Day 18 - Walla Walla, WA to Home

Up early and on the road at 6:40. A little anxious to get home I guess. We picked up an Americano and Mocha a few blocks from the motel and headed for Highway 12 Westbound. Just out of town we passed several of the wineries we visited yesterday, but it was just too early to stop. Darn!

More wheat. Everywhere. Kinda getting used to it now, the tan hills as far as the eye can see. There was something new though, wind turbines and like the wheat there were lots of them. Very windy in this part of Washington, as in grab your hat when you get out of the car windy. These turbines are huge, with towers 200 to 300 feet tall and blades 70 to over 100 feet long. The blades generally turn 22 revolutions per minute and with the longer blades the tips can be moving over 200 MPH.

After about 30 miles we changed to Highway 730, headed for the Oregon border and Interstate 84 Westbound. We followed the Columbia River for quite a ways through a very stark but scenic canyon cut by the river before dams harnessed its power. Nothing for miles and then a grain elevator waiting to load grain on a barge.

At the town of Umatilla, Oregon, we turned South on Interstate 82 for a few miles before catching Interstate 84. Umatilla is home to McNary Dam, the first of the dams on the lower Columbia River. Once headed West on Interstate 84 Barb began texting her brother Don, who with his wife was headed East on 84 to Deadwood, South Dakota. If you have been reading along you might remember Barb and I were in Deadwood on Day Nine. We passed and waved to each other at mile marker 161.

We continued on 84 to Biggs, Oregon, where we turned South on Highway 97. This final stretch of road took us all the way to Redmond and home.

Eighteen days, close to 5,000 miles, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, Little Big Horn, Glacier, buffalos, elk, eagles, bears, casinos, two hats and lots of white crosses to remind us to drive carefully.

So that was our trip. We really enjoyed every minute of it and hope those of you who went along with us did too. 269 miles today.

Day 17 - Sandpoint, ID to Walla Walla, WA

Tonight I want to say a special hello to Mike and Susie, who have just began a long trip back East. Hope you guys have a great time and we will be talking with you. And hello to Isabel in Toronto.

What was I saying yesterday about late starts? The motel (to remain unnamed) was at the very best a 1 out of 5 and only reached that level by having a locking door. Neither of us could sleep past 4:30 in a bed that wasn’t much better than the floor.

Ok, enough of that. So at 6:25 we were off to the local Starbucks for a Vanilla Latte and Mocha and then headed generally South on Highway 95 for about 45 miles to Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. Why Coeur D’Alene? Did I mention the motel was the first on this trip not to have a continental breakfast and Coeur D’Alene had an IHOP.

Ok, enough of that. Now we are off to Walla Walla, Washington and the wineries. First we headed East on Interstate 90 to Spokane, Washington then South on Highways 195, 127 and 12. All these roads took us through the Palouse, which is an agriculture region in Washington and Idaho. Basically what you see there is wheat. A lot of wheat. Rolling hills that seem to go on forever and all are covered with wheat. If you like the color tan, you will love the Palouse in July. It helps a little to think of it as “Amber Waves of Grain”.

There were a number of small towns along the way and besides the usual small town café and gas station each had the required grain elevator. Later we crossed the Snake River near Central Ferry State Park, where barges on each side of the river were being loaded with wheat from large elevators. I’m guessing these will go to Portland via the Snake and Columbia Rivers.

The wheat continued up to the outskirts of Walla Walla and seemed to only grudgingly give ground to the vineyards. There are over 80 wineries in the Walla Walla area and with only an afternoon we had to limit our visits to just a few. We started at our favorite L’Ecole No. 41 and then visited Woodward Canyon, Reininger and Tamarack. Tasting involves two things. First drinking several glasses of wine one sip at a time and second listening to the winery employee explain in detail everything they think you should know about the wine. Only thing we want to know is do we like it. Anyway, by the time you taste six or so wines at each winery it’s time to take a break. After picking up a few bottles at each winery (all red) we were ready for a light lunch of soup and anything but wine.

Checking into the Best Western we found a 5 out 5, which is pretty much the usual with this chain. Later, instead of driving anymore, we walked across the parking lot to Jacobi’s Café and shared calamari, salad and ravioli. All in all a good day. Tomorrow we head home to Redmond. 244 miles today.

