Sunday – 7/20
We hit the road early again, around 6:00 and put a few hours on before stopping for gas and breakfast. The kids want donuts and that is fine by me. We will fuel us and the RV at the truck stop.
We pull into Peru around noon and spend some time visiting Wendy’s Mom and her brother Mic. He has been keeping Gertie for the past couple days.
Gertie was with Helen’s friend Joanne for the past 6 weeks and we are not sure if she will even recognize us. Well she does and we pack her into the RV and head out of town.
One last trip to Walmart as Wendy needs some stuff for home and then we head out of town. A last gas up and we are on the last leg of the trip.
We pull into Wilmette around 7:00 and don’t even bother unpacking. That can wait until the morning. It is good to be back home, though a few more weeks on the road would have been fine too.
It was the trip of a lifetime, and I still have 5 weeks left on my sabbatical.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
There's a Voice in my Head That Drives my Heel
Saturday – 7/19
We had packed up the campsite the night before, so the only thing we need to do before hitting the road is to unplug, start the generator and drop off the car.
After dropping off the car in Glenwood Springs, I point the RV east and off we go.
It is 6:00am and I drive the entire day until around 8:00 at night.
We head out of the mountains, around Denver, through Nebraska and into Iowa. As we near Omaha, I notice some nasty looking storms to our north and west. We are staying ahead of them, but I’m not sure how long that is going to last.
I start looking on the map for a campground. There is a KOA just west of Des Moines, and that will put us in there around 8m.
I call ahead to ensure they will have a spot. They do, but the office closes at 7, so we will have to pick up the key at the laundry room and find our own way to the site.
As we pull in, everyone is running around pulling down awnings and closing windows. The storm that has been following us is now just to our north and west and is VERY dark and beginning to blow.
I find our spot and the neighbors next to us tell us that there is a tornado warning. Great way to end the trip. I hook up the electric, keep the slideouts in and turn on the weather radio. I also fire up the wireless on my laptop and check the local radar. There are tornados in the area, but they are to the south and east of us by 20 miles. The storm blows over very quickly, and I set up for the evening. As I lay in bed and sip a beer, it never tasted so good. It was a long day behind the wheel. The kids and Wendy were a great help, checking on me every 30 minutes or so and getting me something to eat or drink.
We only have a few hours more to drive to get to Peru where we will pick up Gertie, and I am now looking forward to just getting home.
We had packed up the campsite the night before, so the only thing we need to do before hitting the road is to unplug, start the generator and drop off the car.
After dropping off the car in Glenwood Springs, I point the RV east and off we go.
It is 6:00am and I drive the entire day until around 8:00 at night.
We head out of the mountains, around Denver, through Nebraska and into Iowa. As we near Omaha, I notice some nasty looking storms to our north and west. We are staying ahead of them, but I’m not sure how long that is going to last.
I start looking on the map for a campground. There is a KOA just west of Des Moines, and that will put us in there around 8m.
I call ahead to ensure they will have a spot. They do, but the office closes at 7, so we will have to pick up the key at the laundry room and find our own way to the site.
As we pull in, everyone is running around pulling down awnings and closing windows. The storm that has been following us is now just to our north and west and is VERY dark and beginning to blow.
I find our spot and the neighbors next to us tell us that there is a tornado warning. Great way to end the trip. I hook up the electric, keep the slideouts in and turn on the weather radio. I also fire up the wireless on my laptop and check the local radar. There are tornados in the area, but they are to the south and east of us by 20 miles. The storm blows over very quickly, and I set up for the evening. As I lay in bed and sip a beer, it never tasted so good. It was a long day behind the wheel. The kids and Wendy were a great help, checking on me every 30 minutes or so and getting me something to eat or drink.
We only have a few hours more to drive to get to Peru where we will pick up Gertie, and I am now looking forward to just getting home.
Home, Home on the Range
Friday – 7/18
Today will be our last day “out” before heading back to Wilmette. We are going to cap off the trip with a horseback ride and an afternoon at the hot springs.
We head out of town to Bair Ranch and meet up with the woman who runs the place.
http://www.highcanyon.com/
This is a working sheep ranch, and her son will be taking us out for the day. We all grab helmets and head down to the corral where he is saddling up the horses. We have a tough time pulling the kids away from some of the puppies and kittens that are hanging around. They have decided that it would be a great idea to bring one home with us. After all, we are at the end of the trip, right?
We head out slowly and unlike the previous ride, are not confined to riding head to tail. We spend a lot of time climbing to the top of a ridge where the views are spectacular. I talk to him about ranching and learn how they raise sheep and what life is like on the ranch. We are on the lookout for bear and elk as he has seen some on the trail the previous day. Although we don’t see anything, the ride is nice and it is nice to be a little more free as we ride.
One of the border collies has been following us the entire trip and keeps us company along the way. We stop often and take in the views as we go along.
As we head back toward the barn, the guide tells us that we can let the horses run a bit when we get back. Charlotte is very excited, and I decide to give it a go also. As we are just about back, he points to a fence across the a field about 300-400 yards away and says we can make a run to the fence and back. Charlotte and I take off, and both horses really let it out. It is a lot of fun and I feel like I have plenty of control on the way up the hill to the fence.
The ride back down is not quite the same. As we take off, my horse sees the barn and gives it even more than before. I am heading downhill, full out and as I start to pull back on the reigns, she is not responding. She just wants to head straight back to the barn. I keep pulling and start going up over her head as she slows down a bit to make the turn. I keep pulling hard and finally get her to stop.
Wendy and the kids are laughing as I come in saying that I looked like I was scared out of my wits. To tell the truth, I was more than a little worried.
We hop off and head back to the campsite and grab lunch at the RV, then head into town to the hot springs. We spend the rest of the afternoon at the hot springs. The kids do the waterslides and we all enjoy the warm spring water. It really feels good after spending 4 hours on horseback.
Back at the campsite, we have a small fire for our last night out.
It really has been a great trip, but we are going to head out early in the morning to try to get as many miles under our belts as possible on Saturday, so make an early evening of it.
Today will be our last day “out” before heading back to Wilmette. We are going to cap off the trip with a horseback ride and an afternoon at the hot springs.
We head out of town to Bair Ranch and meet up with the woman who runs the place.
http://www.highcanyon.com/
This is a working sheep ranch, and her son will be taking us out for the day. We all grab helmets and head down to the corral where he is saddling up the horses. We have a tough time pulling the kids away from some of the puppies and kittens that are hanging around. They have decided that it would be a great idea to bring one home with us. After all, we are at the end of the trip, right?
We head out slowly and unlike the previous ride, are not confined to riding head to tail. We spend a lot of time climbing to the top of a ridge where the views are spectacular. I talk to him about ranching and learn how they raise sheep and what life is like on the ranch. We are on the lookout for bear and elk as he has seen some on the trail the previous day. Although we don’t see anything, the ride is nice and it is nice to be a little more free as we ride.
One of the border collies has been following us the entire trip and keeps us company along the way. We stop often and take in the views as we go along.
As we head back toward the barn, the guide tells us that we can let the horses run a bit when we get back. Charlotte is very excited, and I decide to give it a go also. As we are just about back, he points to a fence across the a field about 300-400 yards away and says we can make a run to the fence and back. Charlotte and I take off, and both horses really let it out. It is a lot of fun and I feel like I have plenty of control on the way up the hill to the fence.
The ride back down is not quite the same. As we take off, my horse sees the barn and gives it even more than before. I am heading downhill, full out and as I start to pull back on the reigns, she is not responding. She just wants to head straight back to the barn. I keep pulling and start going up over her head as she slows down a bit to make the turn. I keep pulling hard and finally get her to stop.
Wendy and the kids are laughing as I come in saying that I looked like I was scared out of my wits. To tell the truth, I was more than a little worried.
We hop off and head back to the campsite and grab lunch at the RV, then head into town to the hot springs. We spend the rest of the afternoon at the hot springs. The kids do the waterslides and we all enjoy the warm spring water. It really feels good after spending 4 hours on horseback.
Back at the campsite, we have a small fire for our last night out.
It really has been a great trip, but we are going to head out early in the morning to try to get as many miles under our belts as possible on Saturday, so make an early evening of it.
Caves and Rides
Thursday – 7/17
When we get up in the morning, I start making some calls about horseback rides. There is a spot outside town that the people at the office recommend and they have an opening for Friday late morning.
That means we will have today to visit Glenwood Caverns. I also want to visit Aspen and see Maroon Bells, but that would make for a lot of driving and we might have to cut the day short in Glenwood Springs.
We head into town and take the tram up to the Adventure Park. There are many rides, attractions and things to do up here. The highlight is a tour of the caves. The kids are saying “been there done that”, but at the last caves we did not see stalagmites and I think this might be a better tour for that.
http://www.glenwoodcaverns.com/
We spent a couple hours riding the rides including an Aspen Slide (this one is fixed to a track and can’t fly off course), a sling shot ride and many others.
The cave tour was incredible, and the kids spent the entire day running from ride to ride taking it all in. We had lunch at the cafeteria overlooking the village below. The entire day was spent on the mountain and we grabbed some dinner in town before heading back to the campground.
When we get up in the morning, I start making some calls about horseback rides. There is a spot outside town that the people at the office recommend and they have an opening for Friday late morning.
That means we will have today to visit Glenwood Caverns. I also want to visit Aspen and see Maroon Bells, but that would make for a lot of driving and we might have to cut the day short in Glenwood Springs.
We head into town and take the tram up to the Adventure Park. There are many rides, attractions and things to do up here. The highlight is a tour of the caves. The kids are saying “been there done that”, but at the last caves we did not see stalagmites and I think this might be a better tour for that.
http://www.glenwoodcaverns.com/
We spent a couple hours riding the rides including an Aspen Slide (this one is fixed to a track and can’t fly off course), a sling shot ride and many others.
The cave tour was incredible, and the kids spent the entire day running from ride to ride taking it all in. We had lunch at the cafeteria overlooking the village below. The entire day was spent on the mountain and we grabbed some dinner in town before heading back to the campground.
Glenwood Springs
Wednesday – 7/16
Today we are heading to the last destination on our trip, Glenwood Springs.
We pack up the stuff from the hotel, load it all into the car and swing by John’s hotel for a final goodbye before heading out of town. A nice short visit there and we head out south of town to the RV.
We had moved it on the second day after white water rafting. The lot is very remote, so I was a little worried about it sitting there, but all is well.
We unpack the car back into the RV, get everything settled back in and head across the street to a gas station to fill up the RV and the car. We then drive back to Frisco and drop off the car before heading west on I-70.
The views along I-70 are breathtaking and it is an easy drive on the interstate. Once over Vail Pass, I am on the brakes most of the way into Vail. We decide to stop for lunch. The kids are asking for a Subway, or something quick. I see one next to the parking lot, but head out the other way into the Lionshead area of Vail Village. We spot a pizza spot called the Blue Moose and decide to give it a try.
The food was great, but the service was VERY slow. Fortunately, we are not in a hurry and the kids hold out O.K. After lunch, Wendy stops in a couple shops with Charlotte to look at $300 jeans and $150 T-shirts. I take the other kids over for ice cream at Baskin Robbins and then we get back on the road.
A few hours later, we are pulling into downtown Glenwood Springs. We drive past the spa and head over to the Enterprise Car Rental spot to pick up the rental car.
We then head back out of town to the campground. I have reserved a spot right on the river. We pull in and it is very tight. As I back up, the back of the RV is hanging over the Colorado River.
I had imagined a nice quiet spot on the river, but this will not be quiet. The river is roaring right next to us. We all get a bit of a laugh out of this. We set up camp and try to start a fire, but the wind is blowing pretty strong and it really is not safe to have a fire this close to the RV.
We decide to retire and plot out the next couple days.
Today we are heading to the last destination on our trip, Glenwood Springs.
We pack up the stuff from the hotel, load it all into the car and swing by John’s hotel for a final goodbye before heading out of town. A nice short visit there and we head out south of town to the RV.
We had moved it on the second day after white water rafting. The lot is very remote, so I was a little worried about it sitting there, but all is well.
We unpack the car back into the RV, get everything settled back in and head across the street to a gas station to fill up the RV and the car. We then drive back to Frisco and drop off the car before heading west on I-70.
The views along I-70 are breathtaking and it is an easy drive on the interstate. Once over Vail Pass, I am on the brakes most of the way into Vail. We decide to stop for lunch. The kids are asking for a Subway, or something quick. I see one next to the parking lot, but head out the other way into the Lionshead area of Vail Village. We spot a pizza spot called the Blue Moose and decide to give it a try.
The food was great, but the service was VERY slow. Fortunately, we are not in a hurry and the kids hold out O.K. After lunch, Wendy stops in a couple shops with Charlotte to look at $300 jeans and $150 T-shirts. I take the other kids over for ice cream at Baskin Robbins and then we get back on the road.
A few hours later, we are pulling into downtown Glenwood Springs. We drive past the spa and head over to the Enterprise Car Rental spot to pick up the rental car.
We then head back out of town to the campground. I have reserved a spot right on the river. We pull in and it is very tight. As I back up, the back of the RV is hanging over the Colorado River.
I had imagined a nice quiet spot on the river, but this will not be quiet. The river is roaring right next to us. We all get a bit of a laugh out of this. We set up camp and try to start a fire, but the wind is blowing pretty strong and it really is not safe to have a fire this close to the RV.
We decide to retire and plot out the next couple days.
I Want to Ride my Bicycle, Bicycle, Bicycle
Tuesday – 7/15
Today we are meeting up with John to do a bike ride from Vail Pass, down the mountain into Frisco. For those who have the energy left, they can ride from Frisco up the 800 ft elevation into Breckenridge to the bike shop.
As we get dressed and ready to head out the door, we hear a knock. It is the hotel manager asking when we are checking out. I know we were booked for another night, but can’t find the confirmation on my computer. After frantically searching, I remember that we changed this reservation and it did not allow me to do it online. I have the confirmation for the change on the rental car, but not the hotel. I then remember that I called the hotel and spoke to the night clerk who was on duty and he said that the change was made and confirmed. He also said that the confirmation number was the same, so no worries.
Well, it is 20 minutes before we are to meet John at the bike outfitters, and I am at the front desk finding out our options. Turns out that the owners of the unit we are in are due in this afternoon. Our only option is to move to a new room on the same floor.
I call John and let him know that we are not going to be able to make it and they should go on ahead without us. The manager sends up a bellboy to help us move all of our stuff and we start the big move. 30 minutes later, I get a call from John, and the outfitter only has us on a trip for the afternoon, and they are flexible, so we finish the move and meet up with John at Mountain Outfitters – just one block from our hotel.
http://www.mtnoutfitters.com/
They size us all up for bikes and helmets, we purchase water and all pile into the van for the ride up to Vail Pass. Vail Pass is halfway between Frisco and Vail on I-70. The bike trail will follow the interstate and weave through Copper Mountain Village before heading back into Frisco. At that point, we can either drop off the bikes at a coffee shop and take a van ride back, or ride the remainder back to Breckenridge.
We will not have guides with us, so they spend a lot of time really emphasizing to keep our speed under control, especially around some of the S-turns. It is really a beautiful ride down the pass. Great views of the mountains and we are traveling beside a stream much of the way. We stop in Copper and grab some lunch and walk around a bit. A nice spot for a break. If we had more time, we would have let the kids ride the go-carts and do some of the other activities they have here, but we decide to press on.
The remainder of the ride is beautiful as well and we get into Frisco and the group splits off. John and a couple of the boys decide to make the ride back to Breckenridge. Charlotte decides to join them and the rest of us head into downtown to drop off the bikes.
We get there at just about the same time as the van and hop a ride back with the bikes. On the way back, we keep looking for the rest of the group, but they do not seem to be anywhere in sight. Just as we are getting to the edge of Breckenridge, we spot them along the side of the road. I remembered that Charlotte did not have water, so we ask the driver to stop so that we can check in with them. She decides to ride the rest of the way back in the van. I’m sure she could have made the remainder of the trip as they have already climbed the full elevation, and it is only another mile or so to the bike shop.
We drop off the bikes, and Sue says they are going to have a dinner in rather than eat out again. We pick a Mexican spot called Mi Casa for dinner and decide to have dinner outside to watch the sun set over the mountain. The food is good and the margarita tastes great, especially after a day of coasting down the mountainsides.
After dinner, we head back to the hotel. We have promised the kids a night swim in the pool. It gets cold in the evenings when the sun is down, but the water is warm, and they have a blast at the pool.
Today we are meeting up with John to do a bike ride from Vail Pass, down the mountain into Frisco. For those who have the energy left, they can ride from Frisco up the 800 ft elevation into Breckenridge to the bike shop.
As we get dressed and ready to head out the door, we hear a knock. It is the hotel manager asking when we are checking out. I know we were booked for another night, but can’t find the confirmation on my computer. After frantically searching, I remember that we changed this reservation and it did not allow me to do it online. I have the confirmation for the change on the rental car, but not the hotel. I then remember that I called the hotel and spoke to the night clerk who was on duty and he said that the change was made and confirmed. He also said that the confirmation number was the same, so no worries.
Well, it is 20 minutes before we are to meet John at the bike outfitters, and I am at the front desk finding out our options. Turns out that the owners of the unit we are in are due in this afternoon. Our only option is to move to a new room on the same floor.
I call John and let him know that we are not going to be able to make it and they should go on ahead without us. The manager sends up a bellboy to help us move all of our stuff and we start the big move. 30 minutes later, I get a call from John, and the outfitter only has us on a trip for the afternoon, and they are flexible, so we finish the move and meet up with John at Mountain Outfitters – just one block from our hotel.
http://www.mtnoutfitters.com/
They size us all up for bikes and helmets, we purchase water and all pile into the van for the ride up to Vail Pass. Vail Pass is halfway between Frisco and Vail on I-70. The bike trail will follow the interstate and weave through Copper Mountain Village before heading back into Frisco. At that point, we can either drop off the bikes at a coffee shop and take a van ride back, or ride the remainder back to Breckenridge.
We will not have guides with us, so they spend a lot of time really emphasizing to keep our speed under control, especially around some of the S-turns. It is really a beautiful ride down the pass. Great views of the mountains and we are traveling beside a stream much of the way. We stop in Copper and grab some lunch and walk around a bit. A nice spot for a break. If we had more time, we would have let the kids ride the go-carts and do some of the other activities they have here, but we decide to press on.
The remainder of the ride is beautiful as well and we get into Frisco and the group splits off. John and a couple of the boys decide to make the ride back to Breckenridge. Charlotte decides to join them and the rest of us head into downtown to drop off the bikes.
