Here Comes the Sun

Ooohhh those views!

Many Glacier Area of the Park

Logan Pass covered in snow - the road opened July 3rd

For two weeks, we explored the area in and around Glacier National Park. Northern Montana is gorgeous in the early summer...with lush green growth everywhere (the variety of trees in the forest and the dense understory of ferns and wildflowers below).  We were surprised at a number of things:

Gushing, Steaming, Bubbling and Rocky Mountain Grandeur!

Teton magnificence

View - from the Jackson Lake Lodge - It took our breath away!

Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble - Yellowstone caldera

Our happy camper - Ava!

Well, we've had a fantastic two weeks visiting the Grand Teton National Park and touring Yellowstone, our first National Park in the nation. Geographically, they sit right next to each other, yet they are unexpectedly quite distinct in their geology and their available tourist venues. It was fun mixing up our days, for example, with a Teton hike around Jenny Lake one day, contrasted the next day with a tour of the geyser basin in Yellowstone. Both parks were, quite simply, a feast for the eyes and the senses.

The ultimate reward, during those two week, was that Lisa, Eric and baby Ava also joined us for a week of adventure.  They camped in their tent and we used the trailer for cooking and to escape the rain, cold and mosquitoes, when needed.  We had a wonderful time hiking, exploring, eating Lisa's creative dinners, and kayaking, and our little Ava was delightful the entire time - of course!

Snapshots in Stone - Dinosaur Land

Dinosaur National Monument - Green River

Is this pen electrified? Chamo-Stego and Ernie - all matchy matchy.

We spent five days visiting Dinosaur National Monument located both in Utah and Colorado (north of Grand Junction, CO. and east of Salt Lake City, UT). It's an arid, high desert environment, but is right on the Green River which pours out of the Flaming Gorge dam (45 miles north).

San Juan Mountain High!

Last week, after more than two months in the high desert, we left the overwhelming heat and crowds and escaped to one of our favorite locations in the west - the San Juan Mountains in Colorado.  We were introduced to this magical place three years ago by family members during a trip here to enjoy the Fall colors and we are so grateful to them for this wonderful gift! Thank you so much, Al and Doug!

Edward Abbey Bliss

Two very happy campers doing what we love to do!

Double arch magic

Monolithic structures of sandstone dominated the landscape!

For over a week, we were able to explore the red rock country in and around Moab, Utah including: Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Monument, and Dead Horse Point State Park. We were fortunate that MJ and Chris were also able to accompany us on our adventures for part of that time, making those two days even more special and fun.

Tapestry rock art w/ curator MJ

Water's Amazing Handiwork

Natural bridges in White Canyon

When we left Mesa Verde, after 50 degree weather, we were hoping for warmer weather and our wish was definitely granted! For the next two weeks the weather hovered in the mid to high 90's.  Change is good! Yesl we were able to dry out...

The Green Table

We're back!  Finally, decent, reliable internet service!

Mesa Verde (or Green Table) provided us ample opportunity to explore and view remains of 700 years of Ancestral Puebloan culture.

Cliff Palace from overlook