The past few days have been exceptionally busy for our families as we continued our travels through Yellowstone National Park. When we first arrived, we stayed at the Grant campground, in adjoining sites. There was little grass, but plenty of pine needles to track into our tents! We were able to visit the basins and other areas of interest as well as lots of wildlife, and we had a ton of fun. Ian has created a video which he will be posting to YouTube soon! Details to follow.
Once we left Grant it was onto Gardiner Montana, where we stayed just outside the park in a KOA campground. It was lovely, right on the river. Some of teh best sleep most of us have had since we started tenting on June 24th. Apparently there was an oil spill on the Yellowstone river, which we heard about that morning, but didn't see any signs of it although we were just feet from the river itself.
From Gardiner (where we saw Mammoth Hot Springs) we went to Old Faithful and stayed at the original Old Faithful Lodge. AMAZING! This is one of the best ways to stay when at this section of the park. Ian was able to get us rooms in the old portion of the lodge, not the new hotel side. The rooms were miniscule, two double beds, a sink and either a tiny dresser or a tiny table. No closets, just a hook on the wall, and two windows that overlook the park and many of the famous geysers that steam constantly. While we couldn't see Old Faithful itself from our room, as it was just around the corner of the lodge, we had only to walk 50 feet to a partially covered balcony with seating to watch the geysers eruptions every 90 or so minutes. I seem to have only one word which i use to describe these sights - breathtaking. The fact that our earth can create such wonders, and constant heat that predicting an eruption to the nearest 15 minutes is great fun to teach the kids.
We did a longer walk with the kids through many of the geysers right at the lodge site. The Constant and The Great Geysers were two of our favorites. There were many smaller ones that the girls (Carissa and Tressa) had fun naming - mostly horse and wolf names.
I have found that my major difficulty throughout this trip involves water - in almost any form. Water leaking from coolers, water dripping into our tent, water puddling outside showers, and melted ice inside coolers is especially bad for new iPods. Note to self - do NOT ever place an iPod on a styrofoam cooler between the front seats during an all night drive, when said cooler is filled with the caffeinated beverages to keep the driver and navigator awake. The results - a lost 160 gb iPod classic. In the everlasting wisdom of my daughter "well, bye!"
Once we left Old Faithful we drove for 4 hours. to go to Craters of the Moon National Monument. There we found out the difference between a National Monument and a National Park. Bueller, Bueller, Bueller? No guesses? A National Monument can only be titled such by a sitting President (Calvin Coolidge name Craters of the Moon), while it takes Congress to vote on a National Park! I am like the Old Faithful Geyser, a wealth of knowledge that will only get me places on Jeopardy.
The four kids all received their Junior Ranger badges from Craters too. They have each bought into the program, and are busy answering the questions and looking for the clues to learn about the parks. I cannot recommend this program strongly enough!
From Craters of the moon we drove to Boise, Idaho. I will pick up that story later. For it is truly another adventure in our Odyssey.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Saturday July 2 - a beautiful day with friends thinking about lost loved ones
This afternoon I am sitting at our campsite in Gardiner Montana, after walking through much of the Mammoth Hot Springs with our group this morning. Today is a peaceful afternoon, enjoying the sun and the rushing Yellowstone River that is directly behind our tent. No kidding, there is three feet between our tents and the fence that stops us from falling down the bank and into a water gorged, fast moving river. It is still high enough in fact, that at least 4 different river rafting groups have rushed by on what we think is Class 4 waters. They are so busy staying in the boats that they are unable to even wave at us in the thirty seconds they are on the river in front of us.
While we have loved every minute of our trip, and thoroughly enjoyed the wonders of the National Parks we have visited thus far, I must admit that Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone is my least favorite to date. Part of my lack of enthusiasm for these springs is that there hasn't been any water rushing over the falls for almost 30 years. There are pretty rock formations, and small pools of very hot water, but the cascades are really just rocks that look like steps at this time. Maybe I will take my family back here in 30 more years and it will have reverted to its earlier state with tons of gallons of water rushing over the falls.
I have looked at maps a millions times, and my family knows that reading maps is not my strongest suit. Proof of this is that I must have looked at Yellowstone National Park a hundred times over the past years, and NEVER realized how enormous it truly is. We are spending a total of 6 nights here, 2 in Grant Village (South Entrance), 2 nights in Gardiner (outside Northeast entrance) and finally 2 nights at the Old Faithful Lodge.
All the campsites have had pros and cons to them, mostly pros. The views at each site have varied greatly, giving us plenty to look at all evening. The washhouses are never far, and all the stores (except this one) have sold ice for the coolers. We have found that there can never be too many quarters for laundry or showers, and we should take full advantage of those sites that have free showers! I did such a great job packing, that I find myself having to do some kind of laundry every other day. Not that much different from home. I guess clothes still get dirty on vacation.