We get there at just about the same time as the van and hop a ride back with the bikes. On the way back, we keep looking for the rest of the group, but they do not seem to be anywhere in sight. Just as we are getting to the edge of Breckenridge, we spot them along the side of the road. I remembered that Charlotte did not have water, so we ask the driver to stop so that we can check in with them. She decides to ride the rest of the way back in the van. I’m sure she could have made the remainder of the trip as they have already climbed the full elevation, and it is only another mile or so to the bike shop.
We drop off the bikes, and Sue says they are going to have a dinner in rather than eat out again. We pick a Mexican spot called Mi Casa for dinner and decide to have dinner outside to watch the sun set over the mountain. The food is good and the margarita tastes great, especially after a day of coasting down the mountainsides.
After dinner, we head back to the hotel. We have promised the kids a night swim in the pool. It gets cold in the evenings when the sun is down, but the water is warm, and they have a blast at the pool.
Rollin’ on the River
Monday – 7/14
I get up early to head back to Frisco and fill out the paperwork for the rental. I need to be back in time to get a parking sticker for the RV and in time to meet with John to leave for the rafting trip.
When I get to Frisco, they have some problems with the computer. They need the manager to “fix” something and he won’t be back for 15 minutes. No problems. I left plenty of time.
When I drive back to Breckenridge and check in at the downtown visitor center for the parking sticker, I find out that the stickers are now only available at the police station. Again, no problem, I still have time.
Once at the police station, I put my cash in the box, fill out the form and notice that parking is no longer allowed at the Ice Rink. This will be a problem as we don’t have much time left before we have to leave. I decide we will just have to chance the ticket and drive over to the Ice Rink lot and leave a new note on the RV with the parking sticker in the window. I call John and tell him to meet Wendy and I at the hotel. We are about 20 minutes late getting going, and I can tell John is not pleased.
I figure we can make up some time on the hour drive, but we hit traffic all the way up the mountain. Figures that any time you are in a hurry you hit traffic.
We still make it to the white water outfitters with time to spare, but it was a bit nerve racking getting there.
The outfitter that John found is Noah’s Ark. It is a Christian based outfit that runs on the Arkansas River. Everyone that works there is “part of the family” and it is a very well run business. This is the same outfit that I white watered with back in 1989 when I was out for Shify’s wedding.
http://www.noahsark.com/index.cfm
We all get suited up and divide up into our groups. Our guide is from Southern California and her name is Gerry. He is great with the kids and tells us to expect to get wet. It is a little cooler today as it is overcast, but still much better than the first white water trip we did at Yellowstone.
We travel 10 miles on the Arkansas River into Browns Canyon and experience the fun and excitement of several Class III rapids such as Canyon Doors, Pinball, Zoom Flume, Big Drop, Staircase, Widowmaker, and Raft Ripper.
The trip takes about 3 hours and we are then on a bus for about a half hour on the way back to the outfitter.
Fun is had by all, and we head back to Breckenridge for a “movie night” at our hotel. The vacation club has a small theater that is available. You bring your own DVD’s along with beverages and popcorn. Shifty stops by and the boys head up to the room to enjoy some beers while the girls stay with the kids.
Another wonderful day in Breck.
I get up early to head back to Frisco and fill out the paperwork for the rental. I need to be back in time to get a parking sticker for the RV and in time to meet with John to leave for the rafting trip.
When I get to Frisco, they have some problems with the computer. They need the manager to “fix” something and he won’t be back for 15 minutes. No problems. I left plenty of time.
When I drive back to Breckenridge and check in at the downtown visitor center for the parking sticker, I find out that the stickers are now only available at the police station. Again, no problem, I still have time.
Once at the police station, I put my cash in the box, fill out the form and notice that parking is no longer allowed at the Ice Rink. This will be a problem as we don’t have much time left before we have to leave. I decide we will just have to chance the ticket and drive over to the Ice Rink lot and leave a new note on the RV with the parking sticker in the window. I call John and tell him to meet Wendy and I at the hotel. We are about 20 minutes late getting going, and I can tell John is not pleased.
I figure we can make up some time on the hour drive, but we hit traffic all the way up the mountain. Figures that any time you are in a hurry you hit traffic.
We still make it to the white water outfitters with time to spare, but it was a bit nerve racking getting there.
The outfitter that John found is Noah’s Ark. It is a Christian based outfit that runs on the Arkansas River. Everyone that works there is “part of the family” and it is a very well run business. This is the same outfit that I white watered with back in 1989 when I was out for Shify’s wedding.
http://www.noahsark.com/index.cfm
We all get suited up and divide up into our groups. Our guide is from Southern California and her name is Gerry. He is great with the kids and tells us to expect to get wet. It is a little cooler today as it is overcast, but still much better than the first white water trip we did at Yellowstone.
We travel 10 miles on the Arkansas River into Browns Canyon and experience the fun and excitement of several Class III rapids such as Canyon Doors, Pinball, Zoom Flume, Big Drop, Staircase, Widowmaker, and Raft Ripper.
The trip takes about 3 hours and we are then on a bus for about a half hour on the way back to the outfitter.
Fun is had by all, and we head back to Breckenridge for a “movie night” at our hotel. The vacation club has a small theater that is available. You bring your own DVD’s along with beverages and popcorn. Shifty stops by and the boys head up to the room to enjoy some beers while the girls stay with the kids.
Another wonderful day in Breck.
I've Been a Miner for a Heart of Gold
Sunday – 7/13
Months after we are back - I am just getting caught up on the last few posts of our trip. I had captured it in a Word doc, but just had not taken the time to post it to the blog.
Called up John and we are all getting a slow start. He has set up a whitewater trip for Monday, but we did not have any firm plans for today. I offer up a trip to an old gold mine, but he says his kids are not really interested. They would rather just hang by the pool and relax today.
When I explained the trip to my kids, they are excited. At the end you get to pan for real gold.
While I am talking to John, I get a call from Shifty. Seems he is in a tent right below us at the Town Square Mall hawking a new property they are building next door to the Hyatt. I head down with the kids to the Square. They have someone on stage singing John Denver songs and a bunch of tents with people selling jewelry, dresses and art. Jon is talking to people about the real estate development next door. I stop and talk for a bit and Charlotte joins in with some other kids doing hula hoop.
We then head into the front desk and talk to the concierge to get directions. She calls Country Boy Mine Tours and sets up the trip for us. We only have to show up for the 2:00 tour. The mine is just a couple miles from the hotel.
We head over and spend some time looking over some of the artifacts and displays showing how mining was done in the late 1800’s. Very educational and the kids are actually interested. Of course it helps that they are talking about sleeping with dynamite to keep it from exploding and striking it rich when they find gold.
They chase the burros and take a couple slides down the ore chute and then the bell rings indicating the start of our “shift” in the mine.
We head over to the entrance, don miners helmets (Charlotte and Georgia need to wear bicycle helmets as their heads are too small for the hardhats provided), and hear the safety talk. We hand them our brass tag that they hang on the wall (so they will know we have left at the end of the shift) and head down the shaft. Our guide injects a lot of humor along the way and we learn about how they drilled, blasted and hauled the ore out. The kids are especially interested in the fact that kids 8-14 were the ones who placed the dynamite and lit it. The average life expectancy of a miner was 5 years. This meant that a lot of families were left without a wage earner, so many of the kids went to work in the mines.
At the end of the tour, they hand us each a pan and let us try our luck in hitting it rich. The kids are bound and determined to stay until they find that big nugget that will pay for their college education. There are a few people that find some small flecks, but mostly it is fools gold in the pans. Still a lot of fun and the kids had a blast.
We then head back into town and meet up with John and Sue and family to celebrate Georgia’s birthday. We head to Downstairs at Eric’s, a family friendly location right downtown and midway between John’s condo and our place.
It was great getting together with John and his family and have a nice dinner. We then do some shopping on the way home before retiring.
Months after we are back - I am just getting caught up on the last few posts of our trip. I had captured it in a Word doc, but just had not taken the time to post it to the blog.
Called up John and we are all getting a slow start. He has set up a whitewater trip for Monday, but we did not have any firm plans for today. I offer up a trip to an old gold mine, but he says his kids are not really interested. They would rather just hang by the pool and relax today.
When I explained the trip to my kids, they are excited. At the end you get to pan for real gold.
While I am talking to John, I get a call from Shifty. Seems he is in a tent right below us at the Town Square Mall hawking a new property they are building next door to the Hyatt. I head down with the kids to the Square. They have someone on stage singing John Denver songs and a bunch of tents with people selling jewelry, dresses and art. Jon is talking to people about the real estate development next door. I stop and talk for a bit and Charlotte joins in with some other kids doing hula hoop.
We then head into the front desk and talk to the concierge to get directions. She calls Country Boy Mine Tours and sets up the trip for us. We only have to show up for the 2:00 tour. The mine is just a couple miles from the hotel.
We head over and spend some time looking over some of the artifacts and displays showing how mining was done in the late 1800’s. Very educational and the kids are actually interested. Of course it helps that they are talking about sleeping with dynamite to keep it from exploding and striking it rich when they find gold.
They chase the burros and take a couple slides down the ore chute and then the bell rings indicating the start of our “shift” in the mine.
We head over to the entrance, don miners helmets (Charlotte and Georgia need to wear bicycle helmets as their heads are too small for the hardhats provided), and hear the safety talk. We hand them our brass tag that they hang on the wall (so they will know we have left at the end of the shift) and head down the shaft. Our guide injects a lot of humor along the way and we learn about how they drilled, blasted and hauled the ore out. The kids are especially interested in the fact that kids 8-14 were the ones who placed the dynamite and lit it. The average life expectancy of a miner was 5 years. This meant that a lot of families were left without a wage earner, so many of the kids went to work in the mines.
At the end of the tour, they hand us each a pan and let us try our luck in hitting it rich. The kids are bound and determined to stay until they find that big nugget that will pay for their college education. There are a few people that find some small flecks, but mostly it is fools gold in the pans. Still a lot of fun and the kids had a blast.
We then head back into town and meet up with John and Sue and family to celebrate Georgia’s birthday. We head to Downstairs at Eric’s, a family friendly location right downtown and midway between John’s condo and our place.
It was great getting together with John and his family and have a nice dinner. We then do some shopping on the way home before retiring.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
It's the Colorado Rocky Mountain high
Saturday – 7/12
Got up, broke camp and hit the showers. A hard push to get out and down the mountain. We need to get the rental car back to Loveland by noon.
When I pulled the address for our rental spot in Frisco, I realized that they closed at noon. This presents a problem as we really need a car, and they won’t open again until Monday morning.
I talk to the agent at Enterprise and try to convince him to blow off his plans for Saturday and stay open for me. It is to no avail as his computer system will shut down after noon anyway. My only thought is to try to get in touch with my friend Jon (Shifty) to see if he can pick it up for me. A call to his cell gets his voicemail and a call to the house lets me know that he is hiking at Copper with his sister and her husband.
Fortunately, he sees that I called and calls right back. He is more than willing to do the pickup for me and can make it just under the wire to do the pickup.
Now just need to get this car back by noon. It looks like after gassing up, we will pull in around 12:15. We pull in just in time to catch someone locking up and drop off the keys.
A quick stop for lunch at McD’s and a fill for the RV and we are off, back up into the mountains. The drive up is familiar ground for me as I have made this drive to Frisco many times.
We pull into Frisco and I pull up in front of The Clark abode. They are out front washing cars and we all hop out to say hello. I thank Jon for getting the rental for us and we stop in for a short visit.
Then on to Breckenridge. We find the Hyatt Vacation Club and pull the car and RV into the circle drive. We check in and find out where to park the RV. They give us the same info that Jon did, to pull it into the parking lot for the Ice Arena. We head off and do the unload into the rental car. Again, it takes almost an hour to pack up everything and pull it into the car.
Charlotte decides she needs to go to the bathroom, and we send her to the Ice Arena. The doors are open and I am sure she could have found a restroom, but she comes back looking distressed. She decides to cross the stream next to the parking lot and head to the woods. Hey, if bears can do it there, why not Charlotte.
Jack and Georgia decide to follow and Georgia slips on a rock and ends up soaked. Great start to our day in Breck.
We get her cleaned up and finish packing, then head back to the Hyatt to check in. They call up the bell boy and he is barely able to pack our stuff on a cart.
The condo is fantastic. We overlook the pool below and can see the slopes in the near distance. I check in with my brother John, who has ended up here at the same time and we discuss trying to get together. We still need to get unpacked and that will take some time. The kids are also asking for dinner, so Wendy decides to feed them here.
After we get unpacked, I give John a call and decide to stop over to their condo for a beer. They are staying at the Thunder Mountain Lodge. John got the recommendation from Shifty and negotiated a price on vrbo.com. Their condo is very nice and quite a bit cheaper than ours. When we booked, Wendy wanted something that was full service. I thought that the Hyatt would be and when I called they said that they had room service. It turns out that room service is ordering out from some of the restaurants in the area.
We have a couple beers, get caught up on happenings with the kids and talk about past trips to Colorado and vacations with the Hurst family.
I leave around 10:30 and stop at the grocery store just down the street for some staples, then head home to rest up for the first day in Breckenridge.
Got up, broke camp and hit the showers. A hard push to get out and down the mountain. We need to get the rental car back to Loveland by noon.
When I pulled the address for our rental spot in Frisco, I realized that they closed at noon. This presents a problem as we really need a car, and they won’t open again until Monday morning.
I talk to the agent at Enterprise and try to convince him to blow off his plans for Saturday and stay open for me. It is to no avail as his computer system will shut down after noon anyway. My only thought is to try to get in touch with my friend Jon (Shifty) to see if he can pick it up for me. A call to his cell gets his voicemail and a call to the house lets me know that he is hiking at Copper with his sister and her husband.
Fortunately, he sees that I called and calls right back. He is more than willing to do the pickup for me and can make it just under the wire to do the pickup.
Now just need to get this car back by noon. It looks like after gassing up, we will pull in around 12:15. We pull in just in time to catch someone locking up and drop off the keys.
A quick stop for lunch at McD’s and a fill for the RV and we are off, back up into the mountains. The drive up is familiar ground for me as I have made this drive to Frisco many times.
We pull into Frisco and I pull up in front of The Clark abode. They are out front washing cars and we all hop out to say hello. I thank Jon for getting the rental for us and we stop in for a short visit.
Then on to Breckenridge. We find the Hyatt Vacation Club and pull the car and RV into the circle drive. We check in and find out where to park the RV. They give us the same info that Jon did, to pull it into the parking lot for the Ice Arena. We head off and do the unload into the rental car. Again, it takes almost an hour to pack up everything and pull it into the car.
Charlotte decides she needs to go to the bathroom, and we send her to the Ice Arena. The doors are open and I am sure she could have found a restroom, but she comes back looking distressed. She decides to cross the stream next to the parking lot and head to the woods. Hey, if bears can do it there, why not Charlotte.
Jack and Georgia decide to follow and Georgia slips on a rock and ends up soaked. Great start to our day in Breck.
We get her cleaned up and finish packing, then head back to the Hyatt to check in. They call up the bell boy and he is barely able to pack our stuff on a cart.
The condo is fantastic. We overlook the pool below and can see the slopes in the near distance. I check in with my brother John, who has ended up here at the same time and we discuss trying to get together. We still need to get unpacked and that will take some time. The kids are also asking for dinner, so Wendy decides to feed them here.
After we get unpacked, I give John a call and decide to stop over to their condo for a beer. They are staying at the Thunder Mountain Lodge. John got the recommendation from Shifty and negotiated a price on vrbo.com. Their condo is very nice and quite a bit cheaper than ours. When we booked, Wendy wanted something that was full service. I thought that the Hyatt would be and when I called they said that they had room service. It turns out that room service is ordering out from some of the restaurants in the area.
We have a couple beers, get caught up on happenings with the kids and talk about past trips to Colorado and vacations with the Hurst family.
I leave around 10:30 and stop at the grocery store just down the street for some staples, then head home to rest up for the first day in Breckenridge.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
A biking we will go, A hiking we will go
Friday – 7/11
Today we are set for an early bike ride. It really is not that early (10:00 AM) and really not a ride.
We head into town to meet up with the outfitter, Colorado Bicycling Adventures, and they fit us with bikes, helmets and give us each a water bottle. They then load us into the van and head up the hills north of Estes on MacGreagor to Devils Gulch Road. Our family of 5 won’t fit in the van, so we ride with the owner’s wife. She tells us a little about the history of the area, how they ended up there last year and about the ride we will be taking.
The trip we are taking is the North Fork downhill tour. It will take us through canyons with a stop for cinnamon rolls on the bank of the North Fork river.
We line up and listen to a final safety talk. We will be riding on the road with traffic. The guides will flag cars around and we will be riding the brakes the entire way.
As soon as our entire tour pulls into the road, Wendy’s tire hisses and pops. They pull up the van, do a quick tube change and we are off.
The ride is very relaxing and easy. Many nice views of the canyons and mountains in the distance. The lead guide talks about the scenery and history in the area, but since we are traveling single file, it is difficult to hear what he is saying. I am following Jackson, who seems to be a bit wobbly on his bike. I have to keep reminding him to keep away from the edge and then back from the middle as cars are passing. Georgia is on a trail-a-bike behind Wendy, so no worry about her. We pass Storm Mountain, which the locals say gets hit by lightning every day of the year. Something about the iron ore at the top. We pass through a quaint mountain town of Glen Haven and then stop a little ways down the road for a late breakfast.
They have set up coffee, juice, cinnamon rolls and a lot of fresh fruit. A nice break, and the stream is very inviting. So much so, that my kids ask if they can jump in. The guides all join in and decide it would be a great time for a swim.
The water is in the mid 40’s, so any swim will be very short lived. We tell the kids that they must take off their shoes and deal with any consequences of being wet the rest of the day. They all jump in, and one of the guides rides his bike into a deeper part of the water. After they are all thoroughly soaked and cold, they climb out, only to realize that we do not have towels. Guess they should have thought about that before jumping in. It is really not a problem as it is very warm today, so they should dry out quickly.
We continue on our ride until we come to the town or Drake where we meet the van and load the bikes for the ride back.
One of the guides rides in the owner’s car with us, and we talk about hikes and places to eat. He tells us about a hike to Gem Lake where the kids can do some climbing over boulders at the end. This is exactly what Jackson has been asking for on each of our hikes, so we get details on how to get to the trailhead.
A little more shopping (who can resist visiting 20 t-shirt shops) and we stop at a toy store to pick up a couple items for Georgia’s birthday next week. Then across the street to Penelope’s for burgers and fries. Charlotte and Wendy each have the fish basket, which Charlotte proclaims to be fantastic.
