Gary thot we should start our day with a bike ride on this amazing trail that follows the river down Glenwood Canyon. He spent a lot of time trying different options but it was not to be, so we got our bbow back on the road. Our destination today is Colorado Springs. Our route took us on I 70 right thru the Rockies. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful drive.
We planned a Starbucks stop in Vail. Who doesn't wanted to say they had a latte' in Vail?? Guess what, Vail has no intention of welcoming a bbow. We drove off their exit and were harassed till we hit the on ramp. How do you like that!
Well, down the road we found a warm welcome in Silverthorne and we spent our money there instead. There were also several old mining towns along the way that were so fun to see. We seemed to burst from the mountains and there below us was Denver. We chose to drive a route thru Denver just to see a part of it. We had no time to stop but did enjoy the glimpse.
Between there and Colorado Springs we needed to find a "resort". It seems that all the things we came to see are on the north end of town, but all the "resorts" are down south. We went with the KOA South and were able to set up before dark. This bbow is much easier to set up than our '92 bbow, which is really nice for Gary since he doesn't have his sons along for assistance this trip. Taryn is learning a few ways to help as we go along and that is good for her. I now know how to push buttons: push a button and the slide goes out, push a button and the generator starts...and other tough stuff like that. Don't be too harsh on me, I still cook and do laundry!!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Because you asked....
Thought we would answer a few questions sent by e-mail.
Q - Give us some info on the bbow...length? slides? gas?
A - Tioga 31' with 1 slide, and yes, we visit a lot of gas stations.
Q - What the highest price you paid for gas so far?
A - 3.50 in Cortez, CO
Q - Does Gary regret getting a motor home instead of the 5th wheel he wanted?
A - No regrets. This is the right vehicle for this trip. Someday my 5th wheel will come.
Q - Is your itinerary the same as in '92?
A - No. While we are going to some of the same places there are also many new ones. There are four reasons: 1 - this trip is two weeks shorter than '92, 2 - to accommodate some of Taryn's interests, 3 - getting us to our kids in Little Rock, 4 - to see things we've never seen before.
Q - What's different from travel in '92?
A - Good question. Technology - the Internet for travel planning, information and communication, - cell phones for communication, - GPS system of navigation and trip planning [Microsoft Streets & Trips]
Thanks for asking!
Q - Give us some info on the bbow...length? slides? gas?
A - Tioga 31' with 1 slide, and yes, we visit a lot of gas stations.
Q - What the highest price you paid for gas so far?
A - 3.50 in Cortez, CO
Q - Does Gary regret getting a motor home instead of the 5th wheel he wanted?
A - No regrets. This is the right vehicle for this trip. Someday my 5th wheel will come.
Q - Is your itinerary the same as in '92?
A - No. While we are going to some of the same places there are also many new ones. There are four reasons: 1 - this trip is two weeks shorter than '92, 2 - to accommodate some of Taryn's interests, 3 - getting us to our kids in Little Rock, 4 - to see things we've never seen before.
Q - What's different from travel in '92?
A - Good question. Technology - the Internet for travel planning, information and communication, - cell phones for communication, - GPS system of navigation and trip planning [Microsoft Streets & Trips]
Thanks for asking!
Colorado, Caverns & Coasters
Today was a day off road for us - no driving, just playing. Gary and Taryn started off the day with a 3.5 mile run/roller blade down a trail that follows the Colorado River. It was an ambitious endeavor Gary realized after the first 1.5 miles was all downhill. That meant they saved the best for last! Home was all uphill.
We then took a shuttle into Glenwood Springs to go to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. To get there you take a tram up to the top of the mountain. It was a beautiful ride up. The Colorado sky is the most beautifully intense shade of blue I think I have ever seen. The town of Glenwood Springs is nestled in a cozy valley along with the Colorado River. As for the Adventure Park - well, let's just say that Gary & I thot it was really quite lame, but the twelve year old loved it! ...and that's what matters.
