Grand Canyon of Yellowstone,

Between the advice we have gotten from our neighbors, and a great hiking book I bought at the Grand Tetons Visitor Center, we have some great hiking options in the next month. Craig is having a bit of discomfort in one of his knees, and the altitude still gets to both of us, so we will probably stick to easy or moderate 1 to 5 mile hikes.  There seem to be lots of them in the park.




On Tuesday we went to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. It is an area where the Yellowstone River has carved through the softer rock,  creating a deep canyon. We stopped at the trailhead for the Lower Falls. 

The walk down to the falls was only 3/4 mile, but it was steep. There were many switchbacks. I appreciated the many benches available for resting on the hike back up. 

Early in the afternoon the sky began to cloud up, but the air temperatures remained near perfect, neither too hot nor too cool.

The Yellowstone River was moving along at a good rate between the upper and lower falls. From the movie we saw at the Visitors Center, we learned that in spring it gets really fast and full with the spring snow melt.

Our hike took us to an overlook of the brink of the Lower Falls. It reminded me of the waters going over Niagara Falls, except it was much narrower.  At 305 feet these falls are taller than Niagara, but from this viewpoint they were less impressive.

From the overlook we could also see the canyon carved by the powerful force of the river.

It was amazing to say the least. Sights like this reinforce my feelings that a single human lifetime is insignificant compared to the eons since the Big Bang. And these changes will continue, long after man has become extinct or evolved into a different creature.

From Craig: to me this looks more like a painting than a photograph

The weather shifted again, and the darker clouds seemed to give way to clearer blue skies. We stopped further along the same road/parking loop and walked to the canyon rim at Inspiration Point.

I guess the wonder of this place made me a bit philosophical. As we gazed at the colorful sights below us I reminded Craig of how perturbed I was when we lived in our mountain home, and our neighbor's trees grow up to block the view of the distant skyline from our deck. Now, such thoughts are a distant memory, because we have some of the best views in the country, and they change constantly.

Just a Crow

I am so glad we took the leap and sold the house. Life is too short to spend it all in one place. I hope our health will allow us to keep traveling for a long time! 

First Trip into Yellowstone

As "sensible" people, we chose not to go into Yellowstone over the 4th of July weekend, but I really didn't want to wait any longer, so we planned on taking our first exploratory drive into the park on Monday. As luck would have it, our Alfa neighbors, Betty and Joe asked us if we wanted to go with them to the park to see their favorite geyser go off. We learned that the park posts probable eruption time windows. Of course we were delighted to have experienced guides to take us in for the first time. And since the eruption time window was four hours long, we had good company to chat with as we sat on the benches waiting.

Grand geyser

Somehow, none of the pictures we took of the Grand Geyser really captures the power of the event, nor the height to which the water and steam shot from the ground. It is now one of my Yellowstone goals to get the best geyser picture we can.  Much like our friend Judy set out to capture the best hummingbird shot!


















We also saw numerous still, or almost still hot pools. Some were springs, and some were "resting" geysers. I'm not sure which these two were.

The colors and clarity of the water was amazing. 

Not far into the park, our first Yellowstone bison came ambling down the road. He sure was big, and very fat and healthy looking.  We were afraid he might fall asleep while walking down the road.

He just ignored our car. Except for a quick glimpse of a herd some distance away on our drive out, this was the only one we saw. Betty told us they are mostly in another part of the park at this time of the year. I'm sure we'll see many more.

The only other wildlife we spotted were two marmots on the hillside behind Grand Geyser. We just have to keep our eyes open. We do plan on taking some hikes into areas where there aren't quite as many people, and expect more sightings there.

Speaking of people, it wasn't as crowded as I expected. Some parking lots were jammed full, but others had spaces open. The other people waiting for the geyser eruption were pleasant and also there to enjoy the park.

A very nice day indeed.

Successfully Repelled Mosquitoes

Happy Fourth of July America!

