Washington to Washington - backwards

We're home. Drove into the driveway about 9:30 last night - straight from West Yellowstone. Took no pictures on Monday, but did stop to see Quake Lake in Montana. The lake was developed in 1959 after a 7.5 quake. Verrryy interesting. Mark compromised and we drove from Missoula to North Bend on I-90, so we could get home. What a guy :).

Washington to Washington - backwards

Finished up the major Yellowstone sites: Yellowstone Falls (photo), Mammoth Hot Springs (photo), Mud Volcano, etc. Also saw enough bison to fill Rhode Island, including the herd strolling down the road first thing in the morning (photo). Didn’t see a single bear or moose – is that possible in Jellystone?? Spotted some elk and several flocks of geese. Dodged thunderstorms and showers much of the afternoon, but the only real disadvantage was having to put the top up and down – oh whine! Heading home tomorrow.

Washington to Washington - backwards

Drove through both the Grand Tetons and part of Yellowstone today. Stopped at the incredibly sited Jackson Lake Lodge, with an astounding view from its second story lounge (photo). Hung out there for about an hour, while Carol had a meeting and Mark got to see a moose grazing. Also got some great shots of mountains and lake reflections (photo). Highlight of the day in Yellowstone was watching two geysers: Old Faithful and Beehive. The latter goes off infrequently and we managed to get soaked from the spray (photo). Watched Old Faithful from the second story deck of the Old Faithful Inn – great view with more comfortable seats than the benches on the ground. Saw lots of buffalo, elk, and a chipmunk. Staying at Worldmark – scored a room for two nights on a last minute cancelation, so we’ll go back to Yellowstone tomorrow. Planning to be home on Tuesday.

Washington to Washington - backwards

Okay, we didn’t go to Yellowstone. We drove to Jackson Hole, instead. We’ll drive through Grand Tetons and Yellowstone tomorrow. Went over two mountain passes above 9,600 feet and got some nice mountain shots, including Loaf Mt. (photo). Also stopped for a picnic lunch in Thermopolis, home of what they claim to be the world’s largest hot spring (photo of the travertine). Strolled through Jackson Hole in the evening and ate dinner at Bubba’s Bar-b-que.

Washington to Washington - backwards

This was monument day. Visited Mt. Rushmore (photo), Crazy Horse (photo), and Devil’s Tower. Everything is green in Wyoming and South Dakota , making it very picturesque. Drove throught the Needles accidently on our way to Crazy Horse and stopped by Summit Lake. Not much more to say about the day’s journey – no interesting billboards, business names or roadside attractions. Tomorrow – Yellowstone.

Washington to Washington - backwards

Drove 12 hours today, most with the top down – yippee. Much more interesting day. Some unusual sightings: a Gnome park in Dawson, MN – yes, there were gnome sculptures and they even had their own chapel. In Clark SD, we ran across a bunch of identical pink cars in a field with cattle (photo). And, practically across the street was a wheel sculpture (photo). No explanation for either, so inquiring minds want to know. Dropped by another state capitol, Pierre, SD. Ended the day touring the Badlands National Park, just outside Rapid City (photo), where we saw Pronghorn Antelope and prairie dogs among the strange formations. Tomorrow – Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse.

Washington to Washington - backwards

Rain, rain, rain. Just the second day with the top up. Drove across Wisconsin on Highway 8 – boring – mostly because of the weather. There were probably more interesting routes, but clearly, we weren’t on one of them. Stopped in just one place to take pictures, St, Croix Falls, WI. As with the Dalles, OR, there are no falls, but there is an interesting overlook at the dam with a view that reminds you of an infinity pool (photo). The other picture is the sunset last night at Manistique, MI. We’re off to South Dakota tomorrow.