Trip West Chapter Two

[RESORT2ME Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RESORT2ME]

Deleted. Will incorporate major corrections prior to reposting.

[RESORT2ME Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RESORT2ME]

Trip West Chapter Two - August 27 – September 2, 2006
WYOMING, MONTANA and IDAHO

It is said, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” I must be having a blast! I can’t believe eight months have slipped away since our journey ended. I hope all this will inspire some of you to take in our national parks. Get out and see this fantastic land while you are able.

Benefit may be derived, by glancing through TRIP WEST Chapter One prior to reading this chapter.
http://www.timeshareforums.com/forum...apter-one.html

In that first week we traveled from mid-Michigan to Cody, WY. We stayed the night of Aug 26th at Green Gables Inn in Cody, WY. (A very nice, clean, no extras motel.)

Chapter Two depicts our road trip as we visit the national parks of Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier.

Photo groupings are at Picasa Web Albums - ROBERT
If you look through photo groupings (Aug. 27 – Sep. 2, 2006) you’ll have some idea of what I speak before reading the report. Gerald or myself did not take all the photos. Several were gleaned from post cards, friends and the web… anywhere depictions were found of sights seen on our Trip West. My intention is for you to see what is out there in this fabulously varied country.

As our trip progresses, I’ll refer you to the group title matching that section of report. You may then look again. When that group of photos comes up, you may click on an individual picture to enlarge it somewhat... OR click on Slideshow and allow all pictures of that group to download. With Slideshow, photos are presented close to full-page size.

WYOMING - continued from Chapter One

AUG 27th LOG
- Breakfast $11.46 – Shop Wal-Mart, $41.17 – Left Cody - odometer 196341
- Buffalo Bill Dam - Shoshone River
- Yellowstone East Gate, odometer 196394.9
- 3:35 Lewis Falls & stream – out Yellowstone S. Gate
- Teton NP, South Jenny Lake tent site, 2 nights $12 Split = $06.00

Sunday Cody appeared to be a thriving tourist town… so many motels and trinket shops.
We contributed one night’s stay, a breakfast and replenished our mini-fridge food supply at Wal-Mart. Fresh fruit and bottled water helped to minimize meals and forced us to stop regularly.

We drove westward 6 miles on US-14. Buffalo Bill Dam & the beautiful Shoshone River is a Must-stop! Do not pass up a look over the front side of the dam. The gorge below is incredable.

Click Shoshone Project for a fascinating read about the dam and irrigation system.

Just 50 miles from Cody, we entered America's most famous national park. Our journey was slowed by the monstrous road-rebuilding project. Many of the dangerous switchbacks are gone and grades are now less steep. Stone safety walls are being constructed. The beautiful scenery is still WOW, but the mystic has been lessened. Traffic will move along now, allowing less time for viewing. I’m certain required turnouts will be added.

Photos: Picasa Web Albums - ROBERT - Cody to TETON NATIONAL PARK...

We’re heading to Teton National Park to grab a campsite at South Jenny Lake before all are taken. We moved rather quickly through Yellowstone … in East Gate (at 196395), stopping only briefly to admire Yellowstone Lake… looked at one steamy mud pot… crossed the Continental Divide... paused to grab pictures of pretty Lewis Falls & stream, then out the South Gate (3:35 PM). We’ll come back to YNP on the 29th.

The Lewis River takes a 30 ft. drop at Lewis Falls, as it rushes away from nearby Lewis Lake.

Followed along Jackson Lake with grand views of the mountains as a backdrop. Shortly after the turnoff to Colter Bay Village, we turned right and followed the Teton Park Road to Jenny Lake Road (one way) along Jenny Lake to South Jenny Lake Campground. Real pretty that way, looking at mountains across the lakes.

We dilly-dallied too long. All lake-view sites were taken, but we had spectacular views of the Grand Teton Mountains. Roamed the area looking for firewood. The campgrounds had been picked bare. Fallen trees along the lakeshore had to be broken up and lugged to camp. Obtain firewood prior to camping here.

Built a campfire and made a soup & salad meal. We’re anxious to see this park, but tonight we’ll take a few pictures and relax in our chairs under the very bright moon and stars. No TV, phone, sirens, traffic … No city light to spoil the sky either. This place was so peaceably fantasfabulous.