We took their cavern tour. When you've seen Carlsbad and the Lewis & Clark Caverns this didn't seem like much to us, but it was the first time Taryn has ever been in a cave so for her it was a real experience. She saw the formations of cavern, smelled the smell of caverns, she felt the cool of caverns, and when all the lights were turned off she saw the very dark of caverns, so it was worth it for her.
The rest of the "adventure" parts were not too great, with one exception - their Alpine Coaster. Tucked along the mountain side was this amazing course that sends you screaming thru the trees and around banked curves. You have a hand brake and can control your own speed, but it is capable of running the track without using the break, which Gary did. You could potentially reach speeds of 50 mps. This was a great ride and worth doing. One hint: go on it at least twice. The first time is about becoming familiar with it and the second is all about going for it!
We had looked forward to going to a chuckwagon dinner and western show tonite, but it was cancelled. Just not enough tourists in town yet.
The next stop for us was the famous Glenwood Canyon Hot Springs which has the world's largest hot springs pool - larger than a football field! It was completed in 1888 and contains 1,071,000 gallons of water. It has a fascinating history which we enjoyed reading about. We spent the rest of our day there. And guess what...it has really taken everything out of us and we are going to bed early tonite. Back on the road tomorrow.
We then took a shuttle into Glenwood Springs to go to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. To get there you take a tram up to the top of the mountain. It was a beautiful ride up. The Colorado sky is the most beautifully intense shade of blue I think I have ever seen. The town of Glenwood Springs is nestled in a cozy valley along with the Colorado River. As for the Adventure Park - well, let's just say that Gary & I thot it was really quite lame, but the twelve year old loved it! ...and that's what matters.
We took their cavern tour. When you've seen Carlsbad and the Lewis & Clark Caverns this didn't seem like much to us, but it was the first time Taryn has ever been in a cave so for her it was a real experience. She saw the formations of cavern, smelled the smell of caverns, she felt the cool of caverns, and when all the lights were turned off she saw the very dark of caverns, so it was worth it for her.
The rest of the "adventure" parts were not too great, with one exception - their Alpine Coaster. Tucked along the mountain side was this amazing course that sends you screaming thru the trees and around banked curves. You have a hand brake and can control your own speed, but it is capable of running the track without using the break, which Gary did. You could potentially reach speeds of 50 mps. This was a great ride and worth doing. One hint: go on it at least twice. The first time is about becoming familiar with it and the second is all about going for it!
We had looked forward to going to a chuckwagon dinner and western show tonite, but it was cancelled. Just not enough tourists in town yet.
The next stop for us was the famous Glenwood Canyon Hot Springs which has the world's largest hot springs pool - larger than a football field! It was completed in 1888 and contains 1,071,000 gallons of water. It has a fascinating history which we enjoyed reading about. We spent the rest of our day there. And guess what...it has really taken everything out of us and we are going to bed early tonite. Back on the road tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
In Awe of Arches
A storm blew thru last nite. The clouds were gone this morning but a warm wind was strong all day. We were thankful for the wind as we hiked at Arches National Park. I must admit that I was just a little "National Park"ed out when we started today but there is just something about those arches! We enjoyed the easy drive around the Park, and that we could actually hike out to several of the arches.
The highlight of the day was our last hike to Delicate Arch. I was told by someone [who will remain nameless] that it was a short and easy hike, but once we got started I knew I had been duped. It was actually 1.5 mi and described as "moderately rigorous" but I didn't know that till it was too late to retreat. And then, when the end was in sight, a couple on their way down urged us not to settle for the view from the top of the trail, but to hike the much higher ridge out to its end and then you could see the arch with only blue sky behind it. Taryn promptly left the path and started up there. Gary gave me permission to stay there but I just couldn't, so I joined Taryn and headed to the ridge.
I can not begin to describe what an incredible experience this was. The ridge swung around in a half circle and then dropped dramatically into a canyon some 500' straight down.The feeling of being at the top of that ridge was wondrous. The rush of the wind sweeping up over us from the canyon below took our breath away. We just sat there together at the top of that ridge trying desperately to take it all in, and we had to literally drag ourselves away.
