Theodoore Roosevelt, ND
The roaming bison were spectacular. There were many other wild creatures to observe including prairie dogs, deer, and wild horses. The weather could have been a little nicer. It was a low of 37, drizzly, and I was getting sick. I am not sure what I had, but it included bronchitis, chills, dizziness, and coughing to the point I wanted to die. Not a great start, but it sure was beautiful.
Yellowstone, WY
The sulfury steam rising out of the ground is an instant reminder of this "super volcano." The lake was wonderful, it was so still and I got some great photos while having lunch on the shore. I spent two days in Yellowstone, getting sicker, but enjoying every minute of it. Wildlife: many birds, including the mountain blue bird, antelope, coyote, grizzly. And, of course, more prairie dogs.
Grand Tetons, WY
The Grand Tetons are...well. I don't really know, I wasn't there for very long. I was pretty sick at this point, and it was really all I could do just to be upright. I did stop and pick up two young girls that needed a ride to Jackson Hole. For soap. They were from Louisiana and were working in a pizza place in the park for room and board on their summer break from college. I did take this pic before I picked them up.
This was also the day that I took the picture of Hula girl that in the background at Craters of the Moon National Monument in southern Idaho. Interesting place. I must admit, I did stay in a hotel that night in Boise, Idaho. I needed a warm bed and a bath. I felt awful. :(
Crater Lake, OR
I was debating on whether I should go or not, because of how I was feeling. But I had been looking forward to seeing the lake. Even though much of the park was still closed due to snow (in June!), it was very worthwhile. The lake is blue. Not just blue, the bluest blue. Bluer than any blue I ever saw while traveling the seas in the Navy. That blue. You should go.
Lassen Volcano, CA
This National Park isn't one of the better known ones. It seems for a reason. Although it was obviously beautiful and uncrowded, I didn't go to the visitor center to see what it was really about. Dad, Jean, the dogs, and I just meandered through. But we did discover some pretty amazing red flowers called snow plants.
Yosemite, CA
Quite opposite of Lassen, Yosemite is well known park, for it's beauty, and it's crowds. I would love to come back here and camp instead of a quick tour through the main loop, stuck in a slow moving caravan of fellow sightseers. Worth the trip, worth going back.
Sequoia, CA
The same day we ventured down to see the largest tree in the world, General Sherman. This picture is of my dad looking up at it, with a few sequoias in the background. This is a forest to frolic through. Again, worth another trip.
After staying about a month with my dad, getting much better but still a little weak, I hit the open road again. Death Valley was my first stop.
This is a once in a lifetime place in the world for me. Just because once was enough for me. This place is HUGE. And dry. And hot. Especially in the middle of July. Well, I might try it again, in January.
Grand Canyon, AZ
The first day I was on the more crowded south rim. It was chilly, windy, and rained a little bit. I headed around to the north rim and set up camp. The next morning was beautiful. It was clear and breezy, and the north rim is very...isolated. I only saw 2 or 3 other people up there. If you want to see the Grand Canyon, and would prefer to rough it a little bit, I suggest the north rim.
I didn't get to truly experience Zion. There is a tram that goes through the main portion of the park, and I had Abby, so I didn't get to go. I did get some cool shots though. Can you spot the kid in the photo? I will go back one day, without a dog, and ride that tram.
I was very fortunate to experience Bryce Canyon at daybreak. If you ever get the chance, it is breathtaking. The reds of the stone glow against the greens of the trees and the blue sky. It is also the cleanest air in the lower 48. (Not dog friendly)
Capitol Reef, UT
I had never heard of it either. I wouldn't say to make a special trip of it if unless you are in the area, or you REALLY like red rocks. That is all that is there, but they are pretty red rocks. And some of them have petroglyphs. (See pic.)
Great Smokies, NC
I drove through Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee, camping, taking photos, and overall enjoying myself. I also found a little pup on the side of the road in Tennessee, which I later found a home for.
But the next national park is the most visited of them all. It is wonderful, and I have been in the area a lot, but this was my first visit. The mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina are truly special, they will always have a place in my heart. I am sure I will return again.
This is a very quick synopsis of that trip, with just one or two photos from each park. This summer is what I will be focusing on. Many more pics to come....
You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.
You’ll look up and down streets. Look’em over with care. About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.” With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you’re too smart to go down a not-so-good street.
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