AUG 28th LOG
- skinny Wilson Road to Teton Village (base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort)
- walked Jackson some, 74 degrees at 12:26
- float ride Snake River. $100 + Ice and Chocolate bars $7.98 Split = $54.00
- Camped South Jenny Lake
- Fueled at Moose 196516 329 mi. $61.42 – 20 gal 16.5mpg Split = $30.71
- Bob bought post cards and photo CD
- Supper – Bob’ treat, no split
SUB TOTAL = $90.71

Monday The road to Teton Village is oh so narrow. Looked around the ski lodge a bit, and then drove Hwy 22 to poke around in Jackson Hole. The town didn’t appear crowded, but we had to hunt for parking. Stacks of elk antlers formed entrances at the city-center park. Elk lose them naturally, so we learned.

TNP photos: Picasa Web Albums - ROBERT - TETON NATIONAl PARK...

Just days prior to our arrival, Chuck and Cindi Russell toured here. Some of their photos: Picasa Web Albums - ROBERT - Jenny Lake and Teton Mountains...

We rode a gentle, very relaxing Dornan’s Float down Snake River. Saw several eagles, numerous trout and one deer with quite a rack. Took too many photos of the river and spectacular Tetons. Picasa Web Albums - ROBERT - Floating the Snake...

This park is a showcase of Rocky Mountain grandeur. From grassy valleys and the Snake River, elevations range to 14,259 feet at the weather-ravaged top of Longs Peak. We had wonderful views from every place we ventured.

We were too early for autumn’s golden aspens, but we hit it right for enjoying the most spectacular weather.
What BREATHABLE air, Teton night skies and the Stars! Great for sleeping!


AUG 29th LOG
- 9:54 AM – 196575 Departed South Jenny Lake - to Old Faithful
- Air is so great in forests. Beautiful lakes and streams and starry night sky,
- Nice Pierce Creek Rapids. New tree growth on hillsides,
- Yellowstone Water Falls. Gibbons River Falls, Virginia Cascades
- toured Yellowstone NP but for Mammoth Hot Springs,
- motel $57.78. Split = $28.89
- supper $19.92 Split = $09.96

Tuesday Packed it up - left Jenny Lake. What a lovely place. No city around.
Headed out of Teton to drive Yellowstone.

Go to Yellowstone National Park - Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service) if you wish a lot of government information on YNP.

For various routes and Things To Do & See: Plan your Yellowstone National Park vacation with resources provided by YellowstonePark.com

Just inside Yellowstone (1.3 miles north of the south entrance) there’s a signed turnout for Moose Falls. This beautiful waterfall splashes off a 30’ drop along Crawfish Creek. It is a short walk from the roadside turnout to get down to the base of the falls.

Drove around Yellowstone Lake and at West Thumb we went west on Grand Loop Road to observe thermal features, "nature's wonderland”, mud pots and vast burnt over forested mountains. Surprising is the speed of new growth reforestation.

Picasa Web Albums - ROBERT - YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK...

“Boy! This air feels nice!”

We found a parking space at Old Faithful and mingled with the crowd awaiting the famous eruption. We caught a slight glimpse of one as we were driving in. Waited over an hour for the next.

What to do??? Roamed the grounds a bit… I didn’t realize, but there are several geysers near Old Faithful. Humans everywhere, doing the same.
Stood in huge line to get a large cone, worked the laptop and observed arriving tour buses.

A lone buffalo meandered through, between the parking lot and Old Faithful. Didn’t seem to mind the people at all.

The Geyser Observation and Study Association (GOSA) has several real nice photos of geysers and springs at Welcome to The Geyser Observation and Study Association

In its own sweet time, Old Faithful geyser spouted the anticipated splendor. We departed with the crowd… should have been here when schools were yet in session.

Continued up Grand Loop Road to Norris Canyon Road to Canyon Village. Hurried the rest of the afternoon to see Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with its spectacular waterfalls. What a beautiful stream! Viewed Yellowstone Waterfalls - Gibbons River and Waterfalls - VA Cascades. All of it would have been nice to just sit and take in for hours.

