Sept. 18 - Day Trip to Rocky Mt. National Park

It is a nice ride to Estes Park and to Rocky Mt. National Park, but it is a treat to be in that national park. When you ride up to the Alpine Visitors' Center, you go up to almost 12,000 ft. above sea level on a road that frequently has no shoulder. It was cold up top. When we were there a year ago this past June, there was still a lot of snow left from winter, and we saw a skiier. Although there are snow fields and even fresh snow from this past week's cold front, there wasn't nearly the amount of snow we saw last time we were there. It was a nice day. Phil is sad to leave the West. He just loves this area of the country. I do, too, but I am ready to explore the Northeast, Nova Scotia, etc. We may come back next summer if Hayden wants to come with us. We'd love to be able to bring all our grandchildren when they are around 11 to the West and show them the wonders out here.

I got an e-mail from our neighbor who is getting our mail for us. She said I got a jury summons for Oct. 4, so tomorrow morning, I will be calling the clerk of court. I was supposed to fill out a form and mail it back to them within 10 days. We will not get back until Sept. 27. If they can e-mail it to me, I'll be able to print it and mail it to them.

Tomorrow we head to North Platte, Nebraska. We will stay two nights and then head to Gretna, near Omaha for two more nights. Then we will head for Rock Island, Illinois, for two nights. The last two nights will be in or near Cincinnati.

Sept. 17 - Update from Cheyenne, WY

No photos, just an update. We spent one night in Rawlins after the three nights in Vernal. Last year when we stayed at Rawlins for the night, Phil was passing a kidney stone and does not even remember the stay. He remembers this year, so that is a good thing.

We are staying in Cheyenne for three nights; one is free (love it). We are going to the state museum here today. Phil went to Sierra Traders yesterday after we got set up, but he did not buy anything. Tomorrow we will take a day trip over to Estes Park, CO, and Rocky Mt. National Park.

Sept. 13 and 14 - Vernal, Utah, Dinosaur National Monument, Utah Field House of Natural History

We have really enjoyed this beautiful area! We had never been here, and I really enjoy a new adventure. After we survived Hwy. 191to get here, we have thoroughly enjoyed Dinosauar National Monument and the Utah Field House of Natural History.

Sept. 13, we rode the road trail through Dinosaur National Monument that showed the beautiful terrain and the petroglyphs. We were amazed how many we saw, even some that were not in the brochure. It was so much fun. I love stuff like that! We also went into the temporary visitors' center. The brand, spanking new one opens in two weeks. Wouldn't you just know? Oh well, it will give us an excuse to come back. They have a huge wall of actual rock taken from the quarry here and technicians have removed a lot of the rock to really expose the dinosaur bones, but it is in the new visitors' center.

Sept. 14, we went back bright and early to Dinosaur National Monument and caught the shuttle to the trail to the quarry (only way to get there). We hiked up the trail and saw the Morrison Formation where the dinosaur bones are found. It used to be an ancient river bed. Besides dinosaur bones, we saw lots of fresh water clam fossils. Then we hiked further up to the Stump Formation. This was once an ancient arctic ocean. There we saw some small clam fossils. They reminded me of the little clams you see in the ocean as the tide comes in and goes out, right at the edge.

On our way back down, we stopped at the Mowry Shale level, where the ocean came back over the land and was about two feet deep before volcanic ash from the Sierras showered down and made the water so muddy and thick, the waterlife died. I saw shale with worm tunnels, a squid-like fossil, and a fish scale. The ash is what later became the shale. I just love geology! This area visibly shows the different eras of our continent and the result of tectonic movement, shifting, bowing, lifting, etc. and changes due to volcanoes, and oceans, rivers, etc. People from all over the world come here to participate in the digs and to see what they produce.

 Split Mountain here is unique. The Green River literally split the mountain. Geologists cannot figure out why the water would not have gone around the mountain, in the path of least resistance. I'd love to get a book of geology for dummies about this region! I don't want to know all the chemistry, just the big picture to remind me of the two geology courses I took in college.

love the jewelry

This was a whole wall of them - didn't get them all in this photo.

Lizards were quite popular. Maybe all the beginners had to do them.

This flute player was my favorite!

large dinosaur bone!

a large bone! I think she said a femur, but not sure of what...

a spine

We have really enjoyed our stay here and will be heading to Rawlins, WY, tomorrow. We have figured out a way to avoid going back on Hwy. 191. We sure hope it will be easier!