We do a little more shopping, then head over to the community center to fill water bottles before the hike. Charlotte and Jackson are both complaining about being tired and not in the mood for a hike. It is very hot, but we really want to get another hike in before we leave. We remind Jackson that he has been asking for this hike with the boulders the entire trip, and this will probably be his only chance.
When we get to the trailhead. we pack our bags and head out onto the trail. Charlotte rallies and takes off down the trail. Jackson is still complaining about being tired and a stomach ache. We sit for a few minutes, and then I call out to Charlotte. Seems she has decided to take off down the trail without telling us she is going on. We had called to her a couple times to come back and wait, but she just kept on going.
Wendy and I decide to give Wendy the keys so she can go back to the car with Jackson, and Georgia and I take off to catch Charlotte. Each person we cross on the trail tells us that she is pulling further and further ahead. I try to make good time, but still need to stop as the altitude and heat are getting to me also.
By the time we catch up to her, we are almost at the trails end. I sat her down and talked to her about staying with the group and not taking off on these trails. Fortunately, we had a lot of people on the trail who could give us updates on where she was and there were no splits in the trail where we might have gotten separated.
Just as I was finishing my lecture, and we had turned to head back, up come Jackson and Wendy. He has also rallied and they are looking for heart shaped rocks for a collection Wendy wants to start. We decide to finish off the hike up to Gem Lake. The remainder of the hike takes about 15 minutes and the lake is very beautiful. It is small and shallow, but beautiful. Actually, I would consider it a small pond, not a lake, only about 30 yards across and 2 to 3 feet deep.
Charlotte wants to wade in, but the water looks a little dirty. They opt to crawl around some rocks for a bit, and then we decide we have to get a start on the 1.8 mile hike back. Just as we are about to leave, we see some storm clouds rolling in in the distance. The ranger the day before has warned us about how quickly storms can roll in. There were a group of 8 people who were hit by lighting earlier in the week. 3 of the people in the group sustained burns to their feet and arms. We decide to move quickly down the mountain. The storm rolled off and we then slow the pace a little bit letting the kids have some fun on the way down.
This was a nice hike, some lessons were learned and we now know that the kids can do a 4 mile hike with close to 1000 foot elevation gain.
We make a stop at Safeway on the way back to the RV. It will be a light, easy dinner. When we get back, Charlotte is not feeling well. She probably did not drink enough water on the trail and is complaining about a headache. Early bed for all will be needed tonight.
Today we are set for an early bike ride. It really is not that early (10:00 AM) and really not a ride.
We head into town to meet up with the outfitter, Colorado Bicycling Adventures, and they fit us with bikes, helmets and give us each a water bottle. They then load us into the van and head up the hills north of Estes on MacGreagor to Devils Gulch Road. Our family of 5 won’t fit in the van, so we ride with the owner’s wife. She tells us a little about the history of the area, how they ended up there last year and about the ride we will be taking.
The trip we are taking is the North Fork downhill tour. It will take us through canyons with a stop for cinnamon rolls on the bank of the North Fork river.
We line up and listen to a final safety talk. We will be riding on the road with traffic. The guides will flag cars around and we will be riding the brakes the entire way.
As soon as our entire tour pulls into the road, Wendy’s tire hisses and pops. They pull up the van, do a quick tube change and we are off.
The ride is very relaxing and easy. Many nice views of the canyons and mountains in the distance. The lead guide talks about the scenery and history in the area, but since we are traveling single file, it is difficult to hear what he is saying. I am following Jackson, who seems to be a bit wobbly on his bike. I have to keep reminding him to keep away from the edge and then back from the middle as cars are passing. Georgia is on a trail-a-bike behind Wendy, so no worry about her. We pass Storm Mountain, which the locals say gets hit by lightning every day of the year. Something about the iron ore at the top. We pass through a quaint mountain town of Glen Haven and then stop a little ways down the road for a late breakfast.
They have set up coffee, juice, cinnamon rolls and a lot of fresh fruit. A nice break, and the stream is very inviting. So much so, that my kids ask if they can jump in. The guides all join in and decide it would be a great time for a swim.
The water is in the mid 40’s, so any swim will be very short lived. We tell the kids that they must take off their shoes and deal with any consequences of being wet the rest of the day. They all jump in, and one of the guides rides his bike into a deeper part of the water. After they are all thoroughly soaked and cold, they climb out, only to realize that we do not have towels. Guess they should have thought about that before jumping in. It is really not a problem as it is very warm today, so they should dry out quickly.
We continue on our ride until we come to the town or Drake where we meet the van and load the bikes for the ride back.
One of the guides rides in the owner’s car with us, and we talk about hikes and places to eat. He tells us about a hike to Gem Lake where the kids can do some climbing over boulders at the end. This is exactly what Jackson has been asking for on each of our hikes, so we get details on how to get to the trailhead.
A little more shopping (who can resist visiting 20 t-shirt shops) and we stop at a toy store to pick up a couple items for Georgia’s birthday next week. Then across the street to Penelope’s for burgers and fries. Charlotte and Wendy each have the fish basket, which Charlotte proclaims to be fantastic.
We do a little more shopping, then head over to the community center to fill water bottles before the hike. Charlotte and Jackson are both complaining about being tired and not in the mood for a hike. It is very hot, but we really want to get another hike in before we leave. We remind Jackson that he has been asking for this hike with the boulders the entire trip, and this will probably be his only chance.
When we get to the trailhead. we pack our bags and head out onto the trail. Charlotte rallies and takes off down the trail. Jackson is still complaining about being tired and a stomach ache. We sit for a few minutes, and then I call out to Charlotte. Seems she has decided to take off down the trail without telling us she is going on. We had called to her a couple times to come back and wait, but she just kept on going.
Wendy and I decide to give Wendy the keys so she can go back to the car with Jackson, and Georgia and I take off to catch Charlotte. Each person we cross on the trail tells us that she is pulling further and further ahead. I try to make good time, but still need to stop as the altitude and heat are getting to me also.
By the time we catch up to her, we are almost at the trails end. I sat her down and talked to her about staying with the group and not taking off on these trails. Fortunately, we had a lot of people on the trail who could give us updates on where she was and there were no splits in the trail where we might have gotten separated.
Just as I was finishing my lecture, and we had turned to head back, up come Jackson and Wendy. He has also rallied and they are looking for heart shaped rocks for a collection Wendy wants to start. We decide to finish off the hike up to Gem Lake. The remainder of the hike takes about 15 minutes and the lake is very beautiful. It is small and shallow, but beautiful. Actually, I would consider it a small pond, not a lake, only about 30 yards across and 2 to 3 feet deep.
Charlotte wants to wade in, but the water looks a little dirty. They opt to crawl around some rocks for a bit, and then we decide we have to get a start on the 1.8 mile hike back. Just as we are about to leave, we see some storm clouds rolling in in the distance. The ranger the day before has warned us about how quickly storms can roll in. There were a group of 8 people who were hit by lighting earlier in the week. 3 of the people in the group sustained burns to their feet and arms. We decide to move quickly down the mountain. The storm rolled off and we then slow the pace a little bit letting the kids have some fun on the way down.
This was a nice hike, some lessons were learned and we now know that the kids can do a 4 mile hike with close to 1000 foot elevation gain.
We make a stop at Safeway on the way back to the RV. It will be a light, easy dinner. When we get back, Charlotte is not feeling well. She probably did not drink enough water on the trail and is complaining about a headache. Early bed for all will be needed tonight.
Waterfalls and Sangria
Thursday – 7/10
We headed into Estes Park this morning to do some shopping, get some lunch and then head out for a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Someone had told us that Estes was an interesting town. A t-shirt shop, then an ice cream shop, then a t-shirt shop, etc. This could not have been truer. In a 3 block area, there are 20 t-shirt shops and 7 or 8 ice cream shops.
We walked around some of the shops and then stopped at a spot for lunch called Local’s Grill. It was an old diner with a menu that suited our family well.
We did a little more shopping, and then headed out to the park to do some hiking. We stopped at the info center and talked to a ranger about hikes. They suggested Emerald Lake which was a 1.8 mile one way trip. Only downside is that parking at the trailhead might be full. We decide to try the parking and find that there are spots available. It is mid afternoon, and we decide that a 3.6 mile hike might be too much, so we opt for a short loop around Bear Lake.
This is a small loop around a lake at the trailhead. Charlotte and I pick up a booklet that is keyed to numbers along the trail. We start to read at each stop, but find that some of the info (2-3 pages) is a little too long. Nevertheless, we do learn how to tell a fir from a spruce and some other interesting facts.
We stop at a small stream that is feeding into the lake, and a ranger is pointing out some cutthroat trout that are spawning. I talked to her about my fishing in Jackson, and she is amazed that I caught 3 cutthroats in that area, especially one as large as the 15 incher that I caught. Guess the guide was not just trying to pump up my ego.
On around the lake, and we let the kids climb on some of the rocks along the side. We also climb out on some boulders that are in the lake and Charlotte spots some leeches that are swimming in the water. She catches them with a stick and plays around on the rocks. This all takes up about 30 minutes, but the kids are having fun exploring
We finish out this hike and then head to Alberta Falls from the same trailhead. This would be a 1.8 mile hike up and back down to the parking lot at a different trailhead where we can catch the shuttle back to the car.
The kids are complaining a bit about another hike (without the ability to climb rocks and just explore), but we push on up to the falls. Once we get there, the view is spectacular. Well worth the hike.
We get to the parking lot just as a bus is pulling up and we head back to the car. On the drive back to town, we decide to eat dinner out. We drive around and I see a restaurant named the Smiling Elk that has rooftop seating. We decide to give it a try, only to find out that it has gone out of business and is now Vega Tapas. They had a pretty good kids menu, so rather than getting into the car, we give it a try.
I enjoyed sangria while Wendy had a margarita. The kids took some quarters and fed the trout that were in a pond along the stairs that led to the rooftop. Food was good, a little pricey for the tapas that we ordered for an appetizer. The view from the rooftop was great. We watched the sun set and the colors change over the mountains to the east and west.
Back to the campground, and we hit the sack to get rested for another day.
We headed into Estes Park this morning to do some shopping, get some lunch and then head out for a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Someone had told us that Estes was an interesting town. A t-shirt shop, then an ice cream shop, then a t-shirt shop, etc. This could not have been truer. In a 3 block area, there are 20 t-shirt shops and 7 or 8 ice cream shops.
We walked around some of the shops and then stopped at a spot for lunch called Local’s Grill. It was an old diner with a menu that suited our family well.
We did a little more shopping, and then headed out to the park to do some hiking. We stopped at the info center and talked to a ranger about hikes. They suggested Emerald Lake which was a 1.8 mile one way trip. Only downside is that parking at the trailhead might be full. We decide to try the parking and find that there are spots available. It is mid afternoon, and we decide that a 3.6 mile hike might be too much, so we opt for a short loop around Bear Lake.
This is a small loop around a lake at the trailhead. Charlotte and I pick up a booklet that is keyed to numbers along the trail. We start to read at each stop, but find that some of the info (2-3 pages) is a little too long. Nevertheless, we do learn how to tell a fir from a spruce and some other interesting facts.
We stop at a small stream that is feeding into the lake, and a ranger is pointing out some cutthroat trout that are spawning. I talked to her about my fishing in Jackson, and she is amazed that I caught 3 cutthroats in that area, especially one as large as the 15 incher that I caught. Guess the guide was not just trying to pump up my ego.
On around the lake, and we let the kids climb on some of the rocks along the side. We also climb out on some boulders that are in the lake and Charlotte spots some leeches that are swimming in the water. She catches them with a stick and plays around on the rocks. This all takes up about 30 minutes, but the kids are having fun exploring
We finish out this hike and then head to Alberta Falls from the same trailhead. This would be a 1.8 mile hike up and back down to the parking lot at a different trailhead where we can catch the shuttle back to the car.
The kids are complaining a bit about another hike (without the ability to climb rocks and just explore), but we push on up to the falls. Once we get there, the view is spectacular. Well worth the hike.
We get to the parking lot just as a bus is pulling up and we head back to the car. On the drive back to town, we decide to eat dinner out. We drive around and I see a restaurant named the Smiling Elk that has rooftop seating. We decide to give it a try, only to find out that it has gone out of business and is now Vega Tapas. They had a pretty good kids menu, so rather than getting into the car, we give it a try.
I enjoyed sangria while Wendy had a margarita. The kids took some quarters and fed the trout that were in a pond along the stairs that led to the rooftop. Food was good, a little pricey for the tapas that we ordered for an appetizer. The view from the rooftop was great. We watched the sun set and the colors change over the mountains to the east and west.
Back to the campground, and we hit the sack to get rested for another day.
Monday, July 14, 2008
On the road again
Wednesday – 7/9
Another big drive day today. It will be a little over 500 miles from Tetons to Estes Park.
We set the alarm for 4:45AM and pulled up camp by 5:00. We had to drop the rental car off at the Airport about 45 minutes away, then backtrack to our route.
The original route that the TomTom gave me (and all the other mapping software) took us south of Jackson and through the mountains. A lot of switchbacks and narrow roads. This cut off about 100 miles – but will be much tougher driving.
I went onto the Good Sam RV site and did a trip there. It suggested taking a more northern route. I played with the route on the TomTom and away we go.
We need to make it to Loveland to pick up the rental car by 6:00, so we decided to leave early to give ourselves plenty of time. There were no rental cars available in Estes (all booked up), and I would rather pay the same amount and get something newer in Loveland.
On the way to the airport, we need to stop in the road 3 times for wildlife. There are whole herds of white tail deer, bison and elk on the road. This is the time of day to see wildlife up close for sure. I pull very slowly into the herd while honking my horn. They do not seem to be very intimidated by this big RV.
After dropping off the rental, we headed back north, then east. This route is much flatter and easier to drive. There is hardly any traffic, and we are able to make good time. I saw two moose cows running through a swampy area off to the right. These are sights you don’t see on your daily commute to work.
We drive for hours without coming to any town. We do pass through a couple that have population of 300, but nothing with a gas station or any other amenities.
Jackson called up front, and seems to be bothered by the driving. We stop along the side of the road. I know there is some population here as there is a mailbox where I pull off, but can’t see any homes in sight.
After resting for 15 to 20 minutes we head back out. Rest of the trip is uneventful, but beautiful.
We pull into Loveland around 3 and pick up the rental, a Jeep Liberty. We then head up into the mountains to Estes. It is a beautiful drive along the Thompson River. A lot of switchbacks.
We pull into the KOA. The park is nice, nothing special. The sites are tiered and just gravel and no trees. Also no fire pit. I had hoped to have a fire here. But it is clean and the people here are nice.
We set up camp and string the lights. I sit outside and cook some burgers and enjoy a beer while looking out over the mountains. It’s nice to be able to sit outside again.
Another big drive day today. It will be a little over 500 miles from Tetons to Estes Park.
We set the alarm for 4:45AM and pulled up camp by 5:00. We had to drop the rental car off at the Airport about 45 minutes away, then backtrack to our route.
The original route that the TomTom gave me (and all the other mapping software) took us south of Jackson and through the mountains. A lot of switchbacks and narrow roads. This cut off about 100 miles – but will be much tougher driving.
I went onto the Good Sam RV site and did a trip there. It suggested taking a more northern route. I played with the route on the TomTom and away we go.
We need to make it to Loveland to pick up the rental car by 6:00, so we decided to leave early to give ourselves plenty of time. There were no rental cars available in Estes (all booked up), and I would rather pay the same amount and get something newer in Loveland.
On the way to the airport, we need to stop in the road 3 times for wildlife. There are whole herds of white tail deer, bison and elk on the road. This is the time of day to see wildlife up close for sure. I pull very slowly into the herd while honking my horn. They do not seem to be very intimidated by this big RV.
After dropping off the rental, we headed back north, then east. This route is much flatter and easier to drive. There is hardly any traffic, and we are able to make good time. I saw two moose cows running through a swampy area off to the right. These are sights you don’t see on your daily commute to work.
We drive for hours without coming to any town. We do pass through a couple that have population of 300, but nothing with a gas station or any other amenities.
Jackson called up front, and seems to be bothered by the driving. We stop along the side of the road. I know there is some population here as there is a mailbox where I pull off, but can’t see any homes in sight.
After resting for 15 to 20 minutes we head back out. Rest of the trip is uneventful, but beautiful.
We pull into Loveland around 3 and pick up the rental, a Jeep Liberty. We then head up into the mountains to Estes. It is a beautiful drive along the Thompson River. A lot of switchbacks.
We pull into the KOA. The park is nice, nothing special. The sites are tiered and just gravel and no trees. Also no fire pit. I had hoped to have a fire here. But it is clean and the people here are nice.
We set up camp and string the lights. I sit outside and cook some burgers and enjoy a beer while looking out over the mountains. It’s nice to be able to sit outside again.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Jenny I got your number, I need to make you mine
Tuesday – 7/8
The ongoing saga of Grand Teton RV Park.
Woke up this morning and Wendy, Jackson and the girls headed off to the shower. While I was reading, Jackson came back and said that he couldn’t use the shower because they were disgusting. I walked back with him, and couldn’t even walk in. He was right.
Some of the toilets had plugged and overflowed spilling their contents onto the floor. The floor was covered everywhere. I went into the office and asked if someone could clean it up. Went back to the RV, and waited a while. Jackson went back, and came back again. When we went over, the floor had been cleaned, but we had not noticed that the shower stalls were all covered with s*#$.
The place still smelled terrible. Guess we will not be showering or using the restroom at this place.
We went back, grabbed some breakfast and headed over to Jenny Lake for a hike. The drive into the area was beautiful as we got closer and closer to the mountains. I read to the kids about the history of the area and about doing a summit to Grand Teton. Sounds like a great adventure for another visit. We had a quick lunch by the visitor center. Wendy had packed some sandwiches.
We started the hike around the lake with the goal of making it around the lake, up to Hidden Falls and then on to Inspiration Point. We will be able to take the boat back from the other side of the lake. The hike around the lake is 2.3 miles. The hike up to Hidden Falls is ½ mile and the trail up to Inspiration Point is another ½ mile. This would be a 4.3 mile total.
As we start the hike around the lake, we run into some hikers who tell us to be sure to stop at the overlook to Moose Lake. There is a bear and a moose feeding at the lake. When we get there, there are a few people looking out over the lake. I pull out the binoculars and we start looking around to find the bear.
I spot the bear in a bush, and the moose is across the lake behind a tree. We stay there for a while, and the bear came out into full view. It is a very light golden brown and very large. The people we crossed on the trail said it was a grizzly, but a ranger who came up later said it was a black bear. The black bears in this park are various colors from black to brown to golden brown. Same with the grizzly. The way you can tell is from the snout and ears.
The moose also came out into the clear and we watched both for a while before moving on.
