We took a day of rest for the most pat today. Took a little ride up to the 2002 Olympic site this morning, did some simulations, looked at a couple of museums. Really lots of stuff for kids to do, some fantasy activities, movies, displays. Pretty nice place.
And that's about it. Sat around the pool, laid around the room, just kind of took it easy. Oh, we planned out the next leg of the trip. Looking forward to the next few days of the vacation.
Now a few things we have seen or come across that seemed just a little strange or out of place to us. First of all, people ride bikes on the interstate. Was awful surprised at first, but I suppose it's really the only way to get around in some of these places. They also ride all over the National Parks---don't know how they handle the grade.
Seen a few hitch hikers, haven't seen them in years. People just walking around in the middle of nowhere. Also have run across all kinds of roadside art, as well as the biggest this or that, or the oldest or the whatever. Interesting.
I've been fortunate to travel all over the country, but I really like the west. I like the people, the beer, the food. I like the wide open spaces---you can see forever. And so many natural wonders to see, places to hike or drive. Everyday seems to be something different, can hardly wait for the next day....
Friday, July 31, 2015
A Day With the Mormons--Day 11
We headed out early in the morning, mainly to get away from the lodging I guess. We were about 200 miles from Utah, but it was a pretty easy ride---especially because I slept though most of it. When I woke I was surprised to see salt flats along he roadway. Kind of like a moonscape. Really strange. We made a stop at the Great Salt Lake, and too about a mile out to take a closer look. Easy hike, hot, and you could smell the salt in the air. We got to the lake and walked in, and that's about it. It's big, salty (I had to taste it), and that's about it. Can't see any good use for the water---can't drink it, water anything with it, saw no boaters or fishers or any other water rec users. I guess it's just there.
Then we drove to Salt Lake City, and went to the Temple Square, the campus of the Church of Later Day Saints--the Mormons. The gardens are beautiful, the buildings amazing, the people very helpful. We were able to see an organ recital at the Tabernacle, which was very enjoyable. We walked around the Temple--not allowed inside, we're not Mormon!!--very interesting building. Then we walked into the Family History Library, and started mapping the family tree. I had heard about this place some where, but it really interested me. The Mormons think you'll see you entire ancestry in the afterlife, and they have gone all over the world collecting and digitizing all kinds of vital records. Believe me, you or a relative are in their data base. It looks a lot like Ancestry.com, except its free. Amazing to me what is out there on the inter web about people. I'm hooked now, and will be continuing the "relative search".
After we went back to the hotel for a bite and to clean up some, the Misses and I took a walk back to Temple Square to listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir practice. They perform in a place called the Conference Center. Huge building, seats 21,000, wonderful acoustics. The conductor was excellent, and we got to hear them sing a couple of full songs. They're pretty good......
We're going to spend another day here in SLC....much to do, going to relax a little and regroup....and get ready, because it looks like we are going to get caught up in the heat now.....
Then we drove to Salt Lake City, and went to the Temple Square, the campus of the Church of Later Day Saints--the Mormons. The gardens are beautiful, the buildings amazing, the people very helpful. We were able to see an organ recital at the Tabernacle, which was very enjoyable. We walked around the Temple--not allowed inside, we're not Mormon!!--very interesting building. Then we walked into the Family History Library, and started mapping the family tree. I had heard about this place some where, but it really interested me. The Mormons think you'll see you entire ancestry in the afterlife, and they have gone all over the world collecting and digitizing all kinds of vital records. Believe me, you or a relative are in their data base. It looks a lot like Ancestry.com, except its free. Amazing to me what is out there on the inter web about people. I'm hooked now, and will be continuing the "relative search".
After we went back to the hotel for a bite and to clean up some, the Misses and I took a walk back to Temple Square to listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir practice. They perform in a place called the Conference Center. Huge building, seats 21,000, wonderful acoustics. The conductor was excellent, and we got to hear them sing a couple of full songs. They're pretty good......