We left Arches after 4 pm and still had four hours of driving ahead out of Utah and into Colorado. Watching how the land changed in that four hours was amazing. Our red rock turned into grey rock, and desert turned into forest. This all came as a shock to our bodies. We arrived in shorts, tank tops and flip flops with fresh desert sunburns into a 50 degree forest...and went running for pants and sweatshirts. Welcome to Colorado! We are all anxious to explore this state which is new to us.
The highlight of the day was our last hike to Delicate Arch. I was told by someone [who will remain nameless] that it was a short and easy hike, but once we got started I knew I had been duped. It was actually 1.5 mi and described as "moderately rigorous" but I didn't know that till it was too late to retreat. And then, when the end was in sight, a couple on their way down urged us not to settle for the view from the top of the trail, but to hike the much higher ridge out to its end and then you could see the arch with only blue sky behind it. Taryn promptly left the path and started up there. Gary gave me permission to stay there but I just couldn't, so I joined Taryn and headed to the ridge.
I can not begin to describe what an incredible experience this was. The ridge swung around in a half circle and then dropped dramatically into a canyon some 500' straight down.The feeling of being at the top of that ridge was wondrous. The rush of the wind sweeping up over us from the canyon below took our breath away. We just sat there together at the top of that ridge trying desperately to take it all in, and we had to literally drag ourselves away.
We left Arches after 4 pm and still had four hours of driving ahead out of Utah and into Colorado. Watching how the land changed in that four hours was amazing. Our red rock turned into grey rock, and desert turned into forest. This all came as a shock to our bodies. We arrived in shorts, tank tops and flip flops with fresh desert sunburns into a 50 degree forest...and went running for pants and sweatshirts. Welcome to Colorado! We are all anxious to explore this state which is new to us.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Life on a Ledge...and laundry
Another "must see" for Gary was Mesa Verde National Park which offers a look into the lives of an ancestral Pueblo people who were cliff dwellers. Their amazing dwellings were carved right into the sandstone walls of the canyons where the structures were somewhat protected and have survived to hint at their story.
We were able to take a tour with Ranger Rick to see what is known as Cliff Palace. Taking steep narrow steps carved in the stone we descended to actually walk within what remains of this dwelling. It was quite amazing. Another set of steep steps and a series of three tree-limb ladders took us back out. Quite the experience. Taryn went right to work drawing a most detailed sketch of this and did an incredible job.
On the road again we actually headed back into Utah toward Canyonlands and Arches National Park. We will see Arches tomorrow before heading on to Colorado.
We did come to something called Wilson Arch and pulled off to at least get a picture - in honor of our cat Wilson. When Taryn saw people climbing up to the arch she quickly put on her shoes and headed up with Gary following close behind. My role was to dutifully take pictures from below, but once they were up there they insisted I climb up and join them which I did.
To stand in an arch is an amazing thing. The warm wind was rushing around us and we had a most incredible view. I was really glad I made the climb...but don't tell them I actually said that.
Our stop today is in Moab Utah. It seems to be a busy town with lots of recreational opportunities available. I wanted to rent quads or a Hummer and explore, but instead I did laundry.
We were able to take a tour with Ranger Rick to see what is known as Cliff Palace. Taking steep narrow steps carved in the stone we descended to actually walk within what remains of this dwelling. It was quite amazing. Another set of steep steps and a series of three tree-limb ladders took us back out. Quite the experience. Taryn went right to work drawing a most detailed sketch of this and did an incredible job.
On the road again we actually headed back into Utah toward Canyonlands and Arches National Park. We will see Arches tomorrow before heading on to Colorado.
We did come to something called Wilson Arch and pulled off to at least get a picture - in honor of our cat Wilson. When Taryn saw people climbing up to the arch she quickly put on her shoes and headed up with Gary following close behind. My role was to dutifully take pictures from below, but once they were up there they insisted I climb up and join them which I did.
To stand in an arch is an amazing thing. The warm wind was rushing around us and we had a most incredible view. I was really glad I made the climb...but don't tell them I actually said that.
