -- "Misty Morn".

That's a little splash of pink fireweed in the lower left. It is rampant this time of year.

And, finally, a little taste of what we would be seeing in clear weather!

Today was kind of a nothing day. Gray, cloudy ride on a bus from the Mt McKinley Princess Lodge to the Denali Princess Lodge. Scenery not very inspiring, but we did see our first Moose of the trip!

And our first glacier, The Buckaroo, along the 2400 foot high Broad Pass road:

The Buckaroo was about 10 miles distant. I moved us close with computer magic so you can see the two branches of the glacier merging and flowing down toward the valley below.

Arrival at Denali was anticlimactic. The 460 room hotel complex on one side of the road and about 25 tourist trap type stores on the other. Another Gatlinburg main street in the making. Too bad......

We did find an interesting place for lunch:

Then we shopped in 23 of the 25 tourist traps, went back to the hotel and took naps!

Tomorrow, into the Park.

MMG and DDG

July 24, 2009 Talkeetna and the 3 River Boat Ride

2009-08-13T12:22:00.004-04:00

What a beautiful day today! Weather forecast was for cool, mostly cloudy and a good chance of rain. We got mostly sun and a high near 70!

Late this morning we rode a bus 50 miles down to Talkeetna, the starting point for a 3 hour boat ride on 3 local rivers.

Talkeetna? Pictures speak more loudly than words:
But we found a great place for lunch:
The blue table cloth to MMG's right is hiding the pool table! The food was really great; the best restaurant experience of the trip!

The, after a little shopping it was on to the boat ride. Here's our ride and, no, it is not a former gun runner:
With three Cummins Diesels driving three water jets, this baby would hit 40 mph with 38 people aboard! And in about 18 inches of water.

The idea of the trip was to see the sights and wildlife. The sights were so-so, and the wildlife was limited to Eagles, not too bad from MMG and DDG's perspective:
Also, during a shore sightseeing session, MMG found the downsized house we've been looking for:
After three hours of loud diesel music, we weren't too sorry for our boat ride to end.

Tomorrow is another travel day, this time a bus ride to the Denali Princess Lodge.

Love to all,

MMG and DDG

July 23, 2009 Seattle to Anchorage to Mt. McKinley Princess Lodge

2009-08-13T11:54:00.003-04:00

Up early again, then 3 hours on the airplane to Anchorage -- and another 1 hour time change.

Spent about 3 hours in the downtown Anchorage area sightseeing and shopping. We were all just amazed by the profusion and healthy look of all the flowers!

The above "sod house", note the roof, is the Anchorage Visitor Center.

We found that some of our familial ancestors had been here before us and made good! Here's proof!

Of course, we found time for lunch in a local place recommended by a local merchant:

The bus ride to the Lodge took 3 hours and the last town we passed through was 50 miles from the Lodge! The Lodge is so far out it is off "the power grid" and has to provide all of its own power with generators.

Why be out here? Because they wanted to be near Mt McKinley, the highest point in North America. They really play it up, too. This picture of one of the restaurants on the property makes the point:

The "20320" is not the zip code, its the height of My McKinley. The altitude of the Lodge is about 700 feet, so Mt McKinley is mighty impressive from here, if we ever get to see it through the clouds and rain......

We could see the "foot hills", as the locals call them -- the 12,000 to 14,000 foot high mountains that "guard" Mt McKinley. In the picture below, MT Mckinley is directly behind these mountains, hidden by the clouds -- it rises at least another MILE above these.

That's it for today -- 11 PM local time and it is still light outside........

Hope you all are well and happy.

MMG and DDG

July 22, 2009 The Alaska Adventure Begins Raleigh to Seattle

2009-08-13T10:31:00.006-04:00

A really long day today, so far. Up at 4:15 AM so we could do the airport security thing and catch our 7:10 flight. Big thanks to our friend Rick for delivering us on time! Of course, after getting there so early, we were able to zoom right on through security so we could sit and wait another hour! 2 1/2 hours to St Louis, then a 1 1/2 hour wait, then 4 hours to Seattle.