Sept. 12 - A day of ups and downs - Colter Bay to Vernal, UT

Anyway you look at it, today was definitely a day of ups and downs. We were very down when leaving the Tetons, and we never like getting up at 7:00 a.m. THEN, on Hwy. 191 from Rock Springs, WY, to Vernal, UT, was constantly up and down, the steepest grades we have traveled this summer and grade after grade after grade. There were 7 percent grades, 8 percent grades, and 9 percent grades. The last one had nine switchbacks (hairpin curves). Poor Phil was exhausted, and his right leg was pretty numb by the time we got to Vernal. That made us decide to leave Vernal Thurs. instead of Friday to get across Flaming Gorge and let his back and leg rest before heading to Cheyenne Friday.

Having said that, I must say that the views were spectacular, and we have not seen anything like the Flaming Gorge. The colors and deep reds are beautiful. Every curve (and there were many) held a different scene of beauty. What an awesome God to have thought into being so many different and beautiful and interesting landscapes!

Outside of Pinedale, WY, a charming little town

some of the views from the 9 switchbacks...

I did not get any photos of the Flaming Gorge. The photos are all from outside Flaming Gorge toward Vernal.

Sept. 11 - Antelope Flats and Jackson

Our last full day at Colter Bay. We are always sad to leave here. If this place were a person, I would say it is a kindred spirit to us. When we are not here, we long to be here. Here we feel the peace and beauty God intends for us to have and see.

us enjoying one of our campfires

Finally a huge herd of bison!!! It went on for miles!

Part of this barn is made of logs - on Antelope Flats Rd.

Pronghorn Antelope on Antelope Flats Rd.

On one side of the road were lots of horses, and on the other was the herd of bison.

One of the townsquare elkhorn arches in Jackson.

At the National Elk Refuge

We went to Jackson Hole to eat at Bubba's BBQ. On the way, we drove the Antelope Flats loop, and finally did see some prong horn. Before we got to that road, we finally saw a huge herd of bison on one side of the road and a herd of horses on the other. The bison herd stretched for several miles. That was the most we have seen on this trip. The smoke still hinders the view, but beautiful it still is. When we got back from there, we started putting things in place for the long ride tomorrow to Vernal, Utah. We hope to spend four nights there to see Flaming Gorge and the dinosaur monument. We have loved the cold nights here and will miss that! It will be warmer in Vernal, no more nights in the 30's!

Sept. 9 – Jenny Lake and MOOSE Junction

Jenny Lake

Phil at Jenny Lake

Bull Moose at Moose Junction

view from Dornan's while eating pizza

After lunch, we decided we would ride over to Jenny Lake and Moose Junction. We had good luck last year seeing moose at Moose Junction, although the moose were always in the shrubs. Since we have been here, the views have been a good bit hazy because of wildfires in this state and surrounding states. Still, the views are spectacular. As we were approaching Moose Junction, we saw a crowd on the bridge looking at the opposite side where we saw all the moose last year. There was a spectacular bull moose in plain view. Phil let me out while he went to get a parking spot. Wow, what a blessing it was to see that bull moose! After he parked and joined me, and I got loads of photos, we went right around the corner of the bridge to Dornan's and ate a Greek salad and pizza. Helen and Mike like to eat there and recommended it to us. The view was awesome, but we like Leek's Marina pizza and Greek salad better (although Dornan's was good, too). Leek's Marina Pizzeria closed Sept. 5 for the season. Then we came back to the camper and built a campfire, a perfect end to the day. A few days ago, we got a nice stack of firewood left at one of the group campsites, which we have put to good use. We hate to spend money on firewood, so our campfires have not happened until recently. We thoroughly enjoyed our day! Phil had two really good back days, and then yesterday was problematic, as was today. The back is unpredictable and will definitely need attention when we get home!

Sept. 7 - Yellowstone day trip

There were fires near Fishing Bridge.

The poor old fellow

nice waterfall

We rode to Yellowstone and ate the lunch buffet at the Old Faithful Inn and saw Old Faithful and a couple of other geysers near there. Then we rode to Fishing Bridge where we saw the bison herd last year in August. They had already left except for one fellow. He was probably old. When they get old, they separate from the herd (don't move with them) and are frequently attacked by a wolf pack. Sad old fellow! It was a pleasant day, nonetheless! Now Phil wants to stay through Monday at Colter Bay. Bill and Barbara want us to join them at Deer Run in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. We will have to see how Phil's back is doing Monday morning.

Sept. 5 and 6 - Colter Bay and Jackson with Bill and Barbara

We took a long walk today down to the lake and then from there to the marina, to the store, and back to the camper. It was a really nice day. Phil's back felt better today, although anything like bending or getting up from a sitting position can put him right into agony in a split second. We were talking about heading home Friday, but now he is thinking he might make it until Monday here and then on to Vernal. He is mixed because if he could get home and get help, we might still be able to go to the Outer Banks the middle of October for the month. The campground owners think they will be up and running by then, and we read where they are going to put a temporary bridge over the largest breech on Hwy. 12 to allow access to Hatteras Island. We had about given up that they would be able to open, but now it seems possible – barring another hurricane!

