https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog daily 1.0 2021-09-03 https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-trzsr-957cn-549ty-bmxgy-skzjh-am4a6-2y4sk-nhjzf-wm8hk-bw2hl-jjhad-m6mpl-ahn3r-cy53h-h4ad5-t4b4p-rzmxt-ljw4j-4bj27 monthly 0.5 2021-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1631116714849-NW3KE0IG76HFGZDZZG2A/PXL_20210517_202100584.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630675147619-I7UR1XSKTFMNCQ54ZSDT/First+leg.PNG Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary February 27 - March 20, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630675786047-6MXV00BA80LW8SLF46BA/Second+Leg.PNG Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary March 20 - April 8, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630681917470-J9M1CE9T8V2XFTWJI1LW/Third+leg.PNG Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary April 8 - May 13, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630681925384-KJU42U23WSRYKGPUXSDL/Fourth+leg.PNG Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary May 13 - June 11, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630681940167-QGV5AZJIEC3WBSJU2ENQ/Fifth+leg.PNG Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary June 11 - July 5, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630681944738-KTVC4X7JSAIFVMADOLW7/Sixth+leg.PNG Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary July 5 - July 23, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630681951953-HYFJYJEIBEC59F5G9MFI/Seventh+leg.PNG Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary July 23 - August 6, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630265388013-479LHB7O0Z6KNIXUE0ZC/PXL_20210330_172833396.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Davis Mountain State Park (TX) to Leesburg Dam State Park (NM) March 30, 2021. As we drove through El Paso Texas, we could see Mexico on the other side of the highway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629746920913-ZR6U78T3I52219KZE5RO/PXL_20210414_205940785.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Joshua Tree National Park (CA) to Death Valley National Park (CA) April 14, 2021. Driving into Death Valley was probably the most desolate drive of our entire trip. The whole drive was over 250 miles but 120 miles of that was particularly lonely. We saw one gas station during that stretch otherwise there was nothing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630265014472-2G2JUUHA48UT2KS2HCRY/PXL_20210424_172121504.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Grand Canyon National Park (AZ) to Zion National Park (UT) April 24, 2021 The views are spectacular no matter where you look in northern Arizona or southern Utah. We made a quick stop at Marble Canyon (AZ) along the Colorado River to soak it all in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629746044552-6CN3WXRDRPC3T8N6OS04/DSC_0481.JPG Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Grand Teton National Park (WY) to Butte Montana via Yellowstone National Park. May 24, 2021. We certainly won’t forget our snowy drive through Yellowstone with the trailer in tow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629746220343-OBH714EF9ZDZ2W61XKAL/DSC_0511.JPG Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Durango Colorado to Grand Junction Colorado via The Million Dollar Highway July 8, 2021. There were steep drop-offs and very sharp curves along the Million Dollar Highway so Charley had to keep his eyes on the road. I got to enjoy the amazing views from elevations as high as 11,000 feet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630248410875-TLAICR06DCT3DYRMLK3B/PXL_20210407_151359102.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary We traveled in and out of Arizona three different times and loved it each time. Every place that we visited in Arizona was clean and the people were friendly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630262934597-SSPH48D2HRFWAQTQBCVT/PXL_20210430_183853301.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Utah! I don’t think I’d want to live there but it’s an incredible place to visit. From all the National Parks in the southern part of the state to the Salt Lake area, we loved every day of our stay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630248940160-DJDLYD9IVHLGC5G4BK5J/PXL_20210601_205922978.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Montana is another beautiful state and some of our very best memories were made there. . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630248041976-8LK5TCWH6OR158DIDWK6/DSC_0072.JPG Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary We spent more time in California than any other state and we were pleasantly surprised by every area we visited. From Death Valley to the Redwoods to the coast to Napa Valley - we loved it all! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630264374238-U2ULX0VDBJRJ8Y4ZS2JR/PXL_20210720_145012426.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary One of the biggest and most pleasant surprises of our trip was our stay in Nebraska. If I HAD to pick a place to relocate to, it would be the Lincoln/Ashland/Omaha Nebraska area. The landscape was a lot like home, the people were so friendly, and it was very clean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630336217750-VBDA9WHYJT0DH2BAJCIO/PXL_20210518_164529912.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary We visited two areas of Wyoming on two separate legs of our trip. There’s some incredible history in Wyoming as well as my favorite overall National Park, Grand Teton. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629748107660-UVMCGE7EHNE8EDYAYPXI/PXL_20210301_210313802.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Our very first campground, Carolina Beach State Park, set the bar high. We loved the size, layout, and privacy of this site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629748636096-ZJXU9V8CL34TE3XBF7VB/PXL_20210310_195428384.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary You can’t beat camping within walking distance of a private beach. Henderson Beach State Park in Destin Florida was one of the most difficult to reserve but also one of the most “bang for our buck” spots at just $36 per night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629748057860-KJSY5VG5MJR3BFZOW25F/PXL_20210404_013541183.MP.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Although there was a Walmart and busy shopping area near Catalina State Park outside Tuscon Arizona we couldn’t see or hear it so we felt like we were in the middle of nowhere. The sunsets there were beautiful too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629748388311-76T24C83AZJBJQSPZUCT/PXL_20210425_014157549.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary We loved our site at Zion National Park simply because the view from our site was spectacular. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629750775821-WG6ABZEZYYHG8TSCOQ8L/IMG_0097.JPG Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Charley liked the oil changing station at Holiday Palms RV Park in Quartzsite Arizona so much that we stayed there twice. We also loved the pool and staff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630528389778-SCZCR4Z7C7R49E90GDC2/PXL_20210713_192418014.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary One of our very best camping views was at the Devil’s Tower KOA at the base of Devil’s Tower in Wyoming. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629751100805-SG4HFJOVNW3KBC5DV36U/PXL_20210719_185635870.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Ashland RV Campground in Ashland Nebraska was likely the flattest and largest of all the sites we stayed in. New and very clean too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629751386239-DHIG92DXIVUSB1Z23XJ5/PXL_20210506_002833325.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary The Castle Gate RV Park is located on the edge of the super small town of Helper Utah. We loved that we were able to park the Excursion for a few days and walk everywhere we wanted to go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629751714233-JNNMHLK5RHZVY32KPQQJ/PXL_20210625_031516725.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary The sites at Coyote Valley RV Park in Morgan Hill California were a bit tight but the pools, huge recreation rooms, and really really nice bathrooms made up for it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629754135466-A7WTRN1F86QYSE05GOK9/PXL_20210611_000646140.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary What makes the Harvest Host program awesome is that you get to sleep in places that you’d probably never get to otherwise. In northern Oregon, we stayed at Blown Away Ranch, a working wheat and wind farm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629754899231-JOU9YG2D2M7WSEUP0XP5/PXL_20210402_203948636.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Shakespeare Ghost Town near Lordsburg New Mexico was another unique overnight stop. We loved our tour of the ghost town and visiting with fellow Harvest Host members who were also parked there for the night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629759533967-11PTZJJS4EYN0OU7LWQJ/DSC_0453.JPG Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary It doesn’t matter how many photos you see or videos you watch, there’s nothing like standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon (AZ). It’s just breathtaking! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630528781710-512J5G3P6BYREV5JNHDT/PXL_20210517_171242915.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary In addition to incredible views, we saw the most amazing wildlife at Grand Teton National Park - moose, elk, bison, pronghorn, and grizzly bears. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629761964630-ERY11HZZIIM5X17BTZJI/PXL_20210707_175055625.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary We loved Mesa Verde National Park (CO) for its unique history. People lived in those dwellings hundreds of years ago. Amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629762084432-QVZDBBKUP4QNBBQWYWNK/PXL_20210414_230431700.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Visiting Death Valley National Park (CA) is like visiting another planet. 3.5 million acres, hot, dry, and the lowest point in North America. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629997007071-27S5UDG57RSC3CZDFYVB/PXL_20210605_195821039.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary We enjoyed so many wonderful outdoor activities at Glacier National Park (MT) - rafting, horseback riding, and of course lots and lots of hiking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630164106585-RK3EHTW874KL0LDUGD0X/PXL_20210326_194938813.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Charley and I loved visiting each of the five San Antonio Missions (TX). They’re all so old and beautiful and it’s amazing that four of them are still active parishes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630164346643-APMJAVMJACHVX2POC77I/PXL_20210527_182124375.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary The Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site in Deer Lodge Montana is a working cattle ranch. We spent the better part of a day here learning all about cowboys, cattle ranching, and cattle drives in the American west. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630336617323-O3X09ITLX13PKU99U7JS/PXL_20210621_183643742.NIGHT.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary The Golden Gate Bridge National Recreation Area in San Fransisco CA was a bucket list item for me but I didn’t even realize it was part of the National Park Service until we got there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630337002199-1ZQ13K9BU7BL76DVJ0T7/PXL_20210714_014209953.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Devils Tower National Monument (WY) is a sight to behold. It’s fascinating! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630171924027-GF68TAG0NYKUTQ60HQPL/PXL_20210716_202730643.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary After visiting the Titan Missle Museum (privately owned) near Tuscon Arizona, we continued our cold war lesson with a visit to the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site near the Badlands in South Dakota. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630173059129-5FZUS97KM05GYAZOZSQU/PXL_20210305_160414154.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary The Cherokee County Historical and Preservation Society (CHAPS) in Gaffney South Carolina. I’m partial to local history museums and appreciate a good one. CHAPS was definitely the nicest that we visited on this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630172946489-NWGOX4A36TMBGWMZS1DH/PXL_20210317_190531296.MP.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary The National World War II Museum in New Orleans Lousiana. Still not sure why a National Museum is located in New Orleans but it’s a wonderful place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630173325997-ZCTZ1IG2BP2LN2AAZ8B6/PXL_20210711_162458984.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper Wyoming. We learned so much about the California, Oregon, Mormon, and Pony Express trails here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630172672874-CEYFZFBT30PDAGXQ8YSD/PXL_20210801_141511486.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn Michigan. Charley and I agree that this is the best museum we’ve ever been to. Ever! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630172566420-3UCD8GBTKOW1BMGNDUUP/PXL_20210728_190306604.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart Indiana. You might need to be an RVer to really appreciate it. We loved it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630173756803-U76ORC13U6RJCDDRVHPY/IMG_0028.JPG Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary We made a spontaneous decision to stop at the BMW Plant Visitors Center in Spartanburg SC. Lucky for us, we were just in time for a factory tour and it was awesome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630173858698-9QKETRR4JWQQS750OPL1/PXL_20210319_143306814.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary While in New Orleans, we decided to spend one less day in the city and visit nearby Oak Alley Plantation instead. No regrets. Oak Alley was so beautiful and full of sad, but true history. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1631113885330-M851JKCHIRBQQBZA7MAB/PXL_20210508_175221349.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary We had such a fun time exploring Utah Olympic Legacy Park in Park City Utah which hosted the 2002 winter games. This location hopes to host again one day. Fingers crossed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630174056077-5WHVW2227X3XYK8OQAV0/PXL_20210612_205323157.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary We absolutely loved our behind the scenes tour of the Albany Historic Carousel and Museum in Albany Oregon. After a chance meeting in Butte Montana, this tour was arranged for us by a wonderful couple from Idaho who had volunteered for the museum when they lived in Oregon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630175031679-R7ZLVR3U6QTHNUHNA0RL/PXL_20210624_220446074.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary We were treated to a tour of Castello di Amorosa winery in the Napa Valley of California by our son and his girlfriend. The tour, company, and tasting were all wonderful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630176967689-LSYWG1B1CIKE4V4UKA2U/IMG_0110.JPG Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Ryan Mountain Hike in Joshua Tree National Park (CA). I wasn’t sure if I could make it to the top and was tempted to give up several times but kept pushing. It felt good to finally reach the summit! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630176644485-SR5VNFB2GFCATQSACRCT/PXL_20210423_192506077.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Bright Angel Trail Hike in Grand Canyon National Park (AZ). This hike was different in that you hike down first and up second. It was a tough one! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630175888319-H3XB0LLHGIUY4KVGBZV6/PXL_20210601_200456380.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Avalanche Lake Hike in Glacier National Park (CO). The hike itself was spectacular but the views at the end were definitely the highlight. One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630176042351-N8S3VQV4Y3241XKANLI5/PXL_20210714_152350270.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Red Beds Trail/South Side Trail at Devils Tower National Monument WY. This hike took us around Devils Tower and through the prairie dog flats which was a lot of fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630177121061-EX19G9TXH3C8K9PY1G53/PXL_20210615_172519670.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Boy Scout Tree Hike in the Redwoods National and State Parks CA. This forest is so thick and of course, the trees are so massive that it’s a bit intimidating. Definitely one of our more unique hiking experiences. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630179149978-A68ULLQFREZ0CYKTRXYT/PXL_20210312_234851300.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Sunset dinner cruise aboard the Solaris in Destin Florida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630179476942-12SIC3CVYKRIVQ83U2O7/PXL_20210326_170944965.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Strolling along the San Antonio River Walk in San Antonio Texas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630529866680-XCA86RZHM3S9Y8QTPRC8/20210602_120205%280%29.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Scenic float (with a fun group of strangers!) down the middle fork of the Flathead River outside Glacier National Park, Montana. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630178767639-E1NOGMAG81W20MSBZ84U/PXL_20210608_201642918.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Horseback riding through the Flathead National Forest in Montana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630178917471-0Q8A89EB4527DKHD4ZC8/PXL_20210704_193951201.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Frontier Days & The World’s Oldest Rodeo in Prescott Arizona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630416492933-E3LUS3F4VG5GW94Q30ZE/PXL_20210308_135817945.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary We only ate breakfast out once! With family in South Carolina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630416598677-DYWQ6SFFAIR8A1JWLQRO/PXL_20210325_220524915.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Many people have asked what our favorite meal was on our trip. That’s a tough one but my mind immediately goes to the bbq we had in Texas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630416809227-JMEBGQK67HECA4EM1UXK/PXL_20210604_002402442.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary We found a wonderful Mexican restaurant in West Glacier, Montana. So good we ate there twice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630416980654-I5B26CL8C6J1DCWKF3BS/PXL_20210716_145331548.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Just because we didn’t eat out doesn’t mean we didn’t eat well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630417026182-4MOHMZOMJ14IOEJ2H27O/PXL_20210719_171114102.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary Our travel day lunches usually looked like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630417377252-H71JP7C1TJWE0HMAT0O4/PXL_20210407_214902154.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary We discovered Dutch Bros coffee in Arizona early in the trip. We enjoyed it so much we picked it up as often as we could as we traveled in the west knowing there are no Dutch Bros in our area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630416860777-7A5802AK5GYS4QG6IKWW/PXL_20210525_193002183.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary It wasn’t unusual for us to stop and enjoy a cocktail or wine sampling while exploring a city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630418451319-GD3V1NITI4BHS2D1M6DS/PXL_20210806_210712188.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary In fact, the only souvenirs we collected were wines and spirits. We came close to running out of space to store it all in the camper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630184334273-B19XVEZBTXF3JW33Q9V5/DSC_0440.JPG Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary When I first laid eyes on the Grand Canyon I had an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the hard work and planning that got us there. It was just such a beautiful sight and I felt privileged to be there to experience it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630335733698-N3ZEN8O0A609EGFFIWDC/DSC_0267.JPG Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary We set out on a little drive to hopefully see a moose on our first night at Grant Teton National Park. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d see two grizzlies instead. We did eventually see a moose and a few more grizzlies over the next several days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630282288356-IC5AVEYWLDZWL6GDMY4T/DSC_0854+%282%29.JPG Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary That time we came across a black bear while hiking in Glacier National Park. We had seen other bears from the safety of our vehicle but seeing one on foot is a different story. This big boy got close but he wasn’t the least bit interested in us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630282942438-9QV0LWRTQ1RFWEUVY4S5/PXL_20210705_024948922.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary There was something magical about watching the 4th of July fireworks (and the preceding sunset) from high atop the granite dells in Prescott Arizona. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630283481595-W8ZX7L36DSKM0W7J9I72/DSC_0382.JPG Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary It’s amazing how predictable Old Faithful (and Mother Nature) is! We watched it erupt twice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1630283576139-6TQUSGJ9A6OX4GFF3UAJ/PXL_20210614_200743705.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary It took us 106 days but we finally made it to the pacific ocean! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1631227152268-4TPF57YHEPD1KNTHG660/IMG_4357.jpg Blog - And That’s a Wrap: Our 2021 Road Trip Summary - Make it stand out Thanks for following us on this crazy adventure! https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-trzsr-957cn-549ty-bmxgy-skzjh-am4a6-2y4sk-nhjzf-wm8hk-bw2hl-jjhad-m6mpl-ahn3r-cy53h-h4ad5-t4b4p-rzmxt-ljw4j monthly 0.5 2021-08-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629058023759-Y4S9SFRVMSRBSIQZ17JT/PXL_20210731_174321371.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629059517824-4B6UJPS7FR06MUJV01YF/PXL_20210727_181145887.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Happy reunion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060086255-RA4NK64KL8PJ2MHME0Z6/PXL_20210728_203611442.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Recreational Vehicle/Manufactured Home Hall of Fame and Museum, Elkhart Indiana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629059889147-6J80KGKXKXPCHPAIHFZ8/PXL_20210728_184314393.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) I don’t think I could have done this for six months. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629059910374-EJPBEI19DRAUZF2JI81U/PXL_20210728_190546907.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) So cute! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629059958592-I1KAFXHFFGH6RYF9OB3I/PXL_20210728_190611185.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Ford Truck Motorhome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629059969143-N6IFEBEFK5LLS6PM9Y6L/PXL_20210728_190744555.NIGHT.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) That’s a whole lotta brown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629059987635-12ZMHTIGT3BMMT7H898W/PXL_20210728_191144442.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) 1931 Mae West House Car https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060003619-FMN7QVFHREXT7F4KDO5Z/PXL_20210728_194926653.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Model RV build https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060042371-IGSM0F8KNP90VCXGUWX6/PXL_20210728_200645827.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) This sort of looks like a display model but I actually took this photo from a balcony overlooking the museum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060054316-4YAYL06K87HKXJ6LJC0A/PXL_20210728_200746912.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) See…there’s a real person down there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060069753-YJU5OD0KYMZEMB7HSE0X/PXL_20210728_202047906.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) All things RV library https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629059829919-7VO2EA91QJDVDVJ7X1AV/PXL_20210728_134857954.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) I couldn’t believe how busy this place was on a Wednesday, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629059537929-I3EESJNH4JJVNECARL51/PXL_20210728_132006454.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) There are over 700 vendors at the flea market. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629059567571-728PHPZ3TAJTX47Z3LIC/PXL_20210728_133042983.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) So much going on at once inside this building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629059822547-UYB9RRGKZY7Q0ELJTIET/PXL_20210728_133847085.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) What you can’t see in this picture are a sea of people and even more stuff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629059837944-AXQA9BX7EAZ44H8DRX42/PXL_20210728_135254344+%282%29.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Calves headed to auction https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629059847279-3SNALOHZPW5YHLK5G8P0/PXL_20210728_135314829.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) The livestock auction was preceded by a hay auction outside the building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629059853771-D8ZU61D6XSEGBK6PKDO3/PXL_20210728_135457741.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) I wonder how long our trio would have taken if we were driving one of these? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629059880280-11V6WRKVBOODBRRMHGNO/PXL_20210728_163544081.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Yoder’s Meat and Cheese Company in Shipshewana, Indiana. They had me at meat and cheese. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629059776844-V1DX6F36TB2Y1D4O5RFS/PXL_20210728_112157263.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) We couldn’t complain about the view from our camper at the Elkhart Campground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060098843-D8RNESK686FCALJRQKUO/PXL_20210729_220601319.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Charley was so close to leaving me behind! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060118376-7Y11QXN9IDHZB5ZDKLPR/PXL_20210730_183420612.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) KOA Detroit/Ann Arbor in Michigan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060130369-K572VXR0YYM7H94FVZRL/PXL_20210731_150638329.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Waiting for our bus ride to the Ford Rouge Factory Tour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060161316-29PKGT5WLRQC2VTUS5IX/PXL_20210731_175252851.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) It took about 15 minutes to get here by bus from the Henry Ford Museum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060139612-I8BV07XT4HXN3WMUYQ22/PXL_20210731_161430237.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) We were allowed to take photos of this portion of the tour. From this window, we could see Ford’s Living Roof which keeps the plant cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. At times, we could also see new f-150’s out for a test drive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060170988-U31ZAYCR4HHYZZXI7480/PXL_20210731_181943711.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) This museum was amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060184048-5101KCBWNCSQKPTUIRV2/PXL_20210801_141857353.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) The Kennedy car. Yes, that one. After Kennedy’s death, the Secret Service mandated that President Johnson, who continued to use the car, have a roof put on the back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629070697269-00Y6J5W92RP0USH6YLR8/PXL_20210801_143852463.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) One of the largest steam locomotives ever built. Also, the most photographed item in The Henry Ford’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060211974-3UY0LXG2SKJB1PFJCYTK/PXL_20210801_145228768.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) “Why don’t you let me wander around the country and do some feature stories” - Charles Kuralt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060224739-M7TU7PRLPM55EX5MK6HM/PXL_20210801_150607023.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Apparently, Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh were good friends. Ford gifted this travel trailer to Lindbergh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060238081-N2MGTHV0E3S4SN0Z8CRX/PXL_20210801_151332828.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) There are lots of fun travel-related items on display including this vintage Holiday Inn sign. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060250790-F01CYFXO5X9Q7P58K5OH/PXL_20210801_160641718.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) In the early 80’s (and beyond), my grandfather was a mechanic at a Chevy dealership so he wore overalls that said “Mr. Goodwrench” on them. As a little girl I’d see commercials about Mr. Goodwrench and I thought that my grandfather was famous because I thought he was THE Mr. Goodrench. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060270767-UU6L2JPRIK0KFZRS8TGX/PXL_20210801_161230747.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Excuse me Henry. You forgot Audi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060279432-KI9HL45SC1YAUHZORV41/PXL_20210801_162620338.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) A few Model T’s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060286835-QZTE5UN3306R9MM4TNH9/PXL_20210801_162827030.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Prior to Covid, one could eat lunch in this diner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060303838-PGGH7QSS78S0HEI54NV0/PXL_20210801_162957865.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) That would have been a fun experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060330327-0SAQ6QLW7MT148W2UIZJ/PXL_20210801_170910992.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Reproduction Wright Flyer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060363724-XRZS9SIFUNVJNPW53VDS/PXL_20210801_172338100.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Amelia Earhart display https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060376361-U5RWLB18HB2ISMZ71ROH/PXL_20210801_173300163.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) A combination gas steam engine built for the Ford Motor Company assembly plant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060401024-K616848B3T3RO1TVXR0M/PXL_20210801_174651279.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) The Rosa Parks bus. By far my favorite item in this museum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060411156-O7H1CMPBZNEXBLXB50SP/PXL_20210801_174835250.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) We sat next to her seat (no it wasn’t in the back of the bus) as we listened to an audio recording of Rosa herself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060429516-R4CR746CP9J2S21VFN93/PXL_20210801_180002618.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) The chair Lincoln was sitting in as he was shot in Ford’s Theater. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060458419-T74F66E8RIU73XAQBEB0/PXL_20210801_181713668.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) A little piece of local history at the Henry Ford. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060468624-F0FPUOO2V1H97VVGOS8C/PXL_20210801_181908475.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) These displays were really interesting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060475827-F26JSWFV2X2MTDNJF7BY/PXL_20210801_182507790.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Henry Ford’s violin collection https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060498397-U0D1YYP34I0XO2JEI70S/PXL_20210801_184709804.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) The Dymaxion House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060503723-5XLDR08H9XS4035DFZJW/PXL_20210801_185001422.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Tours inside the house are no longer allowed. Darn Covid! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060511943-A8WXQ7I425QS9V4E4HQH/PXL_20210801_185725755.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) I was excited to see this special exhibit! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060532843-LG9ZBBFO2U368MVS0NOK/PXL_20210801_190142687.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Jim Henson led a fascinating life. He, unfortunately, died way too young. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060542015-HY5EZF7QMT7M9L6IDCNO/PXL_20210801_190428946.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Bert and Ernie! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060563145-K7LH6G8ZD154M3VMDQIY/PXL_20210801_191432088.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Fraggle Rock was my favorite! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060582754-O2D5GFOJHIPJN11KVM9T/PXL_20210802_145406589.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) The campground in Ann Arbor seemed more like a state park with a nice walk-around lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060585661-DMP9J497V3TUB1LNZEGY/PXL_20210803_144337650.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) It’s an RV caravan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060610810-3PEBPIKV0IYXHYQ98ALI/PXL_20210804_125800790.