August 24, 2007 -- Road-weary after several long road days and a lot of places visited, we decided to take a stand-down day, and just take it easy. Just as well, perhaps, as our Kiki decided to find a tummy-bug somewhere, and spent the day in lighter shades of pale... We bounced around in Rapid City, SD, catching up on shopping and laundry.
For all the stores and gift shops we have been into, we are starting to see a pattern, which I will call "SSDS" which stands for "same stuff, different store." Between "Native American art" (methinks made in the Orient) and Harley-Davidson / Sturgis related items, it becomes kind of predictable.
Oh, yeah, for those of you who are Harley buffs, this place is ground-zero for everything Harley. Sturgis, SD, is the Mecca of Harley-ites, and the big annual pilgrimage occurred a week before we got here (thank God!) but there are still quite a few hang-arounders to make heavy-metal thunder in the area. No helmet law here, so quite a few bare-headed Darwin-types expressing their individuality atop their American-built mounts...
Sunday, August 26, 2007
A Tragic Tale of Clashing Cultures
August 23, 2007 -- We visited the Little Bighorn National Memorial site, which commemorates the tragic battle at which Lt. Colonel George A. Custer led his ill-fated 7th. Cavalry troopers to their demise atop a grassy hill in the southern Montana grasslands. The battle, which occurred on June 26, 1876, occurred when US Cavalry units set upon the group of several tribes of Plains Indians camped at the Little Bighorn River near the present-day memorial site. The Indians, numbering in excess of 7000-8000, were camped as a peaceful gathering prior to this incident, and not for war. When attacked, the numerically superior Indian group of 1500-2000 warriors claimed a decisive victory over the US Army troops while fighting to defend their lives, their land rights, and their ancient culture and way of life. It was a real eye-opener as we heard the battle story, told to us by a National Parks Ranger, who is a member of the Crow Indian tribe. The story was poignant, and told the tragic tale of the clash of two cultures, and the battle which would greatly increase the resolve of the US Government to forever change the way of life of the Native Americans throughout the New America. The white markers dotting the hillside of Last Stand Hill were a silent reminder of the blood spilled that day by desperate US troops. However, in recent years, efforts are being made to memorialize the Indian warriors who died during this conflict. Red marker stones, bearing inscriptions of the warrior's name and tribe, are being placed at the known locations where the warriors fell. While at the Little Bighorn site, the kids put another Junior Ranger badge in their collection. The Junior Ranger program helps the kids investigate the background and significance of the different National Park sites more in-depth, and creates a more knowledgeable and lasting impression of the site visited.After we left Little Bighorn, we settled in for a long drive to the Black Hills area of South Dakota. After a tiring trip, we landed in the Mt. Rushmore KOA late-evening.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Sorry, loyal fans about the delay--Wi-Fi along the way has been spotty and unreliable. We managed to find a DSL cable, and we are back in action!
August 18, 2007 - Our first day at Yellowstone National Park. First lesson learned is this—even in August, come prepared for all kinds of weather. It’s rather much like Humboldt in some respects; if you don’t like the weather, be patient, it will change in a few minutes. We have had clear and cloudless moments, which turned to overcast, with ominous towering cumulus (the precursor to electric fireworks and big boomers), which then turned to thunderstorms with hail, and then back again. We traveled into Yellowstone National Park a short distance, and were awestruck by the majesty of the mountains, Lodgepole pine forests, and cascading Madison River. We were also astounded by the damage caused by the massive fire which occurred in YNP in 1988! Dead trees, as far as the eye can see, surrounded by flourishing new growth Lodgepole pines. This, according to the Rangers, is part of a natural cycle which has happened for millennia. The kids started a Junior Ranger program, an educational program which will award them with a spiffy patch and accolades for its completion. We are helping them with the completion (family participation is encouraged) and we are all learning some way-cool stuff about the park, and nature in general.
We spent the latter half of the day bouncing around in the town of West Yellowstone, a touristy town outside the west park gates. It caters to the fly-fishing enthusiasts, as the local fishing is acknowledged as world-class. It has its share of boutiques and unusual shops (tanned buffalo hides, anyone?), and not a bargain to be found. Gas is $3.09, milk $4.39. It’s again, kinda like Humboldt—you’re a long way from major shopping, so they know they gotcha…
We topped off the evening in the hot tub at KOA, while the kids swam in the adjacent indoor pool. It’s fun to meet people from all points of the country here; everyone seems to be envious of our long journey plans, and wish us well.