Directions:
Lower Falls: From Canyon, drive on the one-way North Rim Drive to the signed turnouts at Lookout Pt. and Brink of the Lower Falls. On the south side of the river, drive south on the Grand Loop Rd towards Fishing Bridge, to the signed turnoff for Artist Pt. and Uncle Tom's Trail.
The Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River crashes through the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone a short distance upstream from the Lower Falls. At 109 ft. high, it is not as dramatic or inspiring as the Lower Falls, but is still nonetheless an incredible waterfall not to be missed.
There are not as many great viewpoints for Upper Yellowstone Falls. The best is from Uncle Tom's Trail parking area. Walk to the canyon rim to the developed overlook. A better and closer view is available by walking on the trail upriver for a short 10-15 minutes, bringing you to an excellent overlook. Another interesting perspective of the Upper Falls can be found at the Brink of the Upper Falls trail, a short easy walk leading you to the top of the falls. This signed turnoff is off the Grand Loop Rd.

White clouds & blue skies were with us the whole day!

We did not climb to the heights necessary to capture whole-canyon photos, but copied some, so you can get some idea. Picasa Web Albums - ROBERT - Yellowstone Grand Canyon...

It is good that the Yellowstone National Park is protected and preserved as a public park. Yellowstone is a marvel. Definitely something not to be missed.

NOTE: The Yellowstone River is one of the best, and most popular, dry fly rivers in America. It’s noted for its healthy population of native Yellowstone cutthroats.

Leaving the falls, we drove north on Grand Loop. Ran out of photo-taking daylight by the time we neared Mammoth. Went on up US-89 40 miles to Gardiner, MT for lodging. We chose the old-timey section of Yellowstone River Motel. Such a perfect setting… overlooking the Yellowstone River. The unit had two bedrooms, each with sink and mirror. The bathroom was a lockoff space. Opened the slide-sideways windows as soon as we got in to take in the air and hear the river.

The menu at the Rusty Rail was quite pricey. We ordered 2 Mine Burgers. To not sound negative, I’ll just say… we didn’t go to bed hungry!

MONTANA

AUG 30th LOG
- Toured Mammouth Hot Springs
- 196823 - Livingston – 1:32PM – 306 miles
- Fueled 18.3 gal, $54.91 Split = $27.45
- Bozeman Pass (2:44 PM)
- drove 270 miles to Missoula, MT.
- KOA, Missoula, MT $20.06 Split = $10.03
- WalMart battery box, sponges, bag clips $09.67 Split = $04.83
SUB TOTAL = $81.16

Wednesday Backtracked to visit Mammoth Hot Springs in the daylight. Many elk were grazing in the little town. Quite a lovely site.
Normally I would say “What a waste to backtrack.” I’m glad we took the time though. Very interesting. Took so many photos. Only showing you a few.

Picasa Web Albums - ROBERT - Mammoth Hot Springs...

We departed Yellowstone via the northeast gate at Gardiner and continued on till I-90W. Crossed Bozeman Pass (2:44 PM) and descended into the Gallatin Valley and the city of Bozeman.

Tent Camped in KOA Missoula - a big mistake. Right at the edge of town. Real city noise. Missoula is supposedly Montana's Garden City. I think we arrived too late.


AUG 31st LOG
- Missoula 197065.7 226.5 miles 16.7 gal $50.76 Split = $25.38
- Lunch $16.00 Split = $08.00
- Dinner $20.00 Split = $10.00
- WalMart tarp, sleeping bags, trail mix, groceries: $93.55 Split = $46.78
- Whitefish KOA cabin - 2 nights x $56.82 Split = $56.82
SUB TOTAL = $146.98

Thursday Leaving Missoula, we did not take the “main drag” to Kalispell. We headed eastward on MT200 to Clearwater, then up MT83 through the Seeley – Swan Valley passing Salmon Lake, Seeley Lake, Lake Inez and Lake Alva toward Swan Lake with it’s magnificent water. Had views of the Mission Range to our left and the Swan Range to the right. MT83 is simply a soothing scenic route leading us to Glacier National Park.