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) The weather was perfect for an outside breakfast in Ohio. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060617752-2YS1G1TADGNCRQ60F1G4/PXL_20210804_143700778.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) #17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060623475-ELE5MC5RX902IAHHCPR6/PXL_20210804_145221796.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) The sweet little town of Boston Ohio which is surrounded by the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. These buildings belong to the National Park Service. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060657574-8N7BDNCQIY9378208NC6/PXL_20210804_155154249.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060636902-CLRP6S7TRL0Y3MH58TZ2/PXL_20210804_154820703.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) We took a fairly easy hike to and around the Brandywine Falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060671024-X45TG6VW03XMDPB6DH95/PXL_20210805_143932049.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) Peninsula Ohio, also surrounded by the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This is where we boarded our train. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060683528-B48EJS22XGD6YY5HB1MS/PXL_20210805_154629842.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) A relaxing end to an incredible journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060702153-TTNFN5318WLK0BMN9IOW/PXL_20210806_115245556.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) All hooked up and headed for home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1629060597102-ZIFMJNRRY8444YKRVVW0/PXL_20210803_232434258.jpg Blog - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Home (July 27 - August 6, 2021) And that’s a wrap! We thank you for joining us! https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-trzsr-957cn-549ty-bmxgy-skzjh-am4a6-2y4sk-nhjzf-wm8hk-bw2hl-jjhad-m6mpl-ahn3r-cy53h-h4ad5-t4b4p-rzmxt monthly 0.5 2021-08-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628201036419-ZZDD18O5JDPUZ03XL37O/PXL_20210720_144249004.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628202852233-QWDODA4PAJUPVG3NJMI5/PXL_20210719_185713549.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) The sites at Ashland RV Campground were huge! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203837728-Z0RO4LNL8ZC7SIKWS3F8/PXL_20210723_114931008.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) We enjoyed some beautiful sunrises in Ashland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628202903495-7GW3PVL8FS8TISU63BUX/PXL_20210720_142740166.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) The Sunken Gardens, Lincoln Nebraska https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203043882-Y9WPZNZLFGMPXIX62PS2/PXL_20210720_143610206.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Such a beautiful place! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628202914616-U95XRANBFPTO0BN80ZN8/PXL_20210720_143413034.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Volunteers do all of the weeding. A never ending job I’m sure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628202946071-2CK19Q5924T9EF77M4L4/PXL_20210720_144844690.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Koi Pond at the Sunken Gardens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203070752-5B25W85MMNYM34TRNNAG/PXL_20210720_151023197.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Nebraska State Capitol Building in Lincoln https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203079426-9HL1A847KDPLMYGG5QRW/PXL_20210720_154329737.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Every state capitol building that we’ve toured has been unique. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203110517-6AU97FA867Y7BAF1J8BR/PXL_20210720_155921241.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) The view from the 14th floor observation deck of the Nebraska State Capitol. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203119927-3YU2ZNT610ZRVG6R1COC/PXL_20210720_161412415.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Nebraska Governor’s Mansion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203136353-3G32GUGGCUJRXDPZB1UJ/PXL_20210720_171931083.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) This three-dimensional brick mural called “Iron Horse Legacy” in downtown Lincoln was amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203147622-TJQQU1F92WI5YASHM9N3/PXL_20210720_172036034.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) The bricks are carved! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203198281-ZBDLHQINX8OJQ102O4YI/PXL_20210720_212037841.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Cellar 426 Winery in Ashland Nebraska. 426 is the highway exit number. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203179063-AW87CXHF7DBGAZ1ELHFU/PXL_20210720_200125742.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Yummy wine and snacks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203211900-2L6YZ1A7NUCM5YKKM56W/PXL_20210721_134229427.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) We loved this zoo! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203219681-SZDJS16ZR3G0J2TPM09I/PXL_20210721_135412910.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) It was weird seeing animals here that we had recently seen in the wild. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203229119-ZAVFZP4FCJPLUA4KH11C/PXL_20210721_140440262.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) But thank goodness we didn’t see one of these snakes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203242763-A0RLOQG1DL6MUXMYGY7T/PXL_20210721_143019782.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) There were several of these big guys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203250570-A43XAWRSS0DLWPXRE4MM/PXL_20210721_144753831.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) The zookeeper told us that a storm had taken down some trees in the area so they were brought in as a treat for the elephants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203261934-PITWJV8A1JYM34QPE6HD/PXL_20210721_154757736.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Visitors are allowed to walk through the lemur enclosure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203274575-V9FQO5DPEYDPSMRCGLPO/PXL_20210721_160706531.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) The Sea Lion exhibit is new. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203306494-LS8HAMHO8G1UNL238NYK/PXL_20210721_161248989.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) We had seen several sea lions when we were in California but it was cool to watch them swim underwater here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203322578-CLBY8VAGCVWLKKAKH5R6/PXL_20210721_164704593.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Penguins! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203329964-SGVKYYIAKW19KWFUF9Z6/PXL_20210721_165050550.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Stingray https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203346528-A38W6L80U05PL43UI0P0/PXL_20210721_165130909.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) We sat for several minutes and watched the fish and sharks swim around us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203389401-Z3XZLW18UX5WJ8TTZ7N2/PXL_20210721_171749915.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) There’s a lot of monkey business going on here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203399606-SOEQ16JAIEB4JJUJHUG1/PXL_20210721_203319503.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Round the Bend Steakhouse. We didn’t try the local specialty (yes, they were on the menu). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203409555-VMO96P4QYYLPZS33AOTC/PXL_20210721_205748118.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) The ribeyes were delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203418171-OGX58SFRE4F7VBSF7IYH/PXL_20210722_130942075.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Leftover steak omelet for breakfast the next day was pretty good too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203424627-WSUBZCZM2GPJXCOM4N3S/PXL_20210722_141036726.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203651430-377JCKHWUVYA4YAZCWHI/PXL_20210722_151150640.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) We found a local connection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203659856-VCKVQURFI3GQ9AXMFAAI/PXL_20210722_151630045.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Cutaway showing the plane’s structure https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203665720-6279J396Z1Q3SZI9E7BQ/PXL_20210722_152219005.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) That’s a massive plane! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628245624700-WJAS7989072E923TUM1N/PXL_20210722_154728339.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Launch control trainer for Titan II missiles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203719375-FBCBMXV589CXDR9YRWUG/PXL_20210722_154850814.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Fallout shelter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203725540-31E971RCCZVLHG7789RR/PXL_20210722_160344403.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) “general purpose” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203743414-BKDPXCZVPKFM0VA4B919/PXL_20210722_161131429.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) B52 cockpit. Looks a little complicated to me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203757930-FHZ0104UXC7XEQ4SMY0E/PXL_20210722_161654503.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Restoration hanger https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203763385-TWNJ8XNP3F21VKOCBSBN/PXL_20210722_161758409.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) They had a really cool STEAM area for kids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203798235-27LNK673S6N1UROH0NTA/PXL_20210722_162428625.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Fuel tanker plane for in-air refueling https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203813048-7Z53WMNS9B6UW718MUKX/PXL_20210722_162451856.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) The Flying Banana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203826882-QLWD77N9TYL1DA9KNONR/PXL_20210722_175538137.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) A Stealth Bomber https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203857764-S8NBG0AEBOBVQV59WXND/PXL_20210723_182022883.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) World’s Largest Truckstop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203862095-URMNHKXVAPEVKBLJYHXE/PXL_20210723_182444634.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Full service truck stop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203886001-8DFM6V0EWR1KC50OTV31/PXL_20210723_190950465.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203871233-S8W50ZAWA5315NKRYT3S/PXL_20210723_185230332.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) He was salivating! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203930631-U6JN2I6CIBI6BVBPMOHP/PXL_20210723_192208037.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) We could have used this last winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203890930-4B6L0VE3WD2LNI3SPOMO/PXL_20210723_191051804.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Armored Police vehicle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203924518-7V1QGV0RTRFLBDRP5U0D/PXL_20210724_152432102.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Freight House Farmer’s Market, Davenport Iowa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203969307-9HUKVU4YRNATHHISA08E/PXL_20210724_172807152+%282%29.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) The German American Heritage Museum is located in what was the “Germania” - a typical hotel used by immigrants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203963978-YOMOMWG8MU2O5U6UD2G7/PXL_20210724_170926211.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) An immigrant would have stayed in this room until he or she was able to establish their own residence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203943505-6AZT5Z8FYBVGSJQWIZKQ/PXL_20210724_162255073.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) German dress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628203953954-C9BTHP4DMTIEQGKY4THF/PXL_20210724_165850751.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Interactive displays told real immigrant stories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628204084332-GXZN08AL91A9CM9RWH91/DSC_0690.JPG Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Skybridge is a pedestrian bridge that spans River Drive in downtown Davenport. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628204008275-6Z5ZG7S62TWURZW5202O/PXL_20210725_191016914.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Skybridge was built in 2005 and cost 7 million dollars to build. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628204042654-MY0EA9K66WOM3E5MKU69/PXL_20210725_205809436.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) LeClaire Iowa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628204015829-7H603J7PPHX9AE7XD60H/PXL_20210725_200920802.PORTRAIT.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) We were told that more and more breweries are starting to produce their own seltzers. Green Tree Brewery in LeClaire has three flavors on tap. I had the mojito and it was delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628204023745-PE8CX29FD8HSOCDDLYS7/PXL_20210725_205258213.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Along the Mississippi River in LeClaire Iowa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628204050529-VNY06TINULHKBYUUW3WA/PXL_20210725_210923882.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) Antique Archeology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1628204061728-R6VX8WRIA7URZXFLESN8/PXL_20210726_161621629.jpg Blog - Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois (July 19 - July 27, 2021) At the KOA Rock Island, Illinois. We went to do laundry and everyone was gone when we got back! https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-trzsr-957cn-549ty-bmxgy-skzjh-am4a6-2y4sk-nhjzf-wm8hk-bw2hl-jjhad-m6mpl-ahn3r-cy53h-h4ad5-t4b4p monthly 0.5 2021-08-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627333459417-W4XLP2IVE40UNZ091MUE/PXL_20210716_020308579.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627333520473-3PXNVTKH31SU6ZY20HM4/DSC_0637.JPG Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Hello South Dakota! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627335112061-SCPUY1NSFTRNO90X3GJH/IMG_0336.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Custer State Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627333902562-4VCY7D5AZ9Q13UNQBPOO/PXL_20210715_204537683.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) At the Custer State Park Visitors Center, Charley learned how close he could get to a Bison. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627333906750-WL4XKKL7H8H69WAFEALY/PXL_20210715_204553702.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Too close https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627333937002-QT40691KXB5RBZLEFAEH/PXL_20210715_205956892.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Maybe we should have taken these on the wildlife loop? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627333924144-MVDA4A6Q0I68T3IBZYND/PXL_20210715_212840329+%282%29.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Wild Burros at Custer State Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627333956554-ILADKM0K234EZ4TUCVTJ/PXL_20210715_215317905.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Close https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627333966507-BDK5JHGO5SBT10BB5L8L/PXL_20210715_215348554.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Closer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627333978399-SKYUT4H5NQ6UAVR2QPLD/PXL_20210715_215334227.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Too close! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627333993394-4C3STDYXEHARK73LVB26/PXL_20210715_215939850.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) #15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627334017721-WC2ILF5N4L7PXE4CMZ4O/PXL_20210715_223905337.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Wind Cave Visitors Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627334035169-CXKFJ97M3E1TZD5ZKW10/PXL_20210716_013138576.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) It’s hard to tell in this picture but the tunnel perfectly frames Mount Rushmore as you drive through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627334052895-W5Y8U8WQJ9UJLLY01TZI/PXL_20210716_014042807.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) I believe this is the third and final tunnel we drove through on this road…then over the bridge, around a sharp curve, and under the bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627334075180-O455STLV6EL7EVFMRKY9/PXL_20210716_014332670.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Mount Rushmore from about three miles away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627334087397-AIOU4MQMTMJ55EU5C2X5/PXL_20210716_015941288.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) We were trying to take a selfie to send to our kids. It wasn’t going well and some nice people offered to take the picture for us. We appreciated it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627334144871-SISHCXLHU7VDASYTHU3O/PXL_20210716_022444623.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) The entrance to Mount Rushmore National Memorial https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627334118431-12Z4TMDV6ZB0OGCUWG3W/PXL_20210716_020513529.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Mount Rushmore at dusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627340800194-4STSYRQUB6ZDOE611RD3/PXL_20210716_195741906.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Wall Drug, Wall South Dakota https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627334160542-GT52LHCZ2WFKGRAF5AI5/PXL_20210716_193857006.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) There’s a whole lot going on in Wall Drug. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627334169239-PWEONTPDA9NOUEAJR9KG/PXL_20210716_194505076.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Why are they called the black hills? Seen from a distance the pine-covered hills appear black, thus the name (thanks google!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627334230920-DM3K9AVV157G5K4CY59E/PXL_20210716_202858983.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) There isn’t, and never was, a Minuteman Missile at this sight but there were several in the area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627341667774-CNMVH1LKMN7LY0WMA1U7/PXL_20210716_210308970.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) I love these kinds of visuals! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627341687995-5L1QGOWJZZDHBZLJLXX3/PXL_20210716_210205657.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Nuclear warhead (minus the nuclear of course) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627334254128-FPBUSEUVBBUTNIG8WGYA/PXL_20210716_210739178.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Such a scary time in US history. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627334274605-853LUHMTYSVA89RJJHTN/PXL_20210716_212148194.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Where’s my hat? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627341779259-G1UQ69QQAM91YWJL0DG8/PXL_20210716_215413414.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Much better! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627333719574-OWAZDDI3R38GT405MBSN/PXL_20210716_214954718.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Nothing but rocks as far as the eye can see! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627333583063-66QS1CCOWOMBP3OF1JWF/DSC_0649.JPG Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Except for this guy! He looked fake and several people thought he was because he seemed so out of place. Probably one of the coolest things we’ve seen on this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627333601544-4JFLDGJOYTPS069LT1CR/DSC_0661.JPG Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) He laid down so definitely not fake. I’m so glad I had my zoom lens with me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627333572257-Y658TSA25I7TPFW5245F/DSC_0639.JPG Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) We loved how the rocks were striped. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627333680390-NWHCX4USS87HL1O80IP8/DSC_0676.JPG Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) And then we saw this section where the rock was bright yellow. So beautiful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627333635715-GTYUG27QJHGV37UJVIJU/DSC_0666.JPG Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Such a beautiful drive through the Badlands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627333660085-XN0VQIOUGQUP8JZ199FS/DSC_0675.JPG Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Looks like they’re keeping tabs on this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627333690871-1458EYOQRU4TWG09BB8T/DSC_0678.JPG Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) Baby pronghorn! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627334296136-CAL70JELI9FWXCUG1U1I/PXL_20210718_172523989.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) We stopped at a rest area on our way from Rapid City to Sioux Falls and came across this amazing sculpture! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1627334299987-M0VSL5ERMKC2ZUQC6M25/PXL_20210718_173005613.jpg Blog - South Dakota (July 15 - July 19, 2021) “Dignity of Earth and Sky is a soaring sculpture of a native woman standing high on a bluff above the Missouri River. The starquilt is made of 128 diamonds in the colors of the water and sky that surround her. Dignity is 50' tall, weighs 12 tons, and is made of hundreds of pieces of stainless steel. Dignity honors the Native Nations of the Great Plains.” - Dale Lamphere, artist statement https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-trzsr-957cn-549ty-bmxgy-skzjh-am4a6-2y4sk-nhjzf-wm8hk-bw2hl-jjhad-m6mpl-ahn3r-cy53h-h4ad5 monthly 0.5 2021-07-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626552436653-QSKA0GSK6KHS0SWU7HYR/PXL_20210711_163023775.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626547566182-6NDXSQFWG12E6OJ2KUQ4/PXL_20210706_211145119.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Downtown Durango https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626547542991-ZVKP77CIY202QA6H66NA/PXL_20210706_210240806.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) You can take the Durango Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad train into Silverton and back but it’s an all-day event. We didn’t have a whole day to dedicate to it. Maybe next time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626547522366-0ENMNLCO5Z3DF16W1BA5/PXL_20210706_204322374.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Durango Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626556629573-BFYBCB48PLIO4XIG7NQI/PXL_20210707_155710710.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) National Park #13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626543270212-OV9OBX413UD3ETQEHVER/DSC_0472.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Between the entrance to Mesa Verde and the Pueblo/Pit House area is a 20-mile drive with several scenic overlooks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626653514488-UEI4PU8TXKQHH1E5RSMH/DSC_0461.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Scenic overlook at Mesa Verde National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626547642559-ZGLV2CW9UY3J89W65NIU/PXL_20210707_175055625.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) The Mesa Verde Pueblos weren’t “discovered” until 1888. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626543302640-2ALIE64UUDULV6AS3MLN/DSC_0485.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) The National Park Service offers tours of some of the cliff dwellings but, due to road construction, they were unavailable during our visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626543279778-GGAZ56R8C1TSE791Q9ZZ/DSC_0482.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Zoomed in as far as I could! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626543323707-19U8DPUW0TSB61B8GXHZ/DSC_0494.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626547654245-W8KRATVDO7V5NMJMMHEP/PXL_20210707_173952962.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) This is what the pit houses would have looked like. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626547695558-1718K9373RSUIDC1LVNI/PXL_20210707_180651312.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) We learned that “CE” means common era often used instead of AD. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626547673018-C9ESYT7MAFAXUNMAL7M8/PXL_20210707_180552178.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) The National Park Service has built shelters over the Pithouses to protect them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626547830368-CSPT4XQJRJX495GXOTX7/PXL_20210707_181531245.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Over the years, the pit houses became deeper and more elaborate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626547844629-NPGME0PGII8W3X2DBM5A/PXL_20210707_184009995.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Sun Palace - no one knows exactly what it was used for but experts believe that it was a ceremonial site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626547869555-WFOQJH4NBEE9PEU7QD77/PXL_20210708_142422759.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Alpen Rose RV Park as we were leaving. Beautiful location but the sites there were really tight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548028270-K970ZAJBX162TRSMZY4U/PXL_20210708_150141862.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) We followed this log truck for the entire 45 miles of the Million Dollar Highway. We could tell by the way he was driving that it wasn’t his first trip over that road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626543778443-1IKLLAFY2U7INSHJHCM4/DSC_0511.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) The views from the Million Dollar Highway were incredible! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626543345788-ZOMR09H4Y7GTJJ70BQ9D/DSC_0515.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Silverton, Coloroda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626543357699-J4T18HGL8QXZK0P8CETV/DSC_0521.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) The summit of the third and final mountain peak along the Million Dollar Highway. Each of the other two are 10 thousand feet plus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626543803989-JA0DJD1O5D0WKSKB4SA0/DSC_0523.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Lots and lots of sharp corners! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626543821812-WJEMNN9EA4J4GTH4342U/DSC_0530.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) This is a good example of the drop-offs along the Million Dollar Highway. Most of the time, the drop-offs were on the passenger’s side of the road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626543841085-SX4N5CSWIKGKAZSGQAKK/DSC_0540.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) #14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548047386-JGPTOVSJWWHA3HBSATLG/PXL_20210708_175149169.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is another beautiful National Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548069871-JJ0ZG540PA5DMUQDKFR8/PXL_20210708_175434991.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) If it wasn’t so hot and we didn’t have more driving to do, we definitely would have spent more time here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626543855935-7Z0DPGPN621MKR0AO8ZB/DSC_0552.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Between Grand Junction Colorado and Casper Wyoming https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548098987-5UL2BFNTUSAF4RSD9949/PXL_20210711_163213231.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) We started our visit at the Historic Trails Interpretive Center by watching a 12-minute video depicting the pioneer’s hardships along the trail based on their journal entries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548087132-9T5TZXIZW7Z36JVUY4V1/PXL_20210711_162830907.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, Wyoming. Another free-admission museum! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548275266-ZYRBYL6WWR2FNCF4Y04X/PXL_20210711_165219139.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) The exhibits were mostly interactive and hands-on but you didn’t have to be a kid to enjoy and learn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548292612-474D4XPBIKK5ULVBKTTI/PXL_20210711_165526898.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) We rode the wagon over the Platte River in Casper! It was bumpy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548309562-HX3UUYMH3FU7BEG4YGF8/PXL_20210711_172959472.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) We also took a ride on the Pony Express! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548324044-EMET81C1MU1O2PYWM9Q3/PXL_20210711_180550572.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Pioneers often walked 2000 miles over six months to get to their final destination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548346679-IZT2UP95KS0SLP0TN0WG/PXL_20210711_191058632.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) When it came time to name the town after Caspar Collins, an Army Lieutenant killed at Fort Caspar, they spelled his name wrong. An interesting note is the town of Fort Collins Colorado is named after Caspar’s father therefore they used his first name here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548356706-RZP6OR3V5TDCK8DRUSIP/PXL_20210711_192353631.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) I loved the ABCs of local history at the Fort Caspar Museum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548700921-0RU6RGQTS5XPIPU0B30N/PXL_20210711_194108312.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Reconstructed Fort Caspar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548715010-B7BZ7F09L33R7ITWIFWS/PXL_20210711_194611207.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Pioneers had to cross the Platt River on foot which, depending on the water levels, could be very dangerous. In 1859, Louis Guinard built a trading post and toll bridge at this site so that the pioneers could safely cross…and he could profit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548731908-BN0E5R4W0TFYDG8CJV08/PXL_20210712_145948528.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Another city with really nice walking trails! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548740263-ZCZJTAWUNA85KSGUHYR8/PXL_20210712_150120185.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) This is nice too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548751265-HMGFYNR28NM7D5ETOWZS/PXL_20210712_151344728.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) And of course, I loved this!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626543943329-I78AKX625HLTUUI77WWI/DSC_0558.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Kudos to the guy that picked this spot! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548903178-YVMFLPL5CBH7PBMQU5EX/PXL_20210713_192418014.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) One of the very best views we’ve had from our dinette https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548921673-0B0BR1L6PMV4IWUTBHAI/PXL_20210713_194746434.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) A stones throw from our campsite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626543958624-DGETQZBPOHBVYBOYJQAM/DSC_0565.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) The Monument Loop trail was paved and easy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626543981374-6HODP2ULSHUIULMOKHPV/DSC_0571.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Monument Loop trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548944359-34CNNKZ81H46IV527GZ2/PXL_20210714_014209953.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) We took a walk around the campground on our first evening there. After this photo was taken, we barely made it back to our camper before an impressive storm let loose. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626543994815-EBI8JB2L210VCO17RUTC/DSC_0583.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Beautiful at night too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548971212-2VYA4S47PB538BIBX72G/PXL_20210714_145618993.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Our hike up to the base of the monument was awesome! This is the Red Beds Trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626544058641-70UK207E0SNEERV6LNUR/DSC_0606.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) When we walked through the entrance station there were no cars waiting in line. I took this photo from the hiking trail about a half-hour later. The line was that long or longer all day. I estimate the wait to have been about an hour at times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626548980160-XFWXL6UP8MEDQKXP3SKM/PXL_20210714_164745410.jpg Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Our hike provided lots of different views of the monument. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626544024920-30F2SCGCWV54C3IBGQRJ/DSC_0595.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) If you look closely in the center of this picture, you’ll see a nice-sized buck. We watched this group of deer for quite a while. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626544065352-3016PI0MR5F2EFEYHWSN/DSC_0607.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) A little further down the trail, this beauty jumped up out of nowhere and scared the daylights out of us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626544085557-V7TK2IMHMLCTMR1AGBUN/DSC_0610.