Jean and I are really looking forward to the Old Faithful Lodge. Hotel - means beds, running hot water at our disposal, and air conditioning or heat (it tends to get a bit chilly for me at night and I have been wearing all my cold weather clothes to bed every night). It will be nice to pull out the slightly more dressy clothing too. While they aren't black tie or cocktail wear, they certainly haven't been pulled out of the suitcases yet, either. Of course, this will mean I will probably have to wash them too, as they may smell like the inside of our tent!
Today is the day my family is laying Mark to rest in Pointe Claire, Quebec. I am completely torn about being here, versus being with my family at this time of tragedy. Diane, Bob and Evan, although I am not with you in body please know that throughout this last week, and especially today - you have all filled my every thought. I miss you terribly, and want you to know we are all filled with sorrow at your loss, and ours. When we get back, we will gather together to celebrate the beautiful life Mark had, and remember fondly all the fabulous times. And indeed, in time we will begin to create new memories to send to Mark in heaven so he can share our joy with us until we meet again.
May peace find you tonight and for all the next nights to come.
Love, Michelle, Dave, Nicholas and Carissa
While we have loved every minute of our trip, and thoroughly enjoyed the wonders of the National Parks we have visited thus far, I must admit that Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone is my least favorite to date. Part of my lack of enthusiasm for these springs is that there hasn't been any water rushing over the falls for almost 30 years. There are pretty rock formations, and small pools of very hot water, but the cascades are really just rocks that look like steps at this time. Maybe I will take my family back here in 30 more years and it will have reverted to its earlier state with tons of gallons of water rushing over the falls.
I have looked at maps a millions times, and my family knows that reading maps is not my strongest suit. Proof of this is that I must have looked at Yellowstone National Park a hundred times over the past years, and NEVER realized how enormous it truly is. We are spending a total of 6 nights here, 2 in Grant Village (South Entrance), 2 nights in Gardiner (outside Northeast entrance) and finally 2 nights at the Old Faithful Lodge.
All the campsites have had pros and cons to them, mostly pros. The views at each site have varied greatly, giving us plenty to look at all evening. The washhouses are never far, and all the stores (except this one) have sold ice for the coolers. We have found that there can never be too many quarters for laundry or showers, and we should take full advantage of those sites that have free showers! I did such a great job packing, that I find myself having to do some kind of laundry every other day. Not that much different from home. I guess clothes still get dirty on vacation.
Jean and I are really looking forward to the Old Faithful Lodge. Hotel - means beds, running hot water at our disposal, and air conditioning or heat (it tends to get a bit chilly for me at night and I have been wearing all my cold weather clothes to bed every night). It will be nice to pull out the slightly more dressy clothing too. While they aren't black tie or cocktail wear, they certainly haven't been pulled out of the suitcases yet, either. Of course, this will mean I will probably have to wash them too, as they may smell like the inside of our tent!
Today is the day my family is laying Mark to rest in Pointe Claire, Quebec. I am completely torn about being here, versus being with my family at this time of tragedy. Diane, Bob and Evan, although I am not with you in body please know that throughout this last week, and especially today - you have all filled my every thought. I miss you terribly, and want you to know we are all filled with sorrow at your loss, and ours. When we get back, we will gather together to celebrate the beautiful life Mark had, and remember fondly all the fabulous times. And indeed, in time we will begin to create new memories to send to Mark in heaven so he can share our joy with us until we meet again.
May peace find you tonight and for all the next nights to come.
Love, Michelle, Dave, Nicholas and Carissa
Friday, July 1, 2011
Yellowstone National Park Days 1 and 2
We spent two nights at the Grant Campground by the South Entrance at Yellowstone Park. Our site was located right next to the Tewksburys which we have found to be an excellent way to set up our sites. We share two picnic tables, one long clothesline and have great access to watching the kids. Speaking of the children, they spent the past three days scripting, directing, producing and acting in their own version of Star Wars. Each kid takes one or two parts, and they act out a fight scene, an action scene or chase scene. It is fun to watch them, and Ian is videotaping each act to post on YouTube later this trip.
At Yellowstone we traveled through to the Dragon's Mouth and the Mud Volcano's. The smell of sulfur was enough to get the kids yelling out the wonders of the natural body (and by this I refer to the human body, not the one mother earth has granted us!). I am sure you can imagine that to which I refer.
ONe of the favorites of Mud Volcano's scenes is the Dragon's Mouth Hotspring. At this spring, which was created hundreds of thousands of years ago and named in 1912 for the sounds that this mud hotspring makes. The gases in the spring explode against the cave walls and create sounds like a dragon. Wicked cool!