But wait. We have to stop. A must on the To Do list... Lunch at HUNGRY BEAR STEAK HOUSE! Should you be going this way, Hungry Bear is located in the Swan Valley, 1½ hours from both Missoula and Kalispell, between mile marker 38 and 39. Hungry Bear Steak House

After a great meal, we traversed the beautiful shoreline of Flathead Lake and on up to Kalispell. Flathead by the way is 28 miles long and up to 15 miles wide, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Flathead Lake the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi.

Picasa Web Albums - ROBERT - Yellowstone To Glacier Scenes...

When people speak of Montana, I hear “Big Sky, open land, majestic mountains.” We hadn’t reached Glacier Nat’l Park yet, but I’d have to agree.

We purchased extra sleeping bags at Missoula, as overnight Temps were expected to be 29. Still, we chickened out and chose a KOA Kabin just south of Whitefish. Our bedding fit their mattresses just fine. Up the hill one block were restroom facilities equipped with electricity, flush toilets, sinks with running water and several shower stalls.

After getting set up in the bare bones cabin, we set their plug-in electric heater to as low as it would go, just to take the chill out. We headed for 660 E. Idaho Street in Kalispell… FINNEGANS FAMILY RESTAURANT for dinner. A real nice place with good food and decent prices.

We retired to KOA, relaxed outside awhile, watching the light-of-night changes over the treetops. We were anxious… only 24 miles away from Glacier.

Glacier National Park - Most visitor facilities are open from late May to mid-September. During the winter, in-park services are not available. I had read where the park shuttles run June 4 – Sep 19. That’s why the concern, that we might get snowed out.

SEP 1st LOG
Whitefish 13.67gal $41.02 Split = $20.51
Columbia, MT 7.63 gal $22.89 Split = $11.45

Friday A complementary self-service buffet awaited us, both mornings, on site at Buffalo Bob’s. There was a surprising variety and it was really good … not like it was served to you of course, but you could pick and choose any or all. Heated trays of scrambled eggs, grits, fresh made biscuits, gravy, pancakes.

Microwave and toasters were available for bagels, toast, and waffles. There was the norm also… doughnuts, cold cereals, instant oatmeal, bananas, milk, coffee, orange juice, tea bags, cocoa mix, peanut butter, jelly, cream cheese, margarine, etc, etc.

After this most handy buffet, it was off to the Going-to-the-Sun Road; 52 miles of the most spectacular scenery I’ve ever experienced. This two-lane highway bisects Glacier, passing through almost every type of terrain in the park. Scenic viewpoints and pullouts are many and we spent much time for extended viewing and picture taking.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a scenic landmark crossing between the west entrance near the Flathead Valley and the east entrance at St. Mary via Logan Pass. The 50-mile paved road was completed in the 1930’s. In 1983, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and in 1996 was designated a National Landmark. The road is narrow, steep and winding, with numerous pullouts for viewing scenery. Travelers should plan to spend 1½ to 3 hours to complete the distance.

Amongst many of our stops was Historic Lake McDonald Lodge. Just had to look over the red Jammer buses, check out the lodge interior (marvelous) and photograph reflections of forest and mountains on calm Lake McDonald.

This park is fabulously diverse. I use awe a lot; as AWE is what I think describes it best.
Rode though lush forests, along gorgeous lakes and alpine meadows. Gazed upon spectacular glaciered landscape. What a paradise. As we looked down -- or glanced across --- our thoughts of awe and inspiration moved freely from one mountain peak to another.
We traveled along viewing ever-changing landscape. Fantastic meadows and towering glaciered mountains - looked down on lower valleys with their lakes and cedar forests. There are waterfalls and wildflowers and … can’t say enough… spectacular scenery and glimpses. We were saying WOW with every turn and switchback. We were in awe at the rugged, windswept mountains rising abruptly before us.

The Continental Divide was crossed at 6,646-foot-high Logan Pass. The alpine tundra atop the pass… again I say “awesome”.

After refueling (forgot to log it) and an ice cream at St Mary, we turned around and traveled the opposite direction. We wanted to view the rugged peaks again, in different light. One time through was not enough. The Civil Engineering Landmark, Going-To-The-Sun Road, is truly amazing. My hat is off to those risking all… making such grandeur visible by a simple drive through.

As hard as we tried we never got to see Mountain goats, however the spectacular views were the highlight of Trip West.