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) And then we realized he wasn’t alone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626544110390-W6VNBLFW7YPZM6OGUR6E/DSC_0619.JPG Blog - Colorado and Eastern Wyoming (July 6 - July 15, 2021) Part of our hike took us through an area known as Prairie Dog Flats. There must have been hundreds of them! Such funny little creatures. https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-trzsr-957cn-549ty-bmxgy-skzjh-am4a6-2y4sk-nhjzf-wm8hk-bw2hl-jjhad-m6mpl-ahn3r-cy53h monthly 0.5 2021-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956146649-HR04ILB29RFZUHDHSADT/DSC_0367.JPG Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956430686-DJHN9E6JNMIVMKYOKRBL/DSC_0300.JPG Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) So long California! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956442699-CIEDINMTV3BZ7D58K8OP/PXL_20210629_201543815.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) I read somewhere that driving a camper over bumpy roads is like putting it through an earthquake. We never know what’s going to be out of place when we open our doors on a travel day. On this day, a drawer had opened up and the track broke. Mr. Fix It to the rescue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956464236-XIH7Q4CSLQOC19G7C2N0/PXL_20210630_133654473.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) We were surprised to wake up to a thunderstorm in the middle of the night at Quartzsite (they average 4 inches of rain per year). It made for a beautiful sunrise though! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956470599-OFJ410W6XF8599P90VVR/PXL_20210630_171137386.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) Oil change, new filters, and a car wash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956491900-TFHDJR5LANZKIJ19IXLG/PXL_20210630_204002841.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) All play and no work for me in Quartzsite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956501349-UPJKHLYNTJ7L2SAYYI09/PXL_20210701_192600198.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) An Arizona forest fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956575555-RHGCK7S88NEOZN6RJB9K/PXL_20210702_022052455.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) Point of Rocks RV Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956522897-NGE0LA3KQUQO5KCORMUX/PXL_20210701_213517978.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) Watson Lake, Prescott AZ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956528821-D9EH3VBUNK2UHQCR8GO8/PXL_20210701_213705666.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) Watson Lake is actually a man-made reservoir. As you can see, water levels are low. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956593684-FNLMSR4XEBJCGDRNP7V9/PXL_20210702_163737313.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) These two were so cute! I especially loved her holster. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956615758-PN4WTZLC34KJUZP9X1AI/PXL_20210702_164223230.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) This little lady and her goat won an award. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956639183-AFLS3UE2DC4KV4N9M57Z/PXL_20210703_135842523.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) We had no idea what parking would be like on parade day so we arrived a few hours early, got our chairs set up, and walked around town a bit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956653279-TXAAPEBL39TY1S71M8ZZ/PXL_20210703_140245479.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) This place reminded me so much of Montrose! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956665593-ETJ4979VNUB0VMTWNJ7J/PXL_20210703_160412668.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) Announcer - “Let’s show Prescott’s law enforcement how much we appreciate them” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956722867-E14TQ71RCM5NYZLTW0NF/PXL_20210703_161939711.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) In 2013, 19 “Granite Mountain Hotshots” - an elite team of firefighters from Prescott - were killed in a forest fire. This truck is a tribute to them and their families followed behind. It was a tear-jerker for sure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956751857-72L1C995FQU26K0YOH4Z/PXL_20210703_162125634.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) Sign Charley up! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956734524-Q2BXQB2P2DI1LBZ4K3K2/PXL_20210703_162059767.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) The Mounted Sheriff’s Posse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956773595-LP3Q8G62ZCAFSMC3TJ3G/PXL_20210703_162255542.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) There are so many search and rescue organizations in this area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956811844-J2Q63TGPJPYLAIU57EZG/PXL_20210703_164500945.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) There were lots of beautiful horses in this parade. No marching bands though which was a bit disappointing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956841724-1WP32L8B8SWW2N4XQUME/PXL_20210703_171941364.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) I loved the decorated hooves! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625956900465-HBIPMK6UNBZ7N4BXKS53/PXL_20210703_185620817.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) Post parade military ceremony https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1626096625401-EBIH680JQ54H2ZBCBSP2/PXL_20210704_191124787.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) The World’s Oldest Rodeo was so much fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625957160444-U3D1A34C596LVI3KQEHD/PXL_20210704_203630821.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) Opening ceremonies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625957173593-U3JBQSQSVQVGV97S1P4Q/PXL_20210704_215005243.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) Large cameras weren’t allowed so I don’t really have any good pictures of the rodeo action but you might be able to spot the super cute baby Clydesdale in this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625957185172-2AMFBBQ7FYDUD9D50C8J/PXL_20210704_221528059.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) A little bit of rodeo action https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625957206268-LPY83MG0POLTWI3D0LUQ/PXL_20210705_021514708.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) These are the dells that we climbed to see the fireworks. Fairly easy while it was daylight. We were thankful for our headlamps when we were hiking back down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625957228646-RHH81PY7JZATYZ1Q3MOI/PXL_20210705_023903399.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) Fourth of July sunset https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625957244344-0HIRP2CARPYGXQ938ILB/PXL_20210705_023927697.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) Can you see the RV Park? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625957265512-G80T0UT62859WZKK7HDN/PXL_20210705_024948922.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) Watson Lake and Watson Lake Park. There was a VIP area down there but I’m pretty sure we had the best seats in the house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625957316285-5W2S3DZ1WB2P3KL5TMQO/DSC_0363.JPG Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) We weren’t the only ones to climb the dells. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625957342063-0IAP0D67MOJPLSARBQUI/DSC_0376.JPG Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) The fireworks were practically eye level! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625957385467-M40SLIZ591PPVI7K81G4/PXL_20210705_190800660.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) National Park #12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625957425732-Z8DANMW1A7XKHZGN9IZ2/PXL_20210705_194705184.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) That tree is now rock hard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625957404001-O7HS2U2VTU90PIQKITGX/PXL_20210705_193349152.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) Millions of years old. Amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625957436199-3PGGK6XGODHGO5G50HOP/PXL_20210705_203030029.jpg Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) The north end of the Petrified Forest National Park is known as the Painted Desert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625957453928-X7YCJ95V1JHVZKTU6Q1W/DSC_0431.JPG Blog - Arizona - Third Time’s a Charm (June 29 - July 6, 2021) Some of old Route 66 https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-trzsr-957cn-549ty-bmxgy-skzjh-am4a6-2y4sk-nhjzf-wm8hk-bw2hl-jjhad-m6mpl-ahn3r monthly 0.5 2021-07-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625234205984-L62A06K6P5LWJ6IPQ77Z/PXL_20210621_175820079.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625252257515-29J6N3U9FFZ14JIQOFK7/IMG_3763.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Evan and Victoria flew over some of the places we’ve visited. This is Canyonlands National Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625262689138-8HAQ96WC4XJLWLP9QK8S/PXL_20210625_031223968.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Coyote Valley RV Resort https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625252484390-IR4RI7SQJUIXGNICNO64/PXL_20210621_175820079.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Seeing the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time was awesome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625252294714-3Q9MIVR7WQDYO3FUI5BA/PXL_20210621_181746607.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Learning about the bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625252502155-NY79H57R1KI0EJKUHK19/PXL_20210621_183619384.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) We walked to the first tower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625252516669-0GXX0PF4ZMLPHDO08ORM/PXL_20210621_192819355.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Fort Point was built prior to the civil war to protect the San Francisco Bay against naval attack but it never saw battle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625252525076-6H2CSEDDG4C2GZWK2WUL/PXL_20210621_193441910.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Fort Point Courtyard https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625252547841-2YSMPTRPB6H1TAHGPMOU/PXL_20210621_194315616.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Fort Point was originally set to be demolished to make way for the Golden Gate Bridge but instead a special arch was created so that the bridge could be built over Fort Point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625252737534-157HLH4DRFVLRJWAAK9L/IMG_4026.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) The Palace of Fine Arts was originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exhibition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625252763973-5BVOEGJ50OWLSQBOKR6W/IMG_4024.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Now it’s an event space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625252751339-I68H1UCJTDE4XJ6Z9P20/IMG_4021.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Beautiful!! I wonder how much it costs to get married here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625252831281-U9736LDZCMLJ9T0EPF5V/PXL_20210621_234813710.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) San Francisco’s Painted Ladies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625252846838-A8G57UX04CKIQ7J6VVLU/PXL_20210621_235555913.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) The Painted Ladies can be seen from Alamo Square Park, another beautiful place in San Francisco. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625252870427-E85D3QJ90HCQRKWD5EV8/IMG_4081.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) The Full House house. Now privately owned. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625253250953-76WSL68C3QHANAKKXGMT/IMG_4157.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) We were so excited to see more redwoods https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625253003192-B9FNM21C3Q0REZOHND42/IMG_4105.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Yikes! That’s old https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625252977000-P75F7MO4UBVD3X6CSYBP/PXL_20210622_173446008.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Always good to look at the map first. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625253211069-K7KXOFIZE2AEEUSFZOKL/PXL_20210622_195212828.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Redwoods - the tallest trees in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625253063139-0XI69FI56T30CHSSD6BX/PXL_20210622_183158396.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) The Observation Deck hike was steep! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625253111655-Q2WC4MXE9ZLKH1CAAZ6F/IMG_4152.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) The Observation Deck hike took us through “rare ancient marine deposits known as the Santa Cruz Sandhills” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625253751445-QEVP3KRDC3EFE3B11Q2Z/PXL_20210622_224426508.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Santa Cruz. Notice all the surfers in the water. It was fun to watch them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625253723949-2ZJYB45NQDL4HK6VSMT7/PXL_20210622_213345902.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) The first documented evidence of surfing in the US was in Santa Cruz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625253737336-0XVXVPNXRX11RY5Q1DY4/PXL_20210622_220248192.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) The Santa Cruz boardwalk was really crowded. We didn’t stay long. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625253793367-BSW6358S87V078ZTFF16/DSC_0161.JPG Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Walking from our parking spot to the Alcatraz ferry provided some excellent views of the bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625253832155-X6VSNAEGB2FI1LBPI5Q7/PXL_20210623_175315060.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Boarding the Alcatraz ferry https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625253875312-RIZSI3T289PUWRG2YQ5N/IMG_4188.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Alcatraz Island from the ferry https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625253972840-7RSYH03U20CSKMRI4WRA/IMG_4195.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Don’t let those pretty flowers fool you, parts of the island smelled really bad! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625254014735-Y8K56V1IL2XCOPLFRS65/IMG_4199.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) The Model industries building was used as a workshop for prisoners to work in. Of the prionsers that escaped, many escaped from here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625254053188-PAZ9ZTEXC3T29IEKSG0G/PXL_20210623_185044936.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) The New Industries building housed a clothing factory where prisoners could work for money. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625254075427-SVVSOFQO1N8LRQDNO7BH/PXL_20210623_192704745.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) The audio tour was great! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625254093136-H1GH3OYT565YRWPNC85E/PXL_20210623_193601922.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Solitary confinement https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625254113054-FLPS41CC5X44B88A47Y8/PXL_20210623_194313364.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) If you’ve seen one prison you’ve seen them all? Alcatraz looks a lot like the prison we toured in Montana although surprisingly smaller. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625254185293-LEWMNI3D0T14NL8TWGW7/DSC_0177.JPG Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Another ferry full of tourists. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625254167224-WN8E6MU1YZNVHL66VYWX/DSC_0165.JPG Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) San Francisco from the ferry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625255121853-ZFUL2QAL0FN4ZUNVK34J/PXL_20210623_210953144.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Warf https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625255234591-HHHMS9ZEPET6TBPYW0FU/PXL_20210623_214029486.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) At Fisherman’s Warf. There are times I really wish we had a full-sized refrigerator in our camper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625255128680-OUVJKIFU0LYARIS718CT/PXL_20210623_212609066.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) This was the only sea loin we saw at Fisherman’s Warf. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625255326661-UQC2LI1ZLAVU773DPMBC/IMG_4233.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) I’m starting to sound like a broken record but Lombard Street is steep! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625255268508-CIYC0426NTN79MCOCRV8/PXL_20210623_221122968.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) We made it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625255462309-Q6C2Z8PJC3QIYJTEFFAF/DSC_0209.JPG Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Most of Lombard Street is completely straight except one block which boasts eight hairpin turns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625255421000-I7YV61RYUX4UHVG5NKFZ/PXL_20210623_222013004.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) There are steps so you can walk up the crooked block too. Yay! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625255438880-7EXLPLNG0KOPSW119JHB/PXL_20210623_221726537.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Beautiful views from up there though. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625255488439-REX31ECPO3XCL5NRTBSX/PXL_20210624_000733847.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) We earned it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625258661123-LWABR2ZFKBTMB7VKM8BE/DSC_0275.JPG Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Next time we’ll stay closer to the Napa valley so we can explore a little more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625267889489-FHHK8QM4UEZP429UA347/PXL_20210624_221017383.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) The owner of Castello di Amorosa spared no expense in building a period-correct castle including hand-chiseled stone and antique bricks imported from Europe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625258601381-1G5CDUH1JEDD8CGIW2EI/PXL_20210624_214403393.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) The drawbridge over the moat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625258515384-J2D6KY8OUSI77GT8J0NW/PXL_20210624_194239689.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) The Great Hall https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625258379230-7VF3OLI1T8T6NDNHYIU2/IMG_4305.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) The production area https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625258526551-NGR04JEEJSED4F9T01HW/PXL_20210624_195525787.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) In September 2020 a wildfire destroyed the castle’s farmhouse which sat about 50 yards from the castle and contained about 120,000 bottles of wine. You can see some damage on the far right of the structure in this photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625258391509-HS0BOEFVY8QE6WDXWBZ6/IMG_4313.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) So many hallways and rooms. There’s no way I could find my way out of this place! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625258410112-K6V70CBNI218LYX2W5V1/IMG_4323.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) The Grand Barrel Room https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625258561384-W7DZCCZK9MKQQT49D3WD/PXL_20210624_201647331.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Tasting from the barrel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625269637296-O3YO36X6Q0WZM6JD1I37/PXL_20210624_201738442.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) The wine from the barrel was good! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625258578068-G2AJUPSAS2S7U34NYT3V/PXL_20210624_204238501.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) They only sell their wines direct - in person or online. You won’t find it in a store. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625262750235-MFMZVC9VQOYJ2T0XQMIP/PXL_20210624_234726945.PORTRAIT.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Citrus Habanero Chicken at Napkins Bar and Grill, Napa. So so good! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625262433547-CBMX3XGZTTEBYEB6P2X5/PXL_20210625_211359307.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Another day, another wine tasting! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625262484424-X8RBQK7935PGGQISPIZ7/PXL_20210625_205955451.PORTRAIT.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) At Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1625262661466-IXC617UDM05EHW8HKOB6/PXL_20210625_201829718.jpg Blog - San Francisco Bay Area (June 20 - June 29, 2021) Let’s end this post with a picture of food. Good burgers, even better fries IMO https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-trzsr-957cn-549ty-bmxgy-skzjh-am4a6-2y4sk-nhjzf-wm8hk-bw2hl-jjhad-m6mpl monthly 0.5 2021-07-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624119711190-KE57WZ178PWAJTTSHCJ1/PXL_20210612_210845787.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624120562807-RP3FICZYD4B1PKGYAGJY/PXL_20210610_023237316.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Our beautiful Harvest Host location near Spokane Washington https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624120542648-YUMGRY9819LKA3G8ZNV8/DSC_0886.JPG Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Proud member of the Hidden Acres Orchard petting zoo crew https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624120535179-VHR8ESS8TPI05K1HUKM6/DSC_0892.JPG Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) I heard an interesting bird outside, looked out the door and there was a California Quail! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624120715247-WR3DY3NTLEMJMX76XFV8/DSC_0900.JPG Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) There’s our camper safely tucked away from the wind. Blown Away Ranch is huge - about 5000 acres! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624120585301-KWZ30J44OM78IFQP9UY8/PXL_20210610_221448165.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Another beautiful view https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624120908047-5BHAILHWA4UWKKHC3CIK/DSC_0899.JPG Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) You can’t tell but those wind turbines were really moving! The power produced here is sold to California. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624120752264-424TSXWQNALVO6S5KKGF/PXL_20210610_222451100.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) I can’t wait to try the wheat flour and whole wheat bran when we get home. The homemade cinnamon rolls didn’t last long. We devoured them for breakfast and they were delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624120608869-67Q5EKAYNREEK7TAT1J2/DSC_0004.JPG Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) The wind had died down considerably by the time we left in the morning. Most of the turbines weren’t spinning at all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624120624731-U329R9N3R5F4I2M9DO45/DSC_0017.JPG Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) We followed the Columbia River for most of the trip from Ione OR to Albany OR. It’s a beautiful area! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624120634544-DTIJQ2ZUK00PP82SUDFN/DSC_0014.JPG Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) After wheat is harvested at Blown Away Ranch, it’s trucked to the Columbia River where it’s put on a barge and shipped to China, Japan and the Philippines. Most of the wheat used to produce products in the US is grown in the midwest. It would be too expensive to ship wheat from the midwest overseas because it would have to cross the Rockies. Blown Away Ranch is in the perfect location to produce wheat for overseas markets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624121041734-7WCUHM4POZDF282APO1N/PXL_20210612_195726036.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Fifteen years in the making https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624121110166-2Y8U2TYA7JPXPC9PBS96/PXL_20210612_205323157.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Several animals are in production at one time https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624121056577-A4F25D5WIV0WB2H8JOWE/PXL_20210612_202215288.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Soon to be Optimistic the Stallion. I love reading each animal’s story which is listed on the museum’s website or by clicking the name of each animal in my photo captions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624121094591-MRTN6TUGUUJWZ60UDQG9/PXL_20210612_204945683.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) The building was specially designed so that the carousel could be accessed from underneath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624121136093-N6ZCT3RH2I989GN6DQ0N/PXL_20210612_211912575.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Lightning, the Lead Horse was the first animal sponsored on the carousel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624121461571-TA5Y70N1WUMTPTVWWEX7/PXL_20210612_211331316.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Peace, the Lioness has the word Peace written in 27 different languages including Braille around the blanket on her back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624121478056-26J7QEUAHR4BFL3NZY2D/PXL_20210612_213840711.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Sally, the Swiss Brown Cow has been painted and will need about six months to cure before her clear coat can be applied. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624121528316-Y84LK5J7YYXW1370KVSC/PXL_20210612_221312330.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) The day we visited the carousel Yun Hsiang, the Chinese Dragon was placed on the carousel for the first time. There’s always a celebration when an animal takes its place on the carousel but we missed it by a few hours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624121569887-3BT9VAJMSO25FE5FU2P6/PXL_20210612_211251412.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) It’s impossible to pick a favorite animal but I just love Daisy, the Elephant because…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624121600651-O5180B4QMNFNYOOKLWHN/PXL_20210612_220626607.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) ….she has a singing mouse on her trunk! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624121511224-JKUSTRBACVJM0JF0REKI/PXL_20210612_220326614.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Yes, we rode the carousel. Twice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624122102418-R1S45HPFOICWDELL8G41/PXL_20210614_202655798.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) We’ve reached the Pacific Ocean! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624123966915-FF4EU6VQXLPVRC8LX0C5/DSC_0052.JPG Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Welcome to California https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624122039982-3UL2FTAN28H2DJ109RN1/DSC_0148.JPG Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) We completely forgot about the agricultural inspection stations when entering California. They asked us how long our trailer had been out of New York state and where it was stored in New York - outside or inside. We thought the questions were odd and they never asked if we had any produce with us, which we did. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624122131554-G32E581B4GHYFH0MKVIW/PXL_20210615_004627510.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) No complaints about our accomodations in Crescent City https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624122250515-XSVCKBTWXSS937F8TGUT/PXL_20210616_223237663.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) High Bluff Overlook along the scenic Coastal Drive in Klamath CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624122288210-BCHWZI2LCXP3LBDR66K6/PXL_20210616_225035391.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) After the bombing in Pearl Harbor, the US built this early warning radar station along the coast but disguised it to look like a working farm. Super cool! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624123512385-HT9HT591QNKYUZVMAS0O/PXL_20210616_224902957.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Another “farm” building https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624122898130-J072VNYHWH1BBV6NF3O3/PXL_20210617_173908874.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) I haven’t quite figured out exactly how it works but The Redwoods are both a National Park and State Park. Still counting it as National Park visit #11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624122683098-37HW69039R4SMBHVYFBH/PXL_20210615_172519670.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) We hiked a six-mile round trip trail called the Boyscout Tree trail. Parts of it we so thick! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624122614744-4KH4AJDIJ3MEJ1XN881J/PXL_20210615_165325349.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) We met a nice local guy on the trail. He gave us some handy pointers about the area and offered to take our picture. He even gave Charley his phone number in case we needed anything while we were in town. We’ve really met some of the nicest people! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624122696787-MV0JNHZOW6E922G9EPCH/PXL_20210615_173259212.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) I’m sure this is technically three different trees but they look so big close together like that. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624122718297-ZGU8PVY0P2U3C4RT1MAZ/PXL_20210615_181406999.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Banana slug https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624122754470-YM21T46YOAI9FIWVKSAQ/PXL_20210615_185253607.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Sometimes we had to limbo underneath fallen trees like this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624122741545-W9FARZV0473I3YZGNQ7A/PXL_20210615_183256600.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) The Boy Scout Tree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624122785561-T8XCPCAP0608C4C919EU/PXL_20210615_193007424.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Ferns growing out of fallen trees. So cool! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624122799409-PTH4SUQ1JU3WMKSV2MQ6/PXL_20210615_194749183.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) It was nice to hike where we didn’t need to worry about coming across a grizzly. We did have to keep a close eye on our feet though. Huge trees produce huge roots. I tripped more than once. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624122912888-0VAAWW1WUG8F51A76K8C/PXL_20210617_181929320.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) The ferns were huge too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624122923055-KTEY8BH4YH4OSBPRQOQ7/PXL_20210617_181938556.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) This is an area of the forest called Stouts Grove. It wasn’t nearly as thick as the Boy Scout trail so it was a little easier to take photos of the tall trees. It was impossible to get the top and bottom of the trees in one photo though. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624122952464-67JS3E9BK46NCABDJT3L/PXL_20210617_190927329_exported_14665_1624054689108.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) A little perspective https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624122835752-3799HCKIM9UO8VPLX2B0/PXL_20210616_160830113.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) The harbor in Crescent City. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624123980536-5WPV834QE7J1YC44FD76/DSC_0058.JPG Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Beautiful lighthouse! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624124022386-5WMRJ5G37VYVHU8CVBVP/DSC_0088.JPG Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Crescent City was quite foggy for a good bit of the time we were there. Average temperatures in Crescent City are in the 50s and 60s year-round! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624124010082-9YUNXW1RB921LDKRDKB8/DSC_0084.JPG Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Pretty sure this is the first time I’ve seen a starfish outside an aquarium. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624124056140-5ATEL25U8LSVZLU6HKAY/DSC_0153.JPG Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Seals and Sea lions. I loved watching them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624123148970-RGUIXB6WQFY0PDEU8X0T/PXL_20210617_215103753.PORTRAIT.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Nice little Brewery in our neighborhood too. Charley enjoyed the beer and I enjoyed the root beer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624124343618-P32JOREAOPLOEPQ2VMK4/PXL_20210616_193308892.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Paul Bunyon greeted us at Trees of Mystery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624123243633-3LDCV6Z3YTYRSY6F55I8/PXL_20210616_195950592.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) I didn’t realize the bridges would be suspension bridges. They were a little scary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624123260300-P6FNDQHLE7B8P8KX68OF/PXL_20210616_200111759.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) A woman behind me was practically hyperventilating. I wasn’t quite that nervous but I felt bad for her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624123273591-956NP61SDI7Z1WVOQQW4/PXL_20210616_200438365.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Some of those bridges were really high off the ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624123290690-9U2IW35ITGQ7VK6JCSR7/PXL_20210616_201801211.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) I did not know that! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624123415758-NV1J7LM8AY52FU0IHJOU/PXL_20210616_210758916.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) There were also some super cool carvings at Trees of Mystery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624123428926-DV6YBW91V9DMXMAC9OFK/PXL_20210616_211338619.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) My new friend https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624124416830-8ZMAQ3M4CUOQNLTRPUAV/PXL_20210616_203654129.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) I was only nervous on the gondola when they stopped it halfway up the mountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1624123468831-FVLRUVKNMABSPIKMX2WJ/PXL_20210616_205333165.jpg Blog - Washington, Oregon, and Northern California (June 9 - June 20, 2021) Otherwise, I really enjoyed the ride. It was beautiful. https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-trzsr-957cn-549ty-bmxgy-skzjh-am4a6-2y4sk-nhjzf-wm8hk-bw2hl-jjhad monthly 0.5 2021-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623629378687-6ZKR2WXTLQDFKGDOHC6U/DSC_0607.JPG Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623604484649-BHP4WWXMH95O6IBMUR87/DSC_0563.JPG Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Somewhere between Butte and West Glacier Montana. Another beautiful drive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623617763770-94L2X1NQUN0UKKY9K4E0/PXL_20210609_004943702.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) The West Glacier RV Park was built in 2019. Beautiful, level, & spacious sites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623605862215-BU18UJNNRKPHZZAP24BJ/PXL_20210602_024020289.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Home sweet home for ten days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623604743365-RIHRVQT5IKQGH8DUXCZQ/PXL_20210531_222919141.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Our tenth National Park! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623604582896-QQZ3MEFF8P22A5UR1VPB/PXL_20210531_170801190.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) On our way to pick up the kids at the airport, Charley and I stopped at the Hungry Horse Dam. It’s located on the South Fork of the Flathead River and it’s huge! We pictured a much smaller dam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623604601651-YTH57GAMPVKVGVXJCIP3/PXL_20210531_171101886.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) The Hungry Horse reservoir. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623604768098-N6N1LFOSPY97RT6CJZT9/PXL_20210601_011144667.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Hike planning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623604776420-PFTHLHQOT6BUAPJIW0D1/PXL_20210601_161500260.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) This NPS volunteer was so helpful! Many hiking trails were still closed or inaccessible due to snow. She helped us come up with an awesome hiking list. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623605818184-PU5UJX5NK3EP1F2COJF2/PXL_20210601_223135619.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Lake McDonald from Apgar Village https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623604833608-I1LX3ABRKVCJDZMG7QJ1/PXL_20210601_170004309.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Lake McDonald was so calm on our first day in the park that the reflection on the water is almost a mirror image. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623604860655-EC88N1SLWJVA5BBC14CQ/PXL_20210601_172047774.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) The front of McDonald Lodge faces the water because initially, visitors arrived by boat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623604926043-54FM1SKAU2A7OC0ZOW4Z/PXL_20210601_173748397.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) McDonald Lodge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623604938771-YC6VR1OPJFYW7VD3NJO0/PXL_20210601_182707633.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) We found a nice spot to eat lunch before our hike to Avalanche Lake. The deer weren’t afraid of us at all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623603845261-C3IKPOA95K2YFB2ARODH/20210601_125744.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Avalanche Lake trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623605578553-KE6A0ZDOTEVLHUOS0M1K/PXL_20210601_213516520.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) There were so many beautiful places to stop along the Avalanche Lake trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623605013213-VBRWJMFRMAMKOL4YNG4F/PXL_20210601_193126220.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Avalanche Lake trail. Easy 5-mile hike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623605044157-66NNJQTD6SVX1IDC1FM0/PXL_20210601_195529608.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Beautiful views everywhere we looked https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623605804682-KS4YE3PRA5T12IIFTCC1/DSC_0603.JPG Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Just as we arrived at Avalanche Lake, we noticed a black bear strolling along the shoreline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623605729858-K8CE2JCN4P98LN549EN4/DSC_0600.JPG Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) And then he stood up to scratch his back! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623605114530-IQSF38C8RP6YG2G92OJD/PXL_20210601_202313828.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Avalanche Lake is breathtaking, especially with snow still on the mountains. I’m glad we did this hike early in the week because much of the snow had melted by the end of the week. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623605905957-6G4YNGW9XMF9UQMUJZE8/20210602_094359.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Wetsuits on and ready to board the bus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623603978691-GUF7F9PVE2GQ2DN6WCY8/20210602_100857.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Masks required on the bus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623605991440-QBYEHOZXAS59ITT00ED4/IMG_6303.JPG Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) This was such a fun way to celebrate Mother’s day, Father’s day and our anniversary! Thanks Lauren and Brian! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623606054638-EXA087C62BYP2RH1N5NS/IMG_6354.JPG Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) We had a really good time with the other ladies on our raft. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623606081854-BQQTSKAC6BJ7ZC0AV7HJ/20210602_120205%280%29.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Our guide Cam (in the back) was really good at his job. We told us a lot about Glacier and the Flathead River. Not to mention he had a pretty cool mullet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623607903549-EK386D0EDS9QC85I1AGQ/PXL_20210603_163052882.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Another day, another trailhead https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623607221128-O11YI9TGJL0H97W1FA5D/PXL_20210603_163255899.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) The John’s Lake trail was short and easy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623607914114-51RDBIUM5UOIP7X8XCNI/PXL_20210603_164939199.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) John’s Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623607928144-MKWOQ86PH724NKRO2OQR/PXL_20210603_170154218.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Cascade Falls trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623607961995-R0LLKW7TBF1WVEAW251H/PXL_20210603_172125654.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) McDonald Creek along the Cascade Falls trail. So much snow melt. The creek was really moving! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623607979420-ZTHHLHBN86JE2WC6559U/PXL_20210603_172252544.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Cascade Falls trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623607991654-L4P6DHFUUN5VU5EP5PB1/PXL_20210603_174422474.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) The point at which McDonald Creek empties into Lake McDonald https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623608720927-RZ8QZ2TS0TVPS6ECY19A/DSC_0640.JPG Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Rocky Point trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623608586928-OOOAIQRP4Q8T71C9BE2I/PXL_20210603_192849776.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Overlooking Lake McDonald from Rocky Point https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623608616411-84NZL1URUFB4H5KZME9O/PXL_20210603_195710978.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Time for a water break https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623608678530-L0YV57UJ5J2RU58HF4YS/DSC_0636.JPG Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Where are we going next? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623609681776-GVXTO9JMXECM5F3DPZUQ/DSC_0668.JPG Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) We made the 24 mile trip north, over some bumpy unpaved roads…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623609309343-S1P2OUNDH2563I1BRIJ7/PXL_20210604_170246444.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) ….just so we could try one of Polebridge Merchantile’s famous Huckleberry Bearclaws. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623609327633-LAHU4VDW65QDOBCLDC7U/PXL_20210604_170634240.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Definitely worth the drive! Delicious!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623609289374-02SMNLQAIYQK84XHSOJ4/PXL_20210604_165018544.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Charley found some friends in Polebridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623609437850-WXXUVUFL8X9VA9N3SWH7/DSC_0655.JPG Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) In fairness, we had planned to keep driving north from Polebridge to another trailhead but the road was just awful. So, Polebridge Montana is the furthest north we’ll be on this trip. Polebridge is about 22 miles from the Canadian border. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623618144869-O7XWFOZE187PPMBDRB4G/PXL_20210604_204618100.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Avalanche is as far as you can currently travel in a vehicle on the Going-to-the-Sun Road from the westside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623610369320-8SQTP72OP6D2VMBBWYRV/DSC_0694.JPG Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) The Steller’s Jay just might be my new favorite bird! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623610406477-YS22K1M2ZWJWAR2CMAE4/PXL_20210605_195706717.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) This was the most difficult hike we did in Glacier - five miles round trip on the Trout Lake trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623610420111-P6MT8Q0PFGORMJ4FBDV7/PXL_20210605_195821039.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) We didn’t quite make it to Trout Lake (that would have been an additional three miles) but I can’t imagine the views would have been any better than those of Lake McDonald on our way back down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623610451334-4Z58WEFMECKYL33PTWDN/PXL_20210605_203513574.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Lake McDonald wouldn’t have been nearly as visible if it weren’t for a recent forest fire (2018 I believe). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623610503129-IPCCFVCI03SHYE3HO9HN/PXL_20210605_210725448.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Always smiling! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623610535702-73NUFYSE0DD61W9YQ9LV/PXL_20210606_012552288.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) We treated ourselves with a trip to the local distillery after our Trout Lake hike, plus it was our anniversary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623611609043-AIOKG641634NVOFUKR0M/DSC_0784.JPG Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) On our way from West Glacier to the east side, we stopped at Goat Lick Overlook. Mountain Goats are known to be visible here as they lick minerals off the rocks. We saw a few from a distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623612261262-FEFR9S8RVUAEZ2AQON9D/DSC_0845.JPG Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Another Mountain Goat way up on the rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623611561298-328RMGV2VYHSJWYAFKTH/PXL_20210606_175107077.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Running Eagle Falls - east side https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623611620281-E2B20LIWCO9SRP254GMI/PXL_20210606_182155615.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Two Medicine Lake on the east side. One of the areas of Glacier that you can access without a park pass or entry ticket. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623611659431-U6EZCQRJISD9K27QJ4RR/PXL_20210606_200642518.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) The St. Mary entrance on the east side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623611705539-P083IAZVLQMUC3T7DTNJ/PXL_20210606_205416862.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Jackson Glacier overlook. That’s Jackson Glacier over my shoulder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623611728053-ZQNNEJIBF7YIMCTLZLWO/PXL_20210606_210005546.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Jackson Glacier overlook is as far as you can currently travel in a vehicle on the Going-to-the-Sun Road from the eastside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623612154931-V285CKRDSU54Y9HYC8GH/DSC_0827.JPG Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) The yellow-bellied marmot, a rodent similar to a woodchuck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623612504111-BPN0VITESCOU32HCM64B/20210606_155757.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) The view of St Mary Lake from Sun Point. It was breathtaking even on a cloudy day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623612180048-1N72PHVYL78K1QGHD0LV/DSC_0833.JPG Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Hello there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623612099181-5RQGZMYIWU345JL6L1X2/PXL_20210606_231609704.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) The whole meal at Johnson’s restaurant was delicious but I’ll never forget that vegetable beef soup. Best I’ve ever had! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623612209194-TW6NLZ6JFK78XCF0D0G4/DSC_0834.JPG Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) It’s a moose! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623612237526-2C2LJTXBIC1VGH2CF5KD/DSC_0839.JPG Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) I hear the views from West Glacier to the east side via Going-to-the-Sun Road are pretty amazing but the alternate route isn’t bad either. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623615699241-4G2977Y2E4I49MRVKT3F/20210607_160319.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Several miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road are still closed to vehicles but it’s open to hikers and bicyclists. We decided to hike a little on our last entry ticket day in the park. As we were walking, several people stopped to tell us there was a black bear up ahead. There were so many people on the road, I was sure he’d be long gone before we got there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623615760132-6KPPMG6E0QJ2I9651MWR/DSC09360.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Nope. Still strolling down the road. We stopped behind a group of cyclists that was already stopped in the road. When the bear started walking a little faster, everyone started to slowly back away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623615710532-D30JVHYWTO02Y9YCZAGE/DSC_0854+%282%29.JPG Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) I had my bear spray ready! Everyone got close together and made a lot of noise as he passed by before finally moving into the woods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623615799316-WXWCJCPK9BUMYDGQ0FW8/DSC_0877.JPG Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) No sign of the bear as we walked back down the road a little while later. I wasn’t letting any grass grow under my feet though! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623615804574-LVVETFPK9I7OL4XNEC99/PXL_20210608_033629957.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) It stays daylight until ten o’clock in this part of Montana. We could have had sunsets like this every night for all I know. I was only awake for this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623615832904-9D4XGC3RI5WLZW06WRHT/PXL_20210608_211356075.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) Charley and I had a wonderful time horseback riding! Yes, I wore a helmet to protect my noggin. Charley's horse had to wear a facemask to prevent him from stopping to eat on the trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623615816900-I5H82NUMKN2DX6HA0VQP/PXL_20210608_201642918.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) So peaceful and relaxing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623617799675-2M7KS5XAK9X4A33JU5S7/20210608_135751.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) While we were horseback riding, Lauren and Brian were canoeing on Lake McDonald. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623617736249-EJU9FQSF3D5ESMWMF7VL/PXL_20210609_004319705.jpg Blog - Glacier National Park (May 30 - June 9, 2021) There was a nature trail across the road from our campground. We finally got to over there to see it on our last evening. The views were amazing! https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-trzsr-957cn-549ty-bmxgy-skzjh-am4a6-2y4sk-nhjzf-wm8hk-bw2hl monthly 0.5 2021-06-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623117669676-E2ZUD5335USPDE04ZQYO/DSC_0549.JPG Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623117972094-3JZRRUZA5EKLST4ZK1G1/DSC_0494.JPG Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Some of the higher elevations in Montana were a bit snowy as we drove in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623161432372-AV5E28E3TPOTHFIKVO7E/PXL_20210527_232006316.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Welcome to Butte! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623120374276-QIBM7UVDOU0D3PRS33S2/DSC_0559.JPG Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Our campground was in the valley so we had great views of “the hill”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623120314723-KXVWAURVAR34YTHVYKB5/PXL_20210528_230247501.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) The World Museum of Mining was founded in 1963 and is one of a few mining museums in the world located on an actual mine yard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623120026518-GGTHXKXY6U2DE07ZT71X/PXL_20210528_210603833.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) This mine was named “Orphan Girl” because there was quite a distance between it and the other mines in town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623120000866-95PS13YFPL5RA5A1CU9R/PXL_20210528_205726869.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Inside the mine’s hoist house. Cages carrying miners, ore, and even mules would be lifted and lowered from here to the mine underground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623120013031-A5S95VQ8OH7FT9IPVKMC/PXL_20210528_205834199.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Codes were used to signal for cages https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623120040707-P6I88RK6J6TB1O6MQK9Z/PXL_20210528_210801209.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Hardhats required https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623120055020-AFKBPAE8ZYQ4Q0RL16VT/PXL_20210528_212028993.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) We entered the mine through a tunnel that was built in 2015. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623120214866-I300XVMRYQ73D5MDKPV5/PXL_20210528_212632082.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) There was one cage for people, two for ore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623120077170-05ZFYV2CSV3FR8VTTARW/PXL_20210528_212301425.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Air quality was always a concern. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623120232103-17HX8WIKTFLM3YE5B7VF/PXL_20210528_213558079.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Occasionally miners would mine upwards so the ore could slide down a shoot into a cart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623120307306-H6WWBLN1LPGHQX5DN6T6/PXL_20210528_224931800.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) No thanks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623120242266-S4GTZKKWI9C1X2XFZJXB/PXL_20210528_214902177.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) We were only about a hundred feet underground (the mineshafts are actually about a mile deep) but I was happy to see the light at the end of the tunnel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623120275175-K5UZTU0T0U2CY3MVQWOL/PXL_20210528_222602588.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Mining camp exhibit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623165426079-77XW9VXUC9YQ3A20NTCH/PXL_20210525_173023714.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) The Copper King Mansion, completed in 1888, was the residence of W.A. Clark, one of three Montana copper kings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623118005635-0YD8XJRF57JBVMHQP4W4/PXL_20210525_172135358.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) The foyer of the Copper King Mansion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623117990081-W1PDIKC3JKN81BNJK044/PXL_20210525_164158564.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Hugette Clark’s (subject of Empty Mansions) bedroom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623118032907-7AANOIPPQEG3LMX53T0Z/PXL_20210525_182026147.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) The Second Edition bookstore in Butte. Their prices were quite high but we were desperate for reading material so we bought a few books. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623118087667-WHKXNXHG6NZCEL683HUY/PXL_20210525_182824123.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Downtown Butte https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623118118751-TR617LMHCKMEWDPWOYSS/PXL_20210525_184802353.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) We stopped for lunch at a Mexica restaurant in Butte. About halfway through our meal, Charley realized this was under the glass on our table. Our Lauren writes her name just like that. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623118236864-10FNTZDM3WVA673Y19EX/PXL_20210525_191857951.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Each of our tastings came with a little card describing the spirit, the origin of its name (always local mine related), and also included a cocktail recipe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623118308183-YDQ5XOR7AF3NJH3741Y1/DSC_0505.JPG Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Definitely not unique to the western states but I just love baby geese. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623118345110-4DJ9GVQFMUBROB8HBQ9A/DSC_0521.JPG Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) A Belted Kingfisher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623118383451-W0YG3ATKIL5Q6KO92K7V/DSC_0522.JPG Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) A Yellow-Headed Blackbird https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623118444315-L5U2E3X2DDGYJAE99FH5/PXL_20210527_182118892.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Our kids would have loved this place when they were young. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623118406946-UK0RODOMKFOKJYAKPCEN/PXL_20210527_165133154.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) The Grant-Kohr’s Homestead was closed to tours due to Covid. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623118425895-KXBOZVBBWKJNRP854VXC/PXL_20210527_174040296.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) This cattleman spent tons of time explaining the workings of a cattle ranch. We really appreciated his time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623118841878-BP83NSYPHVELK59HXW2U/PXL_20210527_184957976.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Horses in harness ready to work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623118885550-DWH81OHJ09TMOJ8M4XMS/DSC_0545.JPG Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) How lucky were we to be visiting during calving season! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623118986496-F514DD7P794KHA9DHOLL/DSC_0547.JPG Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Horse shoeing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623118945609-0LKJXMPEOEHJXRK8HDDW/PXL_20210527_184138764.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Cattlemen’s quarters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623118899980-6O3SZSAW9BO2LR0WUHXV/PXL_20210527_183531560.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) The cattlemen’s quarters now house these informational displays. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623118923802-A83P8PXLGON1N8DXMM24/PXL_20210527_183743423.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Best be on time for dinner https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119014444-J2ACPE35J2A2ISW321A8/PXL_20210527_193520970.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) This man left his teaching job last year to become a National Park Service educator. His job on the ranch is to teach people all about the chuck wagon. And we learned a lot from him! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119050198-L55PX04XMJ91WBEZSAE1/PXL_20210527_195800575.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) They converted a huge horse barn into a display area for carriages and wagons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119147083-UWM9OSCVHGQHRECNMNAS/PXL_20210527_200844746.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Another NPS educator. This time in the blacksmith shop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119165808-S446FQAPGHFEA8H8Y5RU/PXL_20210527_203209806.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) We were watching this man work the fields when he stopped to explain to us what he was doing. He was spreading out the manure so that it would dry out and kill potentially harmful bacteria. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119563882-CW0UZS3YEHNMQARCLA8D/PXL_20210527_224317899.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Two museums for one price https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119210905-435HR2XGXFFOKSSHPR67/PXL_20210527_211421189.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Inside the prison walls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119224469-TZX321ERBVLMCUK7R4ZT/PXL_20210527_210835580.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) The prison’s medical clinic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119239018-OIPPVWZZOGRYHTAZLT4N/PXL_20210527_211054367.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) The warden’s office https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119252723-MH0CG9EGFNE7GPUGQ48U/PXL_20210527_212245338.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Prisoner cells https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119267081-VNGDIKL5JU9MN4DV64UH/PXL_20210527_212257585.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) This was a very depressing place https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119279513-X33PBPDQE9YN0TLUXD59/PXL_20210527_212925690.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Prisoner shower stalls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119292729-FEYOAII9OBZRZKSZGJSL/PXL_20210527_213029465.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) “:The hole”, an isolation cell https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119402351-LNSWHF0X9RVYV6GV16ZT/PXL_20210527_213226015.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) The prison’s cafeteria https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119427140-XFD3IGH1HB6N2RI39DK1/PXL_20210527_213413101.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) The tunnel around the perimeter of the building. Guards could keep an eye on prisoners from here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119459145-TM69VFQYIGVA9COD3A3X/PXL_20210527_213454036.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) A gun turret from the tunnel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119482195-DFORB4G4WXRP6WB6OBJZ/PXL_20210527_214935127.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Female prisoners were kept in a separate building. This was an interesting story. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119498792-4YLQX580HZEABZ9694J0/PXL_20210527_220820068.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) I thought touring a car museum was bad until I toured that prison. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119512143-MC017C7HWOPEBFUQH0HD/PXL_20210527_221307911.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) This setup was cute! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119526414-MOZPZRQXGJNFFI1YLW77/PXL_20210527_222054504.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) I like the color of this one! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119536579-N02VL25YZ9NYVZQ929FM/PXL_20210527_223102782.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Such a unique collection of vehicles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119988883-IJZ679QD2QGS69M3QF2B/PXL_20210528_191954359.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) I forgot to take a picture of the front of the Clark Chateau. This is the side of the building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119957497-PO7K5W4KOCA40UIDI3P0/PXL_20210528_185640127.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Dining room of The Clark Chateau https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623119971976-HJLM2J3Q0RF9YEPGITN0/PXL_20210528_191254843.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) Ballroom of the Clark Chateau. There was a third-floor ballroom at the Copper King Mansion as well but we couldn’t really see it because it was full of stuff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1623120341108-RGPOXAPM1ITNYFJ6LTUF/PXL_20210529_022347718.jpg Blog - Southwest Montana (May 24 - May 30, 2021) We loved Butte’s nature trail! https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-trzsr-957cn-549ty-bmxgy-skzjh-am4a6-2y4sk-nhjzf-wm8hk monthly 0.5 2021-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622223696376-086FY97VYR4HMCNFB417/DSC_0289.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622245040318-O45UC1BAKPKLLIPCHSHI/PXL_20210513_220250448.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Between Salt Lake City and Grand Teton National Park, we spent one night in the parking lot of the Idaho Potato Museum. Not our favorite Harvest Host location because their parking lot was between a busy intersection and a set of railroad tracks (bad for sleeping) but their museum was nice and their fries were delicious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622220525586-M7GXER10H0TRX64ID8WD/PXL_20210514_144912041.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Idaho was so pretty! Unfortunately, we were just passing through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622221678337-5SR3W5WUTLWTHLDU1KT9/PXL_20210518_214954050.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) National Park #8 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622220574479-FPDS9FLHQ7AFLG1Y1CB8/PXL_20210514_222649554.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) We’ve traveled approximately 8000 miles. Never had a dish fall out of the cupboard until we landed in a place where we would actually need all four of our dinner plates. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622220608928-9X5MI9R6NCMRMJ6R4PF3/PXL_20210515_000000949.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Our site at Colter Bay RV Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622245721499-1XURFO6JP5QTNJ93EW2Y/DSC_0267.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) We were in the park for just a few hours before we saw these grizzlies about a mile and a half from our campsite. We saw this same pair again the following morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622220639115-YJU5HVKZWZ9766X4MBWP/PXL_20210515_020636473.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Our first evening drive around the park. This is Oxbow Bend at dusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622220707139-5NCYY9S3DQJVRA3BNA3C/PXL_20210515_143846947.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) “Be Bear Aware” signs everywhere. We came prepared! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622220733791-9ZRDFIQ00OHWIJEHA5KT/PXL_20210515_160924882.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) We did a moderate hike, about three miles total, to Taggart Lake before my parents arrived. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622220748818-LIEWEQK3R1E16MCX015Z/PXL_20210515_163220905.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) It was a beautiful hike! And I wasn’t as nervous about bears as I thought I would be. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622220758609-3XEH9WJX68LMP8KXFAAF/PXL_20210515_164316845.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) There was snow on portions of our Taggart Lake hike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622220798420-C5JATWH5CIAVXH3ZJZZB/PXL_20210515_170431871.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) At Taggart Lake. We wanted to continue hiking another mile and a half to Bradley Lake but the snow on the trail was too deep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622221028543-92P8VEE7IAGU43N8UBDF/PXL_20210516_194651705.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) We also did some hiking around Jackson Lake from Colter Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622221016051-QD2XC1BAD63AVDLF1TSV/PXL_20210516_190540239.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Cold Jackson Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622221052194-8Y39AE5C3PBRSF8NHTVU/PXL_20210517_022954314.