We also were told by the park ranger volunteers (after they confiscated our beer which we had left out at the rear of our site) that bears are roaming freely throughout the park. As I believe I already mentioned, the park only opened for camping on June 21st. Since there was so much snow, the bears have wandered down the mountains and into the campsites with greater frequency. the rangers have even named one of the bears the Preacher, since he has a white collar. While we were exceptionally diligent about putting our food and dishes and toiletries in the van, we neglected to put bottled beer (microbrew from local professionals) into the van. The same rangers were kind enough to let me retrieve the beer, with a warning only, no fine, and some sage advice regarding bear sightings. Follwing this advice, we saw our first grizzly bear. By the time we got to the trailhead (in our fishbowl) we were not alone in seeing a gigantic grizzly bear walking and eating his way through a meadow and fallen trees. Amazing. This bear was dark brown, and huge. Some great shots were taken, by me and my camera, and hope to post tomorrow.
We have a general list of animals we hope to see while in Yellowstone that includes grizzly bear, eagle, bison, prong horned antelope, elk, and any other creatures that care to grace our path. Today we saw the bear and soem moose. Right on the side of the road.
Once we knew about the bear sightings that had gone on in the past five days, only Dave slept well last night. Ian, Jean and I had dreams of bears, hearing them at every turn during the night. I wouldn't even walk to the bathhouse alone last night, at 2:30 a.m. and made Dave go with me. No worries, we did not cross any bears path.
We have now headed into Mammoth Hot Springs area, and are going to see said wonders tomorrow. I am sure there will be further discussion regarding the strong sulfer smell that accompanies them. I hope that you are all well, and I look forward to sharing the next adventure with you!
At Yellowstone we traveled through to the Dragon's Mouth and the Mud Volcano's. The smell of sulfur was enough to get the kids yelling out the wonders of the natural body (and by this I refer to the human body, not the one mother earth has granted us!). I am sure you can imagine that to which I refer.
ONe of the favorites of Mud Volcano's scenes is the Dragon's Mouth Hotspring. At this spring, which was created hundreds of thousands of years ago and named in 1912 for the sounds that this mud hotspring makes. The gases in the spring explode against the cave walls and create sounds like a dragon. Wicked cool!
We also were told by the park ranger volunteers (after they confiscated our beer which we had left out at the rear of our site) that bears are roaming freely throughout the park. As I believe I already mentioned, the park only opened for camping on June 21st. Since there was so much snow, the bears have wandered down the mountains and into the campsites with greater frequency. the rangers have even named one of the bears the Preacher, since he has a white collar. While we were exceptionally diligent about putting our food and dishes and toiletries in the van, we neglected to put bottled beer (microbrew from local professionals) into the van. The same rangers were kind enough to let me retrieve the beer, with a warning only, no fine, and some sage advice regarding bear sightings. Follwing this advice, we saw our first grizzly bear. By the time we got to the trailhead (in our fishbowl) we were not alone in seeing a gigantic grizzly bear walking and eating his way through a meadow and fallen trees. Amazing. This bear was dark brown, and huge. Some great shots were taken, by me and my camera, and hope to post tomorrow.
We have a general list of animals we hope to see while in Yellowstone that includes grizzly bear, eagle, bison, prong horned antelope, elk, and any other creatures that care to grace our path. Today we saw the bear and soem moose. Right on the side of the road.
Once we knew about the bear sightings that had gone on in the past five days, only Dave slept well last night. Ian, Jean and I had dreams of bears, hearing them at every turn during the night. I wouldn't even walk to the bathhouse alone last night, at 2:30 a.m. and made Dave go with me. No worries, we did not cross any bears path.
We have now headed into Mammoth Hot Springs area, and are going to see said wonders tomorrow. I am sure there will be further discussion regarding the strong sulfer smell that accompanies them. I hope that you are all well, and I look forward to sharing the next adventure with you!
Zion National Park June 28th
Yesterday we spent the day at Zion National Park. The eight of us drove there from our KOA site and followed the intake road to get to the shuttle. Our Sprinter van is approximately 10 1/2’ tall, and is commonly referred to as the fishbowl on wheels (because we are stared at by all we drive by). This is a pretty tall vehicle, and there are certain parking lots (the airport) and tunnels that we cannot fit through. At Zion, there are two tunnels you must drive through to get to the main park itself. These tunnels are definitely height restricted. If your vehicle is over a particular height, you have to drive down the middle of the second tunnel – which is about one mile in length. To do this, the park rangers/law enforcement needs to close the tunnel to all other oncoming traffic.
Fortunately we did not have to pay the $15 fee to close the tunnel, and got to the park without incident. This is a minor miracle itself as we continue to face life’s little challenges at almost every turn.