As we moved further around the lake, Jackson started complaining about being tired and Charlotte decided she wanted to jump into the lake to cool off. We had to continue to push all three to make it to the first stop near the boat launch. When we got to this trailhead, we encountered a beautiful falls and stopped for some pictures. Jackson said he did not want to go on, while Charlotte and Georgia did. We decided to call it a day and walked down to the boat launch for the ride back. The line was very long, so we let the kids wade into the lake to cool off.
The ride back across the lake was quick, and when we got to the other side, Charlotte wanted to either canoe or go swimming. More conflict as Jackson just wanted to go back to the RV.
I told Charlotte and Georgia that I would bring them back to the park while Mom stayed with Jackson.
After dropping off Jackson, Charlotte wants to go back to the same spot to swim, but I convince her that we should go to Colter Bay. I know from our last trip here that they have a beach. Not quite the rocks that Charlotte wants, but I know there will not be any problems with swimming there.
When we arrive at Colter Bay, I stop at the marina to see about renting a canoe. It is about 5:00 and they stopped renting at 3:00. We drive around the campground looking for the beach. This brings back memories. I point out the cabins that Wendy and I stayed in on our last trip and the campsites we tented on.
We find the beach, and Georgia and Charlotte change and hop into the lake. I read on shore while they played. This is the best the two of them have been over the entire trip. They played and sang in the back seat all the way over, and have a blast together in the water.
We head back to the RV and get back around 7:30. A quick dinner, and then we pack up for the drive and I do as much shut down as I can. We will only have to pull the power and water in the morning when we take off around 5:00 AM.
The ongoing saga of Grand Teton RV Park.
Woke up this morning and Wendy, Jackson and the girls headed off to the shower. While I was reading, Jackson came back and said that he couldn’t use the shower because they were disgusting. I walked back with him, and couldn’t even walk in. He was right.
Some of the toilets had plugged and overflowed spilling their contents onto the floor. The floor was covered everywhere. I went into the office and asked if someone could clean it up. Went back to the RV, and waited a while. Jackson went back, and came back again. When we went over, the floor had been cleaned, but we had not noticed that the shower stalls were all covered with s*#$.
The place still smelled terrible. Guess we will not be showering or using the restroom at this place.
We went back, grabbed some breakfast and headed over to Jenny Lake for a hike. The drive into the area was beautiful as we got closer and closer to the mountains. I read to the kids about the history of the area and about doing a summit to Grand Teton. Sounds like a great adventure for another visit. We had a quick lunch by the visitor center. Wendy had packed some sandwiches.
We started the hike around the lake with the goal of making it around the lake, up to Hidden Falls and then on to Inspiration Point. We will be able to take the boat back from the other side of the lake. The hike around the lake is 2.3 miles. The hike up to Hidden Falls is ½ mile and the trail up to Inspiration Point is another ½ mile. This would be a 4.3 mile total.
As we start the hike around the lake, we run into some hikers who tell us to be sure to stop at the overlook to Moose Lake. There is a bear and a moose feeding at the lake. When we get there, there are a few people looking out over the lake. I pull out the binoculars and we start looking around to find the bear.
I spot the bear in a bush, and the moose is across the lake behind a tree. We stay there for a while, and the bear came out into full view. It is a very light golden brown and very large. The people we crossed on the trail said it was a grizzly, but a ranger who came up later said it was a black bear. The black bears in this park are various colors from black to brown to golden brown. Same with the grizzly. The way you can tell is from the snout and ears.
The moose also came out into the clear and we watched both for a while before moving on.
As we moved further around the lake, Jackson started complaining about being tired and Charlotte decided she wanted to jump into the lake to cool off. We had to continue to push all three to make it to the first stop near the boat launch. When we got to this trailhead, we encountered a beautiful falls and stopped for some pictures. Jackson said he did not want to go on, while Charlotte and Georgia did. We decided to call it a day and walked down to the boat launch for the ride back. The line was very long, so we let the kids wade into the lake to cool off.
The ride back across the lake was quick, and when we got to the other side, Charlotte wanted to either canoe or go swimming. More conflict as Jackson just wanted to go back to the RV.
I told Charlotte and Georgia that I would bring them back to the park while Mom stayed with Jackson.
After dropping off Jackson, Charlotte wants to go back to the same spot to swim, but I convince her that we should go to Colter Bay. I know from our last trip here that they have a beach. Not quite the rocks that Charlotte wants, but I know there will not be any problems with swimming there.
When we arrive at Colter Bay, I stop at the marina to see about renting a canoe. It is about 5:00 and they stopped renting at 3:00. We drive around the campground looking for the beach. This brings back memories. I point out the cabins that Wendy and I stayed in on our last trip and the campsites we tented on.
We find the beach, and Georgia and Charlotte change and hop into the lake. I read on shore while they played. This is the best the two of them have been over the entire trip. They played and sang in the back seat all the way over, and have a blast together in the water.
We head back to the RV and get back around 7:30. A quick dinner, and then we pack up for the drive and I do as much shut down as I can. We will only have to pull the power and water in the morning when we take off around 5:00 AM.
Friday, July 11, 2008
What’s that buzz, tell me what’s happening
Monday – 7/7
After a quick breakfast, we checked out of the Homewood Suites. This was a nice stay and a nice break from the RV, but not sure if all the unpacking and moving was worth it. We are really enjoying our time in the RV. Wendy, the kids and I have gotten into a routine and have found it pretty easy to deal with.
Only downside is that we are all in close quarters and the kids can get on each other (and us) from time to time. The hotel did not change that.
A quick stop downtown for a photo op at the town square. We did not have our camera the last time we were here. I then left Wendy so that she could do some shopping and took the kids back to the alpine slide. We have 1 ride each left, but I am going to sit this one out. Still very sore from the past ride down.
They finished up the rides and we headed downtown to meet up with Wendy. She wanted to show us a shop she had found. Interesting place, they had mounted catch of all sizes and types. A moose head would run you about $10,000. I pointed out the Jack-a-lopes to the kids and asked if they had ever seen one of those in the zoo. Only species that is always in season. You can buy a Jack-a-lope hunting license in most of the gift shops here.
They had bear rugs, mountain lion rugs, stuffed big horn sheep and many stuffed bears. Also had a very large collection of antique guns from the 1800’s.
On to look for t-shirts and then it was time for lunch. Wendy took the kids to Billy’s Burgers while I went over to the Cowboy Bar. Even though they serve lunch, no one under 21 is allowed in to the Cowboy Bar.
I saddled up to the bar and ordered a beer. No really, I saddled up. They have saddles lined up along the bar. Not the most comfortable way to sit at a bar. The stirrups are set up a little long for me and I spend most of the time re-adjusting myself in the saddle. I ordered an elk burger with cheese which was a bit dry but tasty. I was just finishing the last sip of my beer when Charlotte called to say they were done. Great timing.
The kids wanted to go to the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum. I had been through the one at Niagara Falls and opted to sit on the bison couch in the front lobby. I made a few phone calls to catch up, but had to keep moving out of my comfortable spot as people would want to use the couch as a photo spot.
Once done here, we hopped back in the car and headed to the grocery store to stock back up on milk, bread, etc. Then loaded everything back in the RV and headed to Moran Junction just east of the Tetons.
This was about a 45 minute ride. We will be staying at the Grand Teton RV Park. One of our few diversions from KOAs.
As we pull in, I immediately know I am in trouble with the wife and kids. This place looks like someone just came in with a dump truck full of gravel and dumped it in a swamp.
When we go to check in, the guy working there is having all kinds of problems with the computer. Seems they have lost my reservation (not a problem as there are tons of open spots). He fidgets with it for about 15 minutes while the phone is ringing and he is putting people on hold. We are interrupted 4 or 5 times by the girls running the register on the store side. Seems they do not speak English and do not know the prices of any of the items in the store (none are marked). 2 or 3 other campers come in to complain about the pool not being heated, not being in the site they wanted, etc. He finally gives up and just hands me a site number and asks me to come back later to settle up. I told him I want the same 10% discount on top of my AAA discount like the guy who was complaining about the pool not working.
We pull around the lot to our site, only to find out there are no hook-ups. We sit in the RV and watch the mosquitoes dive bomb the windshield. I have never seen so many mosquitoes. I feel we are in some Hitchcock movie as these things are about as big as birds. As soon as I walk out to look around, there are literally hundreds swarming around me.
We sit in the RV for 5 minutes discussing our options. We had wanted to be located near the north end of the Tetons, and this was the only option for a campsite since all of the National Park sites with hookups booked up months before we even started planning our dates. The KOA just south of Jackson would have been a nice option, but would have also required a long drive to do some of the hikes we want to do. We sit and laugh about how bad this place really is, and then decide to make the best of it and stay.
I drive back to the office and ask him for the site across the road. Should not be a problem, almost the entire row is empty. I put on long pants, a hooded sweatshirt tied close around my face and sprint out of the RV. I pull out the hookups as fast as I can. You can hear the mosquitoes buzzing all around. It sounds like I am in the middle of a bee hive.
Once hooked up, Wendy cooks some dinner and we settle in for the night.
After a quick breakfast, we checked out of the Homewood Suites. This was a nice stay and a nice break from the RV, but not sure if all the unpacking and moving was worth it. We are really enjoying our time in the RV. Wendy, the kids and I have gotten into a routine and have found it pretty easy to deal with.
Only downside is that we are all in close quarters and the kids can get on each other (and us) from time to time. The hotel did not change that.
A quick stop downtown for a photo op at the town square. We did not have our camera the last time we were here. I then left Wendy so that she could do some shopping and took the kids back to the alpine slide. We have 1 ride each left, but I am going to sit this one out. Still very sore from the past ride down.
They finished up the rides and we headed downtown to meet up with Wendy. She wanted to show us a shop she had found. Interesting place, they had mounted catch of all sizes and types. A moose head would run you about $10,000. I pointed out the Jack-a-lopes to the kids and asked if they had ever seen one of those in the zoo. Only species that is always in season. You can buy a Jack-a-lope hunting license in most of the gift shops here.
They had bear rugs, mountain lion rugs, stuffed big horn sheep and many stuffed bears. Also had a very large collection of antique guns from the 1800’s.
On to look for t-shirts and then it was time for lunch. Wendy took the kids to Billy’s Burgers while I went over to the Cowboy Bar. Even though they serve lunch, no one under 21 is allowed in to the Cowboy Bar.
I saddled up to the bar and ordered a beer. No really, I saddled up. They have saddles lined up along the bar. Not the most comfortable way to sit at a bar. The stirrups are set up a little long for me and I spend most of the time re-adjusting myself in the saddle. I ordered an elk burger with cheese which was a bit dry but tasty. I was just finishing the last sip of my beer when Charlotte called to say they were done. Great timing.
The kids wanted to go to the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum. I had been through the one at Niagara Falls and opted to sit on the bison couch in the front lobby. I made a few phone calls to catch up, but had to keep moving out of my comfortable spot as people would want to use the couch as a photo spot.
Once done here, we hopped back in the car and headed to the grocery store to stock back up on milk, bread, etc. Then loaded everything back in the RV and headed to Moran Junction just east of the Tetons.
This was about a 45 minute ride. We will be staying at the Grand Teton RV Park. One of our few diversions from KOAs.
As we pull in, I immediately know I am in trouble with the wife and kids. This place looks like someone just came in with a dump truck full of gravel and dumped it in a swamp.
When we go to check in, the guy working there is having all kinds of problems with the computer. Seems they have lost my reservation (not a problem as there are tons of open spots). He fidgets with it for about 15 minutes while the phone is ringing and he is putting people on hold. We are interrupted 4 or 5 times by the girls running the register on the store side. Seems they do not speak English and do not know the prices of any of the items in the store (none are marked). 2 or 3 other campers come in to complain about the pool not being heated, not being in the site they wanted, etc. He finally gives up and just hands me a site number and asks me to come back later to settle up. I told him I want the same 10% discount on top of my AAA discount like the guy who was complaining about the pool not working.
We pull around the lot to our site, only to find out there are no hook-ups. We sit in the RV and watch the mosquitoes dive bomb the windshield. I have never seen so many mosquitoes. I feel we are in some Hitchcock movie as these things are about as big as birds. As soon as I walk out to look around, there are literally hundreds swarming around me.
We sit in the RV for 5 minutes discussing our options. We had wanted to be located near the north end of the Tetons, and this was the only option for a campsite since all of the National Park sites with hookups booked up months before we even started planning our dates. The KOA just south of Jackson would have been a nice option, but would have also required a long drive to do some of the hikes we want to do. We sit and laugh about how bad this place really is, and then decide to make the best of it and stay.
I drive back to the office and ask him for the site across the road. Should not be a problem, almost the entire row is empty. I put on long pants, a hooded sweatshirt tied close around my face and sprint out of the RV. I pull out the hookups as fast as I can. You can hear the mosquitoes buzzing all around. It sounds like I am in the middle of a bee hive.
Once hooked up, Wendy cooks some dinner and we settle in for the night.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Gone Fishin’
Sunday – 7/6
Jackson and I got up early (7:00) to give fly fishing a try.
We grabbed a quick breakfast at the hotel and drove out to Flat Creek. The area we are fishing is only accessible to guided tours. All of the waters have been running very high, so our hopes were not up for catching much, but we will learn how to fish from one of the best.
The outfitter we picked was Jack Dennis. In the brochure, they state that they are the outfitter to four of the past 6 presidents and many celebrities. When we met Jason Burris, our guide to pick out our flies and get suited up, you could see the excitement in his eyes. He called himself a “real fish head – with an F not a Ph”. One of the other guys in the shop mentioned that he lives to teach fly fishing.
I had packed Jackson’s Gameboy and a chair in case he got bored (based on Wendy’s recommendation). I’m hoping that 4 hours of casting will not lose his interest.
The spot we pulled into was about a half mile down a dirt road. There was a willow tree and a picnic table next to the stream at this point, and Jason was there setting up the poles.
He taught us how to set up the poles and talked about the different weight poles, fly line, the butt line (for running out fish), the leader and the tippet. He then showed me quickly how to tie an improved cinch and a perfection loop. We would spend more time on knots at the end. We also reviewed the flies we had picked and he pointed out some of the flies that were in the area and had just hatched.
We then tied on a bit of pinkie (a piece of pink yarn used for practice) and headed over to a clear area to learn to cast. He set up my two wader boots and a log, each about 20 feet apart for us to try to hit. Jackson was a natural and was putting the fly at the boot right from the start. I felt good too, but Jason had to keep putting his hand back to keep from doing a full cast. It is very different from spin casting as you can let the rod to the work, never having to pull the rod up past 12 o’clock.
Once he felt we were comfortable, and were able to move the fly from boot to boot to log, he had us move back until we were casting 30-40 feet.
Next, on to the stream. We started by looking at what was hatching in the area. Amazing the different number of insects that are in the water. We will start out dry fly fishing and move on to nymph fishing later. Jason also talked about how the stream flows and where to look for seams in the flow, cuts between deep water and shallow and how to work them with the fly.
We talked about starting downstream and working up so that you don’t disturb the fish. Jackson had all the answers when he would ask the questions about why and was very excited that he understood what was going on.
He told us to fish fast, moving from spot to spot if you do not see any activity or get any “takes”. We worked this side for a while and did see a few fish who were feeding, but no bites for us.
They did not have a set of waders small enough for Jackson. Wendy felt that this was a big part of the experience, but Jason said that the best way to fish is from the shore if possible. Again, it does not spook the fish. We found a shallow spot and crossed over to the other side. As we were walking along a trail, I spotted a large pile of scat with some bones intermixed. In with the bones was a very large incisor tooth. Jason told us it was a mountain lion tooth, great find.
We found a new spot and started casting. I got a hit but did not set the line quick enough. I kept working the spot, but no luck. Jackson was getting a lot of hits also, but was not getting the line set.
On to a new spot, and I catch my first trout. It is a Cutthroat, native to these waters. It is only about 5 inches, but Jason says that if I tell people back home at the fly fishing stores that I landed a Cutthroat on the Flat, they will be very impressed. This is a very difficult natural stream to fish and the Cutthroat is a very tough fish to catch. I’m not sure how much of this is to boost my ego.
At the next spot, I land another Cutthroat that is about 7-8 inches. We got a picture of this one. I forgot in the excitement of the first catch to take a picture.
Jason asks if I want to try some nymph fishing using an indicator. We tie on a new nymph fly and some weights and an indicator.
More working the stream and all of a sudden my rod bends full over. I had a lot of line out and had to work that back onto the reel while letting him run. This is also a lot more difficult than spin casting. Once the line was back in, I reset the drag and worked him for a while. Every time I thought he was coming in, he would turn and run. After about 5 minutes, we got him in close enough that Jason could get the net under him. He got really excited and started saying that he could not believe it. This was a trophy fish.
He pulled out a measuring tape and measured him at 15 inches. This is the biggest he has seen.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_River_fine-spotted_cutthroat_trout
The picture I got does not seem to show the true size. I did not get a picture when we had his tape out, but Jackson and I both saw it. I had goose bumps after this catch. What fun.
Jackson is still getting hits, but not setting his line so Jason works with him for a bit, but we are running out of time. We decide to wade back over to the other side and work our way back to our starting spot.
On the way back I hook a whitefish, kind of a sucker variety. This will be our last catch of the day.
I talked to Jason about the history of Jack Dennis and some of the celebrities that have been there this season. He said Dick Cheney was there this spring. Harrison Ford has a ranch nearby and uses them regularly. Richard Prior was also there this spring.
All in all, a great experience and many kudos to our guide, Jason.
When we get back to the hotel, we decide to go to try out the alpine slides again.
When we get there, there is no line, so we purchase our tickets and head up the mountain on the 2 man lifts. Once at the top, you grab a sled, put it on the chute and wait your turn. I asked the person who was working the line how fast is safe. She said that you can go full out, if you lean into the turns. On this first run, I find myself pulling up as I head into the turns, but still get a LOT of speed.
For the second run, I decide I am going to go all out. The kid at the top working this time says he pushes the lever all the way down. Just make sure you are leaning into the turn or you can roll when coming out as your center of gravity is too high. I start screaming through the turns, but then something goes really wrong at the 5th or 6th turn. I was leaning into the turn, but must have leaned too soon or too far and the sled rocked up and over on top of me as I went under.
Imagine being on a water slide with no water heading full speed. T-shirt, and shorts and no helmet. When I came to a stop, it took me few seconds to figure out where I was. I had skidded about 50 yards down the chute on my elbow and knee. My ribs hurt and I could not move my ankle. OUCH.
I got the sled back under me and slowly went down the rest of the ride holding my ribs. Wendy and the kids were not sure if they should feel bad for me or laugh at my plight. Guess I should start acting my age.
