Monday, September 14 ~ packed up fairly early and headed south.
We really wanted to go out the East Entrance of Yellowstone to see what Duellen did not like about it. This is the first time we have not gone down that road either in or out of the park, but time was not on our side and we wanted to go through the Tetons again. Lewis Falls and Lewis Lake were as beautiful as before and the new walk way to the top of the falls was exciting and made them more beautiful. Just past there we spotted a huge bison in the Lewis River. He lumbered out of the water, up the bank and barely picked his head up after that. He was wonderful. We could not make ourselves miss Coulter Bay at the Tetons ~ has been a favorite for a long time. The Indian Museum and Cabins of the Tetons had to be missed this time. This was my first time to take a picture of the glaciers and Jenn Lake with leaves turning gold in the foreground. Turning toward Moran was not going allow us another trip by the Moran Barns but as we observed folks looking at some ducks in a pond, I spotted a moose calf hiding in the scrubby trees on the other side of the water. His picture though not great, is so cute ~ maybe not as cute as the one with its mother in 2005. Another fire in the forest was spotted and gave some unusual clouds of smoke. We wandered through the fields of cut wheat and more alfalfa. I have never seen such huge stacks of hay in every shape bale. In some places they had high game type fences around the stacks. We went through the Wind River Indian Reservation near Lander. It is a reservation that is shared by the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho. I am now making a new list of places to spend time. Paulette spotted Split Rock formation and we saw many antelope. The best was a doe and two fawns. They were curious and very prissy.
Night found us at the KOA in Rawlins. We could hardly wait to get our computers out to download our pictures from the last two days, answer emails and add to the blog. I have enjoyed comments.
We are headed home but not in a hurry. We first have to decide which road to take.
Map reading time.

A few pictures

9-13 Sunday

September 13, 2009 - Sunday
I wanted to attend church this morning and found that they discontinued that part of the park activities last week. We had to move from our campground as they are closing for the winter and move to the one at Grant Village. It will be open until the end of September. We got moved and headed off to Old Faithful Visitors Center for information on another hike Paulette had read about. Ranger Cathy was there and gave suggestion on which direction to hike to Mystic Falls and other choices concerning our knees. We chose to do the big loop to the top of the mountain and then down to an overlook of the falls before going to the falls and back through one of the geyser basins. This hike had a gain of nearly 600 feet in a half mile and was another tough one. Part of the trail was between 24 and 30 inches wide and looked like goats could do it. I choose at this point to not look down or where I had been – just where I was going. I did use both walking sticks as I would not want to make a misstep, stub my toe on a root or just slide down on my behind. We had our apple, cheese, and chocolate lunch at the top. On the way up and also on the way down, we observed Old Faithful erupt. That was an awesome sight from high up the mountain. The falls were absolutely spectacular and the walls above and to the side wept as they ran to meet the force of the falls. The falls cascades for 70 feet. I met a lady at the top of the hike who talked to me about making storybooks of her photos – I gave her my card – yeah for Creative Memories. We returned to the car and headed back to Old Faithful Inn. We had not seen it since the renovation they were doing when we were here in ’05. Still has all the charm that it had before with the huge beams and feel of a cabin in the woods. The furniture is just massive with a welcoming feel. We had a quick supper at the Snow Lodge Grill and headed back to camp. By the time we arrived there was a light sprinkling of rain so we hurried to get a good HOT shower and wash our hair. That was the best $3 I have spent on this trip. We worked on our computers until the batteries went dead and since you have no power in national parks it was reading with a flashlight after that. Night night from two old broads in a little egg camper – but we are clean.