Wheat

Day 16 - Kalispell, MT to Sandpoint, ID

Ok, before getting started on today’s adventure I want to say a special hello to Cheryl in Dover, England and Frank in South Fork, Colorado. Hello you guys! Thanks for following along.

It’s getting to be a habit. Leaving late, that is. Today it was 9:02. What happened to those 7:30 days? Anyway, we started by heading South on Highway 93 for black coffee and mocha at an espresso shack in Lakeside, Montana. Further South in Ronan, Montana we stopped for ice and a Subway takeout for later on. Really nice drive along Flathead Lake to a right turn onto Highway 212 and then 16 miles to another right onto Highway 200. Just before the turn onto 200 we passed the National Bison Range and saw a large herd just off the highway. I have enough bison photos, so didn’t stop. What I am missing is a photo of a moose.

At this point the highway heads basically Northwest through a long valley, with the Flathead River on the right. A couple of miles before reaching Paradise, Montana the Flathead joins the Clark Fork River coming up from the South. For those not familiar with the Clark Fork (not to be confused with the better know Clarks Fork), it is the largest river by volume in Montana. Along its 360 mile course through Montana and Idaho it takes on water from the Blackfoot, Big Blackfoot, Bitterroot, Flathead and Thompson Rivers. That’s a lot of water.

Continuing on Highway 200, with a now rather large river following along, we started looking for a lunch stop and finally found a park beside the river in Thompson Falls, Montana. Nice little park, great view of the river and a great herd (swarm?) of small blue dragon flies.

We continued on following the river, passing two dams and a number of small towns until we reached Idaho. A few miles later we passed through the town of Clark Fork, Idaho and the end of the Clark Fork River at Lake Pend Oreille. That is it’s the end unless you are one of those who believe the river continues on to the Columbia River, thereby increasing its length to over 470 miles.

Skirting the Northeast shore of Lake Pend Oreille we reached Sandpoint, Idaho and our motel. After checking in we parked downtown and a short walk took us to Jalapenos (not peppers, the restaurant) where we sat in the shade for a pair margaritas (Barb’s on the rocks no salt, Bob’s blended with salt.) Checked out the menu and decided to come back and share chicken fajitas for dinner. Did.

One thing you see along highways in Montana are small white crosses placed wherever there has been a fatality. In the seventeen miles after our turn onto Highway 212 there were seven of these crosses. Seven. That’s one fatality every 2.4 miles. This is a two lane road, mostly straight, in good condition, way out in the country with little traffic. The speed limit is 70.

Tomorrow we are off to the wine country of Central Washington. 233 miles today.

Day 15 - Big Fork and Whitefish, MT

Today is the start of the third week of our trip and we both are about ready (but not quite ready) to head home. Started the day at 8:47 (yes, we were a little lazy today) with a Mocha and headed East on Highway 82, then South on Highway 35 to Big Fork, Montana.

The town is on Flathead Lake and has a small harbor, marina and some nice homes on the water. There are also a number of small shops and art galleries. We visited a few and Barb picked up a jar of Huckleberry Jam. Huckleberries seem to be a big thing here. Apparently they only grow in the wild, refusing to produce fruit if one tries to cultivate them. Bears love them, so those who do the picking must be watchful.

I couldn’t resist a visit to the only fly shop in town and to Barb’s amazement bought a second fly fishing hat to add to the one I got in Ennis. This one is a medium kind of green (that’s the best I can come up with) and has Big Fork Anglers embroidered on it. You just can’t have too many hats.

Back in the car we turned North on Highway 35 and then West to Kalispell, where we stopped for lunch at Costco. Yes Costco. We split a hot dog and coke. $1.50 for lunch for two. How can you go wrong?

With a full tank of gas (from Costco) we headed North on Highway 93 to the town of Whitefish, Montana. This is the town I mentioned yesterday and we did indeed spend several hours walking around what is a mix of shops, pubs and restaurants. We spent a considerable amount on time in one antique shop, which really had a lot of interesting stuff from old wood working tools to Chinese furniture.

Almost as surprising as buying two hats was winding up at the same brew pub two days in a row. How do things like that happen? Anyway, there we were at the Great Northern Brewing Company. Barb ordered her old standby Wheatfish (an American style Hefeweizen), while I had a pint of Pack String Porter. On the way out I admired the “Beer, it’s more than a breakfast drink” sign. How true.