Let me make something clear… Capturing the magnificence of these mountains and valleys on camera is impossible. There is truly GRANDEUR here and you must be present with your panoramic vision and head turning. Going-To-The-Sun Road of Glacier National Park is most spectacular. A perfect mix of mountains, forest and water. This was by far my favorite stop of Trip West. This one place would be worth the journey.

The views were breathtaking. You can travel to the ends of the earth and you won’t find a more beautiful place than Glacier National Park. We only saw a fraction of Glacier’s awesome terrain and beauty. Look at the pictures. I think you’ll agree that we took in a lot in one day. The photos are of vistas we seen from the road. Picasa Web Albums - ROBERT - GLACIER NATIONAL PARK...

After our most exciting day, we crashed at Kabin.

I could spend a month just driving around Montana. The landscape includes rolling hills, glacier scoured valleys, bright blue lakes and the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains… And, the air is so breathable. After sighting Glacier, I have to say Northwest Montana is a rare and special place.


SEP 2nd LOG
- ID State Line
- WA State Line 7:33pm
- 18.3 gal $53.06 Split = $26.03
- lodging at Fairchild AFB (Spokane) $25.00 Split = $12.50

Saturday We are so glad we didn’t head straight for Spokane. Instead, we took a route viewing more unforgettable country... US-93 northwest out of Whitefish, up through Flathead National Forest to Eureka. We could see the Whitefish Mtn Range off to our right.

Glacier to Spokane photos (some copied and/or scanned) depict a few places seen on our day trip from Whitefish, MT, through a bit of Northern Idaho and Spokane.
Picasa Web Albums - ROBERT - Glacier to Spokane...

Seven miles short of British Columbia we turned south and rode through Kootenai National Forest on MT37, along the east side of Lake Koocanusa. The elevation afforded most spectacular views for 62 miles, all the way to Libby Dam. Please view Lake Koocanusa, Libby, Montana

Bonners Ferry info I’m including, because I have it from my research and feel someone might like to know. I plan to travel the Bonners Ferry route next time.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
… rich with unspoiled wilderness. Winding through the county, passing along the edge of downtown is the Kootenai River and valley where rich farmlands produce a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, hay, wheat, barley and Anheuser Busch's hops.

Known as the "gateway" to Canada, Bonners Ferry is the headquarters of the International Selkirk Loop, which is traveled by many vacationers every year. …

Close to downtown Bonners Ferry is the 2,700 acre Kootenai River Wildlife Refuge. Since 1965, the marshlands surrounding this section of the Kootenai River have been labeled protected breeding and nesting grounds for over 2,000 species of birds ranging from Canadian geese to ring-necked pheasants.

You can find more information regarding Bonners Ferry at bonnersferrychamber.com or at (208) 267-5922. The Visitor's Center is located in the downtown area next to the Kootenai River, and is open every spring, summer, and fall.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At Libby we picked up US-2 and followed along the Kootenai River downstream to the Falls.
Kootenai Falls - The last major waterfall on a Northwest river that has not been harnessed to produce electricity.. This is one of the largest free-flowing waterfalls in the northwest. The placid river suddenly gathers momentum, surging first through China Rapids and then over Kootenai Falls, dropping 90 feet in less than a mile. The main falls is 30 feet high, but there’s a lot of width.

From the parking area a trail winds down to the falls. There’s a special pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks. A trail also follows along the river (about ¼ mile), leading to a swinging bridge.

The Kootenai is a perfect place to relax and enjoy one of our National Forests!

14 miles west of Libby (US-2), we traveled southward on MT56 for 35 miles through the Ross Creek Scenic Area Giant Cedars. Ross Creek Giant Cedars Natural Area, Libby, Montana

Shortly after we passed Bull Lake, we turned west onto MT200. It was here, on the left just after we made that turn that we noticed a little store with people sitting in the yard under umbrellas.
FOOD!!! We know it had to be A PLACE as the parking lot was full. The lines were jammed up. Young ladies were filling orders as fast as they could go. There were a few grocery shelves, but for the most part, it was hand-dipped ice cream and sandwich fixins. We wanted both. I stood in the line to get freshly sliced luncheon meats and cheeses, for make sandwiches later. We bought fresh bread, got super-loaded cones and squeezed out of there to a table outside. We couldn’t believe the economical pricing. A rare real bargain place.