Bought these a few months ago and have been saving them for the Holiday! I have always liked the 4th of July because it is such an honest holiday. We celebrate the birth of our country with picnics and down-home parades. No presents, no religious significance, just BBQs and fireworks.

On Friday the 3rd, the owners of the RV park sponsored a Pot Luck dinner. They provided the hot dogs and hamburgers, and everyone brought a side dish or dessert to share.

It seems there are a lot of couples who have been coming here to Valley View RV Park for part or all of the summer for many years. We shared a table with our new Alfa friends and they introduced us to some of the others. 

After eating, six of us, all Alfa owners, gathered next to Betty and Joe's rig and solved the problems of the world. They had some very good stories to share and advice on what to be sure to see in Yellowstone in the upcoming month.

As the sun began to set, the mosquitoes came out in droves. I noticed the others begin to wave their hands and swat at the pesky buggers. Personally I have always been pretty lucky in that, although I will get a few bites, I am not very sensitive to them. 

It began to look like we were going to have to call it a night, when I remembered a device I had bought several years ago after reading about it on Karen in the Woods's blog. In her post, she told how they were at a Wisconsin wooded lakeside park and were beset by mosquitoes when they were out in the evening, so they tried a new toy, a ThermaCell Mosquito Repellant,  that worked unbelievably well. 

Being from Wisconsin myself and knowing how bad they can be I immediately ordered a couple of them. But in our travels we have been lucky enough to not be bothered by mosquitoes!

So I went and found it in a bay, and we read the instructions and got it put together and started. I have to say we were all very skeptical because it didn't smell, or smoke, or seem to do anything. At first the mosquitoes were still around, but eventually, it did work, and they stopped bothering us. Next time I'll be sure to get it going sooner! 

This product is available at stores like Cabala's  and on Amazon. It comes in a portable version like the one I bought, and also as a table top lantern.

All I can say is that it  really works!

Thank you Karen for writing about it so long ago!

Not cheap, but very effective! ThermaCELL Mosquito Repellant.

On the 4th we decided to go over to West Yellowstone for a small town celebration. I read in their local paper there would be a parade, a sale of BBQ tri-tip sandwiches as a benefit for the football program, and fireworks.

We arrived in town a bit early for the parade and took a stroll down the main street and browsed the offerings of many gift shops. I bought a bottle of Montana Wild Huckleberry Preserves and a new winter jacket.

A winter jacket? When we left our home in California I brought along one mid-weight jacket that I had owned and worn for many years. It was very functional, but not pretty. I have been looking for a replacement for a long time, but most places we go just do not have winter wear on sale. Being the tightwad that I am, I did not want to pay full price for something I would only wear occasionally.  I found this fleece-lined, hooded jacket on sale for $35. It is cuddly, and I like the hood. There is a deer picture on the back as well.

After shopping we went back to the town park, set up our chairs for the parade and had some tri-tip. It was not the best, but it was benefitted the local high school. 

The parade was pretty typical of a small town. Old cars, girl and boy scouts, veterans, bicycles, fire engines, and of course horses.

A reminder of what small town America is all about. Local people, living their lives.

Montana Sunset

It doesn't get dark enough for fireworks in Montana until after 10 PM. The parade ended around six.  With not much to do for several hours, we drove the few blocks to the place where our RV friends suggested to park for the fireworks. Although it would have been a place that would allow us to leave easily after the fireworks, we explored a bit and found a place that put us in the position of being the closest car to the launching point!

While we waited, there were more "private" fireworks being launched over the town than we had ever experienced in any other part of the country. Not just little strings of firecrackers! These "private" shells were as big as some of the municipal fireworks we have experienced.

We could see the launch area from our location, and as the 10 PM start time came, and went we learned from the firemen who where parked close to us that there was some sort of "technical problem". The good thing was that it was getting darker and darker, so that when the problem was finally solved, we saw and heard some of the best local fireworks we had seen over the years. There was just enough wind to keep the sky clear of smoke, and the bursts were almost directly overhead. 

Wow!