August 19, 2007 - Today we did the “lower loop” of YNP. We attended a church service in a magnificent cathedral, built literally by the hand of God. An outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Madison Valley was the site of our small service. God parted the skies for good weather during the service; the minister, who is also a seasonal Ranger in the park, pointed at some trace clouds in the distance, and said “here it comes.” He was right, and about 1:00 o’clock, the first t-storms came rolling in…
Before that time, we visited several geothermal sites, where superheated water made its way to the surface, heated by volcanic magma deep below the earth. (YNP, as it is, is situated atop some very active volcanic real estate). Nature’s hot tubs bubble like a cauldron (160° as it comes out at the surface), and bacteria that can withstand these temps color the surrounding geology with a rainbow of colors. It looked like a scene out of “Ice Age—The Meltdown”. The blue of the thermal pools look so inviting, but would boil you like a lobster (oops, I mean Dungeness crab—wrong coast…) if you gave in to the temptation (and the Rangers would scratch you a really expensive ticket if you survived.
YNP is like Animal Planet—today alone we have seen a Bald Eagle, and an Osprey which caught its trout lunch from the river while we watched (that was awesome—the Rangers say that they are typically successful in 1 of 12 attempts!). We also saw chipmunks, numerous bison, elk, deer, and a coyote today. We still are looking for the elusive bear, but hopefully tomorrow…
We finally made to Old Faithful minutes before the sky fell in a hailstorm. We had lunch, and went to the Visitor’s Center, where the kids were made Official Junior Rangers, to the applause of bystanders to the Ranger’s “hear-ye.” At about 2:20 p.m., while waiting for the Big Blow, we were treated to another lightening storm, which included some marble-sized hail. At 2:34pm, within two minutes of the predicted time of 2:36, Old Faithful put on a spectacular show for about four and a half minutes—you can see it all you like on video tracks, but until you see it “live” you just cannot believe how awesome it is!
August 20, 2007 - We rolled out of YNP via the north loop, and left by the north entrance. More wildlife to be seen, and finally saw actual herds (200-300)of bison, although, although a small token of the 30,000,000 that used to roam the American Plains. Again, a geologist’s paradise of colors and textures of the earth’s crust. We went over Dead Indian Pass, which was part of the route used by Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce tribe while seeking escape from the US Army, a tragic tale, left for another time. We took in breathtaking vistas from a place that the Plains Indians revered as the top of the world. Rolled into Cody, Wyoming that evening.
August 21, 2007 - We took in the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum in Cody. We took most of the day there, and among the 5 different galleries of displays, it would take most of a week to truly savor its offerings. Natural history, Native American, Bill Cody, firearms (largest known collection), and western art are its galleries, and we left in big-time information overload. That evening, we visited the Bill Cody dam, an engineering masterpiece created in 1908, and was the prototype of the Hoover dam.
August 22, 2007 - On the road again, after a visits to the National Wild Sheep Conservation Program. On the road, we stopped at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center (WWII Japanese-American internment center), and the Custer County Historic museum. A shop-stop in Billings, MT, and then landing at the Little Bighorn / Custer Battle site. A tour tomorrow of the battlefield, and then on our way.
We are meeting a lot of nice and interesting people along the way--one guy from Visalia, our old digs! RV parks and tourist sites are a "target rich environment" if you like to talk to people. Usually, the foolproof ice-breaker is to offer to exchange group-photo services to those taking each other's pictures at a tourist attraction, but have no one to get the "group shot", or simply saying "howdy neighbor" at the RV sites, followed by "...where ya from?"
August 18, 2007 - Our first day at Yellowstone National Park. First lesson learned is this—even in August, come prepared for all kinds of weather. It’s rather much like Humboldt in some respects; if you don’t like the weather, be patient, it will change in a few minutes. We have had clear and cloudless moments, which turned to overcast, with ominous towering cumulus (the precursor to electric fireworks and big boomers), which then turned to thunderstorms with hail, and then back again. We traveled into Yellowstone National Park a short distance, and were awestruck by the majesty of the mountains, Lodgepole pine forests, and cascading Madison River. We were also astounded by the damage caused by the massive fire which occurred in YNP in 1988! Dead trees, as far as the eye can see, surrounded by flourishing new growth Lodgepole pines. This, according to the Rangers, is part of a natural cycle which has happened for millennia. The kids started a Junior Ranger program, an educational program which will award them with a spiffy patch and accolades for its completion. We are helping them with the completion (family participation is encouraged) and we are all learning some way-cool stuff about the park, and nature in general.
