45th Day - Rest and Relaxation

The temperature finally rose above 80F today, topping out at 86F. It is nice to have the warm weather again.
I really took it easy today. I spent some time at Wilson's Creek Civil War Battle sight and took in a Minor League Baseball Game at Springfield, Missouri. I really enjoyed the break!
I am off to St. Loo tomorrow.
Well rested!
The Traveller

Bloody Hill - Wilson's Creek

This picture is the sight of the final Battle where the Union General Lyon perished. The Battle took place on August 10, 1861 lasting six hours and has often been referred as the "Bull Run of the West"

John Ray's House - Wilson Creek

This is the only building left from the 1861 Civil War Battle of Wilson Creek. It has been restored but it is still on the same sight as it was during the Civil War. It was used as a hospital for the Confederates during the Battle. According to the Park Ranger this was the Second Battle and the initial Battle West of the Mississippi of the Civil War.

44th Day - Show-Me Time

Another nice sunny day as the temperature was mid 60s when I awoke and peaked at 72F when I reached Springfield, Missouri.
The past three States are back to the norm as far as Super-Unleaded gasoline being priced higher then Unleaded. I have added 5755 miles to the trip since leaving the West Coast and am now up to 12,115 miles total. Since leaving the West Coast I have averaged 360 miles per day. This is over 100 miles per day from the trip to the West Coast.
The next few days are going to be more relaxing as I will be staying in Missouri. It is well needed.
Night everyone!
The Traveller

Bentonville, Arkansas

Just think this is where Wal-Mart started from!

43rd Day - Four State Day

Temperature was mid 40s when I awoke this AM. As I travelled South it warmed to a high of 68F. A Very nice day today indeed.
I really rolled up the mileage today. The trip from Yankton, South Dakota to just outside of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma was over 500 miles. It was a bit much!
The 500 miles included a total of four States. The State count now stands at 28 with still more to come.
My plans are up in the air tomorrow, however.
It has been a long day so will say goodnight!
The Traveller

Oklahoma City National Memorial

This was such a tragic event. I thought this Memorial was one of the best I have seen, however. There is the Survivor Walls of the Murrah Building, the Survivor Tree (American Elm) which remained standing after the blast, Field of 168 Empty Chairs that symbolize a life lost, and a Reflecting Pool that helps soothe the wounds with a calming effect.

State Signs

The State Signs of the States that I was in today!

42nd Day - Dakota Day

It was raining again this AM with a temperature in the low 40s. The temperature dipped to the mid 30s as I travelled up North.
North Dakota can now be added to the State count. It was quite an interesting hour that I spent in North Dakota, however. While travelling down Route 11, I encountered water across the road and had to turn around and find another route.
The gasoline octane is 87 or higher in the Dakotas, yet the prices are in the $2.90s per gallon. I am curious on just how all these octanes affect the engines performance over a long period of time.
Heading South with the ultimate destination of Oklahoma City tomorrow.
Night everyone!
the Traveller

Corn Palace

The Corn Palace is located in Mitchell, South Dakota. On the exterior walls there are corn murals that are replaced and redesigned each year.
It is basically used for concerts, sports events, exhibits, and other community events.

Farmland USA

This picture was taken on Route 47 just North of Eureka, South Dakota.
Does this bring back memories Jim?

What's Wrong With This Picture?

This picture was taken in Wolsey, South Dakota. I did a double take on this.
You may need to enlarge the picture.

41st Day - A Blustery Day. Oh Dear... De, De, De...Dear, Dear

I thought that this was going to be a good day for the Badlands as the Sun was shining and the temperature was in the low 50s when I awoke. As I got closer and closer to the Badlands it became overcast and the wind was just unbelievable. On this trip one cannot let the weather get you though. I believe they say, carry on!
Gasoline prices in South Dakota were typically $2.94 per gallon, not the highest but not the lowest either.
I now have an excuse to buy a new Cardinal hat, mine is presently at the bottom of the Badlands National Park. It was either my hat or me. Since I am writing this blog, one can tell which one I chose. I thought I was going to get arrested by the Park Ranger for littering. What would Brian have done to me?
I am planning on adding another state to my count tomorrow, one I have never been in, North Dakota. I am going to have to put a few miles on from now on to get to St Looie.
For now it is time for beddiebye!
The Traveller

Hitching Post

This picture taken at Wall, South Dakota at Wall Drug. It basically is a tourist trap and one can see it got me. All I heard from the people working at Holiday Inn in Hot Springs was this place.
It got its start by Ted Hustead a pharmacist in 1931. It is a shopping mall but all the unique stores are connected and operated under a single entity instead of being run by individual stores.
This was taken at the playground in the rear of the stores. The kids would have loved this.

