Terry & Nikki Visit - August 2013

Terry and Nikki left a tearful passel of grandchildren to visit us for a week that just so happened to be after school started.  We met them at the airport in Bozeman and immediately went for BBQ at Famous Dave's - yummy!

Discussions of them needing rest went in one ear and out the other as we "activity-directed" them all over the area!   We traipsed around Earthquake (Quake) Lake and saw the massive earth slide and damage done in the 1959 quake - though sad, it is quite a sight to see!

We arranged a horse ride through the beautiful aspen and evergreen covered hills to a hidden grove for a delicious outdoor steak/chicken dinner.  A local guitar entertainer told stories of the area and played only Western music.   The views of the lake were stunning and all of us tried to snap cell-phone photos while astride our horses.

We spent one afternoon visiting the Grizzly & Wolf Center and watched the bears forage for hidden food in their beautiful habitat.   The wolves were lazy in the sun and paid little attention to us.   We did enjoy up-close viewing of the rescued golden and bald Eagles.   We went through the little railroad museum - it is very interesting to walk through the train's dining and sleeping cars!

Of course, we went into Yellowstone Park and took the Firehole Canyon drive to see Firehole Falls and the volcanic formations.   We took in Old Faithful and did the standard photos in front of signs. We visited the beautiful springs and pools including my favorite, Grand Prismatic.   We saw some wildlife - buffalo, elk and such and just enjoyed the drive through the park.

As far as food, we cooked and ate outside when we could or enjoyed sandwiches and breakfast in the RV.  But we also hit a few spots out for good food.   We went to the Ice Cream shop that used giant 5 gallon wooden homemade ice cream machines that we could watch while we enjoyed the wonderful flavors.   We visited Campfire Lodge for breakfast and bumped into actor, William Devane.   Well, we didn't actually meet him because we were "too cool" to interrupt his breakfast, but we did snap a photo and enjoyed his distinct voice as he talked at the table adjacent ours.  
For those of you that may not know who William Devane is, visit this Wikipedia link:   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Devane

We also ate at the Happy Hour Grill just down the road from the RV Park - just a taste of  “local color” with joking waitresses and every wall a photo gallery!

Gosh, writing this sounds like we really did a lot - and I guess we did!   We enjoyed late-night visiting, playing guitars, and watching the lake sunsets.

So, Nikki and Terry, you can rest later!!

 

 

Liz & Jonathan Visit - July 2013

My friend, Liz and her grandson, Jonathan visited for a few days, staying in a Bear cabin.   They were in the West Yellowstone area on a very special trip together that included visits with Park Rangers, horseback riding, mountain bike riding, hiking, and exploration of Yellowstone Park.  Opting to stay a couple of extra days to enjoy Lake Hebgen was a real treat for Larry and I.   We visited the Quake Lake area and Jonathan enjoyed throwing giant rocks from the banks.  We enjoyed meals either in our RV or out at various cafes like Pete's Pizza and our favorite, Arrow Leaf Sandwich & Ice Cream Shop.   Jonathan enjoyed fishing with Liz and a boat ride with Larry.  Liz and I did some much needed visiting and catching up.   It was wonderful showing her around the RV Park and introducing her to the managers and workampers.   Time was too short - let's get together again soon!

 

 

Montana Wildflowers

Taking photos of Montana wildflowers is lots less challenging than trying to capture wildlife with my little camera!  Other than the bison, most are moving way too fast for me!  We have seen bear, moose, elk, pronghorn, mountain goat, eagle, osprey, and lots of other birds and animals, but by far, I enjoy the wildflowers.  The colors here in the wide open spaces seem brighter and deeper...

At the stables

Just off the Lake Hebgen finger

At the West Yellowstone Museum

Along Red Canyon trail

Beaver Creek Road - Stream erosion

Lake Whits Hiking Trail near campground

Around the Continental Divide

 

Near Hebgen Lake Dam spillway

Behind Campfire Lodge along the Madison

 

 

Sara & family visit Montana - late June

Sara, Justin, and Adler visited the last week of June.  It was a very busy week! From Yellowstone Park to the Continental Divide - from fishing to zip-lining - from hiking to roasting marshmallows - from white water rafting to mountain bike riding (you'll have to ask Justin about that adventure), you name it, we did it!   Here are photos in no particular order. 
 

 

On the boardwalk - near Grand Prismatic - YNP

Yellowstone Lake

Exploring with Papa

Caves!

Adler is oblivious to Old Faithful (he's burying one of his Transformers)

Hitchcock moment over the Falls

Yes, there is a Grand Canyon

Hugs!

Beautiful day out!

 

Justin shoots an elk...

Justin & Sara

Justin, Sara & Adler at YNP

Fishing on Hebgen Lake

Roasted Marshmallows!

Little tree climber

 

Geared up to whitewater raft

 

Sara & Justin took me whitewater rafting near Big Sky at Montana Whitewater Company.  

Larry stayed behind for a "Papa" day with Adler. 

 

It was just us against the river!

Our raft, christened "Our Lady of the Waves" held only the three of us and our guide, Taylor.  "Two forward!" or "All forward!" he shouted as we paddled around huge rocks and avoided strainers (brush & dangerous logs) along the Madison River.  We conquered rapids named "Killer Fang Falls" and "High Speed Alley" and caught our breath along those named "Bambi" and "Thumper." 

Straight out of our wet-suits, we downed a burger and hit the ropes to zip-line.  I have to admit, stepping off the first platform wasn't easy.  But, the kids in front of me did it - so I did too!  I did NOT want to be one of those who took a "push, with permission" that our guides said they could do!  The day was such an adventure!

 

Sara, Justin & Zip Crew

Zippin' Lea

 

Zippin' Sara & Justin

Yikes, it's a ride!

 

Zippin' Justin

 

Adler with a Utah Chub

Here's the elk Justin shot... (with his camera)

Ah, technology!

 

Special thanks are noted to Yellowstone Holiday RV Park for their beautiful cabins and extra time off.  Sara & Justin enjoyed time with Adler on the days we committed to work and we enjoyed a fun day with Adler when they took a fantastic trip to the top of Lone Peak on ski lifts and a tram.  See their photos on Facebook.  I hope it will remain a memorable vacation for them - it surely was a wonderful time for us!