Back on Highway 93 South to the motel and the process of selecting somewhere for dinner. Finally decided on Scotty’s Steak and Casino, where we split the 10 ounce burger with fries and two beers (both Oregon) for $15.20. Put that together with our $1.50 lunch and we eat pretty cheap or should I say inexpensive.

Tomorrow we are off to Sandpoint, Idaho. 87 miles today.

Day 14 - Glacier National Park

Today’s drive started at 8:33 heading North on Highway 93 toward Whitefish, Montana, and included stops for an Americano and Mocha at a Starbucks and ice from Albertsons. From Whitefish Highway 2 led East in the direction of West Glacier and the park entrance.

After choosing the slowest of three lines entering the park we found our way to the Apgar Visitor Center, only to discover it packed with visitors (why was I surprised, the sign did say visitor center) and no parking. So, not wanting to hang out with the crowd we headed up the Going To The Sun Highway.

This is a beautiful drive along Lake McDonald in a glacier carved valley. Shortly after passing the Lake McDonald Lodge the road begins to climb and become progressively narrower. Traffic at this point is limited to vehicles under 21 feet (for very good reason.) If you haven’t been on this road, take a look at a map sometime and check out the hairpin turn several miles before the Logan Pass Visitor Center. After the hairpin the road clings to the near vertical side of a very, very steep mountain. I have no idea how this road could have been built, let alone why anyone would want to put it there. I can tell you it is more than a little scary. It is a very long way down and the guardrail, where there is one, just might stop a bicycle.

Returning to the safety of the valley we stopped for lunch near West Glacier and then headed for the dam at Hungry Horse Reservoir. At the dam there is a nice visitor center, which has a lot of information and a number of old photos of the construction.

Since it was still early in the afternoon, we decided an adult beverage was in order and headed to Whitefish. Turned out to be a really cool town. We found what looks like 6 or so square blocks of pubs, restaurants and shops and since we have seen most of what there is to see in Glacier our plan is to spend a good part of tomorrow exploring. And yes, we did find the much needed adult beverage. 170 miles today.

Day 13 - Helena, MT to Kalispell, MT

Left the Fairfield Inn at 8:53 and headed to a real live Starbucks. With a Mocha and Americano in hand we drove a few blocks to the Montana State Capital. After a few photos we found Highway 12 and turned West to Garrison, Wyoming and Interstate 90. Beautiful drive over McDonald Pass and along the Little Blackfoot River.

Once on the Interstate we drove generally Northwest to Missoula, Montana. For those who have seen A River Runs Through It, you will know this is the Montana of my youth. Ok, just kidding. We spent an hour and a half or so driving around downtown and up in some really nice residential areas overlooking the city and valley. Nice town, but I think Bozeman wins out as our next place to live. Ok, maybe I’m kidding. On the way out of town we stopped at a Safeway and picked up a sandwich to share for lunch.

Back on the Interstate for a few miles and then North on Highway 93 toward Kalispell. Another beautiful drive, this one through the Flathead Indian Reservation and along Flathead Lake, which is the largest fresh water lake in the western United States. We pulled over for lunch beside a field of round straw bales. Interesting the number of different ways and sizes to bale hay.

After passing all the way through Kalispell we realized we had missed our motel by about 15 miles. Backtracked and wondered how we could have possibly overlooked a huge Best Western sign. Anyway, got checked in and had a very good dinner.

By the way, if you haven’t been to Montana then you don’t know about the little white crosses the state puts up wherever there has been a highway fatality. On the two lane roads there are a lot of them, in some places as many 7 or 8 in a 5 mile stretch. Scary…276 miles today.

Day 12 - Billings, MT to Helena, MT

Well it was bound to happen, a not so good day. We were supposed to end the day in Great Falls, but it wasn’t to be.

Started out great in Billings with breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Two eggs over medium, three slices of crisp bacon, hash brown casserole, biscuits and gravy, bowl of grits and coffee. Couldn’t finish it.

Picked up a couple of bags of ice for the cooler and headed Northwest on Interstate 90. Got a few miles down the road and started feeling a little under the weather. A few more miles and it turned into really, really under the weather. After struggling through about 130 miles a quick calculation told me I wasn’t going to make another 100 to Great Falls.

Barb made a quick call to our Fairfield Inn reservation and a really nice lady switched us to the Fairfield Inn in Helena, Montana (a short 14 miles away.) There will be an email to Fairfield about this really great service.

Got checked in and I took a little rest while Barb did some laundry. A light (very light) dinner and back to the room for the night.

