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.
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