Walked to the lake from the campground - views!

storm clouds on the way back from Jackson

Our good friends Bill and Barbara

Sept. 6 – Our wonderful friends Bill and Barbara from Townsend and Carrabelle, FL, were camping about 18 miles from Jackson at a National Forest Service campground. They were in Jackson yesterday, and we were going today. They were supposed to leave Hoback today and start heading to Flaming Gorge. They decided to wait, and we met for lunch at the Cadillac Grille in Jackson. We spent three hours together comparing notes and catching up. We had hoped to join them at Flaming Gorge, but we doubt we will make it this trip. On our way back in the Grand Teton National Park, we saw four NPS cars parked with blue lights flashing, a NPS helicopter, a truck with a raft on it, and a NPS truck. There were a group of rangers huddled up. We have no idea what is/was going on. We will ask someone tomorrow. On the way back, the sky was dark, and we got into a rain storm. I got some neat photos. Also, on the way there and back, we saw a huge herd of elk and one buffalo.

Sept. 3 and 4 Colter Bay

We have been hanging around Colter Bay these last two days. I have learned to start the generator because bending over and starting the generator is painful for Phil. He has been taking a good bit of ibuprofen. We want to go to the Flaming Gorge area near Vernal, Utah, after we leave here, but it just depends on Phil's back and the weather back home. He said if it is real hot still, he can walk more comfortably here. I AMEN that!!! It looks like the weather may be moderating back home, which is good. I know they are tired of 90+ degree days and high humidity. We are sleeping with two quilts the last few nights. Our Big Buddy propane heater is really good and warms us up quickly(and is easy to start). We had purchased it as a backup for the condo, in case of an ice storm, but it is great for this camper, too.


We did go to Jackson Lodge two days ago. They were having a two-day sale on merchandise from the Grand Teton Lodge stores. I got a t-shirt for $8 and some other things. Then we sat in the great room looking at the gorgeous Tetons. I did not take my computer and wished I had. The internet at the cabin rental office is awfully slow this year. Well, it is time to walk. Have a great day!

Aug. 29 and 30 – Helena to West Yellowstone to Colter Bay, Grand Tetons

The ride from Helena to West Yellowstone was beautiful. We did not go on the interstate, but went most of the way on Montana Hwy 69 to 287, a very scenic and smooth ride. I took a couple of photos of Earthquake Lake which is above Hebgen Dam. It was formed from an earthquake and still has the dead trees that used to be on land before the lake was formed. We spent the night in West Yellowstone. Phil went to the Yellowstone Outlet and got a bargain t-shirt and a good rain jacket. There was ice on the truck bed cover, so we know it got down to freezing. It was quite nippy when we dragged ourselves out of bed at 7:00 a.m. Colter Bay Campground on Jackson Lake is first come, first served, so we wanted to be sure we got a good campsite.


Aug. 30 was another very scenic day as we drove through Yellowstone National Park to get to the Grand Tetons. It is always a treat, and you never get tired of seeing the marvelous features there. We will probably make a day trip or two while we are at Colter Bay. We got set up and can actually see the tip of one of the majestic mountains.

We love Colter Bay. It is one of our favorite places on earth. They told us when we entered that there have been nine grizzlies roaming around the campground this summer, more than ever before. I did not say anything, but at this time of year, they are usually high up the mountains. When we were at West Yellowstone, we heard on the news that a second hiker was killed by a grizzly. He was high up. Still, it would be a treat to see one. I am thinking more about hearing the bugling of the elk.

The only things I miss when we camp with no hookups are my microwave and my toaster oven. We might try to run them with the generator, but in the high altitude, Phil does not want to risk messing anything up. We do use it to make our coffee each morning and recharge the battery.

Phil did an awful lot of stuff yesterday, and I am thankful to say his back did not go out like it did a while back.
We did not have our bicycles last year on the trip. We have been afraid for Phil to take them off the ladder bike rack, but he did yesterday. Now I can ride my bike. I am a happy camper!

Quake Lake - formed by an earthquake - you can still see the old, dead trees in the lake.

took these as we traveled through Yellowstone

another view of Quake Lake

I e-mailed the campground in the Outer Banks where we go each Oct. 15 to Nov. 15. I do not know how long it will be before I hear from them, but we are thinking that trip will probably not happen this year because Hwy. 12 near there is gone. Our campground is in Waves which is in the Rodanthe, Mirlo Beach, Salvo area where the road suffered the worst. Oh well, we will be able to stay out here longer if Phil's back holds up.