We were looking forward to the “Going to the Sun Highway” into Glacier National Park tomorrow, but will probably switch to a quicker route to make up the time lost today. We will catch this highway before leaving. 354 miles today

Day 11 - Rapid City, SD to Billings, MT

Today starts off as a special day for Barb and me. It’s our 22nd Wedding Anniversary! And they said it wouldn’t last.

Finally left Rapid City at 7:56 after spending about 20 minutes chasing after a car wash that didn’t turn out as advertised. So with 7 days of bugs (including yesterday’s grasshopper herd) on the bumper and windshield we headed Northwest on Interstate 90.

Our first stop was in Spearfish, South Dakota, near the Montana border. Since it had been days without my morning mocha I stopped at the first espresso hut I saw. Mistake. Another 3 out of 5 and several miles later a Starbucks. Anyway, a slow drive through the town revealed a lot of old historic buildings and homes. Spearfish, by the way, got its name because Indians came to the area to spear fish. The town grew up around the 1876 gold rush.

We then headed North on Highway 85 to Belle Fourche. This would have been a good town to explore except for major road construction, so it was get out of town as quickly as possible. Among the town’s many claims to fame is that, according to the U.S Coast and Geodetic Survey, it became the geographic center of the US after the admission of Alaska and Hawaii.

Leaving Belle Fourche we took Highway 212 in a generally Northwest direction, passing through the very Northeast corner of Wyoming and then a series of small towns in Montana. Next we entered the Northern Cheyenne Reservation and the town of Lame Deer and then the Crow Indian Reservation. It was in the Crow Reservation that we stopped at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.

A very interesting place to visit and it probably would have been more interesting had it not been in the mid 90’s (with no shade.) There are some excellent displays covering the battle between American Indians (Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho) and U.S. Army (7th Cavalry.) Extensive surveys of the battlefield have allowed the Park Service to accurately detail how the battle progressed. Overall, this is a 10 out of 10 and well worth a visit.

Leaving the battlefield, Interstate 90 took us the rest of the way to Billings. On the way we hit a rest stop for a quick picnic lunch (remember it was mid 90’s) with bunch of uninvited crickets.

Arriving in Billings I was a little surprised to see Exxon Mobil and Conoco Phillips refineries on the outskirts of town. For some reason I thought refineries were in places like Texas or Louisiana. The desk clerk at the Fairfield directed us to a great car wash and we now have a bug free Honda. Great dinner at Cracker Barrel and end of a great day. 348 miles today.

Day 10 - Badlands National Park, Wounded Knee and Buffalo Gap Grasslands

What I thought would be a pretty easy day began at 8:33 and turned into a long drive over mostly two lane country roads. We started out with a 60+ mile drive on Interstate 90 to Highway 240 and the Pinnacles Entrance to the park. What a change a quarter of a mile can make, going from lush green grassland to something that looked like it hadn’t seen water in 100 years. Took our time driving through the park, with each curve opening another amazing vista. We stopped at several turnouts and each had a rattlesnake warning sign. Best to stay close to the path and watch where you step.

After leaving the park at the Interior Entrance we headed West on highway 42 the town of Scenic, South Dakota and then South on Highway 27 to Wounded Knee. Not much there except for a large sign telling the story of Wounded Knee Massacre, which involved troopers of the 7th Cavalry killing at least 150 mostly unarmed Lakota men, women and children.

As we were leaving Wounded Knee I noticed a significant problem with the fuel gauge. The significant problem was a lack of fuel. A quick check of the navigation computer showed there was not enough fuel left to return to Rapid City. A quick check of the GPS showed no gas stations close by, however by expanding the search I was able to locate a station in Gordon, Nebraska. So off we went, using about 60% of the remaining fuel. I can’t tell you how many times Barb said “I told you to get gas back there.” Anyway, found the station (cash only), filled up and headed back North.

The Buffalo Gap Grasslands are just that, a lot of grass. In every direction. As far as the eye can see. Grass, grass and more grass. Sounds boring, but isn’t. You have to see it to understand the beauty of lots of grass.

Back in Rapid City we had fajitas and Coronas at Chili’s and then back to the motel. We should be leaving early tomorrow for Billings, Montana, with stops at Fort Meade, South Dakota and the Little Big Horn. 339 miles today.

