Excitement at the End!

Our friends the Franzels got stranded in Iowa with 6 feet of drifting snow.  No dinner date with them unfortunately but we had a nice opportunity to have dinner with Alicia McKenney a great friend of the family.  Our trip has been an opportunity to reconnect to friends we have lost touch with over the years.  Our evening was spent in Bozeman with Walter flying home the next day and I drove back to Gardiner to start my class which is a certification to be an Interpretive Naturalist.

Sunday I tried to do some fly fishing on my own. Finding a spot, tying my fly on the line and working with the wind.  Well, I think I got it all together but the fly disappeared. I guess my knot tying skills are in need of  improvement.  The entire experience is very Zen like.  I think I will keep working at it.

Weather finally better but unfortunately my class was inside.   Great group of very diverse people. Fourteen of us getting comfortable with each other as the end of  the course is a 10 minute presentation to the class.  A teachers background would be a great help.  Many of my classmates were staying in the housing provided by the Yellowstone Association.  The word traveled around that  a grizzly bear was feeding on an elk carcass across the river from the Yellowstone housing. At lunch we ran up to see what was happening.  They have these amazing scopes that let you see wildlife from a far distance.  It was probably 800 yards away but you could see the ribs of the elk and the bear pawing and dragging the animal.  I was very happy to be on the other side of the river.   The bear went to the river for a drink then for a siesta. Our next piece of equipment  could be a spotting scope.  When the bear left the birds took over. Immature eagles, magpie, and ravens were having a field day. This was a great way to end our trip.

I passed my course and off to Denver we went. Back to the hustle and bustle of life.  We are currently getting the Ralston cleaned and ready for bed. We have a great indoor storage place near downtown.  Spending time with the kids this week and getting ready to return to reality. We are flying home Saturday  and can't wait to see everyone.  The End!!!!!!

Elk on the football field

The beauty of the west

For the beauty and enjoyment of the people!  Closed!!

Winter in Gardiner, WY

We are now out of Yellowstone. The campground closed down and we had to leave the park.  Our last day at camp was a hike to the top of Purple Mountain. Remember that we were not to leave the area but luckily the trail head was across the street. We ran across the street through employee housing and on the trail before anyone caught us.  We saw 2 other escapees on the trail who were doing the same thing. The view was of the entire valley and from the top we could see the jagged mountains of the Tetons. You know I am a rule follower but this was well worth it.  Back to camp and the  trip to Gardiner.  On the road out of the park we saw less then 5 cars.   Stopping a few times to see a coyote, bison, and a herd of antelope.   For us the shutdown enabled us a rare opportunity to experience the park with few people.

The Airstream is now parked along the Yellowstone river in Gardiner , MT where all the snow was falling. The weather is supposed to break next week.  I have to say that The Ralston is handling all this weather quite well.  The temp inside the AS is holding nicely and keeping us dry.  Yesterday we went to a local hot springs resort for a well needed dip and a dinner that was surprisingly terrific.  This place called Chico was in the middle of nowhere and was packed with people.  As we were driving around town a man stopped us in the middle of the street and it turned out he was from NJ and recommended this outing. We NJ people are everywhere.

I am staying for the Interpretation class next week while Wally comes home for some work. It looks like the temps will be in the 50-60's and sunny. Yeah!!  Our friends the Franzels are moving out to Washington so we are getting together for dinner near here on Saturday night. Nice to see friends.

Alone in Yellowstone

A

Shutdown-what is with these people?

Finally the first sun in days. I feel better. We got up to hike the geyser trail and see some very beautiful sites.   After about 4 miles on our return from Mystic Falls we were  rousted by the ranger.  Don't site see, recreate in anyway, go to your car and or hotel and stay inside. Not what you think about when the National Parks come up in conversation. I sent a letter to  our congressman and senators and said act like professionals.   We stayed in The Old Faithful Inn last night and what a nice treat. Off to camp one night in the park then off to Gardier WY for the Interpretive Naturalist class. Snow is predicted for Thursday. Hope not much accumulation but better then rain.  My best.  K and W.

The shutdown. No visitors center!!