Three Steps

I thought this picture of the Badlands was interesting as it looks like one is climbing up stairs.

Indian Hideout - Badlands

This picture taken in the Badlands National Park on Route 240 in South Dakota. This terrain is formed by infrequent but intensive rain showers along with soft sediments. If one looks at the surface it looks to me like a river bed that has just dried up.
Everyone of the Parks that I have visited during this trip have there own unique features.
I might add it was extremely windy today and overcast.
There is also many warning signs about rattlesnakes in the area, believe me my eyes were open for this!

40th Day - Stone Faced Presidents

Snow again falling this AM with temperature at 34F. The road to Denver was wet but passable. I25 road North of Cheyenne was closed. I decided to try Route 85 which basically runs parallel to I25. The first 25-30 miles had snow drifts on the road of over a foot and really tested my driving skills. Once I got to Meriden, Wyoming the roads were fine, however. It warmed to mid 50s as I went further North. Go figure!
Denver is now number one (1) in gasoline prices with a price of $2.57 per gallon. It was nice to see this as I travelled well over 400 miles today.
Hot Springs has a sight that was once a large sink hole which contained both Wooly and Columbian Mammoths. The bones are still in tact at the sight. It was quite interesting.
The Badlands are next on the agenda!
Night everyone!
The Traveller

El Presidentes

I don't think this picture needs any explanation!

The Needles Eye

This picture taken on the Needles Highway near Custer State Park in South Dakota.
This is the head of the needle waiting to be threaded.

39th Day - Stuck Inside of Castle Rock With The Colorado Weather Blues

Awoke this morning to find that snow had started falling in the early morning hours along with the temperature being at 34F. I decided to make a run for it but only made it to Castle Rock which is 40 miles to the North. It was the 10 to 12 inches of snow that limited my mileage. With weather like this my trip is going to have to be extended a few days.
Basically this was laundry and reminiscencing about Pikes Peak day.
My plan is to get up real early tomorrow and try to make Mt. Rushmore. It will be a stretch.
Night Night!
The (Un)Traveller

Reminiscencing Day 38 - Pikes Peak Snow Drift

This gives one an idea on how high the snow drifts get on top of Pikes Peak.

Castle Rock

The Bottom Picture was taken in Castle Rock, Colorado. As one can see or cannot see, it is this Rock that the town was named.

In the Top Picture one can actually see the "Castle Rock".

38th Day - America The Beautiful

Temperatures were in low 50s when I arose but warmed to the low 60s on the drive to Colorado Springs. They plummeted to 28F at or near the top of Pikes Peak. When I got back to the entrance it was 52F. This was certainly one of the best days of the trip. Traveling up to the top of Pikes Peak was simply awesome.
The gasoline prices in Colorado are a bit cheaper than in Utah. The last gasoline purchase in Utah was at $3.19 per gallon, I spent $2.74 per gallon in Colorado.
The return trip East has amassed a total of 3467 in the 10 days for an average of 347 miles per day. The trip out West averaged 245 miles per day. The total mileage for the trip now stands at 9827 miles.
The plan is to start heading North again.
Night everyone!
The Traveller

Southeast View from Pikes Peak Hill

I simply am amazed at the view from up here.
Notice the clouds!

Pike Peaks 3

Bro requested some blue sky with Rocky Mountain Peaks.
VOILA!

Pikes Peak 2

This picture taken at the highest elevation (13,000 feet) that I could get to for the day which was at 17 Mile Marker of the 19 Mile trek up the Mountain.
I might add that it was 28F and the wind was gusting.

Red Fox

This picture taken at Glen Cove on the drive up to Pikes Peak. The fox was as docile as any animal could be. I think it was hoping I was going to feed it. When I went to take its picture it actual posed for me.

Pikes Peak

This trip just keeps getting better. This picture taken near Mile Marker 13 of the 19 mile trek up to the top of Pikes peak.
Notice how the sun rays are reflecting off the snow. It just doesn't get much better than this!!!!!