Day 9 - Mt. Rushmore National Park and Deadwood, SD

Got started 7:43 by heading South on Highway 16 toward Mt. Rushmore. The drive took us into the Black Hills National Forest. I’m not sure what we expected, but the scenery was great and by starting early there wasn’t much traffic. Turns out Mt. Rushmore does not charge an admission fee, however there is a parking fee paid to the parking manager. Bottom line is that the Golden Age (get in free to any National Park for those over 62) Pass isn’t accepted. So we paid the $10 parking fee and climbed the steps up to the entrance. Very impressive. Long walk through the Avenue of the Flags to the Grand View Terrace.

Barb finally convinced me to take the Presidential Trail, which runs down to and in front of the mountain. There is a sign stating the trail is strenuous and has (as I remember) over 325 steps. I went anyway. The sign is wrong, there are at least 17,428 steps. But it was worth the walk, as there were some great photo spots. After climbing up I don’t know how many steps we headed directly to the café for two bottles of water. A few more photos and we were off to the Crazy Horse Monument.

I can’t say much about this Crazy Horse thing as we only got about 100 feet past the entrance booth. Remember the $10 parking fee to get into Mt. Rushmore? That’s the Mt. Rushmore that has four, yes four, completed sculptures. The Crazy Horse Monument charges $10 per person to get in (a carload could be pretty expensive.) And the sculpture isn’t anywhere near finished. When the attendant said “that will be $20” I said “I don’t think so” and he then quickly pointed out the turnaround spot about 100 feet down the road. I’m not sure I should call this place a rip off, but I will.

We quickly found our way to Highway 385 for an hour plus drive to Deadwood, South Dakota. Another very scenic road passing through Hill City and skirting Pactola Reservoir. Deadwood is an old, old town. Among the town’s many claims to fame is that Wild Bill Hickok was killed there in 1837. Among my many claims to fame is that I stood near the stop where he was killed.

There was a nice park at the South end of town, which served as our picnic spot. After lunch we spent about an hour and a half walking the downtown area. Ok, we really didn’t walk the entire time. They have casinos in Deadwood. Lots of casinos. I lost a few bucks. Barb on the other hand turned the $4 dollars I gave her (I’m very generous) into $16. Unfortunately she didn’t have her purse with her and I had to pocket her winnings.

Back in Rapid City we made a quick stop to look around Cabela’s and then dinner at Olive Garden. Tomorrow we will be off to the Badlands National Park, Wounded Knee and Buffalo Gap National Grassland. 143 miles today.

Mt. Rushmore South Dakota

Day 8 - Cody, WY to Rapid City, SD

Barb didn’t feel very good this morning, so we got a late start at 8:53. First day without coffee and I’m still trying to figure out how I got going. Did remember to get gas for the car, thereby eliminating the need to call AAA later on.

Started out heading East on Highway 16 to Greybull, Wyoming, where I stopped to replenish the supply of Myers Rum. Got to take care of the important things early on. No espresso in sight so continued south to Worland, Wyoming, where we picked up a sandwich at Subway to eat later on. Highway 16 continues east to Buffalo and along the way is the town of Ten Sleep. There is a nice park at the end of town, which turned out to be our lunch stop. Ten Sleep seems like an odd name for a town, so BlackBerry in hand and a strong signal I did a little internet search. Turns out the town site was a rest stop for American Indians and it was ten days travel or ’10 sleeps’ from Fort Laramie in one direction and an Indian Agency in Montana in another direction. Therein is the history lesson for today.

After lunch a nice drive to Buffalo through the Bighorn Mountains. We felt very fortunate to have only one idiot in front of us try to pass a car on a curve and over a double yellow line. I say try, because he was barely able to get back in time.

Buffalo saw the end of two lane roads as we found our way to Interstate 90 and headed east. This part of the day was about making up time from leaving late rather than scenery (which there wasn’t much of.) Skirting the Black Hills National Forest after entering South Dakota did improve the scenery and carried us to Rapid City. Dinner at Red Lobster and done for the day, except for this little task. 404 miles today.

Day 7 - West Yellowstone, MT to Cody, WY

Left about 7:20 and after a stop for coffee headed for the park. For those of you familiar with the park the first part of the day took us to Madison, Norris, Canyon Village and Tower Roosevelt toward the Northeast Entrance. For those not familiar with the park, go visit because it’s great. After Tower Roosevelt we drove through the Lamar Valley, following the Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek. Along the way were several large herds of buffalo off in the distance and several loners right beside the road. Do buffalo shun? Anyway, had enough buffalo photos so just kept driving while the others stopped. Ok, I did stop for just one.