We're going to spend another day here in SLC....much to do, going to relax a little and regroup....and get ready, because it looks like we are going to get caught up in the heat now.....
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Seat Time
Spent a long long time in the car today....Started off in Bend Oregon. Were thinking about a little tubing, but it was in the low 50's so we decided to pass. Headed down to Crater Lake, and it is quite the experience. We entered from the north, and went along the western edge of the lake. It truly is a sight to see. Clear even from above, plenty of lookouts, beautiful scenery. We finally made it to the visitor center at the south end of the park, saw the movie, and had a real nice time. But I talked to the Ranger. He told me that they don't recommend anyone travel counter clockwise (which is what we did) because the road and shoulder is falling away. We traveled counter clockwise, so my nerves were pretty much shot for the day. Though my lane was a little tight.....
With the change of our Glacier plans the timing to meet the Misses sister is now off, so we decided to head to the Great Salt Lake. Except you can't really get there from Crater, unless you are willing to take some pretty small roads. Well, I generally don't go back, and an hour and a half didn't sound good to me, so away we went. And we hit the mountains with the two lane roads and the mile climbs---and the Desert Valley-----we went miles and miles without seeing another car. Geez.....
Well we finally got to Winnemucca, where all the roads converge and we are back to interstate time. Only problem is all the hotels are about full.......
So after about 500 miles today, we are at someplace called Economy Inn. We won't go into it anymore than that.....except that the Misses is sleeping in her clothes with one eye open. We're locked in with a chair in front of the door. Hopefully tomorrow.......
With the change of our Glacier plans the timing to meet the Misses sister is now off, so we decided to head to the Great Salt Lake. Except you can't really get there from Crater, unless you are willing to take some pretty small roads. Well, I generally don't go back, and an hour and a half didn't sound good to me, so away we went. And we hit the mountains with the two lane roads and the mile climbs---and the Desert Valley-----we went miles and miles without seeing another car. Geez.....
Well we finally got to Winnemucca, where all the roads converge and we are back to interstate time. Only problem is all the hotels are about full.......
So after about 500 miles today, we are at someplace called Economy Inn. We won't go into it anymore than that.....except that the Misses is sleeping in her clothes with one eye open. We're locked in with a chair in front of the door. Hopefully tomorrow.......
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
What in the world are they thinking????
We spent most of the day today traveling along the Columbia River gorge. We started from the west, then headed east. We hit the Vista House, a couple of smaller waterfalls, and then Multnomah Falls. We hiked about at all the sites, but Multnomah was easily the best and most scenic. And the most strenuous as well. It was a very beautiful hike, we met some nice folks along the way, and had a real nice couple of hours....
Now, I am nowhere near a professional hiker or outdoorsman. I do know a few things though. If you are going on a hike they classify as moderate with stretches of difficult hiking, you should probably wear proper footwear, dress in proper clothes, and probably take enough drinking water for yourself, both there and back. The things we saw today. Gus wearing flip flops, drinking cups of coffee. Some women looked like they were headed to church or a family gathering instead of spending a couple of hours hiking up a three foot wide path. We saw a couple of guys actually pushing strollers up this mountain. I guess they didn't know that the thing wasn't completely paved. This wasn't a walk in the park. It was steep. I don't get it. People ought to think about their kids and their attire as well. There were three and four year olds wearing Crocs navigating this thing. Cute as can be, saying the wildest things, but ill prepared none the less. Felt sorry for them, and doubt if they'll remember it any ways. Think people just need things out a little bit.
We're beat this evening. Early night tonight, then off to Crater Lake. Looks interesting, but it leaves you pretty much in the middle of nowhere when you're done. We'll see which way the wind is blowing.....