Old Faithful

Wind, Rain and Snow plus a possible government shutdown of parks

Happy trails we go !  I think I need a light box.  Everyday has been overcast  with rain and cool winds. I here the east coast has been beautiful. At this moment we are sitting in front of a big fire at The Jenny Lake Lodge with a cocktail.  Well deserved after a 9 mile hike to Cascade Canyon.  The kids took this trail with us 15 years ago and I think we saw the same moose in the same spot with his butt facing us. Tomorrow we are heading to Yellowstone to get in before the goverment kicks us out. Maybe we will be squatters.   Our friends Phil And Sally Franzel are moving west so we will try to catch them in route in Montana.   It looks like Walter will be heading home for a meeting and miss a few days of class but I will have buddies to hang out with.  No cell service at the campground.  Miss you all.  If you get the pic of the grizzly that box has been the closest we have gotten to any bear.  The bear spray Walter carries on his hip like a  gun slinger must be  keeping them away.

What an amazing art museum!  

Pronged horn antelope. 

The 

Dinosaur NM to the Tetons

What a trip from Denver. Decided to take the road less traveled. Beautiful road (Rt 40) towards Winter Park and then on to Steam Boat Springs. Up over the pass and luckily it was not white knuckle like Logan Pass in Glacier. Walter did a good job and did not stop in the middle of the road.  Our destination was Dinosaur National Monument. It could have been a drive by site but thank goodness we stayed.   An entire building surrounding a wall 150' long of dinosaur bones sticking out of the ground. These were from big ones like Stegosaurus and Allosaurus. Discovered by a Carnegie Museum paleontologist who sent an entire skeleton back to the Burg!  We always come back to our roots.

 Dinosaur NM area

The next part of the journey was through Flaming Gorge which reminded us of Lake Powell.  Large dam with amazing canyon and beautiful blue water.  As we continued on we stopped  to see large mining operations of phosphorous.  The west is loaded with all different types of mining. Nothing else but wide open spaces.

  

Flaming Gorge

Arrived in the Tetons and got a campsite in Gros Ventre camp ground. Pronounced like grow vant. Glad we had electric power. The temp got down to the 30's and we needed heat. Decided to rain and snow in the upper elevations. We did get an 8 mile hike in to a cabin. This was the perfect hike. It  had beauty, lake, waterfall and a cabin as a destination.

Today we got to visit Susan Watts at her home here in Jackson. What a lovely setting.  We were lucky to catch her before her return to Summit   A meal of Elk was a  treat for the three of us.  This trip has been nice for us to see friends in transit.  A hotel was in order after the cold rain and low temps. Maybe we might see a movie!

Friday is a travel day to a camp near Yellowstone.  Oh, I forgot,  animal sighting of a mother moose and her two babies. They we eating sage brush right in camp.  We hope to see more action in Yellowstone.

Happy times in Denver

What a wonderful state camp ground here in Littletom, CO. It is 30 minutes from downtown, has lots of biking, boating,fishing, and even a model plane runway.   I love my new home so much that each night after being with the kids I have been driving home to The Ralston to cuddle up and have a great nights sleep. I have  spent good time lunching with Moni, going to a Rockies ball game and having dinner in Cherry Creek in our new neighborhood. We found a indoor storage unit for the Airstrem and the truck so are all set to leave it all in Denver in Oct.  and fly home.   Chris has bought a house in the Highlands near Monica. It is a lovely duplex which is being totally redone and we are so happy for them.  Monica is studying for the CFA exam which is in Dec.  She is so conscientious with her studies. I am sure she will  pass and do well.  Played golf with our realtor this week. Had a great time checking out the public course. We have loads of activities for our guests once we get settled in our new home.   The lake we stayed on has paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, sailing, birding, picnicking and good restaurants close by.  You all need to come out here for a taste of the west.

We are now in Dinosaur National Monument Park. A days drive from Denver. Took a new road Rt 40 across Berthoud Pass at 11,300' in the mountains of CO.  Went past Wimter Park and Stream Boat Springs   Striking scenery, it looks like old western movies.  Taking a day to learn something about this area.   Then off to Tetons Monday. Happy to meet up with a friend from Summit in Jackson.  Stay tuned.

Lunch with the kids

Going over the pass!