After leaving the park there are two choices: Beartooth Scenic Highway or Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. No choice really. So with Barb clinging to the grab bar (ineffective, but makes her feel safer) we started up Highway 212 and the Beartooth. If you haven’t driven this road and you are in the neighborhood, do it. Absolutely the best views you will ever see. Not enough places to pull off and enjoy the views. Narrow roads, one hairpin turn after another (19 by count) and a high point of 11,000 feet. Did I mention narrow roads?

Stopped at a Subway in Red Lodge, Montana for lunch. Interesting town. Wasn’t expecting much, but it turned out to be a nice little town on Rock Creek. Lots of old brick buildings and a history of bootleg liquor when the depression forced mines to close.

Highways 308, 72 and 120 took us to Cody, Wyoming for an overnight.

Up early tomorrow for a long drive across Wyoming to Rapid City, South Dakota. 233 miles today.

Day 6 - Yellowstone National Park

We left the motel about 8:15, stopped for coffee and headed to the Yellowstone for the day. First stop was to watch a couple of buffalo cross the Madison River. Nothing unusual except they passed within about 15 feet of two people fly fishing.

Then a drive up to the Norris Geyser Basin and a short walk to see the Steamboat Geyser, which is currently the world’s tallest geyser. Eruptions, which can reach up 300 feet, are irregular and occur many years apart. The last major eruption was in 2005. Apparently you don’t want to be anywhere near Steamboat when it decides to do its thing.

A 12 mile drive took us to Canyon Village and lunch at the lodge. After lunch we were off on a one way loop to the Yellowstone Falls and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Very impressive. The lower falls at 308 feet are almost twice the height of Niagara Falls and the canyon is over 1000 feet deep. Lots of trails and view points.

Later on a small side road a short hike up a hill took me to the first elk of the trip. Got to within about 20 feet, took a few photos and left him to eating his lunch.

We then headed to West Thumb down the west shore of Yellowstone Lake. Saw a large herd of buffalo, must have been at least 50 or 60.

After that it was a drive back to West Yellowstone. We made this same drive two days ago, so only one stop for a few photos of the Madison River.

Really looking forward to tomorrow. We will be leaving early to exit the park through Northeast Entrance. After that it will be the Bear Tooth Highway on our way to Cody, Wyoming. I’m told the Bear Tooth is the most scenic highway in the US, so it should be a good day. 143 miles today.

Day 5 - Ennis and Bozeman, MT

We slept in a little today, so didn’t get going until about 8:30. Started the day with a mocha and coffee that rated a 3 out of 5 at best. Did spot another espresso place to try tomorrow.

Our schedule had us back in Yellowstone today, but last night we decided to take off in another direction (and gave us an excuse to sleep in.) So with 3-star coffee in hand we headed generally North on Highways 191 and 287 toward Ennis, Montana. Much of this drive followed the Madison River, which is known as one of the best for trout fishing. In a little over an hour we were in Ennis, population 660 people and 11,000,000 trout (or so the rumor goes.)

Had to make a visit to the Madison River Fishing Company. I receive a catalog from them several times a year and it includes an invitation to stop by when in town (like how often am I in Ennis, Montana.) So what could I do? I suppose the invitation to stop by also included an invitation to buy something, which I did. Barb picked out a T-shirt for me (I’m now a walking advertisement for them) and I took a blue R.L. Winston hat to replace one that died several years ago.

Barb thought she might want to move to a log cabin on the Madison, so we took in a few real estate offices. More on that if we ever get serious.

We then took a short drive to the old town of Virginia City (no not Nevada.) Almost a ghost town, but not quite. We spent about an hour walking around and then headed back to Ennis for a picnic lunch at Ennis Lake Community Park.

Since the day was still young, we took Highways 287 and 84 to Bozeman. Nice town, but a little big for me. On the plus side we found a good car wash and were able to rid the front bumper and grill of bugs from four states. Gas was $2.79.

Highways 84 and 191 took us back to West Yellowstone. That route follows the Gallatin River and is designated a scenic highway by Triple A. And it was. Beautiful river, beautiful drive. And if that wasn’t enough, there was the bear to watch just off the road.

Ended the day with dinner at the pub next to our motel. All in all a great day! 253 miles today.

