Rapids and Rangers

From our geysers and elk, we continue our drive and suddenly we're along the river and rapids! Stunning!

A ranger who has been with the park for over 40 years is taking a break at this spot, as well. He is a wealth of information, as you can imagine, and is incredibly helpful in suggesting a hike we would enjoy and feel safe traversing.






We take our time along the beautiful trail that skirts this gorgeous area before heading to the trail head he suggests.

















There are just the right amount of fellow hikers this afternoon to ensure a peaceful trek but feel quite safe. And, what a trail we're on. The reward is amazing and the several mile hike is the perfect finale for our first full day.





We dine as sun sets over Yellowstone Lake at the Grant Village Lake House. Great micro brews and fun pub food all with an incredible view. We don't know how it can get any better than this!!!

Scenes from Wyoming

As beautiful as South Dakota has been, nothing can truly prepare for the landscaped wonder that is Wyoming. We immediately can feel the difference.




One more detour is on the agenda today and it proves to be by far the most incredible stop. Devil's Tower is the oldest national monument and it is one special place. Also quite busy, especially considering the remoteness of its location. Again, it is a spectacularly sunny and beautiful day, so that certainly adds support for these numbers.













The just over a mile hike around the base of this butte is gorgeous. A challenging initial climb evens out to a lovely rolling romp through a very nice forested area. Full of old Indian lore, we can instantly feel the energy here, and soak it in completely.















































Well worth the added time, as our journey continues into the Wyoming mountains, the sunny day merges into late afternoon horizon storms brewing, and yet even more breathtaking scenery.















As sun sets on our amazing day, we manage to avoid the black skies opening on us. Thankfully.




The trip through this mountain zone is a bit intimidating but, oh, so worth the nail biting.
































It is near 10 PM before we can actually get to our destination this evening, well past our usual 8 deadline. But, with all the distractions available to us today, it couldn't be helped. It is just dark as we arrive in Billings, Montana, where we find wonderful accommodations at the C'mon Inn.







This is where we regroup before heading into that Wyoming masterpiece, Yellowstone. We can't wait!!!!

Ahhh.....Despite Rain

Before completely exiting these magnificent Black Hills and Custer, we make one final stop at Sylvan Lake. The rain which has managed to stay at bay for most of the day comes in fully now at this late afternoon hour. Again, we will not be stopped!









Umbrellas have been made for a reason.









If anything, the beauty of this lake seems only to be more beautiful with the fog rolling in and the overcast skies. We can't imagine it could be better.




An apparent stroll around the lake turns into a more adventurous hike, but, as usual, the rewards then become even greater.






It is the perfect finale to our incredible excursion.



A day in the Black Hills to be remembered for a good, long while!!

Coastal Maine

After leaving Mass, we briefly skirt the New Hampshire coast before making our way into the beautiful state of Maine. Highway 1 provides the perfect access to all of the little villages along this spectacular shore.





An afternoon break for a short hike along the Marginal Way in Ogunquit is the plan. We find a shore path here that rivals, if not surpasses, the Cliff Walks in Newport - hard to imagine! As the day is coming to a close, the option to stay here for the evening is overruled by our excitement of getting closer to our ultimate destination in Bar Harbor. The decision to make the evening stop in Freeport makes the most sense and we find a wonderful Hampton Inn to rest, catch up on some laundry, and awaken fresh to journey in the morning. A darling little Greek/Italian restaurant, Antonia's Pizzeria, is across the street, where we find wonderful service and delicious food.




























The morning finds us refreshed and a quick trip to L.L. Bean seems a must while here. We find a couple of lightweight vests that will come in handy with this cold weather we've been encountering in New England. The retail outlet's base operation is quite impressive.



Midway to Bar Harbor, we take a break in the adorable village of Camden and find a delightful lunch spot at The Marriner's Restaurant, which serves a halibut reuben to die for and a water view to match. When we ask Esther, our very fun server, if there is anyplace in Maine that's not beautiful, she confirms no such place exists. We stroll the little harbor and park area outside after dining before continuing our journey east.

Bar Harbor is just around the corner!!!