9-12-09 Saturday

September 12 Saturday
This is a wake-up early day to be at the trail on time. We do not have the convenience of cell phone alarm when we have no service. Somehow Paulette figured that out and for sure the alarm did go off. It was 30 degrees in and out of the baby egg camper, therefore, it took us no time to get our clothes on, slap some peanut butter and jelly between bread and head for the trailhead. Being the very intelligent women that we are, we decided to take the pocket cameras and just enjoy the time in the quiet with 14 new friends (no bundlesome big cameras and lens.) Everyone arrived all chipper with cameras slung over their shoulders – two smug ones with midget cameras. Off we went down the trail toward Shoshone Lake on a 6 mile hike. At about mile 1, Ranger Cathy Bell stopped to point out a GREAT GREY OWL who had just caught a field mouse. The owl danced around and performed well from the perch on the limb to the catch. Everyone was snapping away except the smart women with pocket cameras with batteries that were too cold and could not fire a shot. To add insult to injury, as we approached the lake and sat down, Ranger Cathy pointed out a BALD EAGLE sitting in the top of a tree. Now since the first tragedy the small cameras had found a home inside the clothing of the two smart women where it was warm and covered by three layers of clothing. Mindful that these are small cameras, we know where the eagle is in the picture. Paulette did get a shot as it flew - though blurry, it will find a place in her album. The time with Ranger Cathy was extremely informative and she showed her passion for this park, the forest, the wildlife and her love to share her knowledge with park guests. She is so enthusiastic about the parts of the park that few people ever see from the road. She pointed out numerous birds as we had birders with us, marks on trees and ask our opinions, and then demonstrated what to do if faced by a bear. Every situation is different and the actions of the bear determine how you are to react. This is only our second Ranger led hike and both have proven to be outstanding even if they did have to put up with a bunch of senior citizens.
Night brought us to Grant Village Yellowstone for the Ranger Talk about helping with night pollution by conserving in our homes and recycling in the parks to eliminate solid waste disposal. Of course we can separate the recyclable and the trash. Again it is nighty night for the more intelligent women in the baby egg camper.

9-11-09 Friday

Friday, September 11 a time to remember
The Flag was flying at half mast as we entered the North or Gardiner Archway of Yellowstone. Early that morning while still at the KOA with internet service, several of my friends had shared with one another where they were at that moment on 9-11-01. Not having ever been to Ground Zero myself I could only relate to that feeling after being at Oklahoma City just a few weeks ago. My other reminder is that Nick and his buddies have been working to give freedom to others – freedom of choice whether the right choices are made or not, they will have that choice.
Shortly after entering the park and before getting to Mammoth, there was a large herd of elk. They are in the rut season so one of the two bulls was really tooting his horn. Our path headed east toward Roosevelt. This is the area where Teddy R brought the Rough Riders and the cabins and lodge are still there. That part of the park is already closed up for the winter with the anticipated snow and less park visitors. Wrong – they are so surprised that we are still coming after Labor Day and had to open another section of Bridge Bay Campground. It will be closing on Sunday morning and we all have to move to Grant Village.
We busied ourselves around hunting this campground and were lucky to get in at all. Luck would have it that we got the space next to the new restroom. We took a fast trip to Old Faithful Visitors Center to make reservations for a Ranger led hike for Saturday morning. We got the last 2 spots as the hike was limited to 15 hikers. The Ranger talk for the evening was at Old Faithful. Old Faithful performed well for us as a prelude to the presentation. A ranger who has worked in the park for 36 years gave the presentation “Footprints in Yellowstone.” He related stories of explorers and the founders of the park and that evolution. He, too, loves this park and has many stories to tell. My favorite was that a woman attended one of his presentations in the park. She presented the park with the journals of her father, DeLacy, when he was exploring the park in 18__. He was really here hunting for gold or other resources for himself. He should have told of the beautiful things he found here and gotten credit for that. However, he simply stated that there was nothing of any value here. This is probably what saved the park for us to enjoy because Grant declared it a National Park in 1872.
After the presentation we hurried to the camper to prepare for the hike on the path DeLacy traveled from the south by Lewis Lake, beside the Shoshone Lake, and up to the Yellowstone River.
Good night and wait for the alarm at 6:00am.