As we were walking to the shop to see if they had any first aid there, I saw another guy about my age with the exact same scrapes. Turns out he took the same kid’s advice at the top. After cleaning up the scrapes as best I could, we headed to the car and decided to come back later to finish our rides.
Four days later, and my ribs are still sore. I still can’t roll over in bed and it hurts when I raise my arm over my head or try to lift something. The ankle is feeling better, but the scrapes are looking pretty nasty.
We headed back to the hotel, and I grabbed a beer and sat by the pool as the kids swam. I am going to need a lot of Advil tonight. We ordered from Mountain High Pizza Pie for a last time and hit the sack.
Jackson and I got up early (7:00) to give fly fishing a try.
We grabbed a quick breakfast at the hotel and drove out to Flat Creek. The area we are fishing is only accessible to guided tours. All of the waters have been running very high, so our hopes were not up for catching much, but we will learn how to fish from one of the best.
The outfitter we picked was Jack Dennis. In the brochure, they state that they are the outfitter to four of the past 6 presidents and many celebrities. When we met Jason Burris, our guide to pick out our flies and get suited up, you could see the excitement in his eyes. He called himself a “real fish head – with an F not a Ph”. One of the other guys in the shop mentioned that he lives to teach fly fishing.
I had packed Jackson’s Gameboy and a chair in case he got bored (based on Wendy’s recommendation). I’m hoping that 4 hours of casting will not lose his interest.
The spot we pulled into was about a half mile down a dirt road. There was a willow tree and a picnic table next to the stream at this point, and Jason was there setting up the poles.
He taught us how to set up the poles and talked about the different weight poles, fly line, the butt line (for running out fish), the leader and the tippet. He then showed me quickly how to tie an improved cinch and a perfection loop. We would spend more time on knots at the end. We also reviewed the flies we had picked and he pointed out some of the flies that were in the area and had just hatched.
We then tied on a bit of pinkie (a piece of pink yarn used for practice) and headed over to a clear area to learn to cast. He set up my two wader boots and a log, each about 20 feet apart for us to try to hit. Jackson was a natural and was putting the fly at the boot right from the start. I felt good too, but Jason had to keep putting his hand back to keep from doing a full cast. It is very different from spin casting as you can let the rod to the work, never having to pull the rod up past 12 o’clock.
Once he felt we were comfortable, and were able to move the fly from boot to boot to log, he had us move back until we were casting 30-40 feet.
Next, on to the stream. We started by looking at what was hatching in the area. Amazing the different number of insects that are in the water. We will start out dry fly fishing and move on to nymph fishing later. Jason also talked about how the stream flows and where to look for seams in the flow, cuts between deep water and shallow and how to work them with the fly.
We talked about starting downstream and working up so that you don’t disturb the fish. Jackson had all the answers when he would ask the questions about why and was very excited that he understood what was going on.
He told us to fish fast, moving from spot to spot if you do not see any activity or get any “takes”. We worked this side for a while and did see a few fish who were feeding, but no bites for us.
They did not have a set of waders small enough for Jackson. Wendy felt that this was a big part of the experience, but Jason said that the best way to fish is from the shore if possible. Again, it does not spook the fish. We found a shallow spot and crossed over to the other side. As we were walking along a trail, I spotted a large pile of scat with some bones intermixed. In with the bones was a very large incisor tooth. Jason told us it was a mountain lion tooth, great find.
We found a new spot and started casting. I got a hit but did not set the line quick enough. I kept working the spot, but no luck. Jackson was getting a lot of hits also, but was not getting the line set.
On to a new spot, and I catch my first trout. It is a Cutthroat, native to these waters. It is only about 5 inches, but Jason says that if I tell people back home at the fly fishing stores that I landed a Cutthroat on the Flat, they will be very impressed. This is a very difficult natural stream to fish and the Cutthroat is a very tough fish to catch. I’m not sure how much of this is to boost my ego.
At the next spot, I land another Cutthroat that is about 7-8 inches. We got a picture of this one. I forgot in the excitement of the first catch to take a picture.
Jason asks if I want to try some nymph fishing using an indicator. We tie on a new nymph fly and some weights and an indicator.
More working the stream and all of a sudden my rod bends full over. I had a lot of line out and had to work that back onto the reel while letting him run. This is also a lot more difficult than spin casting. Once the line was back in, I reset the drag and worked him for a while. Every time I thought he was coming in, he would turn and run. After about 5 minutes, we got him in close enough that Jason could get the net under him. He got really excited and started saying that he could not believe it. This was a trophy fish.
He pulled out a measuring tape and measured him at 15 inches. This is the biggest he has seen.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_River_fine-spotted_cutthroat_trout
The picture I got does not seem to show the true size. I did not get a picture when we had his tape out, but Jackson and I both saw it. I had goose bumps after this catch. What fun.
Jackson is still getting hits, but not setting his line so Jason works with him for a bit, but we are running out of time. We decide to wade back over to the other side and work our way back to our starting spot.
On the way back I hook a whitefish, kind of a sucker variety. This will be our last catch of the day.
I talked to Jason about the history of Jack Dennis and some of the celebrities that have been there this season. He said Dick Cheney was there this spring. Harrison Ford has a ranch nearby and uses them regularly. Richard Prior was also there this spring.
All in all, a great experience and many kudos to our guide, Jason.
When we get back to the hotel, we decide to go to try out the alpine slides again.
When we get there, there is no line, so we purchase our tickets and head up the mountain on the 2 man lifts. Once at the top, you grab a sled, put it on the chute and wait your turn. I asked the person who was working the line how fast is safe. She said that you can go full out, if you lean into the turns. On this first run, I find myself pulling up as I head into the turns, but still get a LOT of speed.
For the second run, I decide I am going to go all out. The kid at the top working this time says he pushes the lever all the way down. Just make sure you are leaning into the turn or you can roll when coming out as your center of gravity is too high. I start screaming through the turns, but then something goes really wrong at the 5th or 6th turn. I was leaning into the turn, but must have leaned too soon or too far and the sled rocked up and over on top of me as I went under.
Imagine being on a water slide with no water heading full speed. T-shirt, and shorts and no helmet. When I came to a stop, it took me few seconds to figure out where I was. I had skidded about 50 yards down the chute on my elbow and knee. My ribs hurt and I could not move my ankle. OUCH.
I got the sled back under me and slowly went down the rest of the ride holding my ribs. Wendy and the kids were not sure if they should feel bad for me or laugh at my plight. Guess I should start acting my age.
As we were walking to the shop to see if they had any first aid there, I saw another guy about my age with the exact same scrapes. Turns out he took the same kid’s advice at the top. After cleaning up the scrapes as best I could, we headed to the car and decided to come back later to finish our rides.
Four days later, and my ribs are still sore. I still can’t roll over in bed and it hurts when I raise my arm over my head or try to lift something. The ankle is feeling better, but the scrapes are looking pretty nasty.
We headed back to the hotel, and I grabbed a beer and sat by the pool as the kids swam. I am going to need a lot of Advil tonight. We ordered from Mountain High Pizza Pie for a last time and hit the sack.
Take me to the River – Drop me in the water
Saturday - 7/5
Hey, we actually got the kids up early! Incentive was a horse back ride.
We hooked up with A-OK Corral for a 2 hour trail ride. This outfit was located 3-4 miles south of town and came highly recommended by the manager at the hotel.
I feel we have one of the best concierge services in Jackson Hole. All of the people working the desk love the area, some have kids and all are more than willing to spend some time with you talking about what to do.
We knew this would be the real deal when we drove up. One of the handlers was “heeling” his younger brother. OK, for those who don’t know what heeling is, remember, we are out west. Think rodeo. He was letting his brother run out in front of him and he was dropping a lasso under his feet and pulling him down.
They found a great horse for each. Charlotte rode Cowboy, the most ornery in the bunch. They put me on Sally, an old mare who needed to be coaxed along. This was alright with me. I was bringing up the rear, and when I would fall behind due to her lagging, I could give her a couple swift kicks and pick up the pace to catch up.
They saddled up the horses for us and we were introduced to Jedediah, our guide and he went over the rules. Jedediah was originally from Texas, rides in the rodeo for fun on the weekends and loves to guide hunting trips in the fall and winter. He also rustles cattle and sheep, but right now, this is his full time job.
He was 24 and has 8 younger brothers and sisters. He was great with the kids and really knew about the history of the area, the wildlife and just being a cowboy. He spent a lot of time talking about the cowboy life and the importance of hunting in the area. We all learned a lot.
We started out down the side of the road and then quickly headed up a canyon through forest. The pace was slow, head to tail. When we called, I told the person that answered that my daughter wanted to canter. She said that after we got out onto the trail, you would see why there was no cantering allowed.
The trail took us up about 1000 feet in elevation. Much of it very rocky, but dusty the whole way. These horses are sure footed and you did not feel at all uneasy.
Once we made it to the top of the canyon, we walked along a ridge. The views from here were spectacular. To the north, you could see Jackson Hole in one direction, the Tetons behind and the town of Jackson off in the distance.
To the south was Horse Creek and rolling hills. He pointed out a ranch at the bottom of the canyon. This was one of the original ranches in the Jackson area and is still owned by the family that settled it. Behind us he pointed out Eagle Rock. We were only a hundred feet or so from this formation. This granite formation was visible by riders who were coming out of Jackson heading west. It showed the way to Horse Creek Canyon, which was the only canyon that you could make it through by horse.
We then rode through some meadows and he pointed out some of the wild flowers and birds that are in the area. Back down the canyon and back to the ranch.
The two hour trip was just enough. Any longer and I would have started getting sore. Any shorter, and we would not have been able to experience the variety of scenery that we did.
Back to the hotel to change and grab a quick lunch, then we headed back south of town for a white water adventure.
We had called the top 2 companies in town (both of which had been recommended to us by people back home and the front desk). Neither was running white water trips for kids under 14. They both told us to call back the next day to see if the water levels were down. We then tried one that was listed in a brochure. They have 14 man rafts, so were willing to take a 9 year old on but were both booked up. They both mentioned Sands as an alternative and told us they knew they were running their 14 man boats.
When I called, they said that they would be willing to put us on an 8 man raft if they were running them, but that it would probably be a 14 man raft as the river was high. They got us on the 2:00 trip. This is an 8 mile trip that will take us through some class 2 and 3 rapids.
When we got there, they suited the kids up with wetsuits, got boots for us and loaded us onto the bus for the 30 minute drive. The driver played some good 60’s and 70’s rock-n-roll and Charlotte and I talked about the bands and the songs. When we got there, they gave us life jackets and asked for the strongest 8 to paddle. They asked me to sit at the front to be one of the lead paddlers. Charlotte was in the middle.
This water was much rougher than the last trip we took. I was getting wet every 5-10 minutes and we really had to paddle to get through some of the rapids. Nothing like the trips I took when I was in college in West Virginia, but still a lot of fun. The kids who wanted to took turns riding up front.
The last big rapids we went through got everyone very wet. When we pulled out, there was a boat that had capsized (small private raft) and they were missing one of their paddlers. We ended up seeing her down around a bend, on the shore, paddle in hand. This water could take you downstream very fast.
The ride back on the bus was about 45 minutes.
We headed back to the hotel, the kids swam and we settled in for dinner. Wendy and I ordered pizza again from the same spot, but told the kids we would be eating out the next evening.
Hey, we actually got the kids up early! Incentive was a horse back ride.
We hooked up with A-OK Corral for a 2 hour trail ride. This outfit was located 3-4 miles south of town and came highly recommended by the manager at the hotel.
I feel we have one of the best concierge services in Jackson Hole. All of the people working the desk love the area, some have kids and all are more than willing to spend some time with you talking about what to do.
We knew this would be the real deal when we drove up. One of the handlers was “heeling” his younger brother. OK, for those who don’t know what heeling is, remember, we are out west. Think rodeo. He was letting his brother run out in front of him and he was dropping a lasso under his feet and pulling him down.
They found a great horse for each. Charlotte rode Cowboy, the most ornery in the bunch. They put me on Sally, an old mare who needed to be coaxed along. This was alright with me. I was bringing up the rear, and when I would fall behind due to her lagging, I could give her a couple swift kicks and pick up the pace to catch up.
They saddled up the horses for us and we were introduced to Jedediah, our guide and he went over the rules. Jedediah was originally from Texas, rides in the rodeo for fun on the weekends and loves to guide hunting trips in the fall and winter. He also rustles cattle and sheep, but right now, this is his full time job.
He was 24 and has 8 younger brothers and sisters. He was great with the kids and really knew about the history of the area, the wildlife and just being a cowboy. He spent a lot of time talking about the cowboy life and the importance of hunting in the area. We all learned a lot.
We started out down the side of the road and then quickly headed up a canyon through forest. The pace was slow, head to tail. When we called, I told the person that answered that my daughter wanted to canter. She said that after we got out onto the trail, you would see why there was no cantering allowed.
The trail took us up about 1000 feet in elevation. Much of it very rocky, but dusty the whole way. These horses are sure footed and you did not feel at all uneasy.
Once we made it to the top of the canyon, we walked along a ridge. The views from here were spectacular. To the north, you could see Jackson Hole in one direction, the Tetons behind and the town of Jackson off in the distance.
To the south was Horse Creek and rolling hills. He pointed out a ranch at the bottom of the canyon. This was one of the original ranches in the Jackson area and is still owned by the family that settled it. Behind us he pointed out Eagle Rock. We were only a hundred feet or so from this formation. This granite formation was visible by riders who were coming out of Jackson heading west. It showed the way to Horse Creek Canyon, which was the only canyon that you could make it through by horse.
We then rode through some meadows and he pointed out some of the wild flowers and birds that are in the area. Back down the canyon and back to the ranch.
The two hour trip was just enough. Any longer and I would have started getting sore. Any shorter, and we would not have been able to experience the variety of scenery that we did.
Back to the hotel to change and grab a quick lunch, then we headed back south of town for a white water adventure.
We had called the top 2 companies in town (both of which had been recommended to us by people back home and the front desk). Neither was running white water trips for kids under 14. They both told us to call back the next day to see if the water levels were down. We then tried one that was listed in a brochure. They have 14 man rafts, so were willing to take a 9 year old on but were both booked up. They both mentioned Sands as an alternative and told us they knew they were running their 14 man boats.
When I called, they said that they would be willing to put us on an 8 man raft if they were running them, but that it would probably be a 14 man raft as the river was high. They got us on the 2:00 trip. This is an 8 mile trip that will take us through some class 2 and 3 rapids.
When we got there, they suited the kids up with wetsuits, got boots for us and loaded us onto the bus for the 30 minute drive. The driver played some good 60’s and 70’s rock-n-roll and Charlotte and I talked about the bands and the songs. When we got there, they gave us life jackets and asked for the strongest 8 to paddle. They asked me to sit at the front to be one of the lead paddlers. Charlotte was in the middle.
This water was much rougher than the last trip we took. I was getting wet every 5-10 minutes and we really had to paddle to get through some of the rapids. Nothing like the trips I took when I was in college in West Virginia, but still a lot of fun. The kids who wanted to took turns riding up front.
The last big rapids we went through got everyone very wet. When we pulled out, there was a boat that had capsized (small private raft) and they were missing one of their paddlers. We ended up seeing her down around a bend, on the shore, paddle in hand. This water could take you downstream very fast.
The ride back on the bus was about 45 minutes.
We headed back to the hotel, the kids swam and we settled in for dinner. Wendy and I ordered pizza again from the same spot, but told the kids we would be eating out the next evening.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Ain’t no Mountain High Enough
Friday – 7/4
Got up around 9 and headed down for the famous Homewood Suites breakfast. They had a waffle machine that the kids can use to make their own waffles. These will be a hit for sure.
We then headed walked the 3 blocks down to downtown Jackson to look around a bit. The town has really expanded since we were here in 1992. There are many more t-shirt shops and art galleries.
Wendy and I could have easily spent hours just browsing around, but the natives are restless, so it’s off for the day’s adventures.
We drove over to the alpine slide. It looks really cool. It is $12/ride or 5 rides for $50. We decide to buy three 5 ride tickets. The kids will ride 4 times each, and I will get to ride 3 times. Just as we head over to buy our tickets, they close as they are predicting rain. If the track gets wet, the brakes do not work. We decide to head off for something else and come back later.
We drove over to Teton Village to check out the gondola ride instead. The regular tram is closed as they are building a new tram to the top of the mountain, but there is a new gondola that opened a couple years ago that is now open.
Wendy and I rode the tram down 13 years ago after hiking around the back of the mountain and up to the top. This trail is currently closed as they have construction equipment at the top. Not that we would have been able to do this hike with the kids.
The views from the gondola ride up were spectacular. Once at the top there was a restaurant and gift shop. The kids wanted to hike down. It is a 5.2 mile walk if you stay on the trail, but they want to hike straight down the runs. I went into the gift shop to ask about hiking off trail. The advice was to stay on trail as you can get on a steep run or end up off trail. It is a very difficult hike, so I pick up a couple more waters and meet the kids on the hill. They have already started straight down, and when I catch up to them and tell them that we need to stay on trail, they change their minds. We decided to hike back up and take the gondola back down.
When we got back down, the kids did a bungee jump on a trampoline and then we headed back to Jackson to check out the alpine slide again. But before the slide, Wendy felt that the kids needed a quick (45 minute) stop at the dollar store so that they could stock up on a bunch of stuff we do not need.
When we got back to the slide, there was a tour bus just unloading, so it will be out for tonight.
We stopped at the Jack Dennis Outfitters downtown so that Jackson and I could pick out the gear we will need for our fly fishing outing on Sunday. They helped us pick out flies and leaders and I bought my fishing license.
We walked around downtown looking for a spot for dinner, but nothing seemed to fit everyone’s taste, so we swung by a grocery store and picked up some food for the kids and a couple pizzas for us.
We headed back to the hotel and unloaded the food while the kids ran down to the pool for a quick dip. We found out that we did not have an oven, so I placed an order for pizza from a place up the street. They delivered, we ate and then the kids and I headed to a park across the street to view the fireworks.
The show started at 10 and was really nice. They shot them off on Snow King Mountain. About the same size as our show in Wilmette, but as Jackson noticed, they really spread them out. The show lasted 45 minutes and then we headed back for bed.
Got up around 9 and headed down for the famous Homewood Suites breakfast. They had a waffle machine that the kids can use to make their own waffles. These will be a hit for sure.
We then headed walked the 3 blocks down to downtown Jackson to look around a bit. The town has really expanded since we were here in 1992. There are many more t-shirt shops and art galleries.
Wendy and I could have easily spent hours just browsing around, but the natives are restless, so it’s off for the day’s adventures.