Now, I am nowhere near a professional hiker or outdoorsman. I do know a few things though. If you are going on a hike they classify as moderate with stretches of difficult hiking, you should probably wear proper footwear, dress in proper clothes, and probably take enough drinking water for yourself, both there and back. The things we saw today. Gus wearing flip flops, drinking cups of coffee. Some women looked like they were headed to church or a family gathering instead of spending a couple of hours hiking up a three foot wide path. We saw a couple of guys actually pushing strollers up this mountain. I guess they didn't know that the thing wasn't completely paved. This wasn't a walk in the park. It was steep. I don't get it. People ought to think about their kids and their attire as well. There were three and four year olds wearing Crocs navigating this thing. Cute as can be, saying the wildest things, but ill prepared none the less. Felt sorry for them, and doubt if they'll remember it any ways. Think people just need things out a little bit.
We're beat this evening. Early night tonight, then off to Crater Lake. Looks interesting, but it leaves you pretty much in the middle of nowhere when you're done. We'll see which way the wind is blowing.....
Monday, July 27, 2015
Off to Portland!!
Well, plans can change.....started off today swing by Mount St. Helens to sneak a peak, but it was so cloudy and overcast there was nothing to see. So we bid adieu to Washington and headed to Oregon. We wound up at a visitor center that was at he terminus of the Oregon Trail. Found it interesting, and the folks were really nice. Gave us good directions into Portland, and we were on our way.....
The Misses had a few places she wanted to stop, and we figured we'd walk around some and check a few things out. Our first stop the Powell Bookstore, a huge new and used bookstore. The Misses was shopping, when I heard an announcement over the PA. Next thing I know I'm in line for a couple of hours, waiting to have Jimmy Carter sign his new book that he was happy to have me pay twenty eight bucks for. Got to take a quick picture (security detail was pissed), the whole thing was probably over in 30 seconds, but it was worth it.
Next we were off to Voodoo Donuts. World famous. Seen 'em on the Food Channel. Typical tourist trap I thought. And in a seedy neighborhood to boot. Right next to the strip club. Nice. Except the donuts were exceptional. Should of stopped at one though. Had a little time to walk around afterwards, but Jimmy was getting ready to leave, and he was tying up traffic pretty good so we decided to head out.....
And we learned a little something about Portland....they must have a terrible homeless problem. Panhandlers all over the place, folks with their "camps" set up behind bushes, going through garbage cans. They have signs telling you not to give to the panhandles, give to different agencies instead. Really pretty sad, and depressing actually.
Heading east tomorrow....lots to see and do.....can't wait.....
The Misses had a few places she wanted to stop, and we figured we'd walk around some and check a few things out. Our first stop the Powell Bookstore, a huge new and used bookstore. The Misses was shopping, when I heard an announcement over the PA. Next thing I know I'm in line for a couple of hours, waiting to have Jimmy Carter sign his new book that he was happy to have me pay twenty eight bucks for. Got to take a quick picture (security detail was pissed), the whole thing was probably over in 30 seconds, but it was worth it.
Next we were off to Voodoo Donuts. World famous. Seen 'em on the Food Channel. Typical tourist trap I thought. And in a seedy neighborhood to boot. Right next to the strip club. Nice. Except the donuts were exceptional. Should of stopped at one though. Had a little time to walk around afterwards, but Jimmy was getting ready to leave, and he was tying up traffic pretty good so we decided to head out.....
And we learned a little something about Portland....they must have a terrible homeless problem. Panhandlers all over the place, folks with their "camps" set up behind bushes, going through garbage cans. They have signs telling you not to give to the panhandles, give to different agencies instead. Really pretty sad, and depressing actually.
Heading east tomorrow....lots to see and do.....can't wait.....
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Day 7---Olympic National Park---and surrounding area...
What a wonderful day this has been. We started the morning leaving Fork, Wa (yeah, the Twilight place) and went on a little there and back hundred mile trip to Cape Flattery. Cape Flattery is the most northwestern place in the continental United States. It is out of the way, but well worth the trip. Very scenic, changing weather, our first sighting of the Pacific on this trip. The hike out to the point wasn't too bad--great way to start the day.