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) The Tetons from inside the Jackson Hole airport. By the time my parents arrived, it was too dark to really see the mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622221073406-R3ICSUBQUEHNYQJI8FL6/PXL_20210517_130457157.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Operation shock and awe was a success! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622221098509-8PXYV42A77MGF9Q461TR/DSC_0287.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) A different grizzly in another area of the park. Someone at one of the shops in Jackson Hole told us that there are 200 - 300 grizzlies in Grand Teton National Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622221161205-T5RDO2TFYC8DMM5GIDQU/PXL_20210517_175327508.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) With my parents at Schwabacher Landing, supposedly a good place to see moose. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622221219898-97KGYVN0W0P41R9TTEUY/DSC_0292.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Pretty Pronghorn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622221245984-6YBZ0OY3QABD16THVN2B/DSC_0296.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) This herd of bison was huge! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622221270761-1ZH9URX0QQYM9XND8Q6I/PXL_20210517_191045933.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) One of my favorite things about National Parks is that you can always find a place to have a nice picnic lunch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622221310973-TEIHPMPTKLKCR8VG8OVH/PXL_20210517_202100584.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) At Jenny Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622221334258-YDXCHYLG982AHLB10P9B/DSC_0311.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) The iconic Moulton Barn, which sits on one of the last pieces of land sold to the National Park Service, is often photographed at sunrise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622221434711-JI0GCEO2QSOT4DSHAWY8/PXL_20210518_155945224.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) To get to Grand Teton National Park, we had to cross the Teton Pass. 8,431 feet at its peak with 10 % grades up and down. It was a little nerve-wracking with the trailer but actually really enjoyable when we crossed it with my parents (minus the trailer). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622221601810-5N4X7BJ9VOJJOBIMYBMS/DSC_0332.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Jackson Hole from the Teton Pass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622221500371-8QAVOUKV0WUEA64P1QYZ/DSC_0329.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) When we left the campground this morning, I said to my family “Maybe today is my day”. Five minutes later! He (she?) walked out of the woods across the field then back into the woods on the other side very quickly. Perfect timing for sure. And it was the only moose we saw. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622221550003-BRWI2YX07VXPWUOD8ANE/PXL_20210518_164618585.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) The Antler Arch in Jackson, Wyoming https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622221575059-3KB7H1RFCCNHSU6JVGQP/PXL_20210518_173317451.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Me, Amelia Earhart, and my mom in downtown Jackson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622221693958-HCG4VZS2OAZJ9GH6BCW1/PXL_20210519_002734458.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) We brought two bottles of Lupo’s with us. We used the first one at the Grand Canyon and decided that GTNP was worthy of the second. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222477515-YYZKJS2UBCBZLRMV7Z80/PXL_20210519_223735618.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) National Park #9. The south entrance to Yellowstone is only about 20 miles from Colter Bay Village. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222182358-271IONEMAOFMTWUXSOBV/PXL_20210519_160750136.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) The first Yellowstone “hydrothermal feature” that we saw and we were amazed by it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222256848-EEP27ILLLNDNSRP8X4B5/PXL_20210519_164653229.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) West Thumb Geyser Basin. I wasn’t expecting so many hot springs, mud pots, geysers, etc all in one place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222192766-61OINP0F2SJGHYWQTA2L/PXL_20210519_162223683.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) At the West Thumb Geyser Basin YNP https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222206440-N9AD0WHMLC4SIXG85147/PXL_20210519_162416873.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Also at the West Thumb Geyser Basin YNP https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222218618-V4D6YJZQU5M4ZD7UYXHC/PXL_20210519_163048353.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) The West Thumb Geyser Basin borders Yellowstone Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222227476-IMVNSUTWN3RSX041GE6Z/PXL_20210519_163153508.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) It does surprise me that people are allowed to walk around all that boiling water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222236611-O24XEQGQSSGA76HO1BD3/PXL_20210519_163421560.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Some of the hydrothermal features were beyond the shoreline of the lake. So interesting to look at! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222246411-DWZMAFIBX46PYMLAXV42/PXL_20210519_164534671.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) The bright blue ones were my favorite and if I’m remembering correctly, they’re the hottest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222295221-UEMYKSLTS0WC10C5LSWT/PXL_20210519_185858231.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) That’s Old Faithful in the background. It erupts approximately every hour and a half. We were there long enough to watch it erupt twice. The first time we were close and videotaped it, the second time we were further away and took pictures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222321067-N5KMPNQ4UDA43B39JJJO/DSC_0351.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Old Faithful. We ate our lunch while waiting for an eruption. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222302650-NPD1WP6BC56XRXQ684BN/PXL_20210519_190503271.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) There are lots of other geysers, hot springs, etc near Old Faithful. We walked around to look at them between eruptions. Notice the Bison laying very close to the walkway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222350656-7QS9UPV8V6LOIA8IW7AR/DSC_0354.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) There’s a bird on his back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222360683-YDYL04JRZ8ZWZU8X1Q1E/DSC_0357.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Old Faithful Inn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222386273-FIJL05UF23MZYMAQZZJK/PXL_20210519_210259523.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Water boiling from the ground is just so strange to see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222426659-P04HOASSFE5I5HQJ34AU/DSC_0380.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) The second Old Faithful eruption https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622221912402-20VMHP2414KOXV1D7MTY/DSC_0401.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) We spent a whole day in Yellowstone and saw only a small portion of the park. This is at the Midway Geyser Basin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622297101199-0S6N3PC1KVRHYPYAWL1J/DSC_0395.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Midway Geyser Basin. The steam was so intense in spots that we could barely see in front of us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222513415-1YVUK6508JSX9HYO8OB6/DSC_0397.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Charley was walking with my mom but this lady stepped in the way as I took the picture :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222542769-TNI0WWM2QJZSKUPZNPFY/PXL_20210520_185120243.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) I can’t imagine what it was like to discover a place like this! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222549397-WSWAY5EVZNV8KA05YL8K/PXL_20210520_185439313.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) We watched Colter Bay Village slowly get ready for the season. One day the marina was empty, the next day - lots of boats waiting to be rented. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222587675-8OMDX56YGW6DO272VG04/DSC_0424.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) We saw a lot of Elk from a distance and a few close to the road as we were driving along. They actually reduce the speed in the park at night because of the risk of colliding with wildlife. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222598576-OCL9H9FDF9BKNL53QLUO/PXL_20210521_231038876.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) We had one really heavy rain day. As Charley said, we were upgraded to a lakefront site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222605395-I7GMAICHVJXN0NB2ZGA7/PXL_20210521_231124690.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) A little rain didn’t stop Charley from grilling a mean ribeye. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222612832-LOYGVVY66C6WLVJ0AMUP/PXL_20210522_001018394.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) We couldn’t eat at the picnic table but they tasted just as good inside the camper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222621446-60GCB79FUKHOV0C6FFBN/PXL_20210522_160739007.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Goodbye Mom and Dad. Our week with them went really fast! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222636261-5J9TY6SMWYY0HO4TVZBI/PXL_20210522_164621328%7E2.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) At the Jackson Hole airport https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222664673-158GQGIFTNJPWW1EWWE4/DSC_0448.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) I’ve been following a Grand Teton National Park page on Facebook and became familiar with this grizzly. They call her 399 and she’s pretty famous because she has four cubs. They were born last year and from what I understand she will cut them loose soon. I thought her name (399) had something to do with her weight but a shop owner in town said all the bears in the park are numbered and that’s just her identification number. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222679988-KJD8H2F8TS2WLY9MFG5B/DSC_0456.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Bear jam! I’m convinced that the Rangers are tracking most if not all of the grizzlies. Rangers are always present in situations like this because they, unfortunately, have to keep people at a safe distance. All of my grizzly photos are taken from the car as we were driving through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222696108-0BNXELH9MJS9MGQXXFY8/DSC_0457.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) We saw lots of foxes including one (not this one) that surprised us on a hike around Jackson Lake. I took this picture from the car and I think I caught him doing his business. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222704847-R1WE3E8IG1HIONSVN008/DSC_0460.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) After my parents left, we realized we never took a drive up Signal Mountain where you can apparently see all of the Jackson Hole valley from the top. It was rainy so we knew we wouldn’t see much but we went up anyway. Along the way, the rain turned to snow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222712834-HFHCTYZAJB2DCBVEVQ43/DSC_0461.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Nope, can’t see anything. Next time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222813144-RV5LSTZIBHNL8YI0GWKE/PXL_20210524_145634777.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) Our route to our next stop in Montana took us through Yellowstone. It was snowy for the first several miles. This portion of the road opened for the season the day before we arrived in the Tetons and now I understand why. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222845621-UHG1SHA0I0UZHY06T3FD/DSC_0484.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) As we drove through Yellowstone on our way to Montana, we saw lots and lots of baby Bison. We didn’t see any babies while we were there five days prior. I’m thinking these babies were brand new. So cute! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222924458-XPYWZ5A0CCMJ06H6QWH5/PXL_20210519_170118691.jpg Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) *Photo out of order* This was taken at the Continental Divide when we visited Yellowstone with my parents…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1622222830617-KUSPX8RH5TJOKIINMLXM/DSC_0481.JPG Blog - Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks (May 13 - May 24, 2021) ….the same spot as we drove through five days later. https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-trzsr-957cn-549ty-bmxgy-skzjh-am4a6-2y4sk-nhjzf monthly 0.5 2021-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621212593145-HFRYI3EXFSKJKIZ8RL80/PXL_20210508_165118968.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210038641-Q976XJOEJV1LF1E9TZS3/PXL_20210507_191142302.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) I took so many pictures of these mountains! Mostly out the car window so the quality isn’t good but I just couldn’t get enough of them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621212087596-X855OT9UDXT8PWHMJ43H/PXL_20210512_223617435.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) You win some, you lose some. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210252225-8JHG09DKF0CMP8BLQTBR/PXL_20210508_172035616.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Our shuttle and tour guide Rudy at Utah Olympic Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210289260-JWD61CJTVTGMEUJ6Z9ZF/PXL_20210508_172320241.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) At the base of the alpine ski jumps https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210310919-1TE3DJG8OR63FDIYTX0K/PXL_20210508_173126514.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) At some point, the bobsled and luge tracks merge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210331864-41ZQIHIQJXK0AZMH999K/PXL_20210508_173220689.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) The tracks are refrigerated and groomed by hand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210351758-AY1J9C4QT1AWWSTHL2V4/PXL_20210508_173546901.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Pretty sure this is the luge starting point https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210415277-AIGWCXQPI59Y72TNDFSO/PXL_20210508_174752334.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Park City is beautiful, especially from above https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210453723-QJGK6TOP8T835NU8LH8D/PXL_20210508_175156415.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) I didn’t realize I was taking a picture of the stairs. The slope is to the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210174129-K00INC2PLKD4ZW66ULH1/PXL_20210508_162615064.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) The freestyle jumping pool https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210219641-YFTSKFNWW79DKHXFBVZ8/PXL_20210508_171920138.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) This pool enables skiers to train in the summer. The slopes are specially designed and watered to make it feel like ice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210491023-8H3K4C8GEB6P8166CO4Q/PXL_20210508_180305207.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) 2002 Winter Olympic Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210508902-GL5UGU9TI4N7RRV8R77S/PXL_20210508_180627284.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Puppets used during opening ceremonies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210529645-PLVPHZ6TPPLKV6HIVUXS/PXL_20210508_180820370.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Lots of good info here https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210549507-YLSHO2NM3XW4R9PC4E19/PXL_20210508_181020080.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Real Olympic medals https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210579612-E1IWMXUR8YLAG4PXJY5U/PXL_20210508_181311247.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) I didn’t realize that Olympic volunteers wore color-coded uniforms based on their duties https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210685646-PRSGG3FNDYOBABS88OGV/PXL_20210508_201831889.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) At the Utah Olympic Oval https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210724914-PJUDDWM8GYNIWB600GKH/PXL_20210508_202538083.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) No ice on the speed skating rink https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210739403-WEPCDJK074C5MZS33VJQ/PXL_20210508_202635159.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Team trials are also held at the Oval https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210715858-II117T0S740LX6L0JY0I/PXL_20210508_202403435.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Inside the Utah Olympic Oval https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211467909-4CW5YT7I29X0C6PYH9DI/PXL_20210510_192653486.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) The fountain at Legacy Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211447709-P0LGCUUGG6XUUN05B29B/PXL_20210510_192547476.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) The wall of honor at Legacy Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210665725-SMUQW64HA7QUUMP0WHZG/PXL_20210508_193144704.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Diesel Brothers is a show on the Discovery Channel. This is their workshop just outside of Salt Lake City https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210643326-W1ZDBVVAZHRNID60M394/PXL_20210508_191725012.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) This is the type of work Diesel Brothers does on the show. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211490377-4A81ZG6JDGYIO7BTYZ9I/PXL_20210510_210906100.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) UTA Station in Draper Utah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210810647-UP4Z7IX9L97JMPIKR7S9/PXL_20210510_134651818.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Purchasing our $5 ride all day passes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210863379-4MPMJTQI6HE43M7T1EUF/PXL_20210510_151256226.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Utah State Capitol Building https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210890861-9NZAKS3LHDZH28TEY52W/PXL_20210510_152517473.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Utah is the beehive state https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210911543-42U09EFU47N9LFR62ZW8/PXL_20210510_153539547.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Inside the Capitol building https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210928025-HUU0YCS9R9PAU51K2GXL/PXL_20210510_152854988.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Such a beautiful building! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210969095-7IQ541WCP3DQ0U7A68TF/PXL_20210510_153632505.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Utah Senate Chambers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210997927-IBH64T2W8Y0U3EL5ADI3/PXL_20210510_154417479.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Utah State Capitol rotunda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211063250-SWPFDXKL3S4FZ25GGT2T/PXL_20210510_155917725.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Police memorial at the Utah State Capitol https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211017648-RY2RNQTLFD5BGKKEQL0H/PXL_20210510_155753618.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Police memorial at the Utah State Capitol https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211042563-L0CTQ8QMX52WNE5DSJWH/PXL_20210510_155804345.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Police memorial at the Utah State Capitol https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211267488-5SG0GXW6YAHGXW43J6U7/PXL_20210510_164313227.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Pioneer Memorial Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211173751-DQB6MV49PF8F18X3JXTO/PXL_20210510_160915291.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) It would take all day to count the number of portraits in this building. Rooms and rooms of portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211197834-GZNTBP9966V316XUQGGN/PXL_20210510_161922816.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Overwhelming collection of artifacts at the Pioneer Memorial Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211211022-5JQJNW2BHTSMWYC9FITO/PXL_20210510_162216350.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Yellowstone is on the agenda! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211224251-MEEQC0EO0QY2BSPGQ4TE/PXL_20210510_163658839.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Hilda was the longest living pioneer and she passed away at 108 years old. I wish I had known Hilda! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210847624-UF3C4RXCWYDWWP40KVBY/PXL_20210510_144524134.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Temple Square https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211326084-G5QXAC3KM520UP9SZ35I/PXL_20210510_165952512.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) The Lion House. LDS leader Brigham Young’s residence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211342685-VB532SFVIGDDMMK63API/PXL_20210510_170512242.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) The Joseph Smith memorial building. Joseph Smith was the founder of Mormonism. He met and married his wife near Harmony, Pennsylvania (Susquehanna County). He also translated much of the Book of Mormom there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211396679-VQRKV60E4NK0Y23J8JZM/PXL_20210510_181220734.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Salt Lake City Library https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211423700-7Z92YQ53PB1BD9P2KXCC/PXL_20210510_182507844.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Inside the beautiful Salt Lake City Library. I was so disappointed that most of it was closed due to Covid. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211993545-QH3C43JMINHB8RXLPMP4/PXL_20210511_213843824.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Antelope Island State Park just outside Salt Lake City. Totally worth the hour-long drive for us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211790654-8OBCWHM0VAHC3HYLMYH6/DSC_0152.JPG Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) By Antelope, they really mean Pronghorns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211773668-DRYJ13TDY1MBBDRCLMWP/DSC_0149.JPG Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) The causeway onto Antelope Island is 7.2 miles long and was built in 1963 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211749182-A2423BK4IXGP1WYQ1XD6/PXL_20210511_192802094.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Sheep shearing barn at the Fielding Garr Ranch on Antelope Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211820276-CQU4P7NZIP18EM1BXGP6/PXL_20210511_195020412.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Fielding Garr homestead on Antelope Island State Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211848536-T4RKS7EBSKPRWR67HGRO/DSC_0162.JPG Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Antelope Island provided excellent views of the Great Salt Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621212142907-WU25MYGI0MQT9XIHK8IK/DSC_0203.JPG Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) A Chukar, a game bird and member of the pheasant family https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211703176-LF6JOVACOFJWG8TL8Q5I/DSC_0175.JPG Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) There are several hundred bison residing on Antelope Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211919572-P0JK5XO4SIISO6VMO0O7/PXL_20210511_205229424.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Hiking to the top of Buffalo Point on Antelope Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621211943389-791NAH9ZP5IM5UZXOJ2T/PXL_20210511_205420890.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Easy hike to the top of Buffalo Point https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621212023691-W0BKG3S6I8BCA62VE1HX/DSC_0199.JPG Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) The Great Salt Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621212074650-FWVW1ZEEM4NSKHWHTZDB/DSC_0221.JPG Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) We saw a pronghorn just as we were leaving Antelope Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210068166-NV43O1PT7J60NLQPI6WT/PXL_20210507_192244550.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Bridal Veil Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621210085577-1G5YAXVX2XJLAWVX0C7Q/PXL_20210507_200724744.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) Upper Falls in Provo Canyon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1621212210275-0UT4S4R043KJS301NN6G/PXL_20210407_214521158.jpg Blog - Salt Lake City (May 6 -May 13, 2021) We first discovered Dutch Bros Coffee near Tuscon Arizona. Now we have a bad habit of looking for a Dutch Bros as soon as we arrive at a new location. https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-trzsr-957cn-549ty-bmxgy-skzjh-am4a6-2y4sk monthly 0.5 2021-05-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620589699489-KGNJ3W7XOGUF3SLDEJ3F/IMG_0184.JPG Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620589859975-9MHA6UUXQQKIMCB5FMNE/PXL_20210429_183020126.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Somewhere between Parowan Gap and Green River Utah. The whole drive looked like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620589874738-XTDG9JY44OC4KUIQFJSN/PXL_20210429_202504842.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) The most expensive place we’ve camped at yet. Location, location, location https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620589884817-9DO0WDQ8SAPDILLPV4S5/PXL_20210429_214857109.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Our site at Green River State Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590426883-RELUOVXF62HL74IXRXKW/PXL_20210501_005645881.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Boat launch at Green River State Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590054614-7RZTARL29IR3T1FW28DO/DSC_0080.JPG Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Pretty site on our way to Arches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590228936-XLEZ6N0ZW47LK18KFFRG/PXL_20210430_162006998.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) National Park #6 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620591629438-5U2H0IVFC2IYM5OVWZI4/DSC_0087.JPG Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) No line waiting to get into Arches at 7:30 am https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620589904046-C3085NGSBX5Y5O97DJFY/PXL_20210430_133634222.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Three Gossips (far right) - Arches National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620589919812-A78K6KSNH455CD28L3Q6/PXL_20210430_133815664.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Tower of Babel - Arches National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620589931364-5Y6S52LL4GT6Y9H01V6J/PXL_20210430_134931421.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Balanced Rock - Arches National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590152301-J9QVE1RM421G0KRRMLDM/DSC_0095.JPG Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Delicate Arch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620589949420-8IMLZJRU5EL4ZITV87T3/PXL_20210430_144756984.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Headed to Sand Dune Arch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620589961715-NZSWBXLL38M1TSFQMZ7L/PXL_20210430_144816434.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Making our way to Sand Dune Arch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620589972280-IHJAT31J5JD8WPND85Q8/PXL_20210430_144837151.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) A little narrow https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590029133-BUISSKCE6TJN2MB9JOBC/PXL_20210430_145524699.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Sand Dune Arch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590091131-4FI52NAH595DY1K690E5/IMG_0178.JPG Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Broken Arch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590117321-3XUZXYHV1NO2209PUCYP/PXL_20210430_151948831.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Broken Arch - opposite perspective https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590206703-5O01XJ7YQ0YOTUWZNBCB/PXL_20210430_161611267.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Long line of cars to get in as we were leaving https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590242382-D2MYJQD9C7VKGVXC73ES/IMG_0187+%282%29.JPG Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Moab was fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590268176-CS4EUMWQZN07WJ46KC4O/PXL_20210430_165005484.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Every bit as delicious as they look https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590296824-12QDDB63H5OMFYUXHKDA/PXL_20210430_171609249.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Moab - super cute town https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590314140-27UZZ9U6ANKONYEJM9CF/PXL_20210430_180721806.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) National Park #7 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590345656-N3HE84268WMOXQTNTJGY/PXL_20210430_182659491.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Canyonlands - Shafer Canyon Overlook https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590400521-BY7V9539WVM12O6JXT8N/PXL_20210430_182743369.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) We’ll come back here some day and maybe even drive one of those roads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590457938-RNIJ95XX32TB3AV7KMT7/PXL_20210502_165351206.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) I’m not sure what happened to Green River but it appeares to have been a bustling town at one point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590470611-5Q4P87ZX0Z3C7RUUT539/PXL_20210503_162731508.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) But we were happy that Green River had an RV wash. We desperately needed it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590488328-19TTI7RD2HOG16VZS6MD/PXL_20210503_163042826.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) So long Green River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590517315-CVKLXCGIH4EWFSUJSZ6O/PXL_20210503_194020335.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Hello Helper! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620605126671-4CYZD05BG7W3GDFJEUDW/PXL_20210506_002833325.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) We LOVED Castle Gate RV Park in Helper UT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590630220-G8IW3LXT1SGFJGMWR4AJ/PXL_20210504_163546012.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Love this! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620591022905-8OXR2PFMHFUDRN2CKHBO/PXL_20210505_181125994.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Main Street Helper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620591004273-U41AR09414VSIXX4MFP3/PXL_20210505_181026968.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Restored Service Station at the South end of Helper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590543393-T8KAQ9LT1TKMFYUBBMOJ/PXL_20210504_161327881.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Charley used to work at Western Auto! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590574544-UINJ8M6WXKLWG0WTPA3R/PXL_20210504_163043383.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Restored Service Station at the north end of Helper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590618645-1TSHZ9KR4CRWNRK7O4NN/PXL_20210504_163257582.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) It’s crazy how many old vehicles are still intact in the south west https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590650494-N9LZ5SE70AIESVWZZ7I6/PXL_20210504_164921187.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) The Helper library reminded me so much of our old library in Montrose. Especially this corner of the children’s room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590672034-41I8R7WE3XXWVM480Y4X/PXL_20210504_165447703.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) “Big John” the coal miner. Cousin to the “Muffler Man” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590686760-OWM84TQ6ILL9DP728VCW/PXL_20210504_172915822.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Peeps latte. Yum! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590982405-DFKSF538NY8ZM1VKD7T0/PXL_20210505_180809429.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) The Western Mining and Railroad Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590707577-YS3NOEQCOXMJOXH4XZXJ/PXL_20210504_183600190.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Dinosaur tracks at The Western Mining and Railroad Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590718423-M7JDTO0KC8FVDQFTW9EV/PXL_20210504_190138583.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Famed photographer Dorothea Lange visited the Consumers Mining Camp near Helper in 1936 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590727418-WEY8Y2C6Z6G4PPDP1R84/PXL_20210504_190558092.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590745322-G88EEDDRZWOOY1D96LME/PXL_20210504_190951921.