Beautiful rock formations near Dinosaur National Monument

Wyoming to Denver

The geology of southern Idaho, which included lava fields and ice caves gave us pause. It looked like a moon scape. We did not stop to check it out but next time. As the road to Denver took us across Wyoming there was nothing but oil rigs dotting the landscape as well as many windmills. The roads were so exposed  there were  signs on the highway saying protected area next 3 miles. If you don't know Walter likes to push the gas tank to nothing so he doesn't waist time going more frequently.  Well there is nothing out in this area for miles and we were down to 7 miles until cough cough. Lucky there was one station that saved the day. Talk about a Bubba running the joint. He had huge animal heads all over the station with a sign that said armed guard at night.  So happy to be back on the road.  We pulled over at another roadside KOA camp ground.  Huge oil storage tanks right in front of the campground on a gravel patch of dirt.  The ambiance was a bit overrated.   We continued towards Denver and had to skirt the massive flooding. I25 takes you by the front range where the roads were a mess and you could see the power of water. The entire day rained as we proceeded past these areas totally underwater. Such a terrible natural disaster.

We arrive in Denver,  meet up with the kids and head for our state park destination about 30 mins from downtown. Nothing ever goes smoothly. Squatters were on our site we had reserved. Had to call the rangers at 7 pm to resolve the issue. No fisticuffs.  So happy to be here for almost a week. Wally back East for business and I am enjoying my quiet time. Going to see the Rockies play tomorrow.

Miss you all!

In Ketchum,ID you take a flag as you cross the street

. 

A CO sunset from the campsite. 

Destination Idaho-missing fires

The continued test of our Airstream "Ralston" was trying the heating system. Set the thermostat for 62 and went to sleep.  It is now 3 am and I jump out of bed having smelled something burning. As I run around checking the vents the smoke alarm starts to blare.  Can't imagine what our fellow campers were thinking.  Is our house on fire?  The analysis was just new oil burning off the system. Have not tried it again.

Spent a night in the small town of Salmon.  Listening to the sound of the river and seeing so many stars in the clear night sky. This was a way point before Ketchum. No fires burning here now. Learning the impact of burned acres and what happens when there are bad rain storms.  Hearing about Boulder, CO these last few days we moved our RV from our river camp ground just in case. There were flash flood warnings here today. Decided a hotel was needed and a very long hot shower

Walter and I are learning a new sport, Fly Fishing. We hired Todd a nice young very patient man to take us out to catch fish. Thanks to Bill and Karen Harrison for the lessons and encouragement.  I caught 2 fish. One of course was a whopper.  Needed help landing the sucker and getting him back in the water safely.   Not an easy job.   We need some more practice but we are improving.

Off to Denver the next 2 days. More car riding. Looking forward to seeing the kids. This weekend is Chris and Katie's  first wedding anniversary. It goes so fast.

Hear the Giants are playing the Denver Broncos. Big game!!

Wally the fly fisher man!

These are the boys from Pgh!  Nice having visitors.

The

Finding happiness in Glacier

Over a few days Walter and I managed to meet with the volunteer coordinator of the park ( Glacier NP), the horticulture director, and the camp ground hosts here in Apgar.  Jessica the volunteer coordinator is from Pittsburgh and a Penn State grad. Such a small world. It is so nice having these connections.  There is plenty of work that I can help with at the nursery. This was the first one in a NP.   There is also a golf course within a mile of the park so Walter is thrilled. The cost $12.00 a round. What a deal.  Our last objective was to find a place for next summer in the RV.  The local KOA is close and very nice so we can have guests and entertain all our friends venturing out west.  What a successful week here in Glacier.

We had our first guests at the camp ground for coffee and sticky buns. John Finelli a friend from high school and 6 buddies from Pgh were here for a guys week in White Fish, MT. It was so nice seeing an old friend and meeting new ones.  Hope this will continue as we stay out here for the summer next year.

Leaving for Sawtooth mountains in ID.

Fun fact: In  1850's there were 150 glaciers, there are now only 25. The projection as of now is no glaciers by 2020.  Can anyone quibble with climate change!   

This picture is on the Going to The Road

These tourist cars are historical but were rehabilitated by Ford and run on propane. This is the way to go if you are scared to death of the drop off on this amazing road. 

Destination Glacier National Park

We finally arrived at Glacier NP. We are so ready to drop the Airstream and feel free of the weight we have been pulling for 7 days.  Went through some commercial camp grounds and realize we like the real camping experience. I love our "Ralston" but camping with no services is wonderful.  Using head lamps and conserving our water is a welcome challenge.  We are now in Apgar camp ground and it is so peaceful. Have been riding our bikes to the the night time ranger talks   Did you know that the raven is very smart. Can open back packs, steal keys, and take care of the old and sick.  I just thought it was a type of  crow.

Had our first interview with the head of park volunteers.  Small world as we find out she is from Pgh and a Penn State grad. If we can't get a job here we are in trouble.