Our stop today is in Moab Utah. It seems to be a busy town with lots of recreational opportunities available. I wanted to rent quads or a Hummer and explore, but instead I did laundry.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Worship in Zion!
Mountain Maker, Ocean Tamer
Glimpses of You burn in my eyes
Worship of heaven fills up the skies
You made it all, said “Let there be”
Worship of heaven fills up the skies
You made it all, said “Let there be”
And there was all that we see.
The sound of Your voice
The sound of Your voice
The works of Your hands.
You do all things well.
~ Chris Tomlin
It is Sunday and we are far from our own church…but worship we did, and it has been memorable! Zion National Park was our sanctuary, Chris Tomlin led us in worship [via cd] and our pastor, Grant Fishbook provided a powerful message. [also via cd] Zion is mighty in form and exquisite in its beauty. We worshipped in awe. Only God could have created such wonder. Praise Him!
Entering Zion we parked and boarded their excellent shuttle system which we found user friendly and much better than Yosemite. We enjoyed the museum and then took a scenic tour. We chose one stop that included a short hike to Weeping Rock. This incredible valley was so close to us compared to the grand width of Yosemite. Its beauty is beyond description.
Our bbow (big box on wheels) required an escort thru the mile and a half tunnel. We felt a bit bad for the cars that had to wait on either end but we had to pay for this. Around a bend we saw cars and cameras pointing behind us, and there on the ledge was a small herd of wild mountain goats. Gary got one quick picture but there was no place to pull off with our bbow. They were exciting to see even just a glimpse.
We then had a long drive into Colorado with one stop at Four Corners – the only place in the U.S. where four state corners meet. We drove up at 6 pm as they were closing. They let us in and Gary was thrilled to stand in four states as one time. Me…not so much, but I did appreciate the sentiment expressed there: “Four States Here Meet In Freedom Under God”.
It was after 10 pm when we finally pulled in to our rv resort. [I think it’s hysterical they now all refer to themselves as ‘resorts’] There is always so much to do to prepare for the next day so we were up very late but did enjoyed an old Lucille Ball movie.
~ Chris Tomlin
It is Sunday and we are far from our own church…but worship we did, and it has been memorable! Zion National Park was our sanctuary, Chris Tomlin led us in worship [via cd] and our pastor, Grant Fishbook provided a powerful message. [also via cd] Zion is mighty in form and exquisite in its beauty. We worshipped in awe. Only God could have created such wonder. Praise Him!
Entering Zion we parked and boarded their excellent shuttle system which we found user friendly and much better than Yosemite. We enjoyed the museum and then took a scenic tour. We chose one stop that included a short hike to Weeping Rock. This incredible valley was so close to us compared to the grand width of Yosemite. Its beauty is beyond description.
Our bbow (big box on wheels) required an escort thru the mile and a half tunnel. We felt a bit bad for the cars that had to wait on either end but we had to pay for this. Around a bend we saw cars and cameras pointing behind us, and there on the ledge was a small herd of wild mountain goats. Gary got one quick picture but there was no place to pull off with our bbow. They were exciting to see even just a glimpse.
We then had a long drive into Colorado with one stop at Four Corners – the only place in the U.S. where four state corners meet. We drove up at 6 pm as they were closing. They let us in and Gary was thrilled to stand in four states as one time. Me…not so much, but I did appreciate the sentiment expressed there: “Four States Here Meet In Freedom Under God”.
It was after 10 pm when we finally pulled in to our rv resort. [I think it’s hysterical they now all refer to themselves as ‘resorts’] There is always so much to do to prepare for the next day so we were up very late but did enjoyed an old Lucille Ball movie.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
S'mores and Karaoke!
We realized today that we must modify our route. We cannot make it to all the places we had hoped. It made the most sense to drop Bryce and that was hard for Gary. We had not been able to get reservations there anyway, and had no place to stay this holiday weekend, so we decided to head right to Zion. We held small hope of finding an actual campsite but knew we had to get as close to Zion as possible. I had printed and taken along some camping info for that area even tho we had decided not to use it. That was a God-thing. I made one call and a kindly man made room for us at 5 pm on Friday night of the Memorial Day weekend. We thanked God for this provision. It had been a rough day up to this point and we were way off on our time. It was encouraging to have a place to go.