On MT200W we crossed into IDAHO, drove around Lake Pend Oreille and picked up scenic US-95 heading southward. Somewhere along that lake we found a picnic table and fixed up our lunch sandwiches.

A few word about Idaho… Many people know little about Idaho except "famous potatoes." That includes me.
Adjacent to Washington and Oregon, in the Pacific Northwest, is this big state, Idaho. However, until I got there, I didn’t have any concept of this beautiful land. Idaho runs from Canada to Nevada, and encompasses the western side of the continental divide of the Rocky Mountains. Rivers, mountains and farmland dominate the state’s landscape.

We traveled only a little of the panhandle. We beheld scenic vistas around every turn; emerald green hillsides, timbered mountains and pristine lakes.

In reading, I found that Central Idaho is covered with jagged peaks. The Snake River Plain, with its wide-open vistas, irrigated farmlands and vibrant cities forms the character of Southern Idaho.

Some things I read about Idaho, while on Trip West:
1) It’s the 13th largest state in the U.S.
2) It has 3,100 miles of rivers (more than any other state).
3) It’s known as The Gem State. 72 types of precious and semi-precious stones are produced. Some of these stones can be found nowhere else in the world.
4) It’s a place that’s unhurried, unspoiled and unassuming.

Another trip is required, to linger awhile and discover more of this magnificent state. Before then, I hope to become more learned of Idaho’s history with its native tribes, the Lewis and Clark Expedition and determined pioneers on the Oregon Trail.
Once again, we got unto I-90W where we crossed into WASHINGTON.
We zipped across Spokane to our lodging at Fairchild AFB (just west maybe 15 miles). We’re going to rest up right here for a day.

Again, (to save you from scanning back up the page) photos may be found under [url]Picasa Web Albums - ROBERT - Glacier to Spokane...

SEP 3rd LOG
- Shopped AFB exchange. Lodging/camping books. $26.55 Split = $13.27
- Robin Hood Archer sandwich $7.25 Split = $03.62
- Lodging $26.00 Split = $13.00 ($1 charge for phone-computer use.)
- WalMart groceries $14.27 Split = $07.13

Sunday Ran back, out I-90 East, to view some of sparkling Lake Coeur d'Alene and the mountains that surround it. We drove the eastern shoreline awhile. It was sure pretty, but after all we had seen thus far, we weren’t impressed enough to continue. We turned around after about 50 miles.

Worked the laptop, Gerald napped some, we both watched TV. Really a laid back, goof off day. Tried to recoup from the 1500 miles of go-go-go driving/riding and trail hiking of the past week. I never realized it was that long since the good bed at Cody. Makes us realize we aren’t used to this.

Hopefully Trip West CHAPTER THREE will be posted before another eight months passes. We’ll be hitting the Columbia Gorge region to the Oregon Coast, then up through Western Washington State.

[shaggy Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close shaggy]

Bob, I really, really , really want to go. I can't wait to check out your pics. shaggy

[taffy19 Gold Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close taffy19]

Robert, thank you so much for sharing your travel experience and your photo albums with us too. I know how much time and effort goes into this project. Your photo images are absolutely beautiful. I have shared them with some of our friends overseas already who have no idea how beautiful our National Parks are. I have bookmarked all your albums so I have them handy at all times. Thank you so much for sharing.

[susieq Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close susieq]

Robert,
Thanks for sharing your travels with us. Your pictures are absolutely beautiful. We've been on vacation out in AZ and CO, and in 12 weeks we're winging our way to SD. It's such beautiful country out there, and your pictures show just that. You make me want to see even more of it for myself ~~ wasn't that your point?? There's so much to see, and so little time. I envy you your travels... Your notings and detail help more than you know. Thanks again for taking the time to share with us.
Sue

[RESORT2ME Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RESORT2ME]

...such beautiful country out there, and your pictures show just that. You make me want to see even more of it for myself ~~ wasn't that your point?? There's so much to see, and so little time...