37th Day - "Colorado Rocky Monarch High"

Temperature was again in low 50s in the morning but rose to low 70s by mid afternoon. I also want to add that five (5) miles West of the Monarch Pass it was 63F and by the time I arrived at Monarch Pass it was 48F.
One can drive to both the Peak and the Valley of Black Canyon. I really enjoyed visiting the Park.
Although Monarch Pass was damp, cold, wind blown, and overcast, it still was one of the most awe inspiring sights that I have ever seen in the USA. I can see why John Denver wrote about it.
There are Electrical Storms along with rain this evening. My plans for tomorrow are up in the air at this time.
Sandman is calling me so I will say goodnight to all.
The Traveller

Monarch Pass - Continental Divide

This picture taken at Monarch Pass, Colorado on Route 50.
I believe that the two Mountain Peaks are St. Elmo and Mt. Antero which are both above 14,000 feet elevation.
Keep in mind that I am standing at an elevation of 11,312 feet.

Gunnison River - East Portal, Colorado

This picture was taken upstream of the Black Canyon N. P in a small town called East Portal at the sight of Gunnison Diversion Dam. One cannot see the diversion tunnel due to the water level being too high but it is located just in front of the small building on the left that is over the River.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

This picture was taken on the South Rim of the Park called Painted Wall View. The Park located just East of Montrose, Colorado is very impressive.
The Canyon walls were carved so steep due to the average drop of 96 feet per mile of the Gunnison River in the National Park. Dams were installed upstream to slow this erosion process. One can hear the roar of the River at Warner Point, the steepest point in the Canyon at 2772 feet deep.

36th Day - Beautiful Southern Utah

Temperature was in the low 60s this morning, but it really warmed up and hit a high of 79F in the afternoon. I really had to drink a lot of water.
I thought Moab, Utah is a cute little town. It is surrounded by some of the most beautiful Red Rock landscape and has the Colorado River running through it.
I added Colorado to the State count today. I believe that makes it 23.
I am off to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park tomorrow.
Night everyone!
The Traveller

Colorado National Monument

The Colorado N.M. Canyon is located between the cities Fruita and Grand Junction, Colorado. This highcountry rises over 2000 feet above the Grand Valley of the Colorado River.
One has to be careful when driving through the National Monument as there are no guardrails on most of the switchbacks and my car does not have a parachute.

Turret Arch

This picture taken at Arches National Park located in Moab, Utah.
And just think that this Park was once a Salt Bed.
There is so many unique Parks in Southern Utah.

35th Day - Awe Inspiring

Temperature at sunrise was in the low 50s but rose to 72F during the day and stayed pretty much that temperature the rest of the day.
It was a very busy day visiting both Parks today but well worth it. The beauty in this Country continues to amaze me.
It was refreshing to know I did not have to turn in my 2nd car today. Seems that the mileage was not reset at the previous oil change, so the car does not require one at this time.
Tomorrow has Arches National Park on the schedule.
Nighty Night!
The Traveller

Bryce Canyon - Inspiration Point

Inspiration Point-Bryce Canyon in Paunsaugunt Plateau pretty much blew me away. It is well named.
Actually Bryce Canyon, named after a Mormon Ebeneezer Bryce, should be named Bryce Amphitheater as it never was carved out by a river like the Grand Canyon was.
It once was a large body of freshwater though.

Red Canyon

Located on Route 12 in the Paunsaugunt Plateau just west of Bryce Canyon, these orange-red sandstone rocks are eroded into what they call hoodoos. Hoodoos are totem-pole shaped bodies of sedimentary rock.
The one on the left looks like a boot to me!

Mountain Goats - Zion National Park

An adult and a baby resting on one of the ridges of the Mountain.
I might add this close-up of the goats can be attributed to my new camera!

Zion-Mount Carmel Highway Tunnel

The Top Picture shows the East Entrance to the Tunnel. Two-way traffic is not allowed now due to RVs and the like. A guard is posted at both ends of the Tunnel to ensure that this does not happens.
Notice the height restrictions posted on the entrance wall.

The Bottom Picture shows some of the total length of 1.1 miles of the tunnel.
If one looks to the middle far right of the picture you can see one of galleries (hole in the Mountain) that are used for both ventilation and light throughout the Tunnel.
Work on the Tunnel started in 1927 and it was completed in 1930 at a cost of a little more than half a million dollars. I wonder how much it would cost today?
I might add that the center-line of the road to the outside of the Pine Creek Canyon Mountain Wall is exactly 21 feet throughout the length of the Tunnel.
Modern Marvel!