As we drove we planned our own bbq that nite for our Memorial Day celebration. This would be the first time to have our bbq out this trip. The scenery was so beautiful as the canyon rock appeared and the late evening sun lit it splendidly.
This resort was wonderful: clean, well cared for, lots of families. Taryn was thrilled and immediately put on her roller blades and went out to meet “friends”. She was back in minutes having been invited to a camp party with s’mores and Karaoke!…and could she please sing something?? After our burgers we headed down there and she signed up to sing “Home on the Range”. It was all quite a kick hanging with families we didn’t know singing Karaoke. Unfortunately Taryn’s name did not come up before camp quiet time did, so she was not able to sing. She was very sad. We ended our evening watching an episode of “Death Valley Days” which was also a riot.
As we drove we planned our own bbq that nite for our Memorial Day celebration. This would be the first time to have our bbq out this trip. The scenery was so beautiful as the canyon rock appeared and the late evening sun lit it splendidly.
This resort was wonderful: clean, well cared for, lots of families. Taryn was thrilled and immediately put on her roller blades and went out to meet “friends”. She was back in minutes having been invited to a camp party with s’mores and Karaoke!…and could she please sing something?? After our burgers we headed down there and she signed up to sing “Home on the Range”. It was all quite a kick hanging with families we didn’t know singing Karaoke. Unfortunately Taryn’s name did not come up before camp quiet time did, so she was not able to sing. She was very sad. We ended our evening watching an episode of “Death Valley Days” which was also a riot.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Creation Calls!
There is nothing like starting your day in a helicopter. We had an absolutely magnificent view of our Creators creation. This has to be a highlight! It was a beautiful clear day and we flew right down into and around a portion of the Grand Canyon. How amazing God is! Creation is His statement. It shouts His name. It is bold and it is clear, it is His and it is good! Pause and consider Him…and worship with us! “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise.”
We believe!
After the Grand Canyon we landed at Grand Canyon West Ranch where we were served a cowboy breakfast and then taken on a horseback ride on the hills above the ranch. After a game of horseshoes and a gunfight we flew back to Vegas. Taryn swam for four hours and still didn’t want to get out. We then took a shuttle into town had dinner and looked around. Quite late we took a taxi back to our resort very thankful that we were located out of town.
Only minutes in the door Gary realized his cell phone was gone and must have been bumped off in the taxi. This was quite upsetting, and it was the twelve year old who said “shouldn’t we pray?” We did. Gary went out to the resort office to make calls trying to get it back if possible and I put Taryn to bed. An hour later Gary came back…with his phone…because a twelve year old prayed!
We believe!
After the Grand Canyon we landed at Grand Canyon West Ranch where we were served a cowboy breakfast and then taken on a horseback ride on the hills above the ranch. After a game of horseshoes and a gunfight we flew back to Vegas. Taryn swam for four hours and still didn’t want to get out. We then took a shuttle into town had dinner and looked around. Quite late we took a taxi back to our resort very thankful that we were located out of town.
Only minutes in the door Gary realized his cell phone was gone and must have been bumped off in the taxi. This was quite upsetting, and it was the twelve year old who said “shouldn’t we pray?” We did. Gary went out to the resort office to make calls trying to get it back if possible and I put Taryn to bed. An hour later Gary came back…with his phone…because a twelve year old prayed!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
What does one wear to Death Valley??
That truly was my dilemma this morning. I had no idea. I actually had great concerns about Death Valley and had first refused to go thru it. Gary convinced me it was safe and would save the long drive around it. We didn’t get out till 9 AM and one lady commented to Taryn that she was surprised that we hadn’t left already. That made me nervous.
As we drove I read from our Death Valley guide so we were familiar with its history and what we would see. This was all very interesting. We learned there are 1,042 plant species, 51 native mammals, 346 types of birds, 36 classifications of reptiles, 6 types of fish, and five species of amphibians that can survive in this extreme climate. Gary provided an experiment on air pressure as we watched an empty water bottle collapse as we drove below sea level.