We spent the latter half of the day bouncing around in the town of West Yellowstone, a touristy town outside the west park gates. It caters to the fly-fishing enthusiasts, as the local fishing is acknowledged as world-class. It has its share of boutiques and unusual shops (tanned buffalo hides, anyone?), and not a bargain to be found. Gas is $3.09, milk $4.39. It’s again, kinda like Humboldt—you’re a long way from major shopping, so they know they gotcha…
We topped off the evening in the hot tub at KOA, while the kids swam in the adjacent indoor pool. It’s fun to meet people from all points of the country here; everyone seems to be envious of our long journey plans, and wish us well.
August 19, 2007 - Today we did the “lower loop” of YNP. We attended a church service in a magnificent cathedral, built literally by the hand of God. An outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Madison Valley was the site of our small service. God parted the skies for good weather during the service; the minister, who is also a seasonal Ranger in the park, pointed at some trace clouds in the distance, and said “here it comes.” He was right, and about 1:00 o’clock, the first t-storms came rolling in…
Before that time, we visited several geothermal sites, where superheated water made its way to the surface, heated by volcanic magma deep below the earth. (YNP, as it is, is situated atop some very active volcanic real estate). Nature’s hot tubs bubble like a cauldron (160° as it comes out at the surface), and bacteria that can withstand these temps color the surrounding geology with a rainbow of colors. It looked like a scene out of “Ice Age—The Meltdown”. The blue of the thermal pools look so inviting, but would boil you like a lobster (oops, I mean Dungeness crab—wrong coast…) if you gave in to the temptation (and the Rangers would scratch you a really expensive ticket if you survived.
YNP is like Animal Planet—today alone we have seen a Bald Eagle, and an Osprey which caught its trout lunch from the river while we watched (that was awesome—the Rangers say that they are typically successful in 1 of 12 attempts!). We also saw chipmunks, numerous bison, elk, deer, and a coyote today. We still are looking for the elusive bear, but hopefully tomorrow…
We finally made to Old Faithful minutes before the sky fell in a hailstorm. We had lunch, and went to the Visitor’s Center, where the kids were made Official Junior Rangers, to the applause of bystanders to the Ranger’s “hear-ye.” At about 2:20 p.m., while waiting for the Big Blow, we were treated to another lightening storm, which included some marble-sized hail. At 2:34pm, within two minutes of the predicted time of 2:36, Old Faithful put on a spectacular show for about four and a half minutes—you can see it all you like on video tracks, but until you see it “live” you just cannot believe how awesome it is!
August 20, 2007 - We rolled out of YNP via the north loop, and left by the north entrance. More wildlife to be seen, and finally saw actual herds (200-300)of bison, although, although a small token of the 30,000,000 that used to roam the American Plains. Again, a geologist’s paradise of colors and textures of the earth’s crust. We went over Dead Indian Pass, which was part of the route used by Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce tribe while seeking escape from the US Army, a tragic tale, left for another time. We took in breathtaking vistas from a place that the Plains Indians revered as the top of the world. Rolled into Cody, Wyoming that evening.
August 21, 2007 - We took in the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum in Cody. We took most of the day there, and among the 5 different galleries of displays, it would take most of a week to truly savor its offerings. Natural history, Native American, Bill Cody, firearms (largest known collection), and western art are its galleries, and we left in big-time information overload. That evening, we visited the Bill Cody dam, an engineering masterpiece created in 1908, and was the prototype of the Hoover dam.
August 22, 2007 - On the road again, after a visits to the National Wild Sheep Conservation Program. On the road, we stopped at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center (WWII Japanese-American internment center), and the Custer County Historic museum. A shop-stop in Billings, MT, and then landing at the Little Bighorn / Custer Battle site. A tour tomorrow of the battlefield, and then on our way.
We are meeting a lot of nice and interesting people along the way--one guy from Visalia, our old digs! RV parks and tourist sites are a "target rich environment" if you like to talk to people. Usually, the foolproof ice-breaker is to offer to exchange group-photo services to those taking each other's pictures at a tourist attraction, but have no one to get the "group shot", or simply saying "howdy neighbor" at the RV sites, followed by "...where ya from?"
Thursday, August 16, 2007
...and we're off!