We drove over to the alpine slide. It looks really cool. It is $12/ride or 5 rides for $50. We decide to buy three 5 ride tickets. The kids will ride 4 times each, and I will get to ride 3 times. Just as we head over to buy our tickets, they close as they are predicting rain. If the track gets wet, the brakes do not work. We decide to head off for something else and come back later.
We drove over to Teton Village to check out the gondola ride instead. The regular tram is closed as they are building a new tram to the top of the mountain, but there is a new gondola that opened a couple years ago that is now open.
Wendy and I rode the tram down 13 years ago after hiking around the back of the mountain and up to the top. This trail is currently closed as they have construction equipment at the top. Not that we would have been able to do this hike with the kids.
The views from the gondola ride up were spectacular. Once at the top there was a restaurant and gift shop. The kids wanted to hike down. It is a 5.2 mile walk if you stay on the trail, but they want to hike straight down the runs. I went into the gift shop to ask about hiking off trail. The advice was to stay on trail as you can get on a steep run or end up off trail. It is a very difficult hike, so I pick up a couple more waters and meet the kids on the hill. They have already started straight down, and when I catch up to them and tell them that we need to stay on trail, they change their minds. We decided to hike back up and take the gondola back down.
When we got back down, the kids did a bungee jump on a trampoline and then we headed back to Jackson to check out the alpine slide again. But before the slide, Wendy felt that the kids needed a quick (45 minute) stop at the dollar store so that they could stock up on a bunch of stuff we do not need.
When we got back to the slide, there was a tour bus just unloading, so it will be out for tonight.
We stopped at the Jack Dennis Outfitters downtown so that Jackson and I could pick out the gear we will need for our fly fishing outing on Sunday. They helped us pick out flies and leaders and I bought my fishing license.
We walked around downtown looking for a spot for dinner, but nothing seemed to fit everyone’s taste, so we swung by a grocery store and picked up some food for the kids and a couple pizzas for us.
We headed back to the hotel and unloaded the food while the kids ran down to the pool for a quick dip. We found out that we did not have an oven, so I placed an order for pizza from a place up the street. They delivered, we ate and then the kids and I headed to a park across the street to view the fireworks.
The show started at 10 and was really nice. They shot them off on Snow King Mountain. About the same size as our show in Wilmette, but as Jackson noticed, they really spread them out. The show lasted 45 minutes and then we headed back for bed.
Back to Civilization
Thursday – 7/3
Today we packed up camp and headed down to Jackson, WY. Still not getting up and out early, we left around 10 AM.
The drive to Jackson took a little longer than I had thought. It was listed at 87 miles, but getting through Yellowstone took a couple hours. Once south of Yellowstone the pace picked up a bit.
We saw Jackson Lake and the Tetons as we made the trip into Jackson.
We stopped at the airport and picked up a car on a weekly rental. I had originally looked up a rate of $54/day for a small SUV (the full size cars were north of $65). When I tried to book this rate from Cody, the rate was over $150 for the SUV and over $175 for the full size. That was the daily rate.
Charlotte, Jackson and Georgia had been singing the Hotwire.com song, so I gave it a shot. They quoted $56/day for a full size SUV (the cars are still more expensive) so I jumped on it.
The car we picked up was a Suzuki Grand Vitara with 400 miles on it. A nice step up from the past 2 Ford Tauruses that each had over 150,000 miles on them.
As we drove into town, we stopped at the info center to unload the RV and put the suitcases into the car. Not sure where we are going to be able to park, so we need to pull everything out that will be needed for the next 4 days.
Reminds me of the George Carlin skit about packing your “stuff” to go on a trip, then packing a condensed version of your “stuff” for the weekend away on your vacation.
After an hour of trying to figure out what was needed, Wendy asked why we decided to do this. The kids would have been perfectly happy staying in the RV.
The Homewood Suites by Hilton was very nice. We spent some time talking to the manager getting recommendations for a fly fishing outfitter, horse back rides, hikes and rafting. The room was big and had double beds in one room and a pull out couch in the living area. We unpacked, and out for dinner. The manager had recommended a place called Sidewinders for dinner. None of the kids were keen on heading out for dinner and it was like pulling teeth to get them going.
When we got in we sent them into the game room and Wendy and I ordered dinner and watched the end of the Cubs game. Food was fine. I had a great India Pale Ale from a local brewery. The kids went back into the game room after dinner, and I had to remind them how much they did not want to come here.
Back to the hotel, and I spent a few hours working before turning out the lights. Nice to have a good internet connection!
Today we packed up camp and headed down to Jackson, WY. Still not getting up and out early, we left around 10 AM.
The drive to Jackson took a little longer than I had thought. It was listed at 87 miles, but getting through Yellowstone took a couple hours. Once south of Yellowstone the pace picked up a bit.
We saw Jackson Lake and the Tetons as we made the trip into Jackson.
We stopped at the airport and picked up a car on a weekly rental. I had originally looked up a rate of $54/day for a small SUV (the full size cars were north of $65). When I tried to book this rate from Cody, the rate was over $150 for the SUV and over $175 for the full size. That was the daily rate.
Charlotte, Jackson and Georgia had been singing the Hotwire.com song, so I gave it a shot. They quoted $56/day for a full size SUV (the cars are still more expensive) so I jumped on it.
The car we picked up was a Suzuki Grand Vitara with 400 miles on it. A nice step up from the past 2 Ford Tauruses that each had over 150,000 miles on them.
As we drove into town, we stopped at the info center to unload the RV and put the suitcases into the car. Not sure where we are going to be able to park, so we need to pull everything out that will be needed for the next 4 days.
Reminds me of the George Carlin skit about packing your “stuff” to go on a trip, then packing a condensed version of your “stuff” for the weekend away on your vacation.
After an hour of trying to figure out what was needed, Wendy asked why we decided to do this. The kids would have been perfectly happy staying in the RV.
The Homewood Suites by Hilton was very nice. We spent some time talking to the manager getting recommendations for a fly fishing outfitter, horse back rides, hikes and rafting. The room was big and had double beds in one room and a pull out couch in the living area. We unpacked, and out for dinner. The manager had recommended a place called Sidewinders for dinner. None of the kids were keen on heading out for dinner and it was like pulling teeth to get them going.
When we got in we sent them into the game room and Wendy and I ordered dinner and watched the end of the Cubs game. Food was fine. I had a great India Pale Ale from a local brewery. The kids went back into the game room after dinner, and I had to remind them how much they did not want to come here.
Back to the hotel, and I spent a few hours working before turning out the lights. Nice to have a good internet connection!
Thar she blows
Wednesday – 7/2
I am finishing this on 7/8, and I have really fallen behind on the blog. The past few days have been very busy and at night I was doing work. I had good internet access, but no time to catch up on the blog. I have given up trying to post pictures with the blog as it is near impossible without a fast internet connection.
Back to 7/2…
Today we are heading to Old Faithful to view geysers and do a hike. As usual, we are not on the road until very late in the morning, much closer to lunch time.
On the way down, I pointed out the Bald Eagle’s nest that we spotted the day before. Really not that hard to find as they have “Do not stop or slow down for next quarter mile” signs along the side of the road. The nest is just a hundred or so feet off the side, and they do not want crowds of people stopped as it will bother the birds. It was a very slow drive, as there were people stopping in the road for every spotting of wildlife. This not only slowed traffic, but caused it to come to a complete stop in places. We pulled off and made a stop along the Firehole River to view some elk. This was a fairly large herd, but not an uncommon sight.
Finally got to the Old Faithful area after over an hour (to drive the less than 30 miles) and started looking for parking. It is a zoo here. I felt like I was at Old Orchard Mall at Christmas time. Finally found a spot and pushed the kids to walk the couple hundred yards fast to the visitors center. Our luck would be that we would walk up right as it was spouting.
We must have just missed it as it was another hour and 10 minutes before the next eruption. It blows every hour and 20 minutes or so. It is not the largest geyser in the park, and not the most “faithful” as the times vary by 10 minutes plus or minus each time.
We decided to catch lunch in the cafeteria since we had time. A couple people had told us that the food was expensive and below par. They were correct on both accounts. We waited 20 minutes, paid over $50 and the kids wouldn’t eat it. Lesson learned, take the 10 minutes to pack peanut butter and jelly.
We lined up with the crowd about 15 minutes before the scheduled time for Old Faithful. As it erupted, we realized we were on the downwind side and could only see steam. Most of the view was blocked by the steam. Charlotte said “Is that it?”. Jackson’s comment was “Well that was a dud”.
We decided to do a 3 mile hike around the geysers and some of the basins. This hike was all on boardwalk and returned us to the Old Faithful Inn. The kids did well on the first part of the hike, but lost interest and melted when we were walking back on the paved path. It did not take much to get them back into spirit when we walked into the Old Faithful Inn. What a sight when you walk in. You really must see it to believe it. We grabbed ice creams and went out on the second floor patio that overlooks Old Faithful and waited 20 minutes for the next eruption. This time you could see the full geyser unobstructed. We all felt that it was worth the extra wait to see it from this vantage point.
We drove back to the campsite, and spent some time cleaning up and tearing down. Wendy did 4 loads of laundry while the kids played inside the RV. We had our usual trip to the ice cream shack just before bed, then called it a night vowing to head out early to drive to Jackson, WY for our check-in to the Homewood Suites.
I am finishing this on 7/8, and I have really fallen behind on the blog. The past few days have been very busy and at night I was doing work. I had good internet access, but no time to catch up on the blog. I have given up trying to post pictures with the blog as it is near impossible without a fast internet connection.
Back to 7/2…
Today we are heading to Old Faithful to view geysers and do a hike. As usual, we are not on the road until very late in the morning, much closer to lunch time.
On the way down, I pointed out the Bald Eagle’s nest that we spotted the day before. Really not that hard to find as they have “Do not stop or slow down for next quarter mile” signs along the side of the road. The nest is just a hundred or so feet off the side, and they do not want crowds of people stopped as it will bother the birds. It was a very slow drive, as there were people stopping in the road for every spotting of wildlife. This not only slowed traffic, but caused it to come to a complete stop in places. We pulled off and made a stop along the Firehole River to view some elk. This was a fairly large herd, but not an uncommon sight.
Finally got to the Old Faithful area after over an hour (to drive the less than 30 miles) and started looking for parking. It is a zoo here. I felt like I was at Old Orchard Mall at Christmas time. Finally found a spot and pushed the kids to walk the couple hundred yards fast to the visitors center. Our luck would be that we would walk up right as it was spouting.
We must have just missed it as it was another hour and 10 minutes before the next eruption. It blows every hour and 20 minutes or so. It is not the largest geyser in the park, and not the most “faithful” as the times vary by 10 minutes plus or minus each time.
We decided to catch lunch in the cafeteria since we had time. A couple people had told us that the food was expensive and below par. They were correct on both accounts. We waited 20 minutes, paid over $50 and the kids wouldn’t eat it. Lesson learned, take the 10 minutes to pack peanut butter and jelly.
We lined up with the crowd about 15 minutes before the scheduled time for Old Faithful. As it erupted, we realized we were on the downwind side and could only see steam. Most of the view was blocked by the steam. Charlotte said “Is that it?”. Jackson’s comment was “Well that was a dud”.
We decided to do a 3 mile hike around the geysers and some of the basins. This hike was all on boardwalk and returned us to the Old Faithful Inn. The kids did well on the first part of the hike, but lost interest and melted when we were walking back on the paved path. It did not take much to get them back into spirit when we walked into the Old Faithful Inn. What a sight when you walk in. You really must see it to believe it. We grabbed ice creams and went out on the second floor patio that overlooks Old Faithful and waited 20 minutes for the next eruption. This time you could see the full geyser unobstructed. We all felt that it was worth the extra wait to see it from this vantage point.
We drove back to the campsite, and spent some time cleaning up and tearing down. Wendy did 4 loads of laundry while the kids played inside the RV. We had our usual trip to the ice cream shack just before bed, then called it a night vowing to head out early to drive to Jackson, WY for our check-in to the Homewood Suites.
Friday, July 4, 2008
I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles
Tuesday – 7/1
I’m a little behind on my postings. Internet access at the last 3 KOA’s has been very spotty for me. The kids don’t seem to be having problems, and if I just limit myself to web browsing, I am OK too. But each time I try to connect to a remote desktop or sync my Outlook mail, it drops my connection. Add this to the fact that the ports for my VPN client seem to be blocked and I really have not been able to get anything done. No uploading pictures and even posting my blog drops my connection. I tried doing these same things on Charlotte’s laptop, and it dropped for me again. Seems they do not want me on the internet while at the campgrounds.
Charlotte woke up this morning with a nasty cough and bad headache. Wendy decided to stay home with her while I took the other two on a hike. They were all not happy about Mom staying home. Not sure how much of it was that Mom was left behind, or how much was that they just wanted to hang and not be on the run.
Anyway, I wanted to do some exploring and off we went. First stop was lunch in West Yellowstone. I figured it would be late afternoon if we hiked first and that would put us off on dinner time again. With the kids not getting out of bed until after 9 each morning, it has thrown off our eating schedules. So, we drove through West Yellowstone and I gave the a few options. They both said that they were not hungry and did not want to stop to eat. I told them that we were going to stop, so if they did not want to eat, which place did they "not" want to eat at.
We settled for a spot called Beartooth Barbecue. I ordered a Moose Drool Ale and we looked over the menu. Very limited kids menu: corn dog and chicken strips. Jackson still would not order, Georgia got the corn dog. They had many mounted elk skulls and we talked about how many points were on the antlers.
I ordered the Big Dog Plate (Italian sausage w/ pulled pork BBQ) with a side of tabouli salad. I had never had tabouli salad and it was a real treat. It is a Mediterranean dish made with cracked wheat and fresh tomatoes and herbs.
I also ordered the fried pickles as they were the only appetizer that looked non-spicy, thinking that Jackson might budge. He tried one, but the pickles were very spicy so those did not fly. Fortunately, Georgia’s meal came with a lot of fries, so he ate half of those.
Next stop was the fly fishing outfitter next door. Wendy and the kids have been making fun of me. Every time I see someone fly fishing (and there are hundreds everywhere along the streams we pass), I say that I can’t wait to get out there and give it a try. I wanted to get some info, and talked to the woman who worked there about the best way to get started. She explained to us how to pick a fly, how to find a good guide, etc. I now understand why there are hundreds of flies to pick from. You want to find something close to what is currently spawning in the local waters. She also explained that most of the steams are currently not fishable as the runoff is still running very high and clouding the waters.
On to the Ranger station to find a hike for the kids. We talked to the ranger and he asked Jackson what he would like to do. Jackson said that he wanted to climb to the top of a mountain. Georgia said that she would like to see wildlife. He gave us two options. Once was a hike up Purple Mountain. 2.5 miles round trip with 2000 feet elevation climb. There would be some rocks to climb at the top, and it would offer up views of the Tetons to the south and you could see the entire park from this location. I am looking forward to being able to see for miles. He also offered a very short hike to Hayden Lake where we could get up close and personal with some beavers. He told us about a spot a couple hundred yards off trail where the beavers were busy at work.
We opted for the mountain climb and figured we could do the other if we still had a little energy left.
We got started on the climb and about 45 minutes into the trek we were half way up the trail and a third of the way up the mountain. The clouds started rolling in fast and they were very dark. I kept my eye on the sky and then we heard thunder. Although we could not see where the lightning was, I knew that being on the top of a mountain was not the right place to be during a thunderstorm, so we turned and made our way quickly back to the car. We watched the storm roll around the mountain and decided that we would not be able to finish either of the two hikes.
I decided to drive back to West Yellowstone and take the kids to a bear and wolf exhibit that was there. On my way out of the park, I got a cell service for a couple minutes, and noticed that I had a voicemail. Turns out that we had a small leak in the basement. When I got back into town, I called our plumber and he said he would get there first thing in the morning. Our contractor made his way over to the house and shut off the water which stopped the leak, so we are good for now. I’m glad that we had someone working at the house, and that he called Wendy’s sister to let her know that there was a problem. That got ball rolling to get the problem fixed. Nice to know that we have people watching out for us while we are gone.
The exhibit was very neat. A lot of facts about bears in the area, their habitat and the interaction between humans and wildlife. They also have some grizzly bears and grey wolves in a couple habitats behind the exhibit. These are all animals that had been rescued when they had become problems in the area that they live. Black bears can usually be successfully relocated, but grizzlies can’t.
Back at the camp, we got dinner, went down for some ice cream and watched a movie. Another try for an early bedtime as we wanted Charlotte to get some much needed rest.
I’m a little behind on my postings. Internet access at the last 3 KOA’s has been very spotty for me. The kids don’t seem to be having problems, and if I just limit myself to web browsing, I am OK too. But each time I try to connect to a remote desktop or sync my Outlook mail, it drops my connection. Add this to the fact that the ports for my VPN client seem to be blocked and I really have not been able to get anything done. No uploading pictures and even posting my blog drops my connection. I tried doing these same things on Charlotte’s laptop, and it dropped for me again. Seems they do not want me on the internet while at the campgrounds.
Charlotte woke up this morning with a nasty cough and bad headache. Wendy decided to stay home with her while I took the other two on a hike. They were all not happy about Mom staying home. Not sure how much of it was that Mom was left behind, or how much was that they just wanted to hang and not be on the run.
Anyway, I wanted to do some exploring and off we went. First stop was lunch in West Yellowstone. I figured it would be late afternoon if we hiked first and that would put us off on dinner time again. With the kids not getting out of bed until after 9 each morning, it has thrown off our eating schedules. So, we drove through West Yellowstone and I gave the a few options. They both said that they were not hungry and did not want to stop to eat. I told them that we were going to stop, so if they did not want to eat, which place did they "not" want to eat at.
We settled for a spot called Beartooth Barbecue. I ordered a Moose Drool Ale and we looked over the menu. Very limited kids menu: corn dog and chicken strips. Jackson still would not order, Georgia got the corn dog. They had many mounted elk skulls and we talked about how many points were on the antlers.
I ordered the Big Dog Plate (Italian sausage w/ pulled pork BBQ) with a side of tabouli salad. I had never had tabouli salad and it was a real treat. It is a Mediterranean dish made with cracked wheat and fresh tomatoes and herbs.
I also ordered the fried pickles as they were the only appetizer that looked non-spicy, thinking that Jackson might budge. He tried one, but the pickles were very spicy so those did not fly. Fortunately, Georgia’s meal came with a lot of fries, so he ate half of those.
Next stop was the fly fishing outfitter next door. Wendy and the kids have been making fun of me. Every time I see someone fly fishing (and there are hundreds everywhere along the streams we pass), I say that I can’t wait to get out there and give it a try. I wanted to get some info, and talked to the woman who worked there about the best way to get started. She explained to us how to pick a fly, how to find a good guide, etc. I now understand why there are hundreds of flies to pick from. You want to find something close to what is currently spawning in the local waters. She also explained that most of the steams are currently not fishable as the runoff is still running very high and clouding the waters.