As we drove I read from our Death Valley guide so we were familiar with its history and what we would see. This was all very interesting. We learned there are 1,042 plant species, 51 native mammals, 346 types of birds, 36 classifications of reptiles, 6 types of fish, and five species of amphibians that can survive in this extreme climate. Gary provided an experiment on air pressure as we watched an empty water bottle collapse as we drove below sea level.
Our route took us right thru the center of the valley on Hwy.190. We stopped at Stovepipe Wells which once had a recorded temp of 134 degrees. Yikes! It was only 102 today…at 10:30 AM! We did a bit of exploring at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. The sand was too hot to touch but we did enjoy the experience and got to watch a small lizard dig out his front door. We wandered around the remains of Harmony Borax Works, a mining operation that dates 120 years…remember the famed 20-mule team detergent?
The Death Valley museum was very interesting and gave us a chance to see what we didn’t have time to drive to. Furnace Creek Ranch had some fun shops and some welcome ice cream for us. There is also a resort tucked here that is pretty amazing.
After we left Death Valley Gary and Taryn relayed a true story they read in the visitor center about a father and his three children who nearly lost their lives in Death Valley…last year!
The Valley behind us, Nevada before us - our fourth state in six days. In Pahrump we shopped for supplies before we settle in Las Vegas. Our route took us into the southern part of Vegas which just happened to be where our rv resort was located. It is very nice, just out of the city yet connected by a shuttle, family friendly and no casino. We were so thankful.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Granite...and more granite
Today we drove through Yosemite on the Tioga Road. This was originally a wagon road across Tioga Pass. Our bbow [big box on wheels] is a Tioga, so we took our Tioga over Tioga! This has to be some of the most stunning country I have ever seen. Absolutely breathtaking and highly recommended!
There are these amazing formations of granite that defy my ability to describe. They are perfect for climbing on and we all enjoyed that at Olmsted Point. From there we had a breathtaking view of Half Dome.
Gary and Taryn also hiked as far up the granite as they could on Lembert Dome. There were obviously a bunch of starving mosquitoes at this stop. They chased me right back into the bbow when three landed on my face and one actually flew up under my sunglasses as I was trying to take pictures.
Leaving Yosemite we entered Inyo National Forest on Hwy 120. and then head south on Hwy 395. This was also a most beautiful drive. We really enjoy exploring these areas of the country that are new to us. Along the way we came to a loop through Mammoth Lakes and decided to take it. Guess what is in Mammoth Lakes? Starbucks! Mammoth reminds me alot of Whistler and was a fun stop.
The small towns along this route are a kick to drive thru. One was celebrating Mule Days with a Mule Rodeo. It must be a huge event judging from the number of rv's, horse trailers and mules we saw.
As we were driving a strange guard tower appeared by the road. Gary knew immediately that we were at Manzanar, a Japanese internment camp used during WWII. It is now being restored as a memorial and even tho it was closed for the day we were able to drive thru it's remains. Later we were able to find information on the history of this camp to learn more about it. This was a great history lesson.
Our goal for the evening was a campground at Lone Pine. Gary has talked a very reluctant me to drive thru Death Valley. I gave a firm "no" to this idea at home but he has convinced me.
There are these amazing formations of granite that defy my ability to describe. They are perfect for climbing on and we all enjoyed that at Olmsted Point. From there we had a breathtaking view of Half Dome.
Gary and Taryn also hiked as far up the granite as they could on Lembert Dome. There were obviously a bunch of starving mosquitoes at this stop. They chased me right back into the bbow when three landed on my face and one actually flew up under my sunglasses as I was trying to take pictures.
Leaving Yosemite we entered Inyo National Forest on Hwy 120. and then head south on Hwy 395. This was also a most beautiful drive. We really enjoy exploring these areas of the country that are new to us. Along the way we came to a loop through Mammoth Lakes and decided to take it. Guess what is in Mammoth Lakes? Starbucks! Mammoth reminds me alot of Whistler and was a fun stop.