A great end to another Fourth of July.

  

I wonder where we will be next year.

Let the month begin

Our drive from Victor, Idaho, just outside Grand Tetons National Park, to Valley View RV Park in Island Park Idaho, was only 90 miles, and went quite smoothly.

I like it when we take our time driving across a state on the smaller two lane highways because we get to really see the countryside, and understand more about an area than we could from Interstate highways. The Interstates are wonderful if you need to go long distances quickly, or if you already know an area quite well and the destination is more important than the journey. All of my life, Idaho has just been a funny shaped western state that produced my favorite potatoes for baking. Now after a couple of weeks camping in her parks, I have come to appreciate this beautiful state, and have many treasured images of her countryside.

Valley View RV will be our home base for the month of July as we explore Yellowstone National Park and the many special places nearby. 

But we are not rushing over to Yellowstone these first few days of the month. Many working people and families choose the weeks before and the week after the Fourth of July holiday for their vacation period. I know the park will still be crowded after this time, but we can wait for some of them to go back home.

When we arrived at the park on Wednesday, we were surprised to see two other Alfas, one in the spot next to us! After getting settled in I notice the lady outside and went out to say hello. What a wonderful treat! Betty had just found my blog the day before by following the link to the post about the radiator, that Craig had put onto the Alfa DP Yahoo group. She then went back and read some of my other posts when she realized we were heading her way. 

I called Craig out, and she got her husband Joe to join us. After introductions the men started chatting, and Betty and I gabbed like old friends. We all went into their Alfa See Ya, and spent a great two or three hours together. What great people! They will be here until the 9th, so we are sure to have some fun times. I hope we get a chance to meet the people in the third Alfa before they leave. If I see them out I will stop by.

I've mentioned my love of fun socks before, and I am always on the look out for new ones to add to my collection. I bought both of these in the Lodge at the Grand Tetons. Maybe they will bring me luck and I will see a real moose this month.







Odds and ends: although we limit our shopping to "essential" items, there are still a lot of little things we need to procure. We use Amazon Prime and other online shopping venues for many purchases we can't find in local stores, or just don't feel like looking for. However, when we are moving frequently, or staying in state, national, or local parks, getting Amazon deliveries can be a little tricky. We can easily get our mail forwards at US Post Offices, but UPS and FedEx are not generally delivered there. This is no problem at most commercial RV parks, UPS delivers to the office, so we try to wait until we are at one before placing orders. If something is not needed ASAP, it goes on the Amazon wish list.

Today was order day, and next week will be like Christmas with a dozen things arriving both from Amazon and other vendors. We were also able to request a mail forward here. It's nice to have an address again!

Every time I ignored the dust buildup on the window frames, I promised myself I would do detailed cleaning of the Alfa once we were settled here. Thursday afternoon I washed half of the inside windows, and Craig did the same on the outside. Friday I did the other half in the morning before the sun heated up the windows on that side. 

The weather has been nice for that kind of job. The air temperatures are in the 70°s - 80°s, and the sky has been crystal blue. This is a good place.

Neighbor at Valley View CG 

For my Wisconsin friends: the best flag to fly below the Stars and Stripes!

Near the Grand Tetons National Park

We stayed for several days at the Teton Valley RV park in the little town of Victor, Idaho. It is just west of the Teton Pass which leads to Jackson Hole and the park itself. Because our next stop is also on the Idaho side of the parks, Yellowstone and Grand Tetons, we chose to drive the Jeep into Jackson rather than take the Alfa up the series of 10% grades and sharp curves of the pass. I'm sure she would have done fine with our clean radiator and all, but no sense in tempting fate!  Besides, I was too late to get an RV spot in Grand Tetons when I was making reservations a few months ago.

One of our favorite things to do is to have a meal at the premier dining room of the main lodge in each National Park we visit. Although quite expensive, it has always proven to be some of the best dining we have experienced anywhere. So, Sunday I made lunch reservations at the Mural Room of Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Tetons NP. We left about 10 AM, drove the pass, stopped at the Jackson visitors center and then drove the main highway through the park, stopping at all the marvelous view points.