Day 4 - Jackson, WY to West Yellowstone, MT

Left Jackson at 7:41 (after picking up coffee at Tully’s) and headed North on Highway 89 toward the South entrance into Yellowstone National Park. Great views of the Tetons and Snake River most of the way. About a half hour out a herd of bison decided to crash some fences and cross the highway. Needless to say they had the right-of-way.

First stop in the park was to get a few photos of the Lewis River and in the process invite a clan of mosquitoes into the car. Barb managed to climb into the back seat and get most of them. Next we took a short break at Grant Village and then headed out to Old Faithful.

We arrived just after whatever it is that geysers do (erupt?), so spent an hour and a half following the paths around West Thumb Geyser Basin. Very interesting. Bubbling ponds of water, small geysers and the sweet smell of sulfur in the air. Old Faithful is indeed faithful, taking almost exactly 90 minutes to recharge for another show. It took about 5 minutes of warming up and then POW.

Forgot where our car was in the sea of cars. However, after a short search we managed to retrieve it and then set out for West Yellowstone. What a beautiful drive, especially along the rivers I read about in fly fishing books and magazines. The Firehole. The Madison. People out standing in the rivers waving sticks. Why did I not bring a fly rod?

Dinner tonight will be snacks. Just the regular stuff, smoked salmon, cream cheese, etc. Barb with her wine, me with my rum. We will be spending three nights in West Yellowstone, so there will be plenty of time to explore more in park. 139 miles today.

Old Faithful
Yellowstone Park

Day 3 - Grand Tetons National Park

Alas, no Starbucks in Jackson. How did that happen? Note to self to email Starbucks for an explanation. Did pick up a good mocha and regular coffee at Tully’s.

We spent most of the day exploring the Tetons and photos really don’t due justice to what you can see here. After entering the park free (thanks to the Golden Age Pass) we headed to Jackson Lake and Jackson Lake Lodge. Then back to Jenny Lake for a picnic (and the last of the potato salad.) Later we headed over to Teton Village and took the narrow winding road back to Moose.

Back in town we did some window shopping and stopped for an adult beverage at the Town Square Tavern (great second floor deck overlooking a park.) A little more window shopping was followed by dinner at El Abuelito (great food and service.)

Tomorrow we will be up early and on our way to Yellowstone National Park. 154 miles today.

Day 2 - Twin Falls, ID to Jackson, WY

Started the second day at 8:12 with another short drive (four stoplights) to Starbucks (these guys are really convenient.)

Back onto Interstate 84 until we joined Interstate 86 headed Northeast toward Pocatello, Idaho. Great drive through the farmland, with potatoes everywhere. Then North on Interstate 15 to Idaho Falls, Idaho. A quick stop for gas and onto Highway 26 headed for Jackson, Wyoming.

Along the way another excellent roadside rest high above the Snake River turned out to be a perfect lunch spot. A short walk after lunch brought us to a scenic overlook with two Eagles perched within 12 feet.

The remainder of the drive to Jackson was along the Snake River, with lots of rapids and rafters.

Checked into our motel, spent some time walking around town and making plans on what to do tomorrow. We have another night in Jackson, so will be doing some exploring in the area. As I write Barb is looking over maps of the Tetons. More on that tomorrow night. 279 miles today.

Day 1 - Home to Twin Falls, ID

Started the day at 7:13 am with a short drive to Starbucks for a Mocha and Americano. Is there another way to start a day?

Today’s route took us south on Highway 97 to Bend, Oregon and then east on Highway 20 to Ontario, Oregon on the Snake River/Idaho border. Central Oregon isn’t much to look at on the drive until the farming area West of Ontario. Stinking Water Pass or Drinking Water Pass (don’t confuse them) may have been the highlight. Or the town of Millican (nothing left.) Or was it the town of Juntura population 160? I don’t know, all the excitement blends them together.

Nice ‘Welcome to Idaho’ roadside rest near the Snake River, which turned out to be our lunch stop. Ham sandwich, potato salad and a chocolate chip cookie. After lunch we followed Interstate 84 generally Southeast to Twin Falls, Idaho. Once again, not the most scenic drive but comfortable on the interstate. Found the Best Western without trouble and after checking in decided on snacks for dinner. Wine (her), rum and coke (him), cheese, crackers and salami. Who could have a problem with that? Neal and Phil, we were thinking of you! 478 miles today.