On to the Ranger station to find a hike for the kids. We talked to the ranger and he asked Jackson what he would like to do. Jackson said that he wanted to climb to the top of a mountain. Georgia said that she would like to see wildlife. He gave us two options. Once was a hike up Purple Mountain. 2.5 miles round trip with 2000 feet elevation climb. There would be some rocks to climb at the top, and it would offer up views of the Tetons to the south and you could see the entire park from this location. I am looking forward to being able to see for miles. He also offered a very short hike to Hayden Lake where we could get up close and personal with some beavers. He told us about a spot a couple hundred yards off trail where the beavers were busy at work.
We opted for the mountain climb and figured we could do the other if we still had a little energy left.
We got started on the climb and about 45 minutes into the trek we were half way up the trail and a third of the way up the mountain. The clouds started rolling in fast and they were very dark. I kept my eye on the sky and then we heard thunder. Although we could not see where the lightning was, I knew that being on the top of a mountain was not the right place to be during a thunderstorm, so we turned and made our way quickly back to the car. We watched the storm roll around the mountain and decided that we would not be able to finish either of the two hikes.
I decided to drive back to West Yellowstone and take the kids to a bear and wolf exhibit that was there. On my way out of the park, I got a cell service for a couple minutes, and noticed that I had a voicemail. Turns out that we had a small leak in the basement. When I got back into town, I called our plumber and he said he would get there first thing in the morning. Our contractor made his way over to the house and shut off the water which stopped the leak, so we are good for now. I’m glad that we had someone working at the house, and that he called Wendy’s sister to let her know that there was a problem. That got ball rolling to get the problem fixed. Nice to know that we have people watching out for us while we are gone.
The exhibit was very neat. A lot of facts about bears in the area, their habitat and the interaction between humans and wildlife. They also have some grizzly bears and grey wolves in a couple habitats behind the exhibit. These are all animals that had been rescued when they had become problems in the area that they live. Black bears can usually be successfully relocated, but grizzlies can’t.
Back at the camp, we got dinner, went down for some ice cream and watched a movie. Another try for an early bedtime as we wanted Charlotte to get some much needed rest.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’ Down the River
Monday - 6/30
The kids did not even wake up this morning until 10:00. I had already been into town to pick up the rental car and picked up coffee for Wendy.
We called about the rafting trip, but the class 2-3 half day trip is now running a class 3-4 and they will not allow anyone under 14 on it. They suggested the scenic float trip which is usually a class 1-2. It will be mostly a class 2 with a very short section of class 3 rapids at the end.
For an explanation of the types of rapids, follow this link:
http://www.raftmontana.com/water_basics.php
I have done class 4 rapids when I was in college and in Colorado. This would be no place for young kids. They require a lot of work from everyone in the boat or you can easily get hung up or capsize.
We decided to do the afternoon trip and needed to get there at 12:30. This meant a full on press to get everyone going as it is an hour drive up north on the way to Bozeman.
The river we will be rafting is the Gallatin. It is still running at near flood stage due to the very heavy snows last winter. We got there on time, and paid, got wet suits for the kids (the water is in the low 40’s) and boots for Wendy and me.
They also supplied a splash jacket, PFD (personal flotation device) and helmet. Very different from when I used to raft years ago. We just strapped on a life vest and jumped into a boat.
It was a short bus ride to the put-in spot. Our guide was Bob (yes, another Bob) and he is one of the most experienced guides with the outfit. He is in his late 50’s and spends summers guiding on the Gallatin, and winters in Costa Rico, New Zealand or Chile. He is currently trying to work out a deal to guide in Africa next winter. He has a lot of good information about rafting, the local wildlife, how the river runs, etc. We talked about fishing, things to do in the area. He told a lot of stories about his adventures on other rivers and teaching guides on the Gallatin.
The first splashes were very cold, and although the river was pretty smooth, it moved very fast. Bob made sure that we hit each wave so that the kids got the most out of the adventure.
We saw an eagle’s nest, but they could not be seen. Also tried to spot some black bear and elk – but again, nothing in eyesight.
When we got near the end, Bob pulled into an eddy as we were to be the last (or sweep) boat. We were the first to start and will be the last out.
We hit every pocket and wave in the stream during this last bit of the run and the kids were having a blast. It would have been nice to have some more class 3 rapids, but you can’t control the river.
When we got to the pullout, there was a nasty smell. The honey sucker was cleaning out the outhouse pit and we couldn’t get out of there fast enough. We all decided that that would be one of the worst jobs to have.
When we got back to the office, we checked out the pictures that they took along the way. A little too expensive for our blood ($39 for one 5x7 or $129 for a disk with all the pictures), so we tipped Bob and headed on our way (after grabbing a free hot chocolate).
We had talked about stopping for dinner on the way back, but we were all cold and wet and decided to head back to the RV for dinner. I grilled again, and then we all watched a movie and headed down for an ice cream before an early bedtime.
The kids did not even wake up this morning until 10:00. I had already been into town to pick up the rental car and picked up coffee for Wendy.
We called about the rafting trip, but the class 2-3 half day trip is now running a class 3-4 and they will not allow anyone under 14 on it. They suggested the scenic float trip which is usually a class 1-2. It will be mostly a class 2 with a very short section of class 3 rapids at the end.
For an explanation of the types of rapids, follow this link:
http://www.raftmontana.com/water_basics.php
I have done class 4 rapids when I was in college and in Colorado. This would be no place for young kids. They require a lot of work from everyone in the boat or you can easily get hung up or capsize.
We decided to do the afternoon trip and needed to get there at 12:30. This meant a full on press to get everyone going as it is an hour drive up north on the way to Bozeman.
The river we will be rafting is the Gallatin. It is still running at near flood stage due to the very heavy snows last winter. We got there on time, and paid, got wet suits for the kids (the water is in the low 40’s) and boots for Wendy and me.
They also supplied a splash jacket, PFD (personal flotation device) and helmet. Very different from when I used to raft years ago. We just strapped on a life vest and jumped into a boat.
It was a short bus ride to the put-in spot. Our guide was Bob (yes, another Bob) and he is one of the most experienced guides with the outfit. He is in his late 50’s and spends summers guiding on the Gallatin, and winters in Costa Rico, New Zealand or Chile. He is currently trying to work out a deal to guide in Africa next winter. He has a lot of good information about rafting, the local wildlife, how the river runs, etc. We talked about fishing, things to do in the area. He told a lot of stories about his adventures on other rivers and teaching guides on the Gallatin.
The first splashes were very cold, and although the river was pretty smooth, it moved very fast. Bob made sure that we hit each wave so that the kids got the most out of the adventure.
We saw an eagle’s nest, but they could not be seen. Also tried to spot some black bear and elk – but again, nothing in eyesight.
When we got near the end, Bob pulled into an eddy as we were to be the last (or sweep) boat. We were the first to start and will be the last out.
We hit every pocket and wave in the stream during this last bit of the run and the kids were having a blast. It would have been nice to have some more class 3 rapids, but you can’t control the river.
When we got to the pullout, there was a nasty smell. The honey sucker was cleaning out the outhouse pit and we couldn’t get out of there fast enough. We all decided that that would be one of the worst jobs to have.
When we got back to the office, we checked out the pictures that they took along the way. A little too expensive for our blood ($39 for one 5x7 or $129 for a disk with all the pictures), so we tipped Bob and headed on our way (after grabbing a free hot chocolate).
We had talked about stopping for dinner on the way back, but we were all cold and wet and decided to head back to the RV for dinner. I grilled again, and then we all watched a movie and headed down for an ice cream before an early bedtime.
No Lions, No Tigers – But Bears – OH MY
Sunday - 6/29
Left the Cody KOA around 10:00 AM and made a stop at another Super Walmart. We wanted to get in and out in less than 30 minutes, but it seems that even if you are just stopping for bread and milk, it takes over an hour to navigate these stores.
It was about 60 miles to the east entrance of Yellowstone. Our plan is to head to the Bay Bridge info center to check on some hikes around the Canyon Village area and then do the north part of the southern loop. Yellowstone is broken into two driving loops – kind of like a figure 8. We will enter at the east entrance (on the bottom of the 8) drive north along the southern loop and head up through the middle, then down and exit at the west entrance (on the bottom of the 8). Driving this loop takes about 2 hours without stops.
On our way in, we stopped along the side of the road where there was still some snow. The kids wanted to hop out, but this was at the base of an avalanche area, and there were signs posted to watch for un-exploded arsenal. I could see the gun up to the left, and opted to look for some “safer snow”. I explained to the kids how they use these guns at ski resorts and along highways to create an avalanche so the snow doesn’t fall unpredictably.
A little further up the road we came upon some snow that was not in one of these areas, and the kids went running up the hill. Georgia lost her sandals and ended up running barefoot. A few snowballs were tossed and we all piled back in the RV to continue.
We decided to try to keep track of the wildlife we spot along the way. The rule will be that it must be spotted by 2 people to count. The kids said that my white-tail deer spotting did not count – too lame.
A little further up the road we saw a bunch of cars pulled off the side of the road. This is always a good indication at a National Park that there is some wildlife to be seen. Sure enough, there was a black bear about 100 yards up the hill feeding. We tried to take some pictures, but it really was a long way off.
After a short stop at the info center, we headed on up the road. Again, a short distance up the road we saw some rangers directing traffic. We had to go about a quarter mile on up to find a parking spot. Charlotte and Jackson decided it was too far to walk, so Wendy, Georgia and I walked back down the road to see what was there.
It was another black bear with her two yearling cubs. I stopped by a ranger who was explaining to some of the people about the different habitats, gestation periods, how long the cubs stay with the mother, etc. Usually the black bear will let the cubs go after the first season, but this one is kind of trapped in between some grizzly habitats and has not moved in a while. Because of this, she has stayed with her young for another season. She also talked about the population of bears in the park (over 600) and how they need to be moved from time to time when they get “too friendly” with the campers.
We spent about 20 minutes watching and snapping some pictures. This was much closer – about 50 yards.
We also saw many herds of bison along this route.
We stopped at Mud Volcano and the kids got to see their first thermal formations. We read the signs and talked about how these formations were created and how they change all the time. The sulfur smell was very strong, and the kids had fun with this once back in the RV.
On to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. We had originally planned on taking a hike along the north rim of the canyon, but found out at the visitor center that the road to this hike is closed due to construction. We drove along the south rim to Artist Point, took some pictures and then decided to can the 600 step – strenuous walk along Uncle Tom’s Trail. It was now about 4 PM and we knew we had another hour of driving to get to the west entrance.
The drive reminded me of our last visit to Yellowstone. We followed the Madison River and saw much of the area that was burned out during the big fires here in 1988.
We pulled into the KOA just before 6. Our campsite is at the top of the hill with some nice views of the mountains in the distance. The sites are all very nice here, and I spent the next hour or so unpacking and setting up while Wendy prepared dinner for the kids. Jackson and Charlotte started a fire and then headed inside as the mosquitoes are pretty bad.
They headed down for some ice cream after dinner and Wendy and I discussed our plans for the next few days. She had picked up a brochure from a rafting outfit and talked to someone at the office who had just done the trip. We will check in the morning to see if it will work out for us.
Left the Cody KOA around 10:00 AM and made a stop at another Super Walmart. We wanted to get in and out in less than 30 minutes, but it seems that even if you are just stopping for bread and milk, it takes over an hour to navigate these stores.
It was about 60 miles to the east entrance of Yellowstone. Our plan is to head to the Bay Bridge info center to check on some hikes around the Canyon Village area and then do the north part of the southern loop. Yellowstone is broken into two driving loops – kind of like a figure 8. We will enter at the east entrance (on the bottom of the 8) drive north along the southern loop and head up through the middle, then down and exit at the west entrance (on the bottom of the 8). Driving this loop takes about 2 hours without stops.
On our way in, we stopped along the side of the road where there was still some snow. The kids wanted to hop out, but this was at the base of an avalanche area, and there were signs posted to watch for un-exploded arsenal. I could see the gun up to the left, and opted to look for some “safer snow”. I explained to the kids how they use these guns at ski resorts and along highways to create an avalanche so the snow doesn’t fall unpredictably.
A little further up the road we came upon some snow that was not in one of these areas, and the kids went running up the hill. Georgia lost her sandals and ended up running barefoot. A few snowballs were tossed and we all piled back in the RV to continue.
We decided to try to keep track of the wildlife we spot along the way. The rule will be that it must be spotted by 2 people to count. The kids said that my white-tail deer spotting did not count – too lame.
A little further up the road we saw a bunch of cars pulled off the side of the road. This is always a good indication at a National Park that there is some wildlife to be seen. Sure enough, there was a black bear about 100 yards up the hill feeding. We tried to take some pictures, but it really was a long way off.
After a short stop at the info center, we headed on up the road. Again, a short distance up the road we saw some rangers directing traffic. We had to go about a quarter mile on up to find a parking spot. Charlotte and Jackson decided it was too far to walk, so Wendy, Georgia and I walked back down the road to see what was there.
It was another black bear with her two yearling cubs. I stopped by a ranger who was explaining to some of the people about the different habitats, gestation periods, how long the cubs stay with the mother, etc. Usually the black bear will let the cubs go after the first season, but this one is kind of trapped in between some grizzly habitats and has not moved in a while. Because of this, she has stayed with her young for another season. She also talked about the population of bears in the park (over 600) and how they need to be moved from time to time when they get “too friendly” with the campers.
We spent about 20 minutes watching and snapping some pictures. This was much closer – about 50 yards.
We also saw many herds of bison along this route.
We stopped at Mud Volcano and the kids got to see their first thermal formations. We read the signs and talked about how these formations were created and how they change all the time. The sulfur smell was very strong, and the kids had fun with this once back in the RV.
On to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. We had originally planned on taking a hike along the north rim of the canyon, but found out at the visitor center that the road to this hike is closed due to construction. We drove along the south rim to Artist Point, took some pictures and then decided to can the 600 step – strenuous walk along Uncle Tom’s Trail. It was now about 4 PM and we knew we had another hour of driving to get to the west entrance.
The drive reminded me of our last visit to Yellowstone. We followed the Madison River and saw much of the area that was burned out during the big fires here in 1988.
We pulled into the KOA just before 6. Our campsite is at the top of the hill with some nice views of the mountains in the distance. The sites are all very nice here, and I spent the next hour or so unpacking and setting up while Wendy prepared dinner for the kids. Jackson and Charlotte started a fire and then headed inside as the mosquitoes are pretty bad.
They headed down for some ice cream after dinner and Wendy and I discussed our plans for the next few days. She had picked up a brochure from a rafting outfit and talked to someone at the office who had just done the trip. We will check in the morning to see if it will work out for us.
On second thought I DO like to brag, 'Cause I'm mighty proud of that Ragged Old Flag
Saturday - 6/28
Early start today (6:30), but not as early as I would have liked. If we get on the road too early, it will put us into our first stop before the kids are awake.
We are making a stop at Devil’s Tower on our way to Cody. It would be great to be able to do some hiking here. In order to get to Cody in time for the Rodeo, we will have to be out of the Devil’s Tower area around 10:30 am.
The drive up to Devil’s Tower had me navigating some winding roads. Add some VERY strong winds and it meant keeping my knuckles tight on the wheel. Driving the RV has become much easier, unless you have conditions like this.
We got to Devil’s Tower around 9:30. What a sight as you approach from a distance. We got out and let the kids climb around the base. I listened to the first 5 minutes or so of an interpretive talk. This would have been a nice hike to take around the base, but it was an hour and a half and we just did not have the time.
On up the road, and early afternoon we hopped off I-90 and headed straight west into the Bighorn Mountains. More switchbacks than I remembered and the views were spectacular (at least the ones that I could catch while keeping my hands on the wheel and my eyes on the edge of the road).
There is a lot of snow still at these elevations, and the mountains are magnificent.
Once we reached the top, we started a long coast back down. The road followed a stream most of the way and each turn offered up white water and waterfalls.
Once out of the mountains, we filled up (second time today) and I checked my mileage for the first time. I know that this was not the best time to check as most of the drive was up and down mountains, but I figured it would be an indication of the worst. We got just over 7 miles to the gallon. OUCH.
On across the plains. It is very dry on this side of the mountain.
We passed a lot of farms that had large boxes spaced every hundred yards or so. I asked about these when we got to the campsite and was told they are for Cutter Bees.
Set up camp, had a quick dinner, then made our way to the office to catch the bus to the rodeo.
This will be one of the highlights of the trip for sure. We got front row seats right behind the gates used to load the horses and bulls. The evening started with
Johnny Cash’s Ragged Old Flag and the National Anthem. Very inspiring.
Then on with the rodeo. They had groups of riders performing each of the events: barrel racing, steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping, bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding. Entertainment throughout was provided by the rodeo clown.
Seeing these cowboys prepare, bow their heads and kneel for a prayer, then hop on these crazy animals made you stop and think about who is crazier, the animals or the cowboys who climb on. We saw many get up and walk off in a daze, some limping and a few who could not get up at all, but needed to be carried off.
They had a junior event where boys 6-14 years old rode small bulls. Each one was thrown. Some were walked off in tears and a couple had to be laid down in front of us to be tended to with ice. As the announcer said, it is illegal to hit your kid in line at Walmart, but no problem strapping them to a bull to be thrown.
Half way through, they asked all the kids 12 and under to come out into the arena. I had told all 3 of my children that Crocs and flip-flops are not proper footwear for the rodeo as you never know what you might be stepping in. None of them wanted to listen, and Charlotte even asked me to see if my shoes would fit her for this event. Georgia was a bit apprehensive, but joined her brother and sister just before they started the event.
About 100 kids were out there, and they let 2 calves loose with ribbons tied to their tails. These ribbons were for prizes, a horse ride at a local ranch or a Blizzard at the local Dairy Queen. It was chaos with 100 kids chasing the 2 calves.
As they came around the corner, we saw Charlotte in the lead grabbing at the collar of one of the calves. She thought the ribbon was tied to the collar. Suddenly, they announced that they had both winners, and all the kids returned to the center. The first winner announced was Jackson from Chicago! Charlotte was running around the arena looking for a lost sandal.
A fun event and it was so neat to be able to see everything up close. Charlotte kept asking when we could return. I don’t think it was as much about seeing another rodeo as it was that she really did not want to be upstaged by her younger brother. Said next time she would listen to Dad and wear some real shoes rather than sandals.
Early start today (6:30), but not as early as I would have liked. If we get on the road too early, it will put us into our first stop before the kids are awake.