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) The Western Mining and Railroad Museum was once a boarding house… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590763007-7G1CPA4BODXAVU4XOV7S/PXL_20210504_193930105.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) ….and a brothel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620596229606-LVLM4ECAOXO3VDROBLP7/PXL_20210504_165839779.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) The Lincoln Hotel in Helper. Vintage Motor Company downstairs and an AirBnB upstairs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590879171-3UYO2DJ29G02PUAB4SDJ/PXL_20210504_204948384.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) The Vintage Motor Company. This place was unbelievable! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590812179-22RQ5IO9UCT0NOXR4C50/PXL_20210504_201735372.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Classic Harley Panhead Police Motorcycle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590816738-TYNQMVL8BO9MCNXD62NN/PXL_20210504_201744030.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Restored Knucklehead https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590824291-BSFE2953DYGCYN4SNDVQ/PXL_20210504_201834684.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) NOS (new old stock) Harley parts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590843867-CYWWI84DN4RD202AV0T6/PXL_20210504_202130850.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) This sign was uncovered as the Lincoln Hotel was being restored. It’s basically saying that railroad travelers will be given two meals but must continue on their journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590856224-L3GCY1EU34ND1UH33HNO/PXL_20210504_202631575.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) They restore cars too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590928931-8102EFST1I54XB7KA98X/PXL_20210504_210218585.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Still somewhat of a railroad town https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590946987-2OH38UMGEP1OSMYA7AHQ/PXL_20210505_171024494.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Riverwalk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1620590965374-0SEYJHZ2G9AQKNHP6C8E/PXL_20210505_173853314.jpg Blog - More Utah National Parks & a Few Small Towns (April 29-May 6, 2021) Cable bridge over the Price River https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-trzsr-957cn-549ty-bmxgy-skzjh-am4a6 monthly 0.5 2021-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619977749841-4YOJOGO1P6DLC8PKPF8D/PXL_20210427_194534703.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970391881-9GC1Q7MVA726B4A8MWFC/PXL_20210424_164843372.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) We’ve driven through some incredible scenery! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970410171-ESAD1FZ9587NHXSNN77M/PXL_20210424_171950875.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Crossing the Colorado River at the Navajo Bridge - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970420324-L567Y28CCMEL07GFZSJ7/PXL_20210424_172026301.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) The Colorado River from the Navajo Bridge. Shortly after I took this picture we saw a California Condor soaring down in the canyon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970430128-VQ0RUZ2PV86MQYMR31HJ/PXL_20210424_172101053.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Loved the pedestrian bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970450262-C658N0MAUMY6T16K23V6/PXL_20210424_172121504.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) The Navajo Bridge - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area - a great place to stop and stretch our legs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970764723-V5RCZO97KSXZ7ARWLS59/PXL_20210425_214018877.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Beautiful Zion! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970471483-MN3TKSVYL6JWKH6X6LQR/PXL_20210424_214712082.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Our site at Watchman Campground in Zion National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970493886-QFQ77PNUTB4REA3QZJRD/PXL_20210424_231231777%7E2.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) The portion of the park only accessible by shuttle or bicycle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971362980-22WH88O58QFZEPZ0GPMN/PXL_20210425_120150948.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) A typical hiking day lunch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970512525-OGXBTSO0L76S32NU9U8B/PXL_20210425_013811187.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) I loved waking up to this view (although this is a sunset shot). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970526530-XJDQATO239MVNG6BWJEQ/PXL_20210425_014143185.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) The view from the back of our site https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970600339-VEVLIOA9CR7OZ5RK50T3/PXL_20210425_144625807.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) If you know Charley, you won’t be surprised that a Zion shuttle bus driver might be his new dream job. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970545185-JSWYCV05UYEQHQMKT4DB/PXL_20210425_135713576.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Temple of the Sinawava Riverside Walk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970614121-QY69XRQMI87QTHOTGJ9E/PXL_20210425_151933157.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Lower Emerald Pools Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971122166-AW8T9PBO66WJVO42Y62Q/DSC_0001.JPG Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Beautiful Yellow Warbler https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970663450-ZPUVBWNX2KZ6RBGHEYMN/PXL_20210425_155742695.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Lower Emerald Pools Trail. This reminded me of Watkins Glen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970706215-CKG8F5PO72267C4ZXQXT/PXL_20210425_163739408.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Middle Emerald Pools Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971173330-ADV4YV6C168FXMEHY8JG/DSC_0013.JPG Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) A Spotted Towhee. He was quite the singer! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970724669-GL5EW21KHJGMBYWYSM03/PXL_20210425_165441363.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Middle Emerald Pools https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619979193375-URMGQ673UM6MW3TMN2KB/PXL_20210425_171433619.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Upper Emerald Pools https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971150770-GAHQ9GD700GX3NGAMK32/DSC_0004.JPG Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Mountain climbers sleep on that cliff! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971184242-FZ5SPKRKPVVTJXB4R6N5/DSC_0020.JPG Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) We saw lots of Turkeys in Zion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970778679-N4XUYKY2QU6YIR27IXQQ/PXL_20210426_012520897.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) So many Mule deer in Zion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970841801-8LOCVCOV3OB8RENFA6F4/PXL_20210427_011051781.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) After it stopped raining on our second day, we took a walk to the visitor’s center. It had been so busy the day prior, we had no idea these info stations were even there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970887847-GFLMB0CTT7F8D0DHS03J/PXL_20210427_013405938.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Beautiful even on a rainy day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970929364-ZN2GVWXDDQFPIRVACNQX/PXL_20210427_182212347.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) It was a wee bit chilly at Bryce Canyon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970945717-SD0TVQEN1VSWVTCYLNNM/PXL_20210427_192904587.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Some day we’ll take a hike down there https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971058874-46UYAV0FN9WJEBGC3MYR/DSC_0025.JPG Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) This explains the change in temperature https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970968967-ZLJRZDVJKAZP1KQO8Z2A/PXL_20210427_192538530.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Just when you think you’ve seen every kind of rock formation that exists… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970987739-4GW93MYVGE9SRTTT8XHW/PXL_20210427_194219794.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Definitely worth the trip! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619970996947-TJJ0W2W9VGUQRE19GXVO/PXL_20210427_194718974.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) It was so much quieter at Bryce than Zion. Could have been the weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971072057-CBHCVC02ZJXXUKJGRBBC/PXL_20210427_214734473.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Quick stop for pie on our way back to Zion. The ho-made pie was delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971082782-M4ZYK60IIZKESSDXENZU/PXL_20210427_220455925.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Back in Zion - This mountain is known as Checkerboard Mesa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971451257-IM0OJUTLBEIILFQWOMLV/PXL_20210427_221420661.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) We had to go through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel to get to and from Bryce. If we were towing our camper, we’d need a special $15 permit and they would have to shut down traffic to allow us to get through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971464089-H3IHXJRDZS9S9JGZMOBQ/DSC_0040.JPG Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Every National Park we had been to claimed to be home to desert bighorn sheep and we looked for them in every park. We finally saw one alongside the road in Zion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971480984-SQT7VCWDRTFXIWLTE8WJ/DSC_0046.JPG Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Zion shuttle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971545890-NS9IE4LH1VH3L4HFYIB4/PXL_20210428_011810769.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Our last night in Zion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971564831-6JUANINB67KFT9VFGPPN/PXL_20210428_170234624.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Another beautiful Utah drive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971692157-68TEAPSYC3IXP3O0AZN6/PXL_20210428_234542542.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Harvest Host at Parowan Gap Farm UT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971707582-O0YMZXIZK5BXEV6L1613/DSC_0056.JPG Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) The petroglyphs were really cool https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971580983-JXMRR4FXZR689J8BX56B/PXL_20210428_224213765.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) A little petroglyph history https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971606773-RBEP5Q9ZOPLYDSPL6KO8/PXL_20210428_224508635.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Some of the petroglyphs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971646786-U42GM03GPN90BHVL45UD/PXL_20210428_225412837.jpg Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) The Parowan Gap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971668338-XJBOJUPZY5FAW0SMTXU9/DSC_0048.JPG Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) More petropglyphs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971680061-090ERUGXX5VCWV40EEIP/DSC_0049.JPG Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) So interesting! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971731896-Q2OKC2K39QQ9P4YMG0DA/DSC_0060.JPG Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Prarie dogs are so cute https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971767296-JRILAGAU9QXRDIYSOQQO/DSC_0069.JPG Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) “Oh my gosh, Pronghorns”! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619971739053-CAIHIF80GCM0A4V1ANWZ/DSC_0061.JPG Blog - Zion and Bryce Canyon (April 24-April 29, 2021) Headed back to the farm https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-trzsr-957cn-549ty-bmxgy-skzjh monthly 0.5 2021-05-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453162505-5QOOFWCDAS1F7FDB5DTV/PXL_20210421_160232282.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453669300-IUCM2N2N6L8ML6XMGL0K/PXL_20210419_184534228.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Welcome to Las Vegas! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453672082-K0K3E1I3TMHCVFQWCR1Y/PXL_20210419_185144656.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Very nice place for the price https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453656869-FU91KK9GMBP3GEB5578W/PXL_20210417_172315091.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Our site at Sam’s Town https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453659939-4F14L0AC3RPUUMJR0T5W/PXL_20210417_181434286.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Sam’s Town also had a hotel with an atrium in the middle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453662932-UCUUL7820F43LS27NK6N/PXL_20210417_194202563.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) The Mirage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453665238-NNWFWZICHGZ9IGDKYB34/PXL_20210417_195730904.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Inside the Mirage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453668279-W7PBSIYFZCZKB9129X61/PXL_20210417_220245165.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) The Belagio. These flowers smelled so good! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454399466-N8CXJ0FQP6051CT77FD7/PXL_20210423_233402131.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) We made it to the Grand Canyon! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453828157-O5B77XPBJ8DQ2TP8I12Y/IMG_0122.JPG Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Our first glimpse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453872643-642CNC72NAX8EWQS32UO/DSC_0466.JPG Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Our site at Mather Campground https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453877139-WKIXEDDWDDZ3EIPTW3M9/DSC_0467.JPG Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) It was nice being so close to the water spigot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453833309-OX1LJESBHLA430XWPRJY/PXL_20210421_001422898.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) There were Elk everywhere. Roaming through the campground… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453837694-0OKLBXD8NR7FXDCYS485/DSC_0445.JPG Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) at the RV dump station… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454133788-B1X5WBKFQGCNDEIDDFFZ/PXL_20210422_203104099.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) in the middle of town… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453829837-AP69NDL5JJWCIPUM036B/PXL_20210421_001414620.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) I took this picture from our campsite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454144665-WAMDV5ZNRWDPQHULBR4I/DSC_0528.JPG Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) We had no choice but to walk about ten feet from this guy because he was laying right next to the trail. I waited until we got a safe distance to take this picture, with zoom! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454101885-6AYSGYZ3RCYCOIPAEPUG/DSC_0477.JPG Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) I spoke to one of the rangers about the Elk and she said they only become aggressive after the females have their babies, which would be in about two weeks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453840656-KF1J0UZUDE0RO9HHJKQE/IMG_0130.JPG Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) South Kaibab Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453845750-O5K40Q5SBMDETONGXRE8/IMG_0135.JPG Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Going down the South Kaibab Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453867645-QMTOVI2QVHFUTACSDXFP/DSC_0453.JPG Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) This was a cool spot on the trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453849473-E5D20L2W64VM3GC2TORG/DSC_0448.JPG Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) South Kaibab Trail. Steeper than it looks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453853854-74NL9PDB2L8ORWXWEI35/DSC_0449.JPG Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Beautiful views with every step https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453858561-9V34P6CAXJF2CEBB8ZQV/DSC_0451.JPG Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Lots of oohs and ahhs here https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619453862747-LYC0LIZX2GJXFDFNL3HZ/DSC_0452.JPG Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Going back up the South Kaibab Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454107548-G2FPU8VH118YIXH3D5I4/DSC_0489.JPG Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) He was so cute! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454114504-7HYVW7OD6OFF18TTPURH/PXL_20210422_163649474.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Rim Trail hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454116382-AFKHLHLY1D3N9CT3G7PB/PXL_20210422_171544541.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Grand Canyon Lodge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454118571-VVA3WC2I381VP8JQE54G/PXL_20210422_171904713.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) From the Rim Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454122152-VJQFG98CXSXUF0HUCZIR/PXL_20210422_181931406.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) We got to see the Bright Angel trail from the Rim Trail before hiking it the next day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454127200-PF062OVHSG60GIYG3R54/DSC_0510.JPG Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) I’m pretty proud of this picture https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454141285-UJIC7M8K3OXZRMIDYYR8/DSC_0525.JPG Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) The Colorado River from the Rim Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454137015-OIW0C9WHS4ODZNTFPFT9/PXL_20210422_223340723.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) The first precipitation we had seen in weeks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454147816-G78Y4XTTV99O22A93OZH/IMG_0142.JPG Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) We brought two bottles of spiedie sauce from home and were waiting for a special place to make spiedies. The Grand Canyon fit the bill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454150395-AAZEA0W1EA07G7IL4F6S/PXL_20210423_001736773.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Flannel, slippers, cold beer and speidies. This guy is living his best life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454148274-OUNVIN8862R89ONT97XS/DSC_0530+%282%29.JPG Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) We saw lots of Bluebirds here https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454360572-H938H99F5DR9WVW3DAIN/PXL_20210423_152327118.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Our favorite and most challenging hike so far! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454364283-DSHTCTXSRPR82GFU1MJH/PXL_20210423_152843241.NIGHT.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) There are two tunnels on the Bright Angel trail. This is the first. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454366561-0YM00T8022JSIQ4SATLB/PXL_20210423_154632334.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Mule deer right next to us on the trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454369886-CG66SKXHJNAHKB2PIVWK/PXL_20210423_155620405.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) The second tunnel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454373044-VUHR99UNU2EFHCXCEARS/PXL_20210423_160443525.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Bright Angel going down https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454376970-7Q3Z58XTOZJATKGFFCJU/PXL_20210423_162341333.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Perfect hiking weather https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454393462-COGKAYUHEF45R3XTSPO4/PXL_20210423_175340349.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) They aren’t joking! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454390622-6QSMXAKPWWVW5UDDGVSX/PXL_20210423_175335331.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Three miles in https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454383247-YUGT64JN46ON4LC9QTTZ/PXL_20210423_174155096.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) We took a break and ate lunch in the canyon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454386972-Y4RNH7ZJ89XJ4O7YBTB4/PXL_20210423_174424913.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Now we have to get back up there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454379566-XLM8KGEAEHQKOZLADSRL/PXL_20210423_163017115.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) The Grand Canyon is so beautiful everywhere you look! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1619454395936-VOJN6GXSS2EBPG3EBG1M/PXL_20210423_225038826.jpg Blog - The Grand Canyon. And Las Vegas? (April 17-April 24, 2021) Word to the wise - buy groceries before you even get close to the Grand Canyon. This grocery store was just outside the park and bananas were $1.79 per pound here. Thankfully we didn’t need anything and were just checking the place out. https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-trzsr-957cn-549ty-bmxgy monthly 0.5 2021-04-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618705999095-QSJ2HZRW4ZTR5EZUHZT2/PXL_20210412_175402696.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) No issues at the California Agricultural checkpoint. We ate all our fresh fruit before leaving Arizona. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706001710-NTHEMVXMGSEB3ZJJC1E9/PXL_20210412_190918815.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) The drive to our campsite from the entrance to Joshua Tree was about 40 miles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618705689210-45DERWQTQ18H0WS9MWXW/DSC_0335.JPG Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Jumbo Rocks Campground https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618705716780-PTKUI4FOI5HNF83VO0LC/DSC_0372.JPG Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Believe it or not, this is an RV campsite. Barely off the road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618705694609-J90HB4SF4B8L5B3NES3D/DSC_0342.JPG Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Skull Rock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618705700480-OELHAF1XJOOHBZTZKBRI/DSC_0347.JPG Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Skull Rock Trail Hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618705705646-5PNVDJQNVIAFFA4IVX9Q/DSC_0355.JPG Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Skull Rock Trail Hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618705711451-58MQMB9JGW1821TRCLTQ/DSC_0370.JPG Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Joshua Trees are so interesting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706004166-21K4MQ5PYORPNW3BNEEX/PXL_20210413_020743493.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Sunset from Keys View https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706009963-JO9Z1HFJRW1KNR2FFSZ1/PXL_20210413_132906360.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Sunrise from our site at Jumbo Rocks Campground https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618705721228-4ACOER2H03K9C0F1W2FV/DSC_0384.JPG Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Black-tailed Jack Rabbit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618705727215-BP2N4M6U13XAW40GWCUC/DSC_0391.JPG Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Barker Dam Hike with snow-capped mountains in the distance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618705738137-L9DIWTP31504LI1D5QG8/DSC_0405.JPG Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Long-nosed Leopard Lizard https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618705732311-L0C4MWE1PU6J4972QJD7/DSC_0395.JPG Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Another Western Scrub Jay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706019226-L0X90WG7579X2X57RFLV/PXL_20210413_155933341.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Barker Dam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706024624-9LAH3P13ELWZ21K36T22/PXL_20210413_170841189.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Wall Street Mill https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706032152-L0M0IZ4KIIZBISQ5TKKB/PXL_20210413_171125114.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Abandoned truck at Wall Street Mill https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706037448-L7FDSH6IJZMYKC0P9G68/PXL_20210413_174542552.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Homestead at Wall Street Mill https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706043905-IY37IE60SBRSJIGKA73A/PXL_20210413_182418719.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Hidden Valley Hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706465882-TH5SQS9C1GGT78WZAEWU/PXL_20210413_193658547.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Keys View was the perfect picnic lunch spot! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706467999-K67QR3K2ZW9DXE5GBC0Q/PXL_20210413_201143393.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Ryan Ranch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706470623-D78B5D0GK2VJQPLDEL44/PXL_20210413_202950706.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) The Cholla Cactus is actually really pretty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706463969-UZNJVO7UXQ8F007E5GEF/PXL_20210413_200546634.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) That boulder looks like it could tip over at any moment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706473296-5ZJ0GEPM3BM43HEUOG7L/PXL_20210413_205109617.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Hall of Horrors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618705991389-BZ49CZ9QN6L4ZTMVI6TV/IMG_0110.JPG Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) The summit of Ryan Mountain. In hindsight, we should have tackled this hike first. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706475001-F85GKGF3Y4KIAFWPF9CG/PXL_20210413_220411714.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Summit of Ryan Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706478500-AB8NT1N0EM77G9PTV8GU/PXL_20210413_223220966.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Back down we go! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618759677149-JFMGQYVCB255DXFXR61J/PXL_20210417_143035394.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Hello Death Valley! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706480764-3V3M9TBDP6I2GZRLCF7H/PXL_20210414_221345874.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) After several hours of driving through nothing but mountains and desert, more mountains and desert after entering the park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706483462-JKWVE52FISSR4A213LQ4/PXL_20210414_225221280.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Lowest point in North America https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706489512-A6J3YNRBSQ4J2IKGUQ6E/PXL_20210414_225613606.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) That’s salt, not sand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706486365-IVHEEMR2Z3BJDNW3B40E/PXL_20210414_225426484.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) These salt flats were amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706492008-ZCNMME7GBMN6NIJUZFQG/PXL_20210414_225915294%7E2.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) There’s a sign on the mountain that says “Sea Level”. It’s hard to see in this picture so I drew a pink line over it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618705986510-PMH1TCW86OJCDU8WXCHB/DSC_0426.JPG Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Our site at Furnace Creek Campground. One of a handful of full hookup sites in the park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618705744184-HIKCNUW1MOY0C6U1JCA7/DSC_0419.JPG Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Pretty view outside our door https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706494397-48I6KCP7LOY6PLRSY5Q3/PXL_20210415_154401243.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) The Furnace Creek visitors center was full of useful information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706960229-2MER1ZW5AN2EKBDR24F9/PXL_20210415_220724814.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) This was super handy since our data connectivity was spotty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706502484-53KEZPNE1Y7P9SX0IQ88/PXL_20210415_172530082.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Salt Creek boardwalk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706499227-D8RSI0E7E53GK6FEJDBM/PXL_20210415_172207742.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Pupfish https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706497143-SECXEHKZZZVTGVMC3FUB/PXL_20210415_170800029.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) This boggles my mind a little https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706505830-GDJS2ZY83VK2DNMRO3YI/PXL_20210415_182730950.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Harmony Borax Works exhibit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706953674-UOLQ0MXGARS7DR9GXHW4/PXL_20210415_182739117.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Borax was hauled 165 miles out of Death Valley by a 20 mule team wagon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706998317-1DX1ZJS9DF3YGIT3HU16/PXL_20210416_214841162.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) The Oasis at Death Valley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706993793-1R616B7HKI335BSAMJ7T/PXL_20210416_212509618.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) They didn’t just water the grass and palm trees https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706954961-YW6QXHJ9VWUJ90055W6N/PXL_20210415_194402883.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) The Oasis Stables https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706957250-I1DS34GTCKTVU9UML8UG/PXL_20210415_202324245.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) We had just eaten lunch so we just wanted a cocktail but, due to Covid regulations, we had to purchase food too. I feel like they didn’t need to charge us $3 per Snickers bar though…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706958115-X47P3JG0VQCMQ6KR778Y/PXL_20210415_205340063.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) As we were enjoying our cocktails, this coyote wandered onto the golf course. Apparently, it has mange and was kicked out of its pack. It survives on the food that the resort guests feed it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706966437-LNTJTEF9MDIVJI475B6Z/PXL_20210416_153435311.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Golden Canyon mini-hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706971643-55ODD0WLW8K7P9RG6NIE/PXL_20210416_154306076.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Golden Canyon mini-hike. See me up there? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706975478-IA67OZW4P50359PEVJ1W/PXL_20210416_162900776.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Artists Drive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706978831-M7BT5G1RY61EJR6QEXWZ/PXL_20210416_163901883.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Artists Drive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706983108-SR2X4CWUAH94ABYTC3FO/PXL_20210416_165828097.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Zabriski Point https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706986700-NZ3KVHNKT0CE92VKOEL7/PXL_20210416_170336670.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) Zabriski Point https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618706990483-WHX2BG6C36V2QSFEDYHK/PXL_20210416_170721120.jpg Blog - Tree and Sea (level): Two California National Parks (April 12-April 17, 2021) At Zabriski Point. See the teeny tiny hiker on top of the mountain? https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-trzsr-957cn-549ty monthly 0.5 2021-04-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618191883700-N7TJFAWC8L80PK2KWFMY/DSC_0245.JPG Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193131814-KH9PZCH1GG1DLRRH9NSD/PXL_20210406_000702201.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) They don’t need a big fancy sign. They have big fancy mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192380989-PS5V0XRJW87E09GDKDD4/PXL_20210404_015701699.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) Our first site at Catalina State Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192116367-P85R2DMUY1P7LVOS0CC4/DSC_0246.JPG Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) We noticed these little guys running in and out of holes all over the ground when we arrived. I had to ask someone what they were. Ground squirrels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192121036-ERBPRVPA0FRG2H0XMZLO/DSC_0250.JPG Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) I couldn’t stop looking at these mountains! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192132199-WAPG7AC5LK40RN5JXHAD/DSC_0275.JPG Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) Not gonna lie - I made him pose for this picture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192124789-617AVDXMIUA4DF9KSSTJ/DSC_0264.JPG Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) A pair of Lesser Gold Finches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192128215-JN7VH83GH1XBVFXYGN0F/DSC_0272.JPG Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) This bird was absolutely beautiful! At first, I thought it was some sort of tanager. Nope, it’s a Vermillion Flycatcher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192137220-8B0GGPUJAHRPWE5X3BRM/DSC_0290.JPG Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) These cacti came into bloom during our stay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192142081-3B4EMNT5C01CVYPN654F/DSC_0300.JPG Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) I kept telling Charley to back up so he could get as much of the mountain range in the photo as possible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192146737-2YVUCEP5OHDL97Q0FQL7/DSC_0308.JPG Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) The same cardinal that we have at home but apparently the tufts on their heads are larger in the west. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192150836-F09R4OI482PMLH1GB8N8/DSC_0316.JPG Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) That’s a roadrunner! We saw them a few times, mostly in the morning and were finally able to get a picture on our last day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192699124-YFNBO94S0772M19PLB12/PXL_20210404_151434724.MP.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) Sometimes we have sausage for breakfast :) :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192702160-G5LBBPH9XLUP5EZYXU1W/PXL_20210404_155531070.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) Hooray for green trees! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192704922-0I3VM2ZG7OKZM8Z3QHJP/PXL_20210404_155842667.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) It was so nice of them to provide sunscreen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192708298-VT3KBUV2NLSI8KSD5ORG/PXL_20210404_161050544.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) I didn’t realize how big saguaros are until we saw them in person. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192711295-KDHL0D0TOJLWELOIVPEV/PXL_20210404_191626791.MP.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) I really wish Charley was able to get them going. No one wants to have to call a tow truck on Easter Sunday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192714568-YJKZDFMSE8IPYOSXCQ6H/PXL_20210405_142755502.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) The park also provided lots of places to rest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193143943-AX2W8V62QU4CECN171F0/PXL_20210406_224219839.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) I wish we could have seen Montrose Pools! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192721223-GPGDXDQ5ILETKIKMDAY3/PXL_20210405_203454496.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) Titan Missile Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192723675-4UODJ9OVIOZF31Y83KEK/PXL_20210405_213145670.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) The US has an agreement with Russia to keep the hatch permanently locked half-open. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192726125-3W0JJ9NGCQ0OQ8FEPA8V/PXL_20210405_213554838.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) There’s a glass dome over the missile. I had to take several pictures to get one that didn’t reflect off the glass. The original nuclear missile has been removed, but the museum was lucky to obtain an inert training missile in Texas which was slid down into the silo. The US agreement with Russia mandated that a hole be cut through the side of the warhead to always show it is inert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192729536-1LOEH76HBU4DJC9G3YUI/PXL_20210405_214044524.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) It’s the police! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192731922-Y170V6DVSHFZ7MHM7GRN/PXL_20210405_221154215.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) 55 steps down to the control room and the base of the missile. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193116774-MZKKB7X3O1UI3XXC6B3K/PXL_20210405_221804264.MP.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) The control room https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192733534-EPQ4BZF98OD8OJBU5ND4/PXL_20210405_222627424.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) Uh oh! She turned the key. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193117546-M5WSBDZ1HZODB9AS5X72/PXL_20210405_223010642.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) Because smoking down there was ok. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193123184-F756QX9JH1HD4QN9PNL5/PXL_20210405_224438054.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) Looking up into the silo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193136185-VSWAXAA5QAJBMTDUHQWL/PXL_20210406_020006719.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) Another beautiful sunset https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193139832-P5W543B75Y0Z93C5W4AD/PXL_20210406_203706436.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) Exiting Walmart. I’m pretty sure views like this would make shopping at the Vestal Walmart much more bearable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193149783-F2FRYXNRXC0S8GUC2ACE/PXL_20210407_013921218.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) Our second site at Catalina State Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193147505-PVGLC4HXIR9K3ERGIPJI/PXL_20210407_011642324.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) I think I could probably live here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193157050-NY1OMBJRE4U94VXWX5X0/PXL_20210407_150324249.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) The sun is intense! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193153907-RM6ENZVS500JDM3TE9ZC/PXL_20210407_143731242.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) We found water in the desert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193161159-B69G531KNJWXOKKXTVIO/PXL_20210408_014204123.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) Our last night at Catalina State Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192376848-CK1H4Q6JFFCJ3225U6GI/original_1d8482f7-ecd9-46cb-b836-37713ef81d1a_PXL_20210403_150709974.MP.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) Apparently, if you happen to be driving during a dust storm it’s a pretty serious situation. Luckily we haven’t encountered one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193600796-S8NRK3UUKS26R3O7XZMN/PXL_20210409_203644226.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) Hello Quartzsite! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193164494-GES1B9J27DH2YZ32SQNZ/PXL_20210408_203437176.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) Our site at Holiday Palms RV Resort https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193573322-4B4P0Z2PBYTYVH2JRQ7W/PXL_20210408_204831651.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) Having access to a pool was such a treat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193586581-DQCJZNLNVILU3CVVZ5HY/PXL_20210409_013818107.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) Very nice campground. I do wonder how old these palm trees are…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193575850-EIZLHU2VGAZD0TNBUJ7Y/PXL_20210408_224243614.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) FYI - You have to eat your ice cream really fast in the desert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192370896-51U5RX28OJ1HTBFBXWDE/IMG_0098.JPG Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) We’ve put almost 5000 miles on the Excursion already. Time for an oil change. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192375662-LRXAWSVQQTAMRKGXH1A5/IMG_0100.JPG Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) And a car wash. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193580171-4TSB9FP4TLWKXKR9WZ0C/PXL_20210408_225114461.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) This is the biggest campground library I’ve ever seen! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193592973-1MBDUE4WUD9QF9NU146D/PXL_20210409_202728970.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) One of the BLM signs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192358828-X82Q61SRQDERADKXC3YW/IMG_0094.JPG Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) The Colorado River from the California side https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618192364409-JD54FDWDJE2X6ZT206XG/IMG_0095.JPG Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) We actually crossed a different bridge about 15 miles away and drove to the Parker Dam on the California side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193604765-7YMRCC21J64YH6XBFTD7/PXL_20210410_180436129.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) The lanes crossing over the dam were really narrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193613202-FKO6Q05OBZJ9KW664SJT/PXL_20210410_191727031.MP.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) I can’t believe he’s still letting me take his picture every five minutes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193620462-9APXVOYU393UQ1GKIIMH/PXL_20210410_192346093.MP.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) We ate at Burgers By the Bridge. Even the fish was delicious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193624709-NVJ1V66ZXQW0I960KU1Z/PXL_20210410_194813568.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) That water! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193629344-ZHOM27CVATPGIFJ251V0/PXL_20210410_195131556.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) Clearly, I wasn’t paying attention at the visitor’s center because we’d been there a while before I realized the bridge actually came from London. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193633684-IOIJXHPL47R3C10Z0VYP/PXL_20210410_195528092.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) On the bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193637975-KHV9ATTXLMTFXYVZRHXY/PXL_20210410_200143606.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) The London Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193640479-U5ACQ43U661KGJH90MML/PXL_20210410_200327877.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) Boat police! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193645191-PSZH6I8MVUB2JRSD9WN0/PXL_20210410_200938072.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) We saw a boat for sale. SO tempting! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1618193647852-5YYMP48DL8A60OMN8R9R/PXL_20210410_233622109.jpg Blog - Southern Arizona (April 3-April 12, 2021) We were looking forward to a swim when we got back from our day out at Lake Havasu but the pool was closed for cleaning so we got into the hot tub instead. Charley: I’m surprised there aren’t more people in here. Me: Who gets in the hot tub when it’s 95 degrees out? https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-trzsr-957cn monthly 0.5 2021-04-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617761144192-CBUBIN57UYW8OIY759LP/PXL_20210402_175603388.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924308321-Q0H00SIYNA0T8FFLZSDA/PXL_20210330_140147160.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) More middle-of-nowhere driving in West Texas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924305820-V4XHBIUDBPC2XHPAWQSY/PXL_20210330_135123067.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) This road was appropriately called “Ranch Road” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924310997-15NA0C2YIMPAT030KIKT/PXL_20210330_172919113.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) I’m not positive but I think you can see Mexico from Interstate 10 in El Paso https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924337854-X3RJ383J5MLX83U22Z3L/PXL_20210331_173426512.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) Nice place… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924339723-CY7YF7KCWVJPC8D9VCUM/PXL_20210331_173440971.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) but I wish the visitor’s center was open https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924316528-Z457Q928NG5YQ9YDEL5L/PXL_20210330_230056084.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) Great site! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924313725-RLV5ZXDVSWIKYHMQ103L/PXL_20210330_230016532.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) I thought this pavilion was awesome until the sun started to go down and bats started flying out of it https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924292774-RSLT9VRB8SZCTG6DSH3W/DSC_0194.JPG Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) Picture perfect https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924295784-4JXS3BTI3IFMGRYFEZ6I/DSC_0206.JPG Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) Beautiful sunsets too https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924323233-WKOXI2K3QJW78X9Y5LUM/PXL_20210331_134513595.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) I love cooking breakfast outside! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924326700-TH477TGYLLYKWN358XPD/PXL_20210331_165723122.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) One of the Leasburg Dam State Park hiking trails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924329712-XC0NIWDYDJVZRB0EV1L2/PXL_20210331_171850494.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) The Rio Grand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924333487-5JHYQUANOEZK6RD1ZRMX/PXL_20210331_172214402.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) No worries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924334858-42JFMDKHB0RZMLYSFF72/PXL_20210331_173208914.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) I have yet to identify this bird https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924646707-Q8VXK1JRWE8GUJYMX336/PXL_20210331_205240450.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) If you look closely you can see the jackrabbit. This was the best photo I could get. They are fast! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924648752-9BG5CXOPKWPQQPSG65DC/PXL_20210331_230905490.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) Beats getting whiskers in the camper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924658928-4URKTSLH09RTFJN6M7JT/PXL_20210402_014017210.MP.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) Beautiful place https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924653996-WBZDJ24P9PCG68YKCXEB/PXL_20210401_205808210.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) We parked behind a guy who was towing a double-decker trailer, Ford truck (with a giant gas grill in the bed) on the bottom, and his boat on the top. He made our setup look super small. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924651089-SU5Z4LX18G5YWSQE9078/PXL_20210401_193451329.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) All of them were delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924661348-7W6G1Z003676S1LWV82P/PXL_20210402_014052672.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) 17 campers were there overnight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924663571-FYOT80DHVFAVOK9XX2N4/PXL_20210402_155003138.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) And then we crossed the continental divide https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924667189-TNP2WDQ71CMST1DOUSHR/PXL_20210402_172303920.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) Shakespeare Ghost Town was a legit ghost town https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924720565-GYHRJSIMEZRPOJGX07HN/PXL_20210402_203948636.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) Shakespeare from a distance. Such a unique camping experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924691585-C5IKXW7TBNJ17VYFG7TC/PXL_20210402_180630123.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) Keith was an amazing tour guide! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924670971-J58HBQZ7GO3X2RCKI509/PXL_20210402_173338390.MP.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) The Saloon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924679819-35XX6EWQ44EVXPW2MM4D/PXL_20210402_173353587.MP.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) The Saloon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924682002-75SCYNIVXNAIEQHORACB/PXL_20210402_173630622.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) bullet holes in the walls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924688634-B2HT60IKD21PRL8O20Y7/PXL_20210402_174403654.MP.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) The Station - where the stagecoach stopped https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924694443-NUTQ2IOC4ZX5GAYE8NM5/PXL_20210402_180836729.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) The hotel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924696932-6STUUJG4N03PBK726BFR/PXL_20210402_182125698.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) Hotel kitchen. It’s rumored that Billy the Kid worked here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924700293-CMUH49J65U4KB2LCCYXV/PXL_20210402_182522782.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) Hotel dining room https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924704256-LYZUGAWKV1WWI1GBVKAB/PXL_20210402_182704003.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) Parlor of the hotel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924707981-6OR0A6Z3TCQ0G52BDSZR/PXL_20210402_183504929.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) The military outpost https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924710261-OFHLH6TOCAG5G0BHVLI3/PXL_20210402_184610442.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) Assay’s office (where they would have their silver weighed) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924712886-VW0QP41FB5UONOJ1UHLO/PXL_20210402_185335893.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) Blacksmith’s shop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924715839-JLU1YFFPDOJJ8R3KZEYA/PXL_20210402_191423376.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) He really wanted to take this truck home! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924718878-Q4BVJ1G4SKSO9LASIQ2H/PXL_20210402_191500597.jpg Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) It’s in great shape for it’s age https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924305678-EEDACSZC7Q69C7QQAK2G/DSC_0240.JPG Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) Prickly Pear cactus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617924299546-ER5JFE6JGWNVGJCFXSM2/DSC_0227.JPG Blog - New Mexico (March 30-April 3, 2021) Sunset over Shakespeare https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-trzsr monthly 0.5 2021-04-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493008214-K0T57ZD7ONE48Y3Q6RRK/PXL_20210326_171250690.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493295111-2EMLF5AF2MSYZH2U4VRO/original_ce7f9312-d8c1-43d3-8f15-2fb809d76586_PXL_20210325_213401620.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Yikies! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493303093-8CZLTRTOEYK4TQDY50WP/PXL_20210325_144207513.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Texas State Capital grounds https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493309580-1AFAZ9OWEEGW1PVUTEWU/PXL_20210325_145943311.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Texas State Capital Rotunda and Dome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493370587-514DJFA658OE9H2JH1JN/PXL_20210325_150809592.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) The rotunda has four levels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493314028-DCX2385JK93ZPWV6IXAJ/PXL_20210325_150507308.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493377156-Q3G8R462X7N59PK2J74D/PXL_20210325_150838094.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Ground floor of the rotunda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493319413-UDIKHATFTTMKT2HVMJ45/PXL_20210325_150635553.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493382327-K9222MZO1JK4ES5C3LFS/PXL_20210325_150958438.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Governor’s Public Reception Room https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493391518-JQ5BRVWKE4NMMOJS8SFC/PXL_20210325_152547222.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) House of Representatives Chamber https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493397549-VJBUUFNDI2GQHBMROVGT/PXL_20210325_153836160.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Legislative Reference Library https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493450759-KXZTPC14QP9THWI9YYF8/PXL_20210325_165158748.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) I didn’t realize my waffle was shaped like Texas until after I had taken a few bites :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493454378-YSZ3GKOUJWV4Y6M2M0V2/PXL_20210325_175112670.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Chris! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493462358-41Y3R7ECY7XDKY34BK7C/PXL_20210325_181920334.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Authentic cowboy boots at authentic cowboy boot prices! No, he didn’t buy a pair https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493468069-AN0CUGT83D09OF8NMVSI/PXL_20210325_184048414.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Welcome to Austin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493470459-1AT79B5J8U0GCXIGTQIM/PXL_20210325_184542705.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) These murals in Austin were so much fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493477644-93V2QO892OLVQK41FW28/PXL_20210325_194518729.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Cheers to friends https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493545556-RHYTGJQYYF3NNN1VXPPW/PXL_20210325_214655571.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Amazing barbeque https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493562470-K6XH2PFX1P8UPMHLP79B/PXL_20210325_215256283.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Such nice people too https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493569214-FFZ0AM4WO1CUKEWBXC1T/PXL_20210325_220746006.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) I wish I had my kitchen scale with me because I really wanted to weigh this https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493588661-W5WHQJQFN6VRHQF5TA4Z/PXL_20210326_160837970.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Walking tour of San Antonio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493577310-R7FC24H54QZMRYJOI4HC/PXL_20210326_145644149.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) San Antonio River Walk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493799509-Z15PUGHSRCNNWRW3T46J/PXL_20210326_170944965.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) San Antonio River Walk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493820028-37LIRAT88T4C946RP7M6/PXL_20210326_171710320.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) San Antonio River Walk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493811139-YE7Q1T87GXRM3VDUSFOX/PXL_20210326_171250690.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) San Antonio River Walk. No boat tour for us… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493827747-7UR8R9J3WHG061Y0IFF3/PXL_20210326_175710650.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) …beverages, a soft pretzel and people-watching instead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493838777-YTXPH7OLRXLKZFDBJJ51/PXL_20210326_185036758.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) The Alamo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493925065-YV5M92FEAG6ENBTP3839/PXL_20210326_194938813.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Mission Concepción https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493919723-6C8JBJHO7PR2LLQ7I3U6/PXL_20210326_195505890.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Mission Concepción https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493931567-QTGDGQVPANY49LR581P3/PXL_20210326_200149009.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Mission Concepción https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493937728-G5RJIZ6T5RIW23HPGHLU/PXL_20210326_201447636.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Mission San Jose https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617493944253-TSL4UTKV89T20NT25OI4/PXL_20210326_202059365.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Mission San Jose https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617494018623-RZHPCTP51YBT6ZTBYWIQ/PXL_20210326_202106801.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Mission San Jose https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617494021980-QAEEW0SDQGA7F31141XJ/PXL_20210326_202439158.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Mission San Jose https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617494026952-ST408B8I9Q24KXZBDAJ2/PXL_20210326_202858167.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Mission San Jose https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617494033363-2HWJ4TNBA4TFAR3WA1AI/PXL_20210326_205049188.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Mission San Juan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617494140612-S4VBGGO1854RE9D9PIG6/PXL_20210326_205214397.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Mission San Juan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617494145607-Z1VSHHQQHHHXA6H4I039/PXL_20210326_205416089.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Mission San Juan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617494152231-2YVFCSG3YCNQDQBC2P7D/PXL_20210326_211100109.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Mission Espada https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617494158743-NF3H3INW4P0YL5YVEK2M/PXL_20210326_211241106.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Mission Espada https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617494162823-YCY2J0XG3YVD5AX2Y8RE/PXL_20210326_211350774.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 2 (March 24-28, 2021) Mission Espada https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc-8lm6m monthly 0.5 2021-04-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617566675321-JMJD46U3T8QO7ZDRW7VH/DSC_0139.JPG Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617641631793-V3SH3AUEB4LNMN5O0VRM/PXL_20210329_235641423.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) Davis Mountains State Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617641239747-V672ULSA19WJQFSEVSN2/PXL_20210329_125645574.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) Beautiful Sunrise https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617641246202-2GQISA6XB1QOPT2SJ1G5/PXL_20210329_145450665.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) Morning Hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617641252123-R5F02PTMDVWC5B7DT6SY/PXL_20210329_151611705.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) Skyline Drive Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617641257930-SHYKYEKBH7JRE73OHN0T/PXL_20210329_151856953.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) Skyline Drive Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617640868577-9XDN0G4G3D9JO2XSXP0A/DSC_0138.JPG Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) From the top of Skyline Drive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617640875413-B7HEB310GZ0ZAJIBJX34/DSC_0142.JPG Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) From the top of Skyline Drive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617644366442-7YN5IIRFRGG5VD002MOD/Photowithstar2.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) Our camper (below the star) looks so tiny down there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617641262935-QU954RAKOZ2LF3AY6PUL/PXL_20210329_152953348.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) We appreciated a place to sit after that hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617640882871-R3D9Q7I4Z1DRMCH8H91Y/DSC_0145.JPG Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) Indian Lodge from Skyline Drive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617641599606-Z7HB4LE118L30EA0C9PY/PXL_20210329_181126850.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) Montezuma Quail Trail - our afternoon hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617640913921-22I0FOBOV81PNRRF67B7/DSC_0170.JPG Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) Looking at Skyline Drive from the Montezuma Quail Trail. We chose to hike up the Skyline Drive trail but you could also take the zig zaggy road to the top https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617640924021-I2C98VCJZPJHCVPZIIVH/DSC_0171.JPG Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) Hiking down the backside of the mountain toward the lodge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617641204218-C7BGSJBP5SA79FFP6SHK/DSC_0173.JPG Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) Indian Lodge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617641198354-F9QE6S2SXMUEPLIWWUYL/DSC_0178.JPG Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) Got to do a little bit of birdwatching at Davis Mountains. This is a Western Scrub-Jay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617641213217-HOLOJ2DHBKAJQV4E7PTK/DSC_0187.JPG Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) Black-chinned Hummingbird https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617641221508-PXWPQM2HML488U6PZBHW/DSC_0189.JPG Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) I believe this is a Black-Crested Titmouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617641591618-F6MXD9HZGDWPOS1MVUEQ/PXL_20210329_194024888.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) Indian Lodge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617641625143-YTB45N82MOGDPLBWR5OJ/PXL_20210329_200946879.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) The original lobby at Indian Lodge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617641605395-HF3C1QGDU8L4M6S9DG2R/PXL_20210329_200416068.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) The original lobby at Indian Lodge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617641612051-2Y6ZUJYSWYE57DQXQO3L/PXL_20210329_200728195.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) CCC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617641618667-B1GBRTKW29RUNMDHJB8D/PXL_20210329_200813976.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) Bet that’s nice in the summer time https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1617641635477-WPMXIQ32WIGOQAHH1JF2/PXL_20210330_010611691.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 3 (March 28-30, 2021) We had no cell service or wifi at the campsite but I could still write and enjoy the view https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z-mkrlc monthly 0.5 2021-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616876636634-SL6TYSE19E3P9IFHT07M/PXL_20210320_192836559.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616877272474-A6YQVUQD6GQ3W2FTV7NT/PXL_20210320_172602952.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Texas Welcome Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616881334272-P2NMAHRYQ47W7YAQFQFV/PXL_20210324_152153936.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Village Creek State Park, Lumberton TX https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616880145286-9IPH134Z763TY28OY4FX/PXL_20210323_184654463.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Nice Hiking Trails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616877581818-I1PX6XPGZHQH76RN7G9J/PXL_20210320_192659474.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Noted! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616880250532-01P3FLB6NJR97W7U3LS7/PXL_20210323_201037339.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) We didn’t see any venomous snakes but we saw tons of turtles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616878129545-VAQQZTE0ST8JX4ZR1XCV/PXL_20210321_152650241.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Free parking with a view https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616877594378-4RVMXTZIMAU24LKFZ69G/PXL_20210321_154146919.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Beautiful view of the skyline from Buffalo Bayou Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616878684396-QG8AY2CUWFMIJ5RZ0P1K/PXL_20210321_170616907.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Downtown Houston https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616878190988-YPTBTGG0JO1RL3CELN6U/PXL_20210321_154835601.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) At the cistern entrance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616878251955-4GOB1V62MMT50GQWG7SW/PXL_20210321_154848105.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) The entrance ramp to the cistern was built for tours. Otherwise, the only way to get in was to go down a ladder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616878407074-4H76XGT0BRKU4VHG0FC9/PXL_20210321_161305440.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) It looks like you can see the entire column but it’s an optical illusion. You’re actually seeing the top of the columns and ceiling reflecting off the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616878458549-J7A7UKBE34BJPKE0E26H/PXL_20210321_162110307.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) The cistern can hold up to 15 million gallons of water. They keep a few inches of water in the bottom because they are unsure of what would happen to the concrete if it completely dried out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616878499852-NFTPWHGEEZEUCCWX7Q6U/PXL_20210321_162913032.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Our tour guide was really good at her job. Unfortunately, it was her last week working there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616878702488-3J8HJCL4XYU587A17ACW/PXL_20210321_183628466.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Houston Police Officers Memorial in Buffalo Bayou Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616878752086-TPYA0767LHJI94NSZMY9/PXL_20210321_183802146.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Houston Police Officers Memorial in Buffalo Bayou Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616878857023-GVSLSWO1PVU5UNUGOKZS/PXL_20210322_224342061.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Three meals https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616878905571-5XC7J0R3XL6F1WLF8XCV/PXL_20210323_140631111.