Research here is done so now we can plan some hikes and get moving. Bought our bear spray which is pepper spray.  They charge $50 for a can. I guess better be prepared then lunch for a grizzly.  The word is, noisy is good.  We have no problem in that department.  I think we will be fine.

Miss you all.

Placid Lake, Montana

Wally at Lake McDonald

Placid 

Lake art work by Katie's Grandfather. 

Boon docking in Glacier NP

No hook ups  here at Apgar. Conserving water, battery power, and reading with head lamps.  Love this kind of camping but in luxury.  The airstream is  the perfect house. The bed is so comfortable we sleep in and enjoy our Starbucks coffee in the am. Already the community of AS owners has surfaced. We had an invite for drinks by a lovely 30 something but we have been so busy had to miss.

Had our first hike along a picturesque lake. Coming back to the car, thunder, lighting and hail caught us with our pants down. I need a belt to keep mine up.  We were soaked. Always a reminder to be prepared.

Thanks Bill Harrison for the lead on the best sticky bun ever. Walter the expert in this area agreed we came to the right place. Off the grid in no where land was the answer. Not sure if we could ship some home.

Today was our first hike with climb. 3000 feet of climb and no other humans. The shout out to bears was regular. Saw Trout Lake from a distance and decided too far. I did not bring my fly rod but was wondering if the fish were jumping. Can't wait to try to catch a fish. Don't know how to get one off if I catch one but willing to try.

Karen trying to fly fish!

The best sticky bun baked in Pole Bridge, Montana.  Off the grid!

Locked out of the airstream. Morning shower at 6:30am. Luckily  Wally in his gym shorts and not a towel.   Magically the door locked. Solutions at this hour were slicing the screen and climbing in the window or walking around finding someone to help. No phone no computer just plain naked.  Our friend the policeman saves the day with a locksmith. Never a dull moment.   Off to Placid Lake where our daughter-in-law's family has a few cabins.  Grandma known as Lam gave us the grand tour and wonderful hospitality. We see why Chris and Katie love the lake so much.  Driving up to Glacier today with the Swan and Mission ranges on both sides. Beautiful valley.

Fun fact:  huckleberry jam,jelly, milkshakes, everything huckleberry!  Hope the bears are eating the berries and not us.

Northern high plains and visit to Teddy Roosevelt NP

Love these KOA camp grounds.   Pull in at 6, cook a little dinner, of course a bit of wine and nighty night.  Perfect for cross country  transit.  All systems working including the A/C.  It is  96 here in this tiny town in Montana.   First encounter with the police.  Pulling into town, KJ driving doing 35 in 25 zone.  Ooops.   Too busy listening to the book on tape and watching for turn.  Lucky I sweet talked the young policeman.  Got a warning.  Good lesson learned early.  They catch you getting off the highway.  Glad I was the one at the wheel.   Off to Glacier tomorrow.

Fun fact:  North Dakota is one of the biggest sunflower growers  in US.  Beautiful fields lining the highway.

This pot bellied pig plus a Bison are our only wild life sightings so far. 

This sculpture was in the art park in Minneapolis.

 Water was spraying from the Cherry stem. 

4 Days In.

What a wonderful time spending a night with Becky and Kevin. We shared Airstream stories and got lots of helpful hints on what to do. Happiness is having friends leading the way.

Our next stop MN.  Steven and Sherry our old NYC friends have a beautiful home in Minneapolis on lake Minnetonka.  Spent two nights enjoying  a boat ride, Walleye fish dinner, tour of downtown Minneapolis. Who knew this is the milling capital. Remember The dough boy!!  We left today and are in Bismark ND. So far so good   Enjoying the Dan Brown book Inferno in audio. We are very busy concentrating on the out come.   Still working on photos. I hope to add the biggest buffalo in the world pic.  Hope you get it.   K and W

Ok, no buffalo pic.  Still working on my technology interface. Maybe by the end of this trip I will figure this all out.  Love to all. 

Off We Go!

Day one goes well. Left the step down at the truck stop but all ok!  First wild life sighting  in Akron at KOA. A little pot bellied pig on a leash.  Hopes of  what's to come.  The adventure begins with a huge learning curve.  Off to Chicago to visit Becky and Kevin tomorrow. They will keep us on track. 

Miss you all already.   Karen and Walter. (I will get better with how to put this together and send pics as the trip progresses ). 

We left late as usual

Still married, and 24 hours on the way...