Zion is another national park that is a wonder of our country. Our former leaders did it right when they decided to save these places for future generations to view in awe. We walked around the visitor center as the four children saw the Park Rangers to complete the Junior Ranger program for this park. The Jr. Ranger program is a great way to get the kids involved in the park and the sights. Every park we have visited partakes in this program, which has different activities for each age group of children. The boys both did the Grand Canyon ranger and got their badges. By Bryce, both boys and Tressa did it, and by Zion all four were venturing through the parks looking for the answers to great questions. It is like what we try to teach our students at work, find the essential question so you know what to look for when you read. Same idea here, except they are to look for the layered rock to determine which mineral/bacteria is causing the formations to change color. Both Nick and Carissa have park ranger hats (junior size) to attach all their badges onto. Hopefully the kids all come home with many badges and magazines filled with the answers to excellent questions!
The adults were really able to enjoy the Weeping Rock with the Hanging Gardens, as well as the Lower Emerald Pools. It felt so good to walk below mist and water droplets on such a hot and sunny day. Then the shade helped cool all of us to a point where we could walk back down a pretty steep path. Got some great pictures of Columbine and other small flowers (I am not a gardener, so have no idea what kind they were, but they looked pretty!).
Once we were done seeing Zion – which had so much more to visit but we couldn’t given the children’s exhaustion and the heat of the day – we headed back to the KOA campground in Glendale Utah. While we were driving we noticed it was getting a bit breezy, and the time we got to the site it was blowing at 40-50 miles per hour. The Tewksbury tent had collapsed, as a tent pole had been broken upon setting the tent up initially. It was not possible to fix the tent in the significant wind, so we were left with two options. One, have some of the kids sleep in the van and everyone else in the Szabo tent, or two, pack up everything and drive all night to get to Yellowstone early. We were already planning an all day drive to Yellowstone on Wednesday, so decided to start out earlier. It worked out pretty well. You can only imagine how interesting our Walmart stop was in Provo, Utah at 1:30 a.m. for food and a new tent.
Driving by the Grand Tetons to get to Yellowstone South Entrance was unbelievable! They certainly put our Camels Hump and Mount Mansfield to shame. For perspective, Mt. Mansfield is approximately 4200 feet – the Tetons were 12000 feet. We have been living at higher elevations now for over a week, and while we are getting used to it, we all “suck wind” as we come up hills, and get tired much more easily.
Now we are at the Grant Campground in Yellowstone. I look forward to posting the pictures from Zion and Yellowstone soon!
Fortunately we did not have to pay the $15 fee to close the tunnel, and got to the park without incident. This is a minor miracle itself as we continue to face life’s little challenges at almost every turn.
Zion is another national park that is a wonder of our country. Our former leaders did it right when they decided to save these places for future generations to view in awe. We walked around the visitor center as the four children saw the Park Rangers to complete the Junior Ranger program for this park. The Jr. Ranger program is a great way to get the kids involved in the park and the sights. Every park we have visited partakes in this program, which has different activities for each age group of children. The boys both did the Grand Canyon ranger and got their badges. By Bryce, both boys and Tressa did it, and by Zion all four were venturing through the parks looking for the answers to great questions. It is like what we try to teach our students at work, find the essential question so you know what to look for when you read. Same idea here, except they are to look for the layered rock to determine which mineral/bacteria is causing the formations to change color. Both Nick and Carissa have park ranger hats (junior size) to attach all their badges onto. Hopefully the kids all come home with many badges and magazines filled with the answers to excellent questions!
The adults were really able to enjoy the Weeping Rock with the Hanging Gardens, as well as the Lower Emerald Pools. It felt so good to walk below mist and water droplets on such a hot and sunny day. Then the shade helped cool all of us to a point where we could walk back down a pretty steep path. Got some great pictures of Columbine and other small flowers (I am not a gardener, so have no idea what kind they were, but they looked pretty!).
Once we were done seeing Zion – which had so much more to visit but we couldn’t given the children’s exhaustion and the heat of the day – we headed back to the KOA campground in Glendale Utah. While we were driving we noticed it was getting a bit breezy, and the time we got to the site it was blowing at 40-50 miles per hour. The Tewksbury tent had collapsed, as a tent pole had been broken upon setting the tent up initially. It was not possible to fix the tent in the significant wind, so we were left with two options. One, have some of the kids sleep in the van and everyone else in the Szabo tent, or two, pack up everything and drive all night to get to Yellowstone early. We were already planning an all day drive to Yellowstone on Wednesday, so decided to start out earlier. It worked out pretty well. You can only imagine how interesting our Walmart stop was in Provo, Utah at 1:30 a.m. for food and a new tent.
Driving by the Grand Tetons to get to Yellowstone South Entrance was unbelievable! They certainly put our Camels Hump and Mount Mansfield to shame. For perspective, Mt. Mansfield is approximately 4200 feet – the Tetons were 12000 feet. We have been living at higher elevations now for over a week, and while we are getting used to it, we all “suck wind” as we come up hills, and get tired much more easily.
Now we are at the Grant Campground in Yellowstone. I look forward to posting the pictures from Zion and Yellowstone soon!
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