SD is so varied… you could spend a week, no problem.
Gerald and I only took-in what was within easy reach of I-90. All that we did of SD was accomplished in two days.

We would like to have seen a concert at the Corn Palace.

We scurried along at the Auto Show only taking time to read few of the information posters.

If we had wanted to send STUFF back, we could have shopped half the day away at Wall Drugs.

You'll be out there a week or so earlier then when we zipped thru. We couldn't have hit the weather any better. I hope the heat is over for you.

I wish we weren’t in such a rush for getting to the Spearfish wedding. We could have spent a day around historic Deadwood. It's an authentic turn-of-the-century restoration, a one-of-a-kind Wild West town. Historic Mount Moriah Cemetery is the resting place of Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane.

If you wander that far, take ALT-US14 through Lead then northward through Spearfish Canyon to Spearfish. The road has numerous turnouts for admiring the scenery.
See "Spearfish Canyon - SD" at Picasa Web Albums - ROBERT

[RESORT2ME Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RESORT2ME]

Appreciate the applause

Thank you. You have no idea how little time I have for this enjoyment.
By the time the whole trip is covered, it'll be September of 2008, at the rate I'm going.

The landscape projects has given me many breaks away from this tapping.
This reporting gives required breaks from the yard work.

Thirty trees have been removed. Most firewood split and stacked.

The state has approved our new wrap-around drive. They gave us an unwanted ugly ditch in the bargain.

Overhead power lines are gone. Upgraded lines come in underground.

The front and side yards are whipping into shape. Just covered the water lines for two yard faucets and the wiring for yard lighting and outlets.

As soon as we get the shed built, the emptied-out garage gets remodeled. (Working on the plans.)

Hope to do another trip, but till then, I'm enjoying my retirement and staying busy.

Chapter Three is in the works. The rear yard, deck and patio projects are being studied.

[susieq Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close susieq]

Robert,

We will be staying in Lead ~~ Barefoot Condos. We're flying into Rapid City on the 11 of August, (thankfully the week after Sturgis!). So far we have a tour booked thrugh Discovery Tours (which will include both monuments, Custer State Park, and the Needles Highway, among others..), and reservations on The 1880 Train for Monday and Tuesday of that week. The rest of the week is ours to explore ~ and believe me, Deadwood, Mt. Moriah, and Spearfish are definates ~~ as is Devil's Tower in Wyoming. Have dreamed about this trip for years, never thinking we'd get an exchange. When it did come through ~ finally ~ we've spent this last year and a half researching and planning this. It should be nice that week, but even if it's not perfect, I don't think we'll notice!!

Thanks again for all your "previews"!!
Sue

[RESORT2ME Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RESORT2ME]

Robert,

We will be staying in Lead ~~ Barefoot Condos. We're flying into Rapid City on the 11 of August, (thankfully the week after Sturgis!). So far we have a tour booked thrugh Discovery Tours (which will include both monuments, Custer State Park, and the Needles Highway, among others..), and reservations on The 1880 Train for Monday and Tuesday of that week. The rest of the week is ours to explore ~ and believe me, Deadwood, Mt. Moriah, and Spearfish are definates ~~ as is Devil's Tower in Wyoming. Have dreamed about this trip for years, never thinking we'd get an exchange. When it did come through ~ finally ~ we've spent this last year and a half researching and planning this. It should be nice that week, but even if it's not perfect, I don't think we'll notice!!

Thanks again for all your "previews"!!
Sue

If the Trip West report inspired you, I'm proud. Never-the-less, we all need to see our country.

Barefoot advertises peaceful sunrises over the valley, cool evenings with few insects and an atmosphere that puts you right at home. You’ll find out what vacations are for. In truly peaceful scenery and fresh air of the Black Hills you'll be able to unwind and rejuvenate your energy…

Hope for clear skies… at 6,500 feet you’ll be enjoying spectacular views.

Which unit type did you get… Summit View, Vista Peak, or Alpine Villa?

As we, you too will miss Autumn Aspen color.
I’d like to go through there in Spring sometime to see new wildlife and the spring grasses and wildflowers.

Info: If you’ve not done so, check Deadwood, South Dakota - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You may wish to visit Boondocks, 9 mi south of Deadwood on 385. Boondocks-Where the '50s and '60s are alive

I recommend the ride out I-90E to the Badlands. Tour Wall Drugs and the Aircraft museum at Ellsworth AFB.