Thursday 9-10

Thursday -September 10 - travel day
Seems so funny to travel from state border to the other end in such a short time. We left Glacier, just a short 20 miles south of the Canadian border, to just outside Yellowstone in a half day. We had not had a shower in more than two days so a stop at a KOA was a necessity. Did a hot shower feel good? - just try it after several days of hiking 5 to 8 miles a day in 40-70 degree weather - you just do not know how to appreciate hot water. WOW. Now we could have made the trip faster had we not had other stops along the way. There was a forest fire just outside of Helena, Montana that needed to be observed. Sorry about the fire but so cool to watch the big plane drop the red fire retardant on the flames. Oh yes we took pictures. We watched two passes over the fire.
The hay fields in Montana are just huge. There is more alfalfa and wheat straw bailed than you can imagine. It would put the Hagar and Meyer boys in a stew.
We did stop at the site of the wreck that Paulette assisted in on our way up. We had just not figured it out until we looked for ourselves with no others around. We came on the wreck pretty soon after it happened so she could assist - I stayed out of the way and let the pros do their job.
Next stop was at Wheat. This is a cool brain storage facility with a bakery and store for selling all sorts of grains and PASTRY. I got a John Deere Green sandwich - just greens and plenty of them. Just had to have that in honor of my daddy - our John Deere man.
Evening brought us to the place of good showers, the KOA just north of Yellowstone. Good folks where we have stayed before. It is quiet tonight and internet and phone service is good. That makes me a happy camper.
Until I stumble down the path again, I remain, Mary Alice, Mama, Sister, Coach or Puppytrainer (love those Waller Bulldog puppies)

Heavely Glacier

Tuesday, September 8
Glacier National Park is more than I remembered from the days I traveled with Aunt Ree and Uncle Hershel or even with the kids and Jay. The views were spectacular on the Going to the Sun Road and yes I was glad to find the purse and enjoy again. We packed up on Tuesday morning to go to Many Glacier, a part of the park that is just north of St. Mary's. The beautiful hotel at Many Glacier and the Swiftcurrent Lake is the place I have longed to see again for over 30 years. I just could not remember where it was. We had gone to Lake McDonald at West Glacier but that was not it even though the water is such an amazing deep turquoise color. Swiftcurrent is just beautiful with a backdrop of mountains and views of a few remaining glaciers. I am sure Al Gore could not see the remaining beauty through his tears but he should just take in the views and know that God is in charge.
Red Rock Falls was a great hike and the falls gave these two pretend photographers a chance to practice our skills of stopping water drops in motion and then making them flow into an amazing blur. A gentleman said he thought we were pros. We just take a lot and throw away the bad ones before you see them. This hike was 5 miles round trip and not too strenuous. After a quick supper we attended the Ranger Talk. They are always a highlight for me. As a kid I wanted to be a Ranger and may someday (volunteer ranger.) The Ranger gave an informative talk on Beaver in the park. Nighty night from 2 tired broads who need to get up early tomorrow.

Wednesday , September 9 ~ Happy Birthday My Girl Meredith
The morning was a rush as we needed to be at the boat dock at Many Glacier Hotel by 8:00am in order to get a ticket for the guided hike to Grinnel Lake. It actually leaves the dock at 9 and we were on the waiting list. Not to worry we had time to visit the lobby of the hotel and get a snack for the trip. Ryan was an interesting guide with much knowledge to share. The best part for me is that he loves this park and sees something different each time he takes the same hike. He saw a berry this day that he had not seen growing there before. On his day off, he usually takes a hike alone. This tour takes you across Swiftcurrent Lake, hike to Josephine Lake, ride to other end of Josephine and then hike to Grinnel Lake. There are board walk, flat trails, trails with elevation gain and a suspension bridge. We had time to view the Grinnel Falls that comes into this lake, Salamander Glacier and the people who are hiking all the way to Grinnel Glacier (they are very high on the side of the mountain and look tiny.) We reversed the trip ending at Many Glacier Hotel.
Paulette chose the next short trail which was a "--- kicker." It has to be straight up, I think. Actually, the hike starts by crossing a meadow. The mountains closest are Altyn Peak and Apikuni Mountain to the north. There are still a lot of wildflowers even in September. The trail enters into the forest of lodge pole pines. As the trail climbs steadily (strenuous for me at the altitude gain in such a short? distance of a mile) subalpine fir become common. The hike ends at the falls with a good view of Apikuni Creek as it drains Natahki Lake. These are like in a basin on the east side of Mount Henkel. Mount Henkel is closed to hikers due to bear foraging for winter berries and other goodies. It was "kicker" for me and my quadriceps barked for hours.
Reports of a moose cow being at Fishcap Lake and even though my legs were hardly moveable, we went, big lens around our necks but no pack or walking sticks. Yes, she was there in the lake enjoying a little munch time on lake grasses. We watched her for a long time and took way too many photos ~ loved every minute of it. We had a quick pizza at the Lodge and hurried to another Ranger Talk on How the Park has Changed Treatment of the Animals Through Time. We had one more stop for entertainment and choose to forget that and take the 2 old broads to bed.
Night Night from the Stumblers.