Our next stop was at the Hoh rainforest. Unbelievable trees and moss and ferns and all the other stuff you'd see in a rainforest. It rained like crazy, but you could actually find dry places every so often. A little tougher hike, but nothing real difficult. Lots of old growth trees---real interesting visit.
Next up was Ruby Beach. Black sand, lots of "tree bones". Water was temperate....suppose you could sunbath if you had a notion to. Would have liked to see the changes when the tide comes in....
Amazing to the Misses and I how many changes in landscape, vegetation and weather can occur in such a short distance. Enjoyed very much our visit to Olympic National Park, and would recommend it to anybody visiting the area, especially those who like to hike. The longer hikes really looked interesting, but you'd have to know what you're doing.
That is going to about end our visit to Washington. Think we'll swing by the old Olympia Brewery in the morning, take a couple of pictures of the capital, and then it's on to the next stops. Oregon.
Our next stop was at the Hoh rainforest. Unbelievable trees and moss and ferns and all the other stuff you'd see in a rainforest. It rained like crazy, but you could actually find dry places every so often. A little tougher hike, but nothing real difficult. Lots of old growth trees---real interesting visit.
Next up was Ruby Beach. Black sand, lots of "tree bones". Water was temperate....suppose you could sunbath if you had a notion to. Would have liked to see the changes when the tide comes in....
Amazing to the Misses and I how many changes in landscape, vegetation and weather can occur in such a short distance. Enjoyed very much our visit to Olympic National Park, and would recommend it to anybody visiting the area, especially those who like to hike. The longer hikes really looked interesting, but you'd have to know what you're doing.
That is going to about end our visit to Washington. Think we'll swing by the old Olympia Brewery in the morning, take a couple of pictures of the capital, and then it's on to the next stops. Oregon.
Day 6--Olympic Mountains
Only went about 200 miles or so today on the odometer, but sure saw and experienced lots. Started the day taking a ferry from Seattle to Kingston---the Misses says it saved me a lot in time and fuel, but since I'm on vacation I don't do math. Olympic National Park and the surrounding area is a very diverse and beautiful area. Waterfalls, lakes, all kinds of different plant life, some wildlife, different weather conditions from one side of the mountain to the next, all very interesting. Looking forward to Sunday (today) to see what it will bring.
Friday, July 24, 2015
On the Road Day 5---Seattle
Well we were up early this morning, headed up to Seattle. Washington is a very pretty state, but they have a few short comings. Like road signs. Very very bad. The drivers aren't the best in the world either. But these are things you deal with, just the way it goes. So once we arrived in Seattle, we were off to Pike's Market. Lot's of little shops, good beer, touristy market place. I was amazed at the number of people walking around this downtown area. Pretty soon we headed a couple of miles away to head up the Space Needle.
Now we know how I feel about heights. And waiting around for three hours or so didn't help the situation any. But the Misses wanted to go up, so away I went. I wasn't wild about the elevator ride up, but I tried not to look out on the rip up. And it wasn't too bad while I was in the enclosed observation deck. But then I threw caution to the wind and headed outside with the Misses. It wasn't that bad as I stayed away from the edge. So I started trying to catch up with the Misses to surprise here. And then the wind hit. And that about did it for me. Grabbing on to anything that was fastened down. People were nice enough to get out of my way, and I did make it back inside without any further incident. Was very happy to get back on solid ground.
Had dinner at a place called The Pike Brewery. This place has the best collection of brewery flats I've ever seen, along with tap knobs, signs, trays etc. I figure somewhere around two to three hundred grand in stuff. Good food, great beer. Would highly recommend it. It was really a nice leisurely day. Lots of walking, but a fun day in Seattle. Beautiful city, lots of people. Glad we spent the day, can only imagine what else there is to see here. Spending the night here in Seattle at some no name hotel (it'll do), and tomorrow off to Olympic National Park. We may get wet, we won't melt.....
