It Ain’t Over Until the Fat Lady Sings

 

Lava Beds National Monument across the border into northern California. Hard to believe there are miles of lava tunnels underneath the ground.

 

Lava tunnel…..reminded me of a subway tunnel, only without the lights.

 

Okay. I’m glad to be out.

 

Captain Jack’s stronghold, where he and 60 Modoc warriors and their families held off 600 US troops for 5 months.

 

The spirit still lingers.

 

Beautiful thunderstorm blew in for a momentary downpour.

 

With John’s sister and family at Crater Lake…..most of the ring road was still closed due to snow.

 

On a cloudless day, it is difficult to describe that colour of blue…….
……it is unreal.

 

The snow was still rather deep.
Mountain peaks in every direction……..

 

…..but once we headed south-east from Klamath Falls, it became very desolate.

 

A visual for the great westerly migration.

 

The view from our campsite at Massacre Rocks State Park, Idaho. The “massacre” took place about 2 miles east.

 

Wagon swales from the Oregon Trail.
If that white marker wasn’t there, you wouldn’t know that was part of the trail. All growing in now.

 

The long & winding road to the fossil quarry…….

 

…..with a few curious cows along the way.

 

Oh this is going to be fun!

 

Splitting rocks in the not-so-hot sun.
Found a keeper!

 

Even John admitted that it was fun. Better than digging for dinosaur bones….as if he ever did that!

 

I’m holding out for Neiman Marcus!

 

Independence Rock – a major milestone along the Oregon Trail.
The view from atop the Rock – unchanged in over 180 years.
Looking east, note the shallow swales.

 

Circumference of the rock is about one mile – a lovely walk except for the wandering cows. Shouldn’t there be fences or something?
Oldest inscription we could make out was from 1850.

 

There really is such a place! lol!
But they obviously don’t want anyone to go exploring.

 

The magnificent Teton Mountain Range. John had to stop to soak it all in.

 

The Tetons from across the valley.

 

Saw quite a few of these pronghorn ……one staring us down in the centre of the road.
Are you lookin’ at me?

 

…..and this fool with a death wish giving tourists a bad name.

 

Even the bike rides were fantastic!
Another view…..they only got better.
And better.

 

Hanging out with our dear friends Evia and Andris.
Even managed to get in a hike with the whole clan (although they day could have been sunnier).

 

The town of Jackson, where they obviously have a lot of elk!

 

Herb should have stuck to his trumpet.

 

By the old Mormon barn in the valley that is Jackson Hole.

 

Hiking with Evia….hard to believe we have been friends for 40 years!!!!

 

“Really! I need a canister! There are bears out there!”

 

Typical roadside traffic by any of the thermal features…parking lots were generally full by 9am.

 

These guys didn’t help with the traffic flow either!

 

Momma and her “red dog”. I fail to see the resemblance to Porter.

 

“…..oh give me a home where the buffalo roam…”
The Lamar Valley – the tiny black dots centre-right in the photo are part of one bison herd.
Lunch break in the valley.
Northeast corner of the park is the prettiest.

 

Old Faithful. Been there. Done that. Don’t need to do it again.

 

Grotto Geyser. Now this one was interesting.

 

Morning Glory….with some of its glory fading due to human stupidity.

 

“Grand Prismatic” from the (crowded) overlook.
Stepping up close to a rainbow.

 

Acidic hot spring. Ouch!

 

Norris Geyser Basin – full of acidic hot springs….definitely don’t want to step off the boardwalk here!

 

Porter is still not impressed with the whole no dogs on trails thing.

 

Lower Falls from Artist’s Point. These really are the true colours!

 

Categories: Central & S/W United States

8 Comments

  • Ilva says:
    July 3, 2019 at 5:06 am

    Skaistas bildes, izskatās burvīgi!
    Sveicieni no Latvijas🇱🇻
    Ilva

    Reply
  • Catriona says:
    July 3, 2019 at 1:54 pm

    Wow, your pictures as always are amazing, and your local history, especially regarding the treks west are very informative. I look forward to your last posting, and also to seeing you, once you’ve settled back home. Enjoy the next month❣️

    Reply
  • hovey says:
    July 8, 2019 at 7:35 pm

    tour guide extraordinaire!!!!
    thanks

    Reply
  • joe perino says:
    July 10, 2019 at 1:41 pm

    Absolutely beautiful scenery ! You both look well and although I admit to being jealous I am very grateful that you have shared this adventure with me. I am also glad to see that Porter looks back to his normal self and is no worse for the wear. I wish you both a safe conclusion to your travels.

    All the best
    Joe

    Reply
    • dinakalns says:
      July 11, 2019 at 3:06 am

      Thanks Joe. Do we want to come home? Yes! Do we want our journey to end? No! Such conflicted emotions. But we are glad you were along for the ride. 🙂

      Reply

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