Getting to Glacier

Duellen inspired me to Blog this trip and I do know that I am not as clever with words but you are lucky that I wanted to share with you. Hee Hee ~~~~Mary Alice

Finally made it to Glacier on Sunday night our 10th day on the road. Later I will share the fun we had in Kansas. I have been to Fort Riley several times but Paulette really enjoyed the Cavalry Museum. We did a lot of side trips out around Manhatten before Nick arrived. We checked the internet several times a day for updates of his arrival and then finally got the call from the Read Detachment. After seeing him safely home and him just needing to relax after the worst 96 hours of his life, we pushed off.

We drove pretty hard that evening to Scotts Bluff, Nebraska. On the way we found a field of still green sunflowers. I am still intrigued with crops in different parts of the country. We slept in the Wal-Mart parking lot with several others. Scotts Bluff National Monument. That was our first hike. Passing on each side of the North Platte River were the Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trails. We could see the ruts from the Oregon Trail. The folks on the trail would spread out but when they arrived to this point they had to make a single file, therefore leaving deep ruts which have lasted to the present.

From there we made it to one of our favorite places ~ The Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming. Our campground was full since it was a holiday and the beginning of bow season in the WY. so we found a new place. Early morning took us into the forest to Tie Flume hoping to see moose. BOW SEASON and the moose are not dumb. A visit with our friends at the visitors center was a must. Betty and Robert are there again this year and Betty is still reading stories to the children who come to the center. It hurt my heart to miss the Great Medicine Wheel but needed to move on and I would not have had enough time to have a proper quiet time there. The Pryor Mountain Range is the home of the Wild Horses. We actually saw one group of the wild mustangs and a few young Rocky Mountain sheep. Night came and we were staying just north of Yellowstone at Livingston, MT. One of our other former visits took us through the wheat and alfalfa fields that were spectacular. There is also a great bakery in the middle of the wheat field so you know we stopped. We arrived at the east end of the Going to the Sun Road at Glacier National Forest late afternoon. To our surprise they had a front blow in. It was cold and windy. The Baby Egg was toasty warm even without a heater. We were just so grateful to not be in a tent when the rain came.

Monday morning ~ Labor Day and all is not well on the homefront.

We were having a great time until I tried to find my purse this morning. Finally gave up and could not have a good time all day. Found it when I got back to the trailer. I had dropped it into the top of a compartment where we keep our dirty clothes ~ only thing is that Paulettes compartment is not like mine and it did not go to the dirty clothes ~ just stayed in safely hidden in the little compartment above. I was mostly concerned about a medal Nick earned in Iraq that he had given me for safe keeping. Such a dummy his mother is. I am okay now and back to having fun. Saw a grizzly sow and cub, big mountain goat and two big horn sheep today. It rained a little, snowed up high on the Going to the Sun Road, and the wind blew all day. We are not staying in the park but just outside in a KOA so we have internet and I have no phone service. We will do more hiking tomorrow with a happy heart and a hidden purse. We are loving our computers and downloading our photos. I think I am up over 600 so far. No I will not ask you to look at all of them. Nighty night from the 2 old broads in the Casita - stumbling down the trail.