Now we know how I feel about heights. And waiting around for three hours or so didn't help the situation any. But the Misses wanted to go up, so away I went. I wasn't wild about the elevator ride up, but I tried not to look out on the rip up. And it wasn't too bad while I was in the enclosed observation deck. But then I threw caution to the wind and headed outside with the Misses. It wasn't that bad as I stayed away from the edge. So I started trying to catch up with the Misses to surprise here. And then the wind hit. And that about did it for me. Grabbing on to anything that was fastened down. People were nice enough to get out of my way, and I did make it back inside without any further incident. Was very happy to get back on solid ground.
Had dinner at a place called The Pike Brewery. This place has the best collection of brewery flats I've ever seen, along with tap knobs, signs, trays etc. I figure somewhere around two to three hundred grand in stuff. Good food, great beer. Would highly recommend it. It was really a nice leisurely day. Lots of walking, but a fun day in Seattle. Beautiful city, lots of people. Glad we spent the day, can only imagine what else there is to see here. Spending the night here in Seattle at some no name hotel (it'll do), and tomorrow off to Olympic National Park. We may get wet, we won't melt.....
Random Rumblings of a Middle Aged White Guy: On The Road, Day 4
Random Rumblings of a Middle Aged White Guy: On The Road, Day 4: Well we were up early on Thursday, trying to decide if we were going to head north to Glacier. A quick look and the morning news actually m...
On The Road, Day 4
Well we were up early on Thursday, trying to decide if we were going to head north to Glacier. A quick look and the morning news actually made the decision easy. Cars on fire and abandoned, roads closed and campers being evacuated. We don't need to see fire. So we decided to head to Mt. Rainer in Washington. Sadly, I doubt if I'll ever make it to Glacier now. But that's the way it goes sometimes.
We were about an hour from the Idaho boarder, and headed out. Now I do enjoy driving as many of you may know, except for a couple of things---bridges and mountains (even high hills actually). And although Idaho is probably 60 miles across in the panhandle, it is pretty much the Bitter Root Mountains that you are dealing with. I know the roads are much better than they used to be, but I still get a little nervous with the back and forth up in the altitudes. The scenery was beautiful (when I took a second to look), and we drove into Washington without incident. Later in the day I would wish I was only dealing with the Bitter Roots.
Western Washington was pretty uneventful. We weren't interested in stopping in any of the cities or towns along the way, just heading for Mt. Rainer. Until we decided to stop and stretch at a roadside overlook. Which just happened to overlook the Columbia River. Just gorgeous. Washington needs to do a better job with their signage!!!
Soon enough, we were in the Yakima valley, and could see our destination in the distance. And it was time to get off the interstate and onto the state highways, and the beginning of white knuckle time for me. Now I don't mind the uphill so much, but I'm not wild about the 6% decline with the blind turns waiting at the bottom. Oh yeah, and the local guy right on my tail because he knows where he is going. Once again though, beautiful scenery....
We finally arrived at Mt. Rainer National Park about 2:30 local time. We arrived from the east, and the first place we wanted to stop (old growth forest) was so packed we figured we'd catch it on the way out. Didn't know we wouldn't go back that way. We stopped at a few places along the drive, and the beauty made everything we'd seen all day pale in comparison. We came around one corner, and there was Mt. Rainer, and a parking area to boot. So I stopped for a quick photo, and was soon joined by quite a few other people, enjoying a glorious sight. Which I soon learned is not really all that common. I guess that the top of the Mountain is more often than not in the clouds, so it is a real treat to see the top. Never knew....
Well, we finally reached the visitor center, which is 5400 or 5500 feet up. People are all wearing coats and hiking gear, I get out of the car wringing wet, just all sweated up. Don't think I have ever been that scared driving in my life. Twists and turns, no guard rails, zero room for error. And Mt. Rainer is just beautiful. Trees and flowers, even the rock and snow look amazing. The place is just crawling with people, and I'm willing to gear up for a hike, but the Misses nixes it. Says she doesn't want to go, but I think she knows if we go it will probably be dark when we head down the Mountain, and the going down is worse than the going up.....