The small towns along this route are a kick to drive thru. One was celebrating Mule Days with a Mule Rodeo. It must be a huge event judging from the number of rv's, horse trailers and mules we saw.
As we were driving a strange guard tower appeared by the road. Gary knew immediately that we were at Manzanar, a Japanese internment camp used during WWII. It is now being restored as a memorial and even tho it was closed for the day we were able to drive thru it's remains. Later we were able to find information on the history of this camp to learn more about it. This was a great history lesson.
Our goal for the evening was a campground at Lone Pine. Gary has talked a very reluctant me to drive thru Death Valley. I gave a firm "no" to this idea at home but he has convinced me.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
A Dream Comes True!
The story of this day is a dream that came true for Gary. He has always wanted to see Yosemite. We had a beautiful sunny day and got an early start to the park from our campsite. Our plan for this day was to see Yosemite Valley. Even the drive there was beautiful and Taryn was delighted to spot a wolf crossing the road.
There is a free shuttle system set up to take you around this seven square mile area. We spent some time in the Village and checked that out. Gary decided to book a Valley Floor Tour for us. This was great fun and we certainly learned much more than we could have on our own. Our tour was led by Matt, a Park Ranger. It turns out he is from Shoreline, went to Shoreline Christian, is familiar with Lynden and Lynden Christian, and just graduated in December from Calvin College.
After the tour we went to Yosemite Falls. This is actually the best time of year to see all the falls here in Yosemite while there is still spring runoff. They call it "liquid thunder". There is an area at the base of the lower falls where you can climb up the huge rocks towards it and feel the spray. Gary and Taryn did this and both said it was a highlight of the day.
On our drive back out of the Valley Gary spotted people jumping out of their vehicles with cameras in hand. Taryn was the first to see a bear. We pulled off and joined the group in pursuit of four black bears that were brown. They stopped by some trees on the other side of a ravine and sat together looking at all of us looking at them. It was really cool...till a Park Ranger appeared and ordered us all back to our cars. As we were all obediently filing past him I heard him mutter something about "not being too bright." We thought it was amazing fun!
The three of us made Yosemite S'mores at the close of a great day and a dream come true.
There is a free shuttle system set up to take you around this seven square mile area. We spent some time in the Village and checked that out. Gary decided to book a Valley Floor Tour for us. This was great fun and we certainly learned much more than we could have on our own. Our tour was led by Matt, a Park Ranger. It turns out he is from Shoreline, went to Shoreline Christian, is familiar with Lynden and Lynden Christian, and just graduated in December from Calvin College.
After the tour we went to Yosemite Falls. This is actually the best time of year to see all the falls here in Yosemite while there is still spring runoff. They call it "liquid thunder". There is an area at the base of the lower falls where you can climb up the huge rocks towards it and feel the spray. Gary and Taryn did this and both said it was a highlight of the day.
On our drive back out of the Valley Gary spotted people jumping out of their vehicles with cameras in hand. Taryn was the first to see a bear. We pulled off and joined the group in pursuit of four black bears that were brown. They stopped by some trees on the other side of a ravine and sat together looking at all of us looking at them. It was really cool...till a Park Ranger appeared and ordered us all back to our cars. As we were all obediently filing past him I heard him mutter something about "not being too bright." We thought it was amazing fun!
The three of us made Yosemite S'mores at the close of a great day and a dream come true.
Monday, May 21, 2007
On the edge....of Yosemite!
Let's just say that the rest of day two of our travels did not go as we anticipated. The weather got better in California. Unfortunately Mt. Shasta's peak was covered with clouds. We did enjoy seeing Lake Shasta and were reminded of our wonderful houseboat trip with the Eides. Looking forward to doing that again some day!
A major goal for this day was a stop at In & Out Burger in Redding. Let's just say that seeing it and getting to it successfully are two different things...even with technology! ha ha We did get there and enjoyed every last bite. While driving we had made a list of everything we had forgotten, so we also made a stop to shop. Oh, did I mention Starbucks? This always take longer than you anticipate, so it was 7:30 pm before we left Redding.
