JennyD's Travel Blog

TETONS AND YELLOWSTONE!! An Amazing Day. - Cody, Wyoming

 This place was Amazing visited Aug 1, 2005

We headed out to the Tetons early in the morning from Jackson Hole. I have few words to describe the awe of this place, no words do it justice. It is full of natural beauty and peace and wonder. Tiphanie and I decided we could have stayed there for a week or more and just camped and hiked. If you have not been here, go. If you have been here, go again. Go now. Leave now. Jenny Lake, of course, was my favorite but there are so many lakes to see and trails to take. I’ve never seen anything like this place but hope that I do again, very soon! Next we were off to Yellowstone! We entered through the south of the park, not exactly the prettiest part of it. The effects of the 1988 fire are still apparent. New growth has begun of course but the tall pines are still standing, dead and charred but still