Devils Tower, Gerald said it was something I should see. He had seen it once before. I thought it to be ok, for seeing more countryside (in Wyoming), but it was quite a trek just to see a HUGH rock (IMO).

Hopefully, you’ll find plenty of time to visit both.

[susieq Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close susieq]

Robert,

Thanks for all your help and enthusiasm. RCI has confirmed us into B20 - Vista Peak, we're getting more & more excited, (if that's possible), each day! Thanks for the link to Boondocks - looks like fun! I know 1 week out there isn't going to be nearly enough, but it will show us a little more of what this great country has to offer...... Makes the other 51 weeks worth it! (1 vacation week is always spent with our DD & Grandkids, the other is ours to dream about & make come true!) Workin' on 11 weeks ........

Sue

[RESORT2ME Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RESORT2ME]

Robert,

Thanks for all your help and enthusiasm. RCI has confirmed us into B20 - Vista Peak, we're getting more & more excited, (if that's possible), each day! Thanks for the link to Boondocks - looks like fun! I know 1 week out there isn't going to be nearly enough, but it will show us a little more of what this great country has to offer...... Makes the other 51 weeks worth it! (1 vacation week is always spent with our DD & Grandkids, the other is ours to dream about & make come true!) Workin' on 11 weeks ........

Sue

I agree One is not enough.

Here's just a little something you might wish to know before packing.

AUG-----Sunrise-----Sunset-------Avg. Hi------Avg. Lo------Record Hi ---------Record Lo
10-------5:52-------8:08 PM-------78°F-------55°F---------93°F (1957)-------42°F (1977)
11-------5:53-------8:06 PM-------78°F-------55°F---------95°F (1969)-------37°F (2004)
12-------5:55-------8:05 PM-------78°F-------55°F---------93°F (1972)-------40°F (1964)
13-------5:56-------8:03 PM-------78°F-------54°F---------94°F (2003)-------38°F (1966)
14-------5:57-------8:02 PM-------77°F-------54°F---------93°F (2003)-------40°F (1985)
15-------5:58-------8:00 PM-------77°F-------54°F---------92°F (1960)-------42°F (1974)
16-------5:59-------7:59 PM-------77°F-------54°F---------91°F (1973)-------42°F (1968)
17-------6:00-------7:57 PM-------77°F-------54°F---------92°F (1959)-------35°F (2002)
18-------6:01-------7:56 PM ------77°F-------53°F---------92°F (1959)-------38°F (1987)

[susieq Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close susieq]

Robert,

Thanks for all your help........Really appreciate it!!

Sue

[RESORT2ME Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RESORT2ME]

Enjoy Your Vacation

Robert,

We will be staying in Lead ~~ Barefoot Condos. We're flying into Rapid City on the 11 of August, (thankfully the week after Sturgis!). So far we have a tour booked thrugh Discovery Tours (which will include both monuments, Custer State Park, and the Needles Highway, among others..), and reservations on The 1880 Train for Monday and Tuesday of that week. The rest of the week is ours to explore ~ and believe me, Deadwood, Mt. Moriah, and Spearfish are definates ~~ as is Devil's Tower in Wyoming. Have dreamed about this trip for years, never thinking we'd get an exchange. When it did come through ~ finally ~ we've spent this last year and a half researching and planning this. It should be nice that week, but even if it's not perfect, I don't think we'll notice!!

Thanks again for all your "previews"!!
Sue

Here's the forecast for Lead. Not too bad.

Sat
Aug 11 Isolated T-Storms 87°/61° 30 % chance of precipitation

Sun
Aug 12 Partly Cloudy 84°/64° 10 %

Mon
Aug 13 Sunny 90°/63° 20 %

Tue
Aug 14 Partly Cloudy 88°/60° 10 %

Wed
Aug 15 Partly Cloudy 82°/61° 10 %

Thu
Aug 16 Partly Cloudy 84°/62° 10 %

Fri
Aug 17 Partly Cloudy 87°/62° 10 %

Sat
Aug 18 Partly Cloudy 83°/57° 10 %