The last 1/2 hour into Seattle was the high point of the trip. Here's why:

The captain had just announce that were passing through 13000 feet, so that mountain must be about that high.

After we got in, met Uncle Fred and Faith, went to our hotel and checked in, we caught a bus to downtown so we could go to the famous Pike Place Market (read more about it here: http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/frameset.asp?flash=true).

Here's why we wanted to see it again:

And:

Like BIG lobster tails?

Along the way, the bus passed the Boeing Plant with some interesting unmarked planes parked around (sorry, no pics) and both Safeco Field (the Seahawks) and Qwest Field (the Mariners). Here a picture of them both, with MT Ranier barely visible in the background, taken from the downtown waterfront:

Now we're back in the hotel room getting geared up for an early start tomorrow. Have to be ready to get on the shuttle to the airport at 6:00 AM! Our flight to Anchorage leaves at 8:00. We'll get there about 10:00, then have the rest of the day until 4:00 to see the sights before we catch the bus for the ride (112 miles) to the Mt McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.

Not sure what the wifi or Verizon situation will be there, so don't be surprised if there's no email tomorrow.....and maybe no txt msg either.

Will write more when we can get service.

Love to you all,

MMG and DDG

Alaska! Without the Motorhome

2009-08-13T10:21:00.002-04:00

Back in January or February, MMG's brother Fred and his wife Faith asked us to consider joining them on an Alaskan Cruise and Tour. We did, and the result was that we departed Cary on July 22, flying to Seattle where we met Fred and Faith. On the 23rd we flew from Seattle to Anchorage and the Alaskan Tour began!

Because internet connection was spotty (in the interior of Alaska) or prohibitively expensive (on board our cruise ship, The Island Princess), and because there was no way to contemporaneously write the blog then save it for later posting, we chose to use email to write daily reviews of our experiences, save them, and send them to a few friends and family as an internet connection became available.

Over the next few days we'll be posting those emails, converted to Blogspeak, here. You can experience the whole trip with us, day by day, but delayed by a couple of weeks.

Hope you enjoy them.

MMG and DDG

Home Safely! June 19, 2009

2009-06-19T20:30:00.002-04:00

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

Davenport, IA, to Lexington, KY, June 18, 2009

2009-06-18T21:36:00.002-04:00

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

Kearney, NE, to Davenport, IA, June 17, 2009

2009-06-17T22:14:00.003-04:00

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

Denver, CO to Kearney, NE June 16, 2009

2009-06-16T19:38:00.004-04:00

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

Quickie Report for Monday, June 15, 2009

2009-06-15T21:43:00.003-04:00

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

Denver Prairie Dogs

2009-06-12T10:17:00.005-04:00

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

Grand Junction, CO to Denver, CO June 11, 2009

2009-06-11T23:20:00.001-04:00

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.

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.

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

Grand Junction, CO, June 10, 2009

2009-06-10T20:53:00.002-04:00

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

Rawlins, WY, to Grand Junction, CO, June 9, 2009

2009-06-10T00:07:00.002-04:00

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

Cody, WY to Rawlins, WY, June 8, 2009

2009-06-08T18:57:00.002-04:00

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

Cody, WY, June 7, 2009, The Rest of the Day

2009-06-07T22:50:00.006-04:00

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........

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

Cody, WY, June 7, 2009, 7:00 AM Snowy Morn

2009-06-07T09:29:00.002-04:00

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.....

More later!

MMG and DDG

From Cody, WY

2009-06-06T20:26:00.003-04:00

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

West Yellowstone, MT, to Cody, WY and MOOSE!

2009-06-05T19:14:00.004-04:00

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

Yellowstone NP, Day 13 Last Full Day in the Park

2009-06-04T23:27:00.006-04:00

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

Yellowstone NP, Day 12, Another Rainy Day

2009-06-03T21:39:00.003-04:00

This morning dawned cold (mid 40's) and rainy (again). MMG and I dithered most of the morning away, then went to the local IMAX theater to see the film Alaska. It was educational with beautiful cinematography.

