US-89 from Jackson to Ogden UT

We could not believe how magnificent this drive could be!  Left Jackson WY and drove along the Snake River.  Our drive was timed to perfection with Fall colors at their peak.  In addition to the Pine trees and the granite outcroppings, the Aspen were golden and Maples (didn't know we'd find these out West) were an incredible brilliant red. 

Continueing on the route we entered Logan Canyon, and the scenery became even more incredible.  Photos just can't capture.

Hiking & Biking at the Grand Tetons

We left magnificent Yellowstone NP and drove through the smokey remnants of the forest fires still burning out here.  Camped for two nights at Signal Mountain where we squeezed into a campsite.  The sign wasn't fooling that the limit was 30 feet, and BIW just makes it at 30 ft, (11").  Our site was overlooking Jackson Lake and the awesome Grand Tetons.  What can be better than looking out your windows and seeing the mountains in all of their glory!

Also enjoyed our two great dinners at the Signal Mountain Lodge including Lake Trout Cakes (better than NJ Crab Cakes?!), and just a short walk from our campsite.  Great local brews too.

We woke up the first morning at Signal Mountain to a light rain, and the mountains magically appeared as the smoke was washed away.  What a sight!  The following day we hiked 6 miles and biked 15 miles to Moose (a town - note post office, population around 200).  All around Jackson WY, they have constructed over 40 miles of paved bike trails;  what can be better than biking with the mountains on your left and a valley filled with animals on the right?!

Oh, and I almost forgot....Ruthie saw her Moose!  We camped the third night at Gros Ventre, a Grand Teton NP campground.  Morey asked the Ranger at check-in, where the moose might be hanging out.  He suggested a walk to the river because they like the willows growing along the banks.  Morey spotted the Moose and had him smile for the camera.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

We toured, hiked, and camped for 12 wonderful days.  The weather couldn't have been better with highs in the low 70's and cool nights dipping down in the high 20's.  (nice to turn on BIW's furnace in the morning!)  After a few days doing our own thing, including some great hikes, Kathy and Mel joined us for a great week of national park experiences.

While hiking and driving, we saw many animals including herds of bison (and the occassional bull wandering along the trail holding up our hike), moose, elk, pronghorn, cayotes, and even a gray wolf crossing the road as we were driving BIW.  Having taken hundreds of pictures, it is so difficult to include some in this blog!

One of the many high points was at the Madison Campground where we had a great camping site.  Best of all was when we would take the short walk to view the meadow where the Firehole and the Gibbon Rivers meet to form the Madison River and flow towards West Yellowstone.  The bison and elk grazing while the fly fishermen  cast for cut-throat trout.  Idealic!

March 1987, Ruthie & Old Faithful

We are going to miss Yellowstone as we continue this years quest.  We were last here in March of 1987 when we brought our skis.  The forests of Lodgepole Pines are back after the '88 fires.

Layla helping Morey get dinner cooking!

Ruthie & Kathy picnic

Morey & Mel taking a trail break

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone



 

Sundown while driving Firehole Lake Drive

 

 

 

 

Close Encounters of the third kind ?

We had a nice one day stop between the Black Hills and Yellowstone -- Devil's Tower is an amazing natural monument.  Formed millions of years ago from the magma of a long eroded volcano, it stands 1500 feet above the surrounding plains.  We walked the 1.3 mile trail around its base looking at the different views.  Later in the evening, while at the Ranger Program, we watched climbers at the top rapelling down with only their headlamps to guide them.  All very mystical.

Black Hills, South Dakota

We've spent the past few days in the magnificent Black Hills area. 

Our first agenda item was getting out on the 109 mile Mickelson rail trail on our bikes.  A 15 mile trail into Custer and to Stockade Lake on the first day, followed by a 29 mile bike ride from the Mystic Trailhead through 2 tunnels, across numerous trestle bridges, Hill City and lunch, and finally back to our campground just north of Custer on our second day here.  The trail is well maintained and we survived the long seven mile 4% grade going uphill...followed by a wonderful five mile 4% grade going downhill!  Great weather too, without a cloud in the sky, no humidity, and temps hitting the low 70s.



Today we rented a car so we could drive the Needles Highway where there are 10ft high tunnels, and hairpin turns (Not for our RV).  We also drove through Custer State Park grasslands where we saw bison, prairie dogs, pronghorns, and wild burrows.  Then on to Mt. Rushmore, which has a totally rebuilt visitor center and parking garage!  The four presidents still looked the same, though.

The Badlands aren't Bad, & then there's Wall Drugs

The Badlands have changed since we were here 30 years ago - really.  We learned that the Badlands erode an inch a year.....so that's over two feet off the rocks!  We also found a new campground, visitor center, and Cedar Lodge.  Quite dramatic landscape, and quite a change from 800 miles of corn and soy beans.  We did some great short hikes in the cool morning air.

Then on to Wall Drugs; can't pass this without stopping.  Very disappointed that now the "free ice water" comes out of a tap.  Wall hasn't changed their fine merchandise selection.  You can still find indian tomahawks from China (used to be Japan), and Morey bought a real leather belt only to discover that it too comes from China.  We did have time to sit down with the old timers and talk about current events.

The Corn Palace, Mitchell SD

For over 25 years a postcard of the "World's Only Corn Palace" hung on our bulletin board at home.

 Today it was time to revisit, and of course, get some new postcards. So we parked our RV and checked out the latest decor, all made from corn. Looks like Mitchell has classed up a little with some urban sprawl from downtown to I-90, although didn't see a Home Depot. The Corn Palace continues to be the town's focus in all it's corny decor.

Our RV comes home to its birthplace

 

After 2 years and 11 months, Blowin-in-the-Wind, comes home!  We pulled in for the 9am Winnebago Industries factory tour.  First stop was their museum where one of the original 1967 motorhomes was on display -- Ruthie says, it looks good; so should we consider trading in our Winnebago Vista!

Then on to the tour.  Great to see these motorhomes being built in America, specifically Forest City, Iowa.  Manufacturing is very vertically integrated.  We toured the sewing shop, the cabinet shop, the frame welding, the fiberglass wall construction, and the the most interesting:  The Final Assembly.  With over 30 models and variations, Winnabago Industries, efficiently assembles ALL models on the same assembly line.  Some serious organization to the parts as they show up for final assembly.  We were also very impressed with the design and quality displayed.

25 Years Ago, Labor Day

Morey was driving to his new job at Hobbico....By November the family had moved to Champaign, IL and our new house was under construction.  Moved in April of 1988, planted trees and have now created a forest!  It's amazing what 25 years will do....Large trees, a wonderful neighborhood (instead of cornfields), and great memories.


Now back on the road, we're headed out West. Our first great camp site is at Fisherman's Corner Recreation Area. Right on the Mississippi River where we are watching the boats going through one of the many river locks. Another great Army Corp of Engineers campground!! Those engineers know how to do it right. A 314 mile paved bike trail follows along the east side of the river, and even though its in the high 80s; we've got to try out a piece.