Aug. 28 - travel day to Helena, MT

No photos today, but the entry back into the good ole USA was interesting. We found last year that this particular entry was the most critical. Phil had to open the locked truck bed cover, and they opened the doors to the truck and looked through things. This year they asked if I had any fruit or vegetables. I had a roma tomato and garlic (that I wisely had put inside the truck). I had to give the guard my tomato. That is the first time ever that I have been asked that. Then they asked for the camper keys, and a guard opened the camper and looked inside. We did not have to park and do the slides out, so it was not much of a look. They were very nice, but just more involved than usual (except when we came back from a day trip to Waterton last year).

We were going to stop at Great Falls, MT, but we decided to keep on riding and ended up in Helena for the night. We did grocery shopping, but we are going to save laundry until tomorrow at West Yellowstone. From there we will probably go straight to Colter Bay in the Tetons (one of our all time favorite places).

Aug. 27 - Bison Paddock, walk around town one last time, Prince of Wales Hotel

The last day at Waterton had three things on our agenda. It was very windy again and hot (well, hot for here – 82 degrees and low humidity – but hot in the sun). We did our walk this morning and got some last shoreline photos and got Phil's back loosened up. We rode to the Prince of Wales Hotel and took some nice shots of Waterton and the lake. The hotel sits up high and overlooks Waterton township and the upper Waterton Lake. The views on this sunny day from there were wonderful. The lake really showed its colors, too. We went into the hotel lobby and to their giftshop where I got the grands some fossils. I got the girls necklaces with a slice of a fossil, and the boys fossils. We got them t-shirts last year. Phil did not think they were overly excited about them, so I decided to try something different. I hope they like them.
Then we rode to the bison paddock where they keep a small herd of descendants of some of the original Great Plains herd. We saw seven.... It must be a very small herd! When we got back, we went to Pat's, the only gas station in town, and got about six gallons of gas at $1.25 a liter.

Took this on our last morning's shoreline walk

The view from the Prince of Wales Hotel bluff

The view from inside the lobby and even some restaurant/high tea tables

The entrance side of the Prince of Wales Hotel

View from bluff at Prince of Wales looking down on Waterton township

zoomed in on the marina and township

Phil was hungry for some pizza, so we walked around town and went to the pizza place. The pizza was very good. Then we went and got a saskatoon ice cream cone to share. THEN, we went to the chocolate shop and got a piece of saskatoon pie and a thing called a grizzly. It is a baked apple covered in crust and caramel and icing drizzled on it. We will share the piece of pie tonight and then share the grizzly tomorrow. I guess you could say we pretty much ate our way through town today.
We have enjoyed our week at Waterton. The only thing we did not do was go back to Cameron Lake and walk the Stinnet Lake trail. There was so much traffic in town today and it is a good ride to Cameron Lake. Phil said it would be nearly impossible to get a park. Then we agreed that we both are kind of pooped today. We have a lot to do to get ready to travel tomorrow morning to Great Falls, MT. There we will have to grocery shop AND do three weeks of laundry!!!!!! The frig is just about empty. Phil would like to get it all done tomorrow and only stay one night in Great Falls. We shall see....

August 26 - Goat Haunt Cruise

It was pretty calm day yesterday, and we were wishing we had gone on the cruise yesterday because the wind is normally really stiff here. Well, today we woke up and walked to Pearl's Cafe to have breakfast and access the internet. When we got back, it was still calm, so we jumped in the truck and got our tickets for the 1:00 cruise to Goat Haunt. If you go to the Glacier National Park web cams, there is one for Goat Haunt. There are no roads to Goat Haunt, and the easiest way to get there is by the Waterton Lake cruise that we took. The actual Upper Waterton Lake is partially in Canada(Waterton Lakes National Park) and partially in the United States (Glacier National Park). There is a United States Park Service Ranger station at Goat Haunt (Glacier National Park) and a border patrol office. For people wanting to hike from there, they must take their passports and return by 8:00 p.m. to get on the last cruise boat leaving Goat Haunt to return to Waterton township docks. We walked to the dock from the campground. Wouldn't you know the last ten minutes of the cruise and most of the walk home was in a light rain with thunder in the distance.

We learned that Waterton Lake was frozen this year until May 17, much later than usual. The cruises usually occur from April 1 until Oct. 3. We did not see any animals out of the ordinary, which was a disappointment. Still, it was a nice day, and we feel blessed.
Phil's back is always very stiff and crampy in the morning. Walking loosens it up, thankfully. Some chairs are tough, and he will have to stand up and walk around for a bit. It was a pretty good day for his back so far.

Boundary markers between USA and Canada

The boundary clearance must be maintained and is cleared every 15 years (WHAT A JOB!!!!).

Our cruise boat, The International



I never get tired of beautiful water!!!!



parked at Goat Haunt - more photos on FaceBook

We are thinking about all on the East Coast and hoping Irene will not be as bad as feared. We hope the campground in Waves, NC, in the Outer Banks where we hope to spend Oct. 15 – Nov. 15 survives!!!