Then back to the moho for lunch (again, not a picnic type day!), followed by a drive around the lower half of the Park's grand circle.

The highlight of the drive was the view of the mountains across Yellowstone Lake. Last week the lake was nearly covered by the remains of its usual 3-foot thick winter ice, but today only a large ice island in the middle of the lake remained.

We saw a few Elk and hundreds of Buffaloes, an Osprey and a couple of Eagles, but no photo ops.

Tomorrow is supposed to be better weather-wise and it is our last day here, so we'll get going early and hope to finish with a flourish.

Our plans for the next couple of weeks are to move over to Cody, WY on Friday, then leave there Monday for the two day trip to Grand Junction, CO where we will be leaving the moho in storage until we come back out to get it about the third week in August.

We plan to be in Denver either Thursday or Friday (Suzi -- Mom will call you about exactly when would be better.) to spend the weekend with Suzi and Shaun, then leave Tuesday morning to drive home.

Love to you all.

MMG and DDG

Yellowstone NP, Day 11 - Wonderful Rainy Day

2009-06-02T21:18:00.005-04:00

When you are sleeping in a camping trailer or a motorhome, rain on the roof is a different experience. You hear each raindrop as it hits the roof and can keep track of every change in the intensity of the rainfall, including the size of the drops.......

Last night we had what we used to call on the farm a "soaking rain". The rain fell steadily for several hours without ever becoming a downpour, allowing, in theory, for the water to soak into the ground rather than merely becoming "run-off". Everyone who lives around here was thankful for the gentle rain as the winter snows were sparser (and, yes, dear bro, "sparser" is correct. Go here.) than usual.

Unfortunately for us tourist types, the rain continued off and on into the morning and the temperatures stayed in the uncomfortable high 40s and low 50s complete with a steady northeast wind....Brrrr!

So, after spending most of the morning in the nice warm laundry facility we had a leisurely lunch in the Moho (no picnic today!), then ventured forth into the Park. The view through the windshield shows a measure of our desperation to get out!

We kept thinking that the rain would let up and things would get better, but here's the windshield view on the way home this afternoon.......

The truth is that as we made our way around the northern half of the Park circle, things did improve and we were able to get out of the car to see a few things and take some pictures. This, for example, is a hot spring up in the Mammoth Hot Springs area that must have been going for eons to have built up this display. No special history here, I just like the colors....

As you can see from the steam, it is still flowing hot water.

Directly across the little road from the hot spring was this display of blue and yellow wildflowers spreading up the hill..

Our next sighting was more exciting. We spotted a mother Black Bear and her cub traversing a small meadow just above the tree line on the hill above the road.

Suddenly, Drama! Mom senses intruders. They are downwind and with Mom's poor eyesight, she can only make out large brown shapes. Grizzlies? Monsters? Lets pay attention and watch....

"No worries, Mom, I can handle them!"

"No way, son! What you can do is get yourself up that tree! Now mind!"

"Now you stay put while Mom stays right here and guards the tree!"

Which is just what she did for the next half hour while the half dozen Elks (the plural of Elk is either Elk or Elks) quietly grazed in the meadow........and we stood there with camera ready in the damp 45 degree temp with that pesky breeze just blowing and blowing.......finally gave it up and went on down the road.

We had only gone a little way when this Pronghorn buck crossed the road in front of us, then paused to pose...

Then MMG insisted that we go back to the area where she spotted the Big Horn Ram a couple of days ago. My pleas that it was getting late and that seeing another Ram in the same area would be like lightning striking twice in the same place, where we had never seen a Big Horn before, that further delay would make it too late for ice cream, etc., fell on deaf ears.

Well, no doubt you've already guessed who was right.....

At least I was right about it making us too late for ice cream.......

Love to all.

MMG and DDG