Next we headed to Emigrant, Montana by way of Idaho Falls. Lots of driving, but OMG it is incredibly beautiful country – a soothing balm for the weary soul.

 

We stayed for a long weekend in the teeny, tiny town of Emigrant which has about six commercial buildings and boasts a total population of 372. You may ask “Why?”, so let me explain – a 1/2 hour drive to Yellowstone National Park – AWESOME!!!

We actually went straight to the park before Emigrant. It was a long drive from Boise, and we didn’t arrive at the park until almost 4:00 PM, but we were on a mission so we pushed on.

The 30 mile trek from the West Entrance to our desired location took us nearly 2 hours. About half way to our destination we encountered a long line of cars stopped on the road. We grumbled loudly and wondered what in the heck was going on. Once we had inched our way near the front of the line we found out – bison!

In this case there were six or seven of them who kept wandering back and forth across the road – pretty cool! We would encounter this often throughout our visit.

We eventually made it to our first stop, Old Faithful!!!!  We watched a wonderful video, wandered around the Visitors Center for a while

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and then, at the appointed time, made our way to the viewing platform. Although there were several teases and false starts, the actual event was Spectacular!

 

 

 

 

So awesome!!!!!!!

Tired but inspired we headed for Emigrant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lovely home away from home for the next few days.

 

Utah

On Wednesday 5/13, we set out again

 

 

 

 

 

This time to Salt Lake City, Utah.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We just had a quick overnight stay in Salt Lake City,

 

and our hotel was close to the Salt Lake City Aquarium.  I know that it’s not on the Salt Lake City’s Must See List,

 

but being  Pisces, Traci and I both love sea life and aquariums, so we went for a quick visit – well worth it!

 

 

 

 

 And the very best of all

---

Idaho

After Traci’s sales call the next morning we headed to Idaho – Boise to be precise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traci and I did some geocaching in a lovely, nearby park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Friday, Traci showed her wares to Care (Carolyn) Anderson – a Boise customer, and then she caught a flight to KC to spend a long weekend with her hubby, Danny.

Tom and I were left on our own to explore, so Care graciously played tour guide taking us to Idaho City, an old mining town in the mountains.

We strolled around taking in the sights,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I thought this was so cool – must be the teacher in me

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a bit we stopped by the ice cream parlor. I’ve never heard of Marion berries, but damn they make delicious ice cream – YUUUM!

We also visited The Trading Post and spent some time perusing the goods and chuckling over the plaques they had for sale.

 

 

Good times.

 

 

 

On the way back from Idaho City, Care treated us to a relaxing stop at The Springs. I know that it looks like an ordinary swimming pool, but it is actually lovely, warm hot springs water. We soaked in the warm mineral waters,

 

and sipped wine, enjoying the atmosphere of the quiet, regal mountains surrounding us. A wonderful end to a lovely and relaxing day. Thanks, Care. You’re the best!

 

Monday, May 12th was our last day in Las Vegas, so we spent the day wandering around and taking in the sights.

There isn’t much commentary that I can add. A picture’s worth a thousand words, so I’m told, so here are my thousands of words:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And so we bid a fond farewell to Las Vegas. It has been a memorable and wonderful visit.

I know that it is very surprising and frankly sad that we have seen so much of the world but have been so negligent about seeing or own national wonders. Today we finally experienced a national treasure that has been on our Bucket List for some time – the awe inspiring Grand Canyon!  

After a very long drive (4 1/2 hours from Las Vegas), we arrived at the park early afternoon and were greeted at the entrance by an elk.  They wandered freely around the park and didn’t seem mind the humans at all.

 

A short stop at the Visitors Center for an awesome video and a look at the map and other very interesting information –

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

then on to the real thing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our first real glimpse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a very long day but soooo worth the effort. What an Incredible place! What an amazing work of art!