Except it wasn't. We left through the east side of the park, where the trees grow, so I couldn't see where I'd end up if I went over the edge. And the have a new road...piece of cake. But what a beautiful place to see and visit......
We were about an hour from the Idaho boarder, and headed out. Now I do enjoy driving as many of you may know, except for a couple of things---bridges and mountains (even high hills actually). And although Idaho is probably 60 miles across in the panhandle, it is pretty much the Bitter Root Mountains that you are dealing with. I know the roads are much better than they used to be, but I still get a little nervous with the back and forth up in the altitudes. The scenery was beautiful (when I took a second to look), and we drove into Washington without incident. Later in the day I would wish I was only dealing with the Bitter Roots.
Western Washington was pretty uneventful. We weren't interested in stopping in any of the cities or towns along the way, just heading for Mt. Rainer. Until we decided to stop and stretch at a roadside overlook. Which just happened to overlook the Columbia River. Just gorgeous. Washington needs to do a better job with their signage!!!
Soon enough, we were in the Yakima valley, and could see our destination in the distance. And it was time to get off the interstate and onto the state highways, and the beginning of white knuckle time for me. Now I don't mind the uphill so much, but I'm not wild about the 6% decline with the blind turns waiting at the bottom. Oh yeah, and the local guy right on my tail because he knows where he is going. Once again though, beautiful scenery....
We finally arrived at Mt. Rainer National Park about 2:30 local time. We arrived from the east, and the first place we wanted to stop (old growth forest) was so packed we figured we'd catch it on the way out. Didn't know we wouldn't go back that way. We stopped at a few places along the drive, and the beauty made everything we'd seen all day pale in comparison. We came around one corner, and there was Mt. Rainer, and a parking area to boot. So I stopped for a quick photo, and was soon joined by quite a few other people, enjoying a glorious sight. Which I soon learned is not really all that common. I guess that the top of the Mountain is more often than not in the clouds, so it is a real treat to see the top. Never knew....
Well, we finally reached the visitor center, which is 5400 or 5500 feet up. People are all wearing coats and hiking gear, I get out of the car wringing wet, just all sweated up. Don't think I have ever been that scared driving in my life. Twists and turns, no guard rails, zero room for error. And Mt. Rainer is just beautiful. Trees and flowers, even the rock and snow look amazing. The place is just crawling with people, and I'm willing to gear up for a hike, but the Misses nixes it. Says she doesn't want to go, but I think she knows if we go it will probably be dark when we head down the Mountain, and the going down is worse than the going up.....
Except it wasn't. We left through the east side of the park, where the trees grow, so I couldn't see where I'd end up if I went over the edge. And the have a new road...piece of cake. But what a beautiful place to see and visit......
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
On The Road Again.....
Hey Buckaroos, I'm back to do a little blogging. On the road again, this time to the Great Northwest. Really can't imagine I'll ever head out this way again, so we will see how it goes. The Misses and I really have no itinerary, which I like because I can go where I want. We also have no reservations, which may prove to be a problem. We will see......
I'm calling this trip the "Practice Retirement", or "Way Out West". We left home on Monday and headed to Minneapolis to check in with he Darlin' Daughter. We went out to dinner at Surly Brewer with Lee and her friends Adam and MaryAnn. Food was good and the beer was excellent. Spent a couple of hours with the gang, dropped off some birthday presents, dropped of the kids anddayd were on our way. Headed west, looking to get to St. Cloud. Made it to Rogers, MN. It's not far from Minneapolis. We were tired......
