Our Western Summer

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We spent a great week in a Breckenridge condo with Mark, Heidi and first grandson Alex from Florida. All had a good time, especially Alex who exhibited what we called the Breckenridge face—he would scrunch up his little face, raise his hands and give everyone a big toothy smile—apparently he hasn’t done the same thing since leaving Colorado.

We then headed for Denver to hook up with friends Jim and Chris before caravanning together to West Yellowstone, Montana. We were joined by non-RV friends Andy and Kay who had never been to Montana or Wyoming. All had a great time exploring the park and beyond. Numerous wildlife sightings were observed, including herds of buffalo and elk, moose, deer, pronghorn, bald eagles, a black bear mother with two cubs, two grizzly bears, and even a herd of shaggy mountain goats.

We took two drives on the spectacular Beartooth Scenic Highway, which runs along the Montana/Wyoming border. This road is a real treat for anyone who loves high mountain scenery uncluttered by buildings of any kind. Approximately twenty peaks over 14,000 feet high can be viewed along the highway. This is truly one of the great drives in the lower 48 states.

We spent several days in Jackson, Wyoming exploring the area and the wonderful Grand Teton National Park. This picturesque area is a true national treasure, and we loved every bit of the scenery that surrounds this entire valley.

From Jackson we drove back across Wyoming to Ft Collins, CO, where we spent time with Alan’s nephew Michael and his new bride Ashley. Additionally, we hooked up with friends Jim and Fran from Phoenix, whom we met several years ago in McCall, Idaho. Diane’s younger son Dan flew in from Dallas to join us for a week. We toured 4 or 5 microbreweries and sampled as many beers as humanly possible. Diane and Dan joined Michael and Ashley on a rafting adventure down the Poudre River, while Alan wimped out and took photos of everyone having a good time.

Next stop……. The Black Hills of South Dakota.

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Photos

Happy baby on a swing
We really enjoyed having Alex with us for a whole week!

Another baby
This young bald eagle was watched over by mom, not far from their nest. It takes several years for their heads to turn white.

Mom across the river
She was never far from the little one

Bison at rest
Ho hum, all these tourists taking pictures........

Hayden Valley herd
A little roll in the dust feels pretty good

Bull elk relaxing
Check out the antlers

Elk herd
Which way should we go?

Chocolate Pot Hot Spring
Just like its name......looks good enough to eat

Yellowstone Hot Spring
All these strange sights to remind you that you are walking around in an active volcano

Old Faithful
Each time you see it, it's still a wonder

Grizzly Bear
That dot in the center is really a grizzly bear. Of course, I didn't get a picture of the one that walked across the road in front of our car. By the time I fumbled with the camera, he was already out of sight!

Beartooth Mountain
The namesake peak of Beartooth Pass

Beartooth Highway View
Gorgeous high mountain scenery with melting glaciers, lakes, wildflowers and distant peaks

Two young males
These were spotted one rainy evening when the scent of the pine forest and sage meadows was amazing

High mountain wildflowers
Taken on the way up to one of the fire towers in Yellowstone

Teton mountains
Always a gorgeous view, with bison grazing in the foreground

Poudre River rafters
Michael, Ashley, Dan and Diane brave the thundering rapids, bracing themselves before the plunge (well, I could be exaggerating a little)