Patterns In Stone - Checkerboard Mesa

Located near the Zion National Park East Entrance, this formation is made of Navajo Sandstone and has two sets of line forming the checkerboard pattern. The horizontal lines (crossbedding) represent layers of wind-blown sand that build up into sand dunes. These dunes were then buried, and the sand grains are glued together chemically (right up your alley Deb) to form sandstone. The vertical lines are actually shallow cracks that result from stress and erosion on the rock surface.
Pretty neat what nature can do!

34th Day - Roll On Down The Highway

It was 52F in the morning and by noon it was 77F and stayed that way all day. One can tell I am a lot further South. It was just a beautiful day.
The cars maintenance required light illuminated during the 450 mile drive down I15. It is time for car number three. I am hoping I can exchange for another Prius as I am saving a lot more on gas with it than with the Camry. I may end up getting an oil change if not.
The long drive down I15 was aided by 75-80 MPH, however.
Bro called to tell me that my phone was found in Yellowstone just as I had figured.
I guess I should have stayed an extra day there.
My plans are to see both Zion and Bryce tomorrow.
Adieux!
The Traveller

Markagunt Plateau

This picture was taken just a few miles North of Cedar City, Utah. The locals call it Cedar Mountain. The Red colored portion of the Mountain is a result of the Iron in the ground.

Cherry Blossoms

This picture was taken just outside of the Tabernacle at Temple Square.
I guess D.C. doesn't have a monopoly on Cherry Blossoms.

Tabernacle Organ

This picture taken at the Tabernacle where the Tabernacle Choir sing. As one can see there is an organist who was practicing for the next service at 2:00 PM. It sounded fantastic.
If I have my facts straight it was made from Timber from neighboring Parowan and Pine Valley Mountains by Joseph Harris Ridges who had lived near an organ factory in England. Originally the Organ was powered by hand-pump bellows but today by electricity. When first constructed in 1867 the Organ contained some 700 pipes but now contains 11,623.

Great Salt Lake

This picture taken at the entrance to Antelope Island State Park in Salt Lake City, Utah. Where I am standing use to be the edge of the Great Salt Lake. As one can see it has receded to where it is barren now. The guard at the gate identified that there has been a drought for the past seven years. In addition most of the water in the area is being redirected to the farmers land. The Lake water is out there, I just chose not to drive out to the Island to actually see it.
The Mountain in the background is part of Antelope Island.

33rd Day - Loop De Loop Day

I woke up this morning with rain pouring down and the temperature at 39F. After completing the trek through the West and North part of Yellowstone the rain had stopped and the temperature was at 52F. It later warmed up to 77F at Livingston, Montana where I purchased a new cell phone.
At 9:00 AM I entered West Yellowstone Entrance to the Park and at 4:30 PM I was back to the same West Entrance. I went through the West and North area of the Park up to Livingston, Montana to Bozeman, Montana back to the West Entrance. I am getting no where fast!
I have added a total of 1895 miles since I left the Seattle area. For the return trip back east I am averaging 379 miles per day. Ouch my back!!!! Gasoline in Idaho is $2.99 per gallon but the octane continues its downward trend to 85.
When hiking up the stairs at Mammoth Hot Springs there were 70 steps plus inclines to the top. Where is my oxygen tank?
I actually saw a police car pull over a speeder today. I am thinking this is rare here.
I am heading South to Bryce Canyon tomorrow. It is going to take a good deal of time though.
Signing off!
The Traveller

Palette Spring

Palette Spring is part of what they call Mammoth Hot Springs. Mammoth Hot Springs is plateau after plateau high. The colors would have been more vivid had the weather cooperated more. I just find the Springs quite interesting.
Mammoth Hot Springs is located near the North entrance of Yellowstone Park.

Golden Gate Pass

If one looks to the new pavement (middle of picture) it is an area called Golden Gate (named for the light-colored volcanic rock). This was once a wooden trestle that formed a bridge. The wood trestle was built in 1885 to allow passage from Mammoth Hot Springs to Yellowstone Plateau thus saving a half-days travel up to the plateau. The concrete trestle was rebuilt twice since the 1900s. It is located a few miles in from the North entrance of Yellowstone Park.
Notice the bare trees in the background showing evidence of fire damage.