We were up and at it early on Tuesday, headed for North Dakota. Now I know everyone says there isn't anything to do or see in North Dakota, but they are wrong!!! We stopped and saw the world's largest buffalo (and one of the white buffalos----one in a million ya know---drove past some interesting welding art as well as the worlds largest Holstein cow, and stopped at the Painted Canyon--beautiful. Finally, we arrived at Madora North Dakota. Madora is where you will find the main entrance to the southern part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Don't imagine too many folks visit this park. There is a nice 36 mile driving loop, as well as place to park to go for various hikes of different lengths and difficulty. We too a few of these short hikes, and the scenery is amazing. We were there in the early evening, and the sun and shadows only enhanced the beauty. As we were driving around the loop, we came to the prairie dog village (blah), stumbled across a lone buffalo just laying by the side of the road, and also had a wild stallion come down the road at us.
We were feeling pretty lucky to see what we did when we came to the turn for the last couple of miles of the loop. Yup a whole herd of buffalo. Big ones, little ones, huge ones. Unbelievable!!! I parked the car right in the middle of the road and just let them walk on by. It was quite the experience--they were less than a foot from the car.....great pictures.....
Wednesday is day three of the trip, and we want to get up to Glacier National Park. Montana is a heck of a big state. We ended up putting on about 700 miles today. Seatereatus has set in. We did take some time out to visit Pompey's Pillar. I've seen pictures of this since at least 8th grade, if not earlier. It is a stone where William Clark carved his name while on the exposition. It is the only record left that Lewis and Clark were ever anywhere. You see, the carved their names all over the place, and we know where because they kept meticulous records. But this is the only place they put their name that wasn't a tree. And we know what happens to trees......
So we are hunkered down in Missoula Montana trying to plan tomorrow....Glacier National Park is having some problems with fire and is half shut down. We are having a bit of a problem finding lodging. We'll see what tomorrow brings.....we may be Oregon bound......
I'm calling this trip the "Practice Retirement", or "Way Out West". We left home on Monday and headed to Minneapolis to check in with he Darlin' Daughter. We went out to dinner at Surly Brewer with Lee and her friends Adam and MaryAnn. Food was good and the beer was excellent. Spent a couple of hours with the gang, dropped off some birthday presents, dropped of the kids anddayd were on our way. Headed west, looking to get to St. Cloud. Made it to Rogers, MN. It's not far from Minneapolis. We were tired......
We were up and at it early on Tuesday, headed for North Dakota. Now I know everyone says there isn't anything to do or see in North Dakota, but they are wrong!!! We stopped and saw the world's largest buffalo (and one of the white buffalos----one in a million ya know---drove past some interesting welding art as well as the worlds largest Holstein cow, and stopped at the Painted Canyon--beautiful. Finally, we arrived at Madora North Dakota. Madora is where you will find the main entrance to the southern part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Don't imagine too many folks visit this park. There is a nice 36 mile driving loop, as well as place to park to go for various hikes of different lengths and difficulty. We too a few of these short hikes, and the scenery is amazing. We were there in the early evening, and the sun and shadows only enhanced the beauty. As we were driving around the loop, we came to the prairie dog village (blah), stumbled across a lone buffalo just laying by the side of the road, and also had a wild stallion come down the road at us.
We were feeling pretty lucky to see what we did when we came to the turn for the last couple of miles of the loop. Yup a whole herd of buffalo. Big ones, little ones, huge ones. Unbelievable!!! I parked the car right in the middle of the road and just let them walk on by. It was quite the experience--they were less than a foot from the car.....great pictures.....
Wednesday is day three of the trip, and we want to get up to Glacier National Park. Montana is a heck of a big state. We ended up putting on about 700 miles today. Seatereatus has set in. We did take some time out to visit Pompey's Pillar. I've seen pictures of this since at least 8th grade, if not earlier. It is a stone where William Clark carved his name while on the exposition. It is the only record left that Lewis and Clark were ever anywhere. You see, the carved their names all over the place, and we know where because they kept meticulous records. But this is the only place they put their name that wasn't a tree. And we know what happens to trees......
So we are hunkered down in Missoula Montana trying to plan tomorrow....Glacier National Park is having some problems with fire and is half shut down. We are having a bit of a problem finding lodging. We'll see what tomorrow brings.....we may be Oregon bound......
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