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Would have been interesting but it was closed for renovations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616878976137-56WKPTFK3D3CTT4DY6T9/PXL_20210323_154216993.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) No photography allowed in the Texas Energy Museum but I snuck a few https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616878947856-7KI2MYMHXSLBAS9LHC3P/PXL_20210323_153759537.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) No photography allowed in the Texas Energy Museum but I snuck a few https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616879195492-F1BSGVE0WLJCLMMYLSK5/PXL_20210323_162140630.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, Beaumont TX https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616880100252-VU2EO4CTE2HRNN2GODSQ/PXL_20210323_170043359.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, Beaumont TX https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616880117852-I94GMPMG2E98F5461FRB/PXL_20210323_170343142.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, Beaumont TX https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616879174757-M2O59OY7AN59DDZ4D5M7/PXL_20210323_162000434.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, Beaumont TX https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616879214745-WKZOKJUCS9M9KK4QK20D/PXL_20210323_162239346.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, Beaumont TX https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616879235336-3QWVJ4EUMZDXPCLVZDGX/PXL_20210323_162613161.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, Beaumont TX https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616879441016-ARN2YSIDLPFMAA3XG9PQ/PXL_20210323_163946018.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, Beaumont TX https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616879429641-8Z0GEPXZOE4Q0SO034V5/PXL_20210323_163952366.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, Beaumont TX https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616879470894-LA77U0XMNYADD0MBP9JQ/PXL_20210323_164203591.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, Beaumont TX https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616879488567-LOGDB8MG4YY18F0SCDSF/PXL_20210323_164211564.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, Beaumont TX https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616879508499-SR7VIXMUXOBVWZPYQ89M/PXL_20210323_164520980.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, Beaumont TX https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616879796742-BKGDI59L9Z5A35VOB6BS/PXL_20210323_164626539.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, Beaumont TX https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616879782920-47R7YP19P6RKS6OQEXOJ/PXL_20210323_164735843.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, Beaumont TX https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616879866401-SK5IPOJEZGR5BIHW79JN/PXL_20210323_164747052.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, Beaumont TX https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616879961534-IQ2RC9LSLE1KJYNANTYG/PXL_20210323_164825847.MP.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, Beaumont TX https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616880321889-T7E6DDSS1ENX6ZOE5DG6/PXL_20210323_235400294.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) Village Creek State Park, Lumberton TX. I don’t know who selected all these great campsites but he did a good job! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616880878365-W8MIG3N7HGBXV3U44YLH/PXL_20210324_142540036.jpg Blog - Texas - Part 1 (March 20-24, 2021) “Don’t worry. Easy fix” https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w-dew8z monthly 0.5 2021-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616434036663-M2YWKJMT42FAVFRZ5VFY/PXL_20210318_234706110.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616440916869-3EB317H4BUWSTVCR1XJI/PXL_20210315_201742071.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) Davis Bayou Campground near Biloxi MS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616440854643-NXML5F9BB2QTELPYJF3T/PXL_20210315_192939321.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) Hello there https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616441281288-NEZ90QX223KXHCM719PJ/PXL_20210315_210102442.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) Don’t worry. I won’t! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616440572812-QH0P0LISKEK9UTDTI03W/DSC_0100.JPG Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) Davis Bayou Boat House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616439222966-T6R1SBZLFL9C4NM3AU0H/DSC_0090.JPG Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) So pretty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616440383074-SFK7RH3EEMW2LRMTAXOG/DSC_0094.JPG Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) We saw lots and lots of turtles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616440654422-GEZ6TLS3G5IW9AM3IJSF/DSC_0110.JPG Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) That’s Biloxi in the distance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616440779061-8MAVW0V9SY0JJYWC3PAH/DSC_0121.JPG Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) Bayou at dusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616441364246-YRDLQE2DY89WKFLM9XBR/PXL_20210316_151641821.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) Novice birdwatcher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616440836528-6CD9304SE44QPOO211E9/DSC_0133.JPG Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) The Osprey nest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616441010365-9L45TBZKYSN64KRBS39N/PXL_20210315_211039581.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) Our site at Davis Bayou. Adequate. Nothing special. Lots of bugs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616442356685-269E33QQN9441BKZJCZD/PXL_20210316_191742475.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) I should have planned ahead for a tour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616441520011-TDAATBQJEMIKWP3GQY45/PXL_20210316_191811984.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) The brown house is the Charnley-Norwood House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616441866547-IIZZN6BOWT0SQJTSEDDB/PXL_20210317_134223060.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) Biloxi Visitors Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616441847860-2THEYQCUIEL49J3RATGM/PXL_20210317_134118275.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) Lighthouse at the Biloxi Visitors Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616441872367-KDNPLU9Y98IC33T5NG1G/PXL_20210317_181100343.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) National WWII Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616441876593-FDYBGHHXN3LK8D3KN140/PXL_20210317_184342689.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) National WWII Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616441883331-L6JIJGPSSUAPBMQGDQW8/PXL_20210317_190010889.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) National WWII Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616442474548-C04XLTMKBYNM93M7E6RX/PXL_20210317_190531296.MP.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) National WWII Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616442480808-8XAAIA0VSJDVUGHQGY7E/PXL_20210317_191218473.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) National WWII Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616442493191-LHOJ6ZQ18R5HASLOY62S/PXL_20210317_194422272.MP.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) National WWII Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616442499658-T4TRXSAU0AJU62IB4WE4/PXL_20210317_201104150.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) National WWII Museum. My grandpa was a merchant marine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616442517441-1USZGDIPNB27OBZBWQ91/PXL_20210317_202354052.MP.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) National WWII Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616442605414-3JWBSLZV5JMPT4O6DH5A/PXL_20210317_204519360.MP.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) National WWII Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616442620828-CH6EVVADRBSXF781WIXT/PXL_20210317_205950423.MP.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) National WWII Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616442661819-I88Z6NA0ES4GBH9ZLAPG/PXL_20210317_210914597.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) National WWII Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616442972936-RDFFSTYP5M3T4FG8M1CZ/PXL_20210317_213355161.MP.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) National WWII Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616442994141-UN9WVYM0ULD4CBJUV64T/PXL_20210318_165511459.MP.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) Ferry ride across the Mississippi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616443007260-J0R9OIYZIN1S1QAJ8BBV/PXL_20210318_172933337.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) I sat here for about an hour while Charley was on the phone. Great people-watching spot! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616443018556-MZ397V7S05OHG80PSVTF/PXL_20210318_185318903.PORTRAIT.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) Yummy and cheap! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616443035830-LX6G2I37HCREA8ZFU454/PXL_20210318_190957311.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) I can’t remember what street this was https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616443347628-1CQD2IN82J66XHREG28X/PXL_20210318_190404134.MP.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) St. Louis Cathedral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616443372864-PUNAU3UQRT1MFGCL6WRK/PXL_20210318_191403568.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) Bourbon Street https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616443396648-NWBBQ0SPQL7BRVV9JTJ8/PXL_20210318_193734598.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) Armstrong (as in Louis Armstrong) Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616443427958-B9QC5M203DPGQLQ5HQUJ/PXL_20210318_212125343.MP.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) Huge ships up and down the river https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616443444683-YUTYJKO6YJT07YMHEV1U/PXL_20210318_201942991.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) Not sure what this building was but it was pretty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616443647035-01GBPWQD1S80M0L320IO/PXL_20210318_212323213.MP.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) River boat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616443695152-HE7YZRC10J7FJ9YSC609/PXL_20210319_000621815.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) Our site at Bayou Segnette. Adequate. Nothing special. No bugs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616443704558-XZHCQ9YZXCXTITMBPYLX/PXL_20210319_120246384.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) But we did see an armadillo on one of our early morning walks at Bayou Segnette! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616443989432-RR2Y7H94G6FB1686U6MR/PXL_20210318_234706110.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) Floating cabins for rent at Bayou Segnette https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616443757660-4NS94ST6YBGF2C7TNKZM/PXL_20210319_160419188.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) “The Big House” at Oak Alley Plantation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616443818416-MN44W39V314ZBCJ43N6C/PXL_20210319_160318869.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) 200 year old Virginia Oak trees https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616443798321-XTPIOO1AL9Q0HGBG8DDY/PXL_20210319_153947041.MP.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) Slave quarters at Oak Alley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1616443835682-FBPVLFQ8FJPU1R2NX3X5/PXL_20210319_155317535.jpg Blog - Down on the Bayou (March 15-19, 2021) So sad https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk-pmk4w monthly 0.5 2021-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615759209095-G63QHRH1EE0YN20HDWSO/PXL_20210312_222817773.MP.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757127339-HVFJHPSD213SE7ZPNC7S/PXL_20210310_234647632+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) As we pulled in, I had no idea how beautiful it would be! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757136843-A0110WXBRF9ZHJ3VRZI1/PXL_20210311_121618536+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Site #21 looked a little Gilligan’s Island ish to me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757253324-MMO7P1XYGUD04OFD3ZXY/PXL_20210314_170752578.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Site #42 was huge! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757131947-S6ZOTB89GQ2QU3F5ANLD/PXL_20210311_120552280+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Sunrise https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757145043-9SIPAIOT0YV7NGQ2SEQR/PXL_20210311_195717654+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Walkway to the beach from the campground https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757129515-MDLUEHIG3LYF5GCY98IC/PXL_20210311_113710904+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Walkway to the beach from the campground https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757225871-DAG4FKALMRR4BKGIZ1AT/PXL_20210313_214657570.MP+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Great day for beach walking… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757147082-JTBTEVK0LCBW5HHVA6YA/PXL_20210311_200759643+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) …and reading! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757952984-AP3WAS0UE4B2M2PIB95W/PXL_20210310_201744000.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Private beach meant fewer people https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615758016428-KBAA8GOWJBIEBAH7YZRI/PXL_20210311_113404071.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Such a strange sound https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757160901-5O96N7CQVT852TMB57PQ/PXL_20210312_000223096.MP+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) The walkway was so picturesque! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757156909-IR9W1SAH3JY2PFRVOY1R/PXL_20210312_000026417.MP+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Two red flags = no swimming allowed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757164154-MZ1FW4FUMA3LIYJH16GG/PXL_20210312_134201117+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Soon to be breakfast burritos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757151909-PQMMNY88KJK6K4CLI81X/PXL_20210311_232630932.MP+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Chicken fajitas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757233411-KPBOBY3ITHGFO1OENTLZ/PXL_20210313_232622139.PORTRAIT+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Delicious!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757236079-7X2BZVSWYI2QNFPXL9KK/PXL_20210314_120123046+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) We had to get up mighty early to get the smoker going https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757239897-3U8FY8XBKGXJ02OMNSP7/PXL_20210314_120958340+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Bet you can’t lay in bed and keep an eye on your smoker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757245870-AZEXGZZDI8B6I6NSH95I/PXL_20210314_170113756.MP+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Two hours in. It only got better from here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615811683748-AUFG2OKCN8QV9H0NVI3V/PXL_20210314_230457881.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) The pulled pork was worth the wait! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757183800-87X9KDDH5CRDFL2P8I24/PXL_20210312_220651823.MP+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Sunset Dinner Cruise https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757186063-V4JWC5U6TZ5BD5LNGNUO/PXL_20210312_220713534+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) The Solaris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757188642-XF0ZI4LCZU5824C5IAWQ/PXL_20210312_224746854+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) It was a perfect night! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757193694-HTHGQT0MFBXDXUVL2N78/PXL_20210312_225933341.MP+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Other boats at the marina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757196703-4QVHGYPYSPY19UR7308C/PXL_20210312_232543290+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Mother Nature’s beauty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757198958-MG1Q53690KWUH64WJ0EU/PXL_20210312_234010507+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Dinner was good but the drinks were better https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757205095-DBSH4ZCKPI36NNGT38AT/PXL_20210312_235040846.MP+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) My dinner got a little cold because I couldn’t take my eyes off the sunset! It was spectacular! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757207910-EU58TKGGODTF82FHJOBP/PXL_20210313_001234791+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) We sailed right under this bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757211672-O4QLYQ1JR2O4ZT4K79E8/PXL_20210313_011345705.MP+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Live music was great! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757215117-B73N2W0325WSJY8WRPBV/PXL_20210313_185204907+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Big thanks to RV Connection in Panama City FL for hitching us up https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615759103789-BROTLJ0KUQ88RBAVZ3J2/PXL_20210313_221832767%2B-%2BCopy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Hooray for the new hitch! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757248363-0BYMGFVANY193U03M2SE/PXL_20210314_170420859.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Laundry day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615757139977-56BW4WDDXM9HFAX2CKNT/PXL_20210311_181037343+-+Copy.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Dumping the tanks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615811718176-EK1XVOFQKPL41OVCY87B/PXL_20210314_233337941.jpg Blog - White Sand Beaches (March 10-15, 2021) Sunset on our last day. Leaving was hard! https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb-agdlk monthly 0.5 2021-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385984689-RAD0AWGC9TFG420AEGT6/PXL_20210305_184058752.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385229621-FIUUK24JPD5EIZPUBJWK/PXL_20210304_121601057.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Morning walk at Carolina Beach https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385253491-Q2JPNP0HUZOCGCZ92SZT/PXL_20210304_131419072.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Morning Walk at Carolina Beach https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385256461-UK5KA8RSZP46SVTTB776/PXL_20210305_123942729.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Pet me Charley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385259626-U8HBSGA2HZPNI5F3ZRA7/PXL_20210305_125805540.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Sunny’s Donuts one and only location https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385262204-B84KTFRE2ZK7YC0QC3YJ/PXL_20210305_130451936.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Yum! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385273662-8L09WKFP2UN05A0PU6I1/PXL_20210305_145919541.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Limestone University https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385265113-PQSV9D9QUKUMO003827E/PXL_20210305_144405122.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Impressive! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385267690-4C3FVY6OR5CRC9LAH7KJ/PXL_20210305_144754552.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Winnie Davis Hall at Limestone University. Looking down https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385270247-7VDT7ENE08N61RKGC4EN/PXL_20210305_145412243.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Looking up https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385283247-9FSFJXIYVB9V9LHZ16WO/PXL_20210305_151553881.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) This was a limestone quarry. Now Limestone Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385297400-BVVA7APA4R3Q652X3S5J/PXL_20210305_161325757.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) CHAPS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385290465-WW57H9JJ7EO9TQ4ZR1HN/PXL_20210305_160414154.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) CHAPS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385303506-EYTKD0S843BBEIK8WSFS/PXL_20210305_161648866.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) CHAPS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385312233-PCS9MQDMU9V60Q2IEJUV/PXL_20210305_164008056.MP.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) CHAPS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385317235-J2UYGIUJNWC5RIAHC8AL/PXL_20210305_164614006.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) CHAPS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385325535-IAL3PSG2J3L8SP0NO99B/PXL_20210305_184058752.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) We found spring at the Gaffney Visitor’s Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385331009-I1RUWR2HXWTCJLXBVCM0/PXL_20210305_185025418.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) That’s one giant peach! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385357712-58TH3RUI54POS4G0UG8V/PXL_20210305_203928991.MP.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) I broke the wall. Thanks to Jeff for lending us his woodworking skills! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385363571-SJGR1DOF9UYRPOBKG31J/PXL_20210306_154918912.MP.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Jealous of the local library’s bookstore building https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385367800-FY3ZNFS5DURX20J1750F/PXL_20210306_162101022.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Downtown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385370783-2MCK5ANO567ZKPC0QXEJ/PXL_20210306_192313335.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Yorkie Mafia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385388076-3N8PIZIY7YQB04B3EACA/PXL_20210307_164317884.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Cowpen’s Battlefield https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385374431-88D8MJ7UA8DZJPSJE0RU/PXL_20210307_153746740.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Cowpen’s Monument https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385379693-4L4DXPS1FH53TLGGFP9X/PXL_20210307_155638461.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) They’d never trust me with a real gun https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385384616-OFT04Z2JOYDBBRHUUD06/PXL_20210307_162819950.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Very informative https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385392123-0VU5R1BFRLAZARIE55VP/PXL_20210307_170546306.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) The Robert Scruggs House at Cowpen’s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385399560-Q9SWHSP6Z39I03G0HHZ9/PXL_20210307_223717020.MP.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Fans of “House of Cards” on HBO will probably understand this picture :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385402305-14J6FLNECU3MTJI8XOMI/PXL_20210308_012908065.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Sweet Sage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385405182-C40ZEI41NLWQA4KXA21C/PXL_20210308_135817945.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Breakfast with Adam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385408144-7RMWIBACWC9CE5O50L5B/PXL_20210308_173800973.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) BMW Visitor’s Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615387591210-HZOBMINSOPLQQI76GNSC/IMG_0027.JPG Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) BMW Visitor’s Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615387615183-0PKKZ2IMX9FLJGNFCILQ/IMG_0028.JPG Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) BMW Visitor’s Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615387634122-VQOHDK0IG3TG9PHA1YJX/IMG_0030.JPG Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) BMW Visitor’s Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615387647645-PWD5DDAN3Z0OI375ZEVU/IMG_0032.JPG Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) BMW Visitor’s Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615387659783-ANW13JRA8CLKFHEGX3CW/IMG_0033.JPG Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) BMW Visitor’s Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615387682675-08DSBN3RYXOR0QNP1XTA/IMG_0034.JPG Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) BMW Visitor’s Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385411973-OB107USA849BI70I54QN/PXL_20210309_075327508.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Old School Boondocking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385414891-7N4UEUXTWWN5I0X9A3QZ/PXL_20210309_195526915.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Hodges Vineyard and Winery. They had me at sweet and fruity https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385420180-WRVQPUVI0O2C7MOYUS5Y/PXL_20210309_202026194.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Amazing HH location https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1615385422774-CXE1HH0RNV6B8BLYCXBK/PXL_20210310_001646591.jpg Blog - Muddin, a Yorkie Mafia and the Best Donuts in South Carolina (March 4-10, 2021) Sunset at Hodges Vineyard and Winery https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9-wldjb monthly 0.5 2021-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614788549507-9PF6B7BDHLDE7ZMYUIXT/PXL_20210228_105654613%7E2.jpg Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783350666-TK2KHGP4XRTKXKJGGXE7/DSC_0001.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) Wadel’s Dairy, Shippensburg PA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783356031-6Y7VOA4H7QE026JZF1UH/DSC_0008.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) I really wanted to pet him but he looked like he probably smelled pretty bad https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783363530-NQ9061ZKI5TAUE9QZN4W/DSC_0011.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) Wadel’s from a distance. If you look closely you can see us parked next to the barn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783370795-I360AH3KEO9MJN12I50C/DSC_0013.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) I wasn’t brave enough to try the raw milk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783376489-C6UUV1WZM6NGNR1ANN25/DSC_0015.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) Cheese, beef, onions, and organic syrup. Yum! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783383210-ZUYIPALP6ZD6IMY2KWXC/DSC_0025.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum, Colonial Heights VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783391488-VBVNCU857G2L0WKUTOID/DSC_0029.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) Those are some big tires! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783511268-NO4UNCKM7H0WHHWHF81J/PXL_20210228_173549073.jpg Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) I wouldn’t be surprised if they had one of every Farmall ever made https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783404093-SE20ZPP3OMV2Z8V96A0B/DSC_0036.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) These cases are full of toy tractor trailers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783410827-W4APCEHAIJAHI4Y6E6QA/DSC_0037.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783417122-XIO8CXCG2ZO39TR92TXA/DSC_0039.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783424180-H2MM3M9H47JYXAUJEZQ8/DSC_0049.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783519646-59FIPOZ78955KN5701FS/PXL_20210228_183524944.jpg Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783523403-KUUSY1KSQFS39VHEAAYS/PXL_20210228_183937653.jpg Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) Not just trucks and tractors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783516150-4B9HEFT97X89PBHJ8T3U/PXL_20210228_181234784.jpg Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) 1950 Ford Police Car https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783512971-UXYS3UGNW3XD0UBMCC4T/PXL_20210228_181034860._exported_2008_1614535854746.jpg Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783430974-7JRMS2H82MKHYWA7G3GP/DSC_0053.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783437552-G1MMWLC34CFX33QGM3EO/DSC_0054.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) That’s a camper towing an outhouse. I’m thankful that our bathroom is IN our camper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783444895-QKU90HHL6V5R41QERBFQ/DSC_0055.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) Overnight parking at the truck museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783536598-PU39B28GG8BWHMDKQBGF/PXL_20210301_161445047.MP.jpg Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) I’m so glad I took a photo of the temperature https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783553602-8MEW1TAEZKD0A4VI6LV8/PXL_20210302_125940431.jpg Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783542491-LGWR8LSNIR5CIVP31R45/PXL_20210301_210313802.jpg Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) We really liked this campsite! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783548168-FSW70M6HP8X6Z0NAZ5IN/PXL_20210302_124919664.jpg Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783452285-5S8ZUSOEBTUAVI9YQF7W/DSC_0058.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783459523-U46WAEDT73UDZNUFKPRK/DSC_0060.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783466664-K7K8OYSRGJC0HEI1653K/DSC_0061.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) Hunting the elusive venus flytrap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783475042-PR72DUQJQYO3LJ462QPA/DSC_0062.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) Found one! In a planter behind the visitor’s center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614786792847-50GZZI9VTRHWZX4MZ1DM/DSC_0063.jpg Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) Poor guy was just trying to get warm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783488055-ERJS7JIOCNJ5D7013PO8/DSC_0064.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) Fort Fisher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783494637-TOCWXWT6645D0PYFLMYY/DSC_0066.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) Fort Fisher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783500574-KLMA3X0O6Z9CWNSI9CGS/DSC_0067.JPG Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) Earthen bunker at Fort Fisher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783531947-8IKI5W6DWN6U405TSMVX/PXL_20210228_222129306.MP.jpg Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) A friend gave us this two person Monopoly game. As you can tell, I’m pretty good at it :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783558264-IOMSAF0U6G9BC8KYNN7G/PXL_20210302_132501721.jpg Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) Pretty but cold! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783567931-K60ZV8M9Y2TUHYDOHKGI/PXL_20210302_133441013.MP.jpg Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) I touched the ocean! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1614783572588-D28OA6VNI8BRVTCXLQEU/PXL_20210302_133548140.jpg Blog - Trying to Outrun the Rain (Feb 27-March 4, 2021) Happily retired https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/meditation-and-mindfulness-7t9za monthly 0.5 2021-02-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1609868631675-5IUAMXFSNI0X3VPF7YDR/chairs.jpg Blog - We’re so lucky! https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/a-room-with-a-view-9ecnd monthly 0.5 2021-02-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1609869053907-L7OONX3ISRNXIHR1249F/maps.jpg Blog - Where are we going? https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/on-a-mountain-over-the-sea-ef2lj monthly 0.5 2021-02-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1609873086679-TKX85RB8E91PZWW37UI6/rig.jpg Blog - Our Rig https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1612297791178-FHH7VABRWDIS2EVHNOCH/camper%252Bin%252Bvermont.jpg Blog - Our Rig - Fall Trip to Vermont 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1609874430428-1A2KMBJHODR9FNNW4B65/remodel+bed.jpg Blog - Our Rig - New bed platform https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1612787980656-1PDTEX6EPA9VNIRUVQWK/new+bed.jpg Blog - Our Rig - New bed featuring a comfy mattress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1609874372601-LY91YZKJ227G049R1AR8/before+painting.jpg Blog - Our Rig - New curtains, old wall color https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1609874414089-GWJ674Y0RJWAKZJZDBL7/PXL_20201010_153958054.jpg Blog - Our Rig - Dinette area after https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1609874389171-0XY01EVO5CB78LI4FLCM/remodel+before+2.jpg Blog - Our Rig - Kitchen slide before https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1612788033703-HR0L5F9W2B9MTMRWNHLP/slide+after.jpg Blog - Our Rig - Kitchen slide after https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1612787959061-RD3TYTATKXGISHOZ2USQ/map.jpg Blog - Our Rig - That's the plan! https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/blog/pure-bliss-ll6y9 monthly 0.5 2021-03-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1610113293728-85GWTWEYYX4ILRIU7BWP/S%27moreo.jpg Blog - Thank you! https://ourmidlifeopportunity.com/about daily 0.75 2021-01-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff49ad36513931690031400/1612016622561-YF7VL67C171ZE3QQM0FP/DSC_0607.JPG About Hiking The Beehive at Acadia National Park 2017