32nd Day - Gushing With Elation

Today was just a beautiful day, temperature in the mid 60s and the sky was just a gorgeous blue.
The trek on Route 287 from Helena to West Yellowstone was just enjoyable. Speed limit on the two lane (I call it a three lane) was 70 MPH. I call it a three lane as there is usually a third lane to accommodate passing of trucks when going up hills/mountains whether it be with you or for the oncoming traffic.
I saw more animals today than I have for the whole trip. Bison, elk, and deer were plentiful. One had to be very careful so as not to hit any of them.
I also added Wyoming to the state count.
Just a note that I have lost my ability to call others and for them to call me. I cannot find my phone and will need to replace it.
My plans for tomorrow is to revisit Yellowstone and to possible head to Grand Teton depending on the time constraints.
Sandman Time!
The Traveller

Excelsior Geyser Crater Water Runoff

This picture shows the 199 degrees F water flowing from Excelsior into the Firehole River. The geyser discharges a little over 4000 gallons of water a minute.
Since there has not been an actual eruption since 1985, the geyser is now considered a Hot Spring.
Notice the different colored drainage channels where the boiling water flows.

An Eruption of Old Faithful Geyser

The height of the eruptions are from 105 -185 feet in the air. The eruption intervals can range anywhere from 65 minutes to 91 minutes. This is based on whether the eruption duration is less than or more than 2.5 minutes.
Pretty neat!

Bison Leisurely Stroll Near Yellowstone

This picture taken just outside the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. They are not shy at all as they will stop right in the middle of the road. It is the vehicle driver to make sure they are not hit.

Sheep Mountain Earthquake Landslide Area

This picture shows the landslide area of the South portion of Sheep Mountain as a result of the earthquake that occurred on August 17, 1959. The 80 million ton of earth caused a dam which formed Earthquake Lake. One can see that a great deal of the moved earth has been dug out to allow for the Madison River to flow downstream.
One can also see that there are now trees (middle rear) growing on the landslide area.

Madison Mountains

Sorry folks but here is my daily Mountain photograph. The Range was named after US Secretary of State James Madison by Meriwether Lewis as the Lewis and Clark Expedition travelled through Montana in 1805.
I just love the blue sky in this one.

31st Day - Glacial Day

Temperature range today was low 40s to low 50s and overcast for most of the day but no rain. I am thinking I will take it for as far North as I am.
It was quite a trek up to Glacier National Park but the rewards were worth it. The only disappointment was one could only drive up to the end of McDonald Lake which is 10 miles up Going-to-the-Sun Road. The guard at the 10 mile gate said that I am only seeing about 25% of the real beauty of the Park. One can only imagine! If one waited until Mid-May to Mid-June to enter these Parks, it would be ideal. I really like the idea of very little crowds.
On the way to Glacier National Park near Kalispell, believe it or not, there is an Animal Bridge that actual goes over the road Route 2. I am going to say it is close to a football field long. It is also the very first one I have ever witnessed.
It is the very first time that I crossed the Continental Divide as well. I stopped in a small Food Mart near Marais Pass on Route 2 for some gasoline. One of the people in the Food Mart said it is not unusual to get storms of over 4 feet of snow there at one time. Not sure I am ready for that!
I am going to try and get to Yellowstone tomorrow.
Night Night!
The Traveller

Del's Bar

Can anyone guess where this picture was taken from?

Reflection Number Two

If Stanton Mountain isn't enough, let's try Stanton Mountain, Mountain Vaught, McPartland Mountain, Mount Canon, Mount Brown, Edwards Mountain, and Gunsight Mountain from left to right. There is no real difference between mount and mountain other than Mount is used as a proper name (i.e. Mount McKinley), I think.
I'm loving it!

Stanton Mountain - West Glacier National Park

This picture was taken about 4 miles up on Going-to-the Sun Road in Glacier National Park in Montana. Lake McDonald in foreground was a result of the Glacier receding around 10,000 years ago.
This was an awesome sight.

30th Day - Three State Day

Temperature was in the low 60s all day with the exception of Lookout Pass where it dropped to mid 50s. It really was a beautiful day.
The number of states has become 20 which includes New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. All perimeter states with the exception of Tennessee.
I purchased gas at $2.85 per gallon today in Montana, this is $.25 less than I have been normally paying. The speed limits are increasing again as both Idaho and Montana is 75 MPH. This really helps to rack up mileage as I have put close to 800 miles in the past two days.
Weather permitting I am headed for Glacier National Park tomorrow.
Just a note that I have lost an hour to Mountain Time today.
Night everyone!
The Traveller

Blue Mountains Sunset

This picture was taken from Missoula, Montana. The Blue Mountains, mainly located in Oregon, is northwest of Missoula.
Notice how the trees at the top of the Mountains appear to look hairlike.