We are making a stop at Devil’s Tower on our way to Cody. It would be great to be able to do some hiking here. In order to get to Cody in time for the Rodeo, we will have to be out of the Devil’s Tower area around 10:30 am.
The drive up to Devil’s Tower had me navigating some winding roads. Add some VERY strong winds and it meant keeping my knuckles tight on the wheel. Driving the RV has become much easier, unless you have conditions like this.
We got to Devil’s Tower around 9:30. What a sight as you approach from a distance. We got out and let the kids climb around the base. I listened to the first 5 minutes or so of an interpretive talk. This would have been a nice hike to take around the base, but it was an hour and a half and we just did not have the time.
On up the road, and early afternoon we hopped off I-90 and headed straight west into the Bighorn Mountains. More switchbacks than I remembered and the views were spectacular (at least the ones that I could catch while keeping my hands on the wheel and my eyes on the edge of the road).
There is a lot of snow still at these elevations, and the mountains are magnificent.
Once we reached the top, we started a long coast back down. The road followed a stream most of the way and each turn offered up white water and waterfalls.
Once out of the mountains, we filled up (second time today) and I checked my mileage for the first time. I know that this was not the best time to check as most of the drive was up and down mountains, but I figured it would be an indication of the worst. We got just over 7 miles to the gallon. OUCH.
On across the plains. It is very dry on this side of the mountain.
We passed a lot of farms that had large boxes spaced every hundred yards or so. I asked about these when we got to the campsite and was told they are for Cutter Bees.
Set up camp, had a quick dinner, then made our way to the office to catch the bus to the rodeo.
This will be one of the highlights of the trip for sure. We got front row seats right behind the gates used to load the horses and bulls. The evening started with
Johnny Cash’s Ragged Old Flag and the National Anthem. Very inspiring.
Then on with the rodeo. They had groups of riders performing each of the events: barrel racing, steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping, bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding. Entertainment throughout was provided by the rodeo clown.
Seeing these cowboys prepare, bow their heads and kneel for a prayer, then hop on these crazy animals made you stop and think about who is crazier, the animals or the cowboys who climb on. We saw many get up and walk off in a daze, some limping and a few who could not get up at all, but needed to be carried off.
They had a junior event where boys 6-14 years old rode small bulls. Each one was thrown. Some were walked off in tears and a couple had to be laid down in front of us to be tended to with ice. As the announcer said, it is illegal to hit your kid in line at Walmart, but no problem strapping them to a bull to be thrown.
Half way through, they asked all the kids 12 and under to come out into the arena. I had told all 3 of my children that Crocs and flip-flops are not proper footwear for the rodeo as you never know what you might be stepping in. None of them wanted to listen, and Charlotte even asked me to see if my shoes would fit her for this event. Georgia was a bit apprehensive, but joined her brother and sister just before they started the event.
About 100 kids were out there, and they let 2 calves loose with ribbons tied to their tails. These ribbons were for prizes, a horse ride at a local ranch or a Blizzard at the local Dairy Queen. It was chaos with 100 kids chasing the 2 calves.
As they came around the corner, we saw Charlotte in the lead grabbing at the collar of one of the calves. She thought the ribbon was tied to the collar. Suddenly, they announced that they had both winners, and all the kids returned to the center. The first winner announced was Jackson from Chicago! Charlotte was running around the arena looking for a lost sandal.
A fun event and it was so neat to be able to see everything up close. Charlotte kept asking when we could return. I don’t think it was as much about seeing another rodeo as it was that she really did not want to be upstaged by her younger brother. Said next time she would listen to Dad and wear some real shoes rather than sandals.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Oh, give me a home – where the American Bison roam
Friday - 6/27
Early start today. Got the kids rousted and we headed out to Mount Rushmore. A lot to cover today.
We got there just in time to take the Ranger guided tour. They explained how Mount Rushmore came to be and the reason for each of the Presidents that were chosen. Very informative. I have been here twice before, and did not have a full understanding of why it was created and how the artist did his work.
After walking to the base with the Ranger, we continued the loop to the Artist Studio to hear a talk about how the work was done. Many workers, many years – no lives lost. In the end, Gutzon Borglum (of Stone Mountain, GA fame) would survey the mountain from the base and would take the tram up, repel down and paint on the rock where he wanted the workers to blast and chip away.
We then had to move quickly to head back to the campsite, pack a quick lunch and grab the backpack and binoculars. It is now off to Custer State Park (second largest state park in the country) for a Jeep ride to find buffalo. Of course we just learned at Mount Rushmore that there are NO buffalo in the United States (except in zoos). Buffalo (or Water Buffalo) are found in Africa. The big creatures here are American Bison.
The Jeep ride took us through the eastern part of the park. Our guide, Bob, told us that he had started in the mid ‘50’s working for the Mob in Vegas as a dealer and had worked his way up to managing the Stardust. When he retired, he was asked by a friend to manage a McDonald’s, which he did for 10 years until he really retired. O.K. – he is still driving Jeep tours, so I guess he still hasn’t really retired.
He spent a lot of time explaining the wildlife in the area as well as some of the history. All the time pulling off along muddy rutted roads looking for bison.
I was beginning to feel that we were going to be out of luck, as each road that he tried ended up with no bison. Even with no bison in sight, this was a great chance for me to really sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery with someone else at the wheel. We saw many antelope, white-tail deer and various birds that he would point out.
We were at the farthest reach of the trip, when he pulled down one last dirt road. We passed an old stage coach stop, and you could really sense the history in the surroundings.
Around a bend, and there they were. About a hundred cows with their young. We pulled right into the middle of the herd, and spent the next 10-15 minutes taking in the sights. They were literally within reach, not that you would want to reach out and chance getting one of these large creatures upset.
We headed back to the starting point, and about a quarter mile out, there was a bull standing by the side of the road. The trip was complete and Bob had accomplished his mission.
Back at the campsite, Wendy did a week’s worth of laundry while I headed into town to hit a cash machine and get a couple groceries. Once back, we closed up the RV and pulled in the sides as we were planning on a very early start the next day.
Early start today. Got the kids rousted and we headed out to Mount Rushmore. A lot to cover today.
We got there just in time to take the Ranger guided tour. They explained how Mount Rushmore came to be and the reason for each of the Presidents that were chosen. Very informative. I have been here twice before, and did not have a full understanding of why it was created and how the artist did his work.
After walking to the base with the Ranger, we continued the loop to the Artist Studio to hear a talk about how the work was done. Many workers, many years – no lives lost. In the end, Gutzon Borglum (of Stone Mountain, GA fame) would survey the mountain from the base and would take the tram up, repel down and paint on the rock where he wanted the workers to blast and chip away.
We then had to move quickly to head back to the campsite, pack a quick lunch and grab the backpack and binoculars. It is now off to Custer State Park (second largest state park in the country) for a Jeep ride to find buffalo. Of course we just learned at Mount Rushmore that there are NO buffalo in the United States (except in zoos). Buffalo (or Water Buffalo) are found in Africa. The big creatures here are American Bison.
The Jeep ride took us through the eastern part of the park. Our guide, Bob, told us that he had started in the mid ‘50’s working for the Mob in Vegas as a dealer and had worked his way up to managing the Stardust. When he retired, he was asked by a friend to manage a McDonald’s, which he did for 10 years until he really retired. O.K. – he is still driving Jeep tours, so I guess he still hasn’t really retired.
He spent a lot of time explaining the wildlife in the area as well as some of the history. All the time pulling off along muddy rutted roads looking for bison.
I was beginning to feel that we were going to be out of luck, as each road that he tried ended up with no bison. Even with no bison in sight, this was a great chance for me to really sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery with someone else at the wheel. We saw many antelope, white-tail deer and various birds that he would point out.
We were at the farthest reach of the trip, when he pulled down one last dirt road. We passed an old stage coach stop, and you could really sense the history in the surroundings.
Around a bend, and there they were. About a hundred cows with their young. We pulled right into the middle of the herd, and spent the next 10-15 minutes taking in the sights. They were literally within reach, not that you would want to reach out and chance getting one of these large creatures upset.
We headed back to the starting point, and about a quarter mile out, there was a bull standing by the side of the road. The trip was complete and Bob had accomplished his mission.
Back at the campsite, Wendy did a week’s worth of laundry while I headed into town to hit a cash machine and get a couple groceries. Once back, we closed up the RV and pulled in the sides as we were planning on a very early start the next day.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
We’re goin’ down. Down, down, down, down, down.
Thursday - 6/26
This was a really neat experience. The tour started out with some tears as Jackson grabbed the top of Charlotte’s lamp and burned his finger. Guess he was not listening to the Ranger when he told us that they would be very hot.
We learned about how the cave system was formed, how it was discovered and explored during the early years. The entire system was almost scrapped and closed off in the mid 50’s until a student doing his graduate thesis decided to do some exploring and discovered over 100 miles of caves beyond the 2 that had been open to the public. Discovery of new parts of the cave system is ongoing and it is currently listed at 142.38 miles.
When we got back, we started a fire and just sat outside and relaxed. Then in came the storms again. It was again a mad dash to batten down the hatches. The storms are pretty cool as they roll in over the hills, but when they roll in, they roll in fast.
As I am sitting here writing, I can hear the thunder in the distance and hear the rain on the rooftop. Guess it was a good call not to head over to Crazy Horse this evening for the big blast.
We are going to call it an early evening, as we have both Mount Rushmore and a jeep ride into buffalo herds on tap for Friday.
Today was a trip to Jewel Cave. It is the second longest cave system in the world. There were 4 different trips offered: a simple look inside the cave, a sightseeing tour, a spelunking tour (must be 16) or an historical (lantern) tour (strenuous).
We opted for the historical tour. It started out with a Ranger who was in 1930’s National Park Service garb, handing out oil lamps to each of us.
http://www.nps.gov/jeca/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm
We then proceeded to the original entrance to the cave, only used for this tour. We then ducked our way in and walked, climbed, crawled for a half a mile. We made it up and down the equivalent of 20 stories through the 4 levels of the cave system.
We opted for the historical tour. It started out with a Ranger who was in 1930’s National Park Service garb, handing out oil lamps to each of us.
http://www.nps.gov/jeca/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm
We then proceeded to the original entrance to the cave, only used for this tour. We then ducked our way in and walked, climbed, crawled for a half a mile. We made it up and down the equivalent of 20 stories through the 4 levels of the cave system.
This was a really neat experience. The tour started out with some tears as Jackson grabbed the top of Charlotte’s lamp and burned his finger. Guess he was not listening to the Ranger when he told us that they would be very hot.
We learned about how the cave system was formed, how it was discovered and explored during the early years. The entire system was almost scrapped and closed off in the mid 50’s until a student doing his graduate thesis decided to do some exploring and discovered over 100 miles of caves beyond the 2 that had been open to the public. Discovery of new parts of the cave system is ongoing and it is currently listed at 142.38 miles.
When we got back, we started a fire and just sat outside and relaxed. Then in came the storms again. It was again a mad dash to batten down the hatches. The storms are pretty cool as they roll in over the hills, but when they roll in, they roll in fast.
As I am sitting here writing, I can hear the thunder in the distance and hear the rain on the rooftop. Guess it was a good call not to head over to Crazy Horse this evening for the big blast.
We are going to call it an early evening, as we have both Mount Rushmore and a jeep ride into buffalo herds on tap for Friday.
My lands are where my dead lie buried
Wednesday - 6/25
The kids got up this morning and went with Wendy to survey the campground. While they were doing this, I worked on figuring out how to post pictures to my blog. As you will see if you look at previous days, I am now doing some posting.
With a strong internet connection, this would not be an issue, but I had to find some workarounds since my pictures are so large. I had hoped to post more pictures, but don’t want to spend hours uploading rather than out of the RV exploring (or just relaxing reading a book).
When they got back, they wanted to go to the pool. I spent the rest of the morning looking into what we would do over the 3 days we are here. Then they got home and said they wanted a “down day”. Wendy and I had talked about this before the trip and agreed that there should be some down time. We could easily fill each waking moment with sightseeing or other activities, but that would drive the kids crazy for sure.
Well, we spent the next 3 hours listening to the kids complain about being bored and not knowing what to do. None of the 3 could agree on a game to play or where to go or what to do.
I spent a couple hours fixing a stuck vent on the roof, putting up the awning, stringing some lights we had bought around the awning and reading.
Wendy finally got the kids into a game of Apples To Apples. When that was done, we decided to make a run into town to see if we could get cell phone reception so that we could book our activity for Friday. I had made some phone calls using Skype from here at the campground, but a large storm had gone through last night and knocked out some phone systems at some of the places we were contacting. As such, they were taking messages and calling back.
Since we were heading out, we decided to visit the Crazy Horse Memorial. It was $27 for us to get in at the gate. I thought that was a bit steep for a Memorial that is just starting to take form. Once in and having saw the movie, I now know why they are charging this much. The carving will depict Crazy Horse sitting on his horse pointing out over his lands.
In defeat, when asked by a white man, "Where are your lands now?" Crazy Horse responded "My lands are where my dead lie buried." To honor this quote, the monument has the famed warrior pointing to the land where his men died in battle. Crazy Horse was the Lakota leader at the Battle of Little Bighorn. He died as a result of being stabbed in the back while offering a truce on September 5, 1877.
http://www.crazyhorse.org
To put this memorial in perspective, it was started in the 1940’s by one man. Once done, the carvings from Mount Rushmore will fit in the space of Crazy Horse’s head. This is a massive effort, the largest carving ever done.
All work is being done without any Federal assistance. The government offered 4 million in funds, but sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski turned it down. He and his wife felt strongly that the government should not be involved in these types of things. As such, they collect money by charging admissions and accepting donations from private individuals. This means that the work will take much longer, but can be done without any strings attached. His wife still runs the foundation, and 7 of his 10 children work on the mountain.
There was a wonderful Native American museum with many artifacts representing the Native American culture. Jackson and I saw how arrows and other hunting instruments were made.
Each night they do a laser light show. On Thursday, they are doing a blast at the end of the light show. They only do these blasts a couple times a year, and this is going to be one of the largest they have done. I would like to get over to see it, but not sure it is going to work as you have to arrive around 5:00. Last year the blast drew over 6,000 visitors and they were parked miles away to get in. It would be a long evening for the kids waiting for the show.
When we got home, we ordered dinner to-go from the restaurant and I had a couple beers at the bar while waiting for the food. Talked to others at the bar about where they had visited and RV’ing in general. I always enjoy talking to other people while on the road and hearing about their travels.
Food took almost an hour (they had said 30 minutes), and when I was on the way back a big storm rolled in. The awning had started flapping, and I saw that a lot of other campers were rolling theirs down. Now I had read the instructions on how to set it up, but hadn’t gotten to the ones on how to fold it back.
Our neighbor across the road (who also has a Winnebego Minnie) saw me working it, and came over to lend a hand. We had it rolled up and secured in 30 seconds. Almost everyone in these campgrounds is willing to offer a hand or some friendly advise.
We started a movie, but Jackson was tired and we all decided to call it an early evening.
The kids got up this morning and went with Wendy to survey the campground. While they were doing this, I worked on figuring out how to post pictures to my blog. As you will see if you look at previous days, I am now doing some posting.
With a strong internet connection, this would not be an issue, but I had to find some workarounds since my pictures are so large. I had hoped to post more pictures, but don’t want to spend hours uploading rather than out of the RV exploring (or just relaxing reading a book).
When they got back, they wanted to go to the pool. I spent the rest of the morning looking into what we would do over the 3 days we are here. Then they got home and said they wanted a “down day”. Wendy and I had talked about this before the trip and agreed that there should be some down time. We could easily fill each waking moment with sightseeing or other activities, but that would drive the kids crazy for sure.
Well, we spent the next 3 hours listening to the kids complain about being bored and not knowing what to do. None of the 3 could agree on a game to play or where to go or what to do.
I spent a couple hours fixing a stuck vent on the roof, putting up the awning, stringing some lights we had bought around the awning and reading.
Wendy finally got the kids into a game of Apples To Apples. When that was done, we decided to make a run into town to see if we could get cell phone reception so that we could book our activity for Friday. I had made some phone calls using Skype from here at the campground, but a large storm had gone through last night and knocked out some phone systems at some of the places we were contacting. As such, they were taking messages and calling back.
Since we were heading out, we decided to visit the Crazy Horse Memorial. It was $27 for us to get in at the gate. I thought that was a bit steep for a Memorial that is just starting to take form. Once in and having saw the movie, I now know why they are charging this much. The carving will depict Crazy Horse sitting on his horse pointing out over his lands.
In defeat, when asked by a white man, "Where are your lands now?" Crazy Horse responded "My lands are where my dead lie buried." To honor this quote, the monument has the famed warrior pointing to the land where his men died in battle. Crazy Horse was the Lakota leader at the Battle of Little Bighorn. He died as a result of being stabbed in the back while offering a truce on September 5, 1877.
http://www.crazyhorse.org
To put this memorial in perspective, it was started in the 1940’s by one man. Once done, the carvings from Mount Rushmore will fit in the space of Crazy Horse’s head. This is a massive effort, the largest carving ever done.
All work is being done without any Federal assistance. The government offered 4 million in funds, but sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski turned it down. He and his wife felt strongly that the government should not be involved in these types of things. As such, they collect money by charging admissions and accepting donations from private individuals. This means that the work will take much longer, but can be done without any strings attached. His wife still runs the foundation, and 7 of his 10 children work on the mountain.
There was a wonderful Native American museum with many artifacts representing the Native American culture. Jackson and I saw how arrows and other hunting instruments were made.
Each night they do a laser light show. On Thursday, they are doing a blast at the end of the light show. They only do these blasts a couple times a year, and this is going to be one of the largest they have done. I would like to get over to see it, but not sure it is going to work as you have to arrive around 5:00. Last year the blast drew over 6,000 visitors and they were parked miles away to get in. It would be a long evening for the kids waiting for the show.
When we got home, we ordered dinner to-go from the restaurant and I had a couple beers at the bar while waiting for the food. Talked to others at the bar about where they had visited and RV’ing in general. I always enjoy talking to other people while on the road and hearing about their travels.
Food took almost an hour (they had said 30 minutes), and when I was on the way back a big storm rolled in. The awning had started flapping, and I saw that a lot of other campers were rolling theirs down. Now I had read the instructions on how to set it up, but hadn’t gotten to the ones on how to fold it back.
Our neighbor across the road (who also has a Winnebego Minnie) saw me working it, and came over to lend a hand. We had it rolled up and secured in 30 seconds. Almost everyone in these campgrounds is willing to offer a hand or some friendly advise.
We started a movie, but Jackson was tired and we all decided to call it an early evening.
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