August 16, 2007 -- We missed Goose Lake; when it said it was on State Line Way, it was on State Line Way. We completely missed the turn off and about 20 miles later we realized something wasn't right. Anyhow, we got to meet our first "nice" person who was more than willing to give us directions to a nearby RV park that was still in our direction of travel. Spent the night Abert, OR at a little RV park. The park was situated in Abert Crater, which is the largest volcanic crater in the US.
Took off the this morning traveling up a highway that is a geologist's dream. There were many colors, textures, and types of geology along the way. Beyond that, the high desert of eastern Oregon leaves you to wonder why people actually live there. We made a pit stop in the town of Wagontire, population exactly 1...The "busted-up cowboy" who proclaims himself to be "judge, jury and executioner" of this little slice of heaven gave only the handle of "Hoss".
We stopped in Burns, Orgon for gas (which we have seen as low as $2.81 so far) and lunch at a little park on the east side of town. While we sat there eating, a three point buck, still in velvet, came bounding through for our lunchtime entertainment.
The kids have been real troopers through two very long road days. We have gotten through the road trip while listening to first two books on CD of A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. These books, thirteen in all, are the lugubrious tale, in this case the very sad tale, of three orphans and the misfortunes that befall them.
We come to you live now from Mountain Home Idaho. We are staying at our first KOA (that's Kamp on Asphalt, for those of you who stay in hotels...). Tomorrow we head out for West Yellowstone, Montana, another long road trip, after which we will take shorter day trips to see Old Faithful and the critters you ain't supposed to feed...
We'd offer photos for your viewing pleasure, but we don't have any photos yet that might inspire interest yet, but they will be coming soon.
Took off the this morning traveling up a highway that is a geologist's dream. There were many colors, textures, and types of geology along the way. Beyond that, the high desert of eastern Oregon leaves you to wonder why people actually live there. We made a pit stop in the town of Wagontire, population exactly 1...The "busted-up cowboy" who proclaims himself to be "judge, jury and executioner" of this little slice of heaven gave only the handle of "Hoss".
We stopped in Burns, Orgon for gas (which we have seen as low as $2.81 so far) and lunch at a little park on the east side of town. While we sat there eating, a three point buck, still in velvet, came bounding through for our lunchtime entertainment.
The kids have been real troopers through two very long road days. We have gotten through the road trip while listening to first two books on CD of A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. These books, thirteen in all, are the lugubrious tale, in this case the very sad tale, of three orphans and the misfortunes that befall them.
We come to you live now from Mountain Home Idaho. We are staying at our first KOA (that's Kamp on Asphalt, for those of you who stay in hotels...). Tomorrow we head out for West Yellowstone, Montana, another long road trip, after which we will take shorter day trips to see Old Faithful and the critters you ain't supposed to feed...
We'd offer photos for your viewing pleasure, but we don't have any photos yet that might inspire interest yet, but they will be coming soon.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
T-minus 12 Hours to Liftoff...
August 14, 2007 -- The words were overheard here today, "...this is almost like moving." No kidding. Trying to do the last minute packing, tying off the loose ends, making sure that all the bases are covered, bills are paid, and all the fires are put out before we go is very tiring. Should-we-take-this-let's-leave-it-here-but-we-might-need-it-do-we-have-enough-do-we-have-too-much-we'll-just-buy-it-if-we-need-it-did-you-get-a-chance-to-do... Hooowee...
This, of course, is not just a week or two--three months really is a long time to be away from home. Not only will we be on "vacation," but we will also be home(?)schooling along the way. Hopefully, this trip will be a wonderful "classroom" like no other.
Well, likely a night of restless sleep ahead, as we wrestle with thoughts of whether we got everything done, despite our best efforts at planning. Cheer us on, as we prepare to see our great nation and meet the challenges that we will likely face as we motor off in a cloud of Suburban dust--Goose Lake, Oregon is the first day's destination--stay tuned, blogs with photos to follow...
This, of course, is not just a week or two--three months really is a long time to be away from home. Not only will we be on "vacation," but we will also be home(?)schooling along the way. Hopefully, this trip will be a wonderful "classroom" like no other.
Well, likely a night of restless sleep ahead, as we wrestle with thoughts of whether we got everything done, despite our best efforts at planning. Cheer us on, as we prepare to see our great nation and meet the challenges that we will likely face as we motor off in a cloud of Suburban dust--Goose Lake, Oregon is the first day's destination--stay tuned, blogs with photos to follow...
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