Originally the Grand Tetons were called les trois tétons (the three breasts) by the French Voyageurs. They had good imaginations, and must have needed more women in their lives!

The lodge itself was more modern than the ones in other National Parks we've visited, but was elegant in its own way.

The glaciers on Mt. Moran and the other Tetons were softened by a bit of haze, but the view was still exceptional from our window table in the Mural Room.

Anyone can see the view. This day was all about the food!

Craig had the Chef's Special Seared Ahi Tuna,

and I had trout. The roasted tomatoes were unlike any I have had before. I wish I had asked what they were seasoned with, but one can never really duplicate a master chef at home.

We rarely eat desserts, but Craig could not resist this warm Huckleberry Crisp with fresh homemade vanilla ice cream. We did get two spoons.  Yummy!

The drive back was also very scenic and on the way we saw a turn off for Death Canyon and wondered if there were any easy hikes up that way.

The next day, after doing a little reading, we decided the hikes to Death Canyon might be too much of a challenge for Craig's knee, and planned to take the 3 mile hike from the Laurance Rockefeller Preserve in the Southwest part of the park instead. We have not hiked for some time, and Craig is favoring a strain in his knee, so we wanted to keep it "easy." The weather played a part in our decision as well. Although a bit cooler than in the valley, the afternoon temperature ended up near 90°.

We never have been, and probably never will be, early risers. We both know the best time to see wildlife, catch cooler temperatures,  and avoid crowds is early morning. But knowing and doing is not the same thing. We arrived at the Laurance Rockefeller parking lot just before noon, and were greeted by park employees who told us the lot was full, but we could stand in a car queue and wait for a space. There were six cars ahead of us. We decided to wait. At Arches we played the "circle the lot slowly and watch for someone who looked like they were about to leave game". At one lot I got out and followed some people to their spot on foot, so we could claim their parking place. Standing in a car queue, with the engine off is somewhat better. People either waited their turn, or left. The park staff was there to see to it no one pushed ahead. 

We waited about 45 minutes to park. 

Would it have been better early in the day? Who knows? As it turned out there was plenty of empty spaces at 3 PM when we returned from our hike, and still hours of good daylight left. 

Something to think about next month in Yellowstone. If we can't park early, we might try going in late.

Once we were parked, on the trail there were no crowds. Close to the Visitor Center, we encountered a few families and other hiking couples, but the further up the path we went, the more alone we were. I have a book about hiking in Yellowstone that suggests if you want to get away from the crowds, take a hike. But there were a few, which was good because the more people, the less likely it is to run into a bear on the path.

Some of way was along a roaring creek fed by the glacier snows on the mountains above.

The trail was a loop, with the farthest point being an overlook of Phelps Lake. There was a nice bench and stone landing that provided a comfortable place for our picnic lunch. After lunch we walked along the edge of the lake and saw one family wading and swimming in the (presumably) icy water. There were no boats on the lake, and as far as we can tell from the maps, there is no road access. Fishing is by permit and catch and release only.

No sign of man!

As we walked, I was delighted by the many hues of columbine flowers along the path. There were white ones, pink ones, yellow ones, blue ones, red ones, and my favorite these purple ones. So delicate, and no two plants the same. 

I don't like to end this post with a negative feeling, but as we walked in this beautifully peaceful Alpine forest, surrounded by these dainty flowers, my thoughts went back to the tragedy of that school day in Columbine Colorado, when two boys with their rifles killed so many of their classmates. 

I will write no more, just that I remember.

We Called the Sheriff

We were at a small county park outside of Shelley, Idaho Friday night. There is no one on duty at the office, and check-in is via an envelope drop in the door.

During the night we were awakened by the mournful howls of several dogs. Not barking. Crying! We heard them several times. 