We later made a stop for gas at huge truck stop about 11 pm. Gary was sickened by sight of all the bugs on the bbow. [big box on wheels] He spotted a huge truck wash and talked them into washing our bbow after the big semi they had in the wash bay, so we were back on the road minus the bug guts.
It seems that I am the "after 11 pm" driver of the bbow, so I got to drive while he navigated the route.
Gary has forbidden me to write about the next part of our adventure so I'll just say that sometimes even the latest and greatest technology fails us. :-) We pulled into our campsite at 3 am and collapsed....but we had made it to the edge of Yosemite.
Today we stayed right here to rest and regroup. I tore into the bbow and repacked it so I am a happy woman. There is tons of stuff for Taryn here and she enjoyed it all. Gary was her partner for most of it and he is now walking wounded with a shoulder injury and jambed/sprained finger. Taryn, however, is unscathed.
We plan to enter Yosemite by 7 am tomorrow morning. We're very excited to see it for the first time.
P.S. Gary located his calculator. Rats. I did think Ross made some great suggestions!
A major goal for this day was a stop at In & Out Burger in Redding. Let's just say that seeing it and getting to it successfully are two different things...even with technology! ha ha We did get there and enjoyed every last bite. While driving we had made a list of everything we had forgotten, so we also made a stop to shop. Oh, did I mention Starbucks? This always take longer than you anticipate, so it was 7:30 pm before we left Redding.
We later made a stop for gas at huge truck stop about 11 pm. Gary was sickened by sight of all the bugs on the bbow. [big box on wheels] He spotted a huge truck wash and talked them into washing our bbow after the big semi they had in the wash bay, so we were back on the road minus the bug guts.
It seems that I am the "after 11 pm" driver of the bbow, so I got to drive while he navigated the route.
Gary has forbidden me to write about the next part of our adventure so I'll just say that sometimes even the latest and greatest technology fails us. :-) We pulled into our campsite at 3 am and collapsed....but we had made it to the edge of Yosemite.
Today we stayed right here to rest and regroup. I tore into the bbow and repacked it so I am a happy woman. There is tons of stuff for Taryn here and she enjoyed it all. Gary was her partner for most of it and he is now walking wounded with a shoulder injury and jambed/sprained finger. Taryn, however, is unscathed.
We plan to enter Yosemite by 7 am tomorrow morning. We're very excited to see it for the first time.
P.S. Gary located his calculator. Rats. I did think Ross made some great suggestions!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
We're on the road!
Hey, we made it. We are on the road in our "big box on wheels"! We packed our motorhome in the rain on Saturday. What a mess. John, Kay and Brandon were there to pray with us before we left. Our neighbors came outside to wave and cheer us off. It was exciting....but we were exhausted!
Our goal for the day was Eugene OR and we made it at 1 AM. We found a safe parking lot and fell into bed. This morning we woke to pounding rain on the roof of our bbow [big box on wheels]. It is taking us a bit of time to find where we put things.
We've slept, we've eaten, we're refreshed and now we're on the road! The goal today is Yosemite. That's a long drive and we've gotten a later start than we had hoped but we excited and seeing country we haven't seen in a while.
Trivia for family and close friends: Gary actually left WITHOUT his calculator!
Our goal for the day was Eugene OR and we made it at 1 AM. We found a safe parking lot and fell into bed. This morning we woke to pounding rain on the roof of our bbow [big box on wheels]. It is taking us a bit of time to find where we put things.
We've slept, we've eaten, we're refreshed and now we're on the road! The goal today is Yosemite. That's a long drive and we've gotten a later start than we had hoped but we excited and seeing country we haven't seen in a while.
Trivia for family and close friends: Gary actually left WITHOUT his calculator!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
One Week from Today!
Exactly one week from today Gary, Taryn and I will leave on our two and a half month journey around the U.S. The pressure is on to get everything done that needs to be done at home, work and school before we leave. Gary has our "big box on wheels" ready to go so now the loading begins.
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