In the morning it became apparent that they were locked in the older class C camper in the spot next to ours. No people were present, but there was a BBQ on the picnic table, and a leash tied to the tree. The dogs continued to cry on and off. 

I met the couple who were in the rig on the other side of the Class C as they were preparing to pull out. They said there were three dogs inside, they had seen a car there Thursday, but not since,  and that they had called the park office and left a message about the dogs.  It was now 9:30 Saturday morning.

What to do? 

The windows were open, but it had to be hot in there during the day. If the person responsible had not been there for at least 36 hours, the animals must have gotten short on water. Not to mention needing to go potty. To hear them cry was heartbreaking.

We speculated the owner might be in trouble somewhere and unable to get back. A car breakdown or accident? A heart attack? There were two doggie biscuits on the picnic table next to the BBQ. He must love his companions. 

Since we were planning on pulling out within an hour, we did the only thing we could think of, and called the county sheriff to check the situation out. If the owner is OK, he will be in some trouble. If he is not, the dogs will be taken care of.

The sheriff stopped by before we left and told us the rig was registered to someone in Shelley, and that he would call the police to contact them if possible.

As we were leaving the park we saw a car pull into the spot with the class C and someone go to unlock the door. We did not stop to find out what had happened, it was enough to know someone was taking care of the pups.

What would you have done?

Pocatello Idaho

Craig says we are "sneaking up on Yellowstone".

I made reservations to cover June, but when we decided to deal with our overheating problem, I cancelled some of them and rescheduled others so that we ended up with a block of days "open". One thing I did need to get was a mail delivery before the first of the month, and looking at the map a week ago, I choose a small town called Shelley for that.  It seems there is a small county park there that is convenient and inexpensive. I was once told that for USPS general delivery, the smaller the town the better. With this in mind, as well as the World Cup games, we are slowly making our way north. 

Wednesday and Thursday found us at a funky little mobile home park called Sullivan's in Pocatello Idaho, where we are in one of  two, possibly three RV spots available for short stays. The rest of the place is full of very old mobile homes and RVs that are encased in collections of old wood and unfinished particle board. I called ahead and when we arrived both the owner and his wife were there to welcome us and guide us into our site. The husband helped Craig get plugged in and dumped. (Downata Hot Springs did not have a dump station). Later I met a couple of the residents and they seemed like decent folk. Price? $16 per night with Passport America.

Pocatello ... Pocatello... What is there to do in Pocatello? Craig checked Trip Advisor and found a "Must See" museum.

Yes! the Museum of Clean, 74,000 square feet (much of which is not yet filled) of wonderful exhibits and collections of cleaning materials and equipment. My grandson would have loved this place ten years ago when he was a four-year-old obsessed with vacuum cleaners.

The best part of our experience there was the personal tour led by the 80 year old collector/founder, Don Aslett. He has written 40 books and appeared on many TV programs doing spots about organization and cleaning.  His knowledge, humor and enthusiasm were fun.

We saw lots of antique cleaning machines, products, and  advertisements.  

Throughout the museum there were many humorous constructions made from cleaning tools, or in this case clutter.  

If you find yourself driving through Idaho and have a few hours to spare, The Museum of Clean is well worth the $4 (senior) admission price. Open Tuesdays - Saturdays and there is parking for your motorhome or camper.

After a snack at a little eatery around the corner (fried pickles for Craig, and a cup of tortilla soup for me) we sought another small museum listed on Trip Advisor. The Idaho Museum of Natural History located on the campus of Idaho State University.

Giant Bison

Although the overall museum was small (two large halls), there were some great skeletons of prehistoric creatures and a comprehensive special exhibit and timeline, starting with the formation of the earth and showing the evolution of life. Man has been here for a very, very short time!

We like small museums, be they historical, product-oriented, or industrial, and we try to visit them whenever we find them. I guess "sneaking up" is more fun than just blasting our way across the state. I will have to try to remember this when I feel insecure about not having reservations weeks in advance.

After all, you have to be somewhere every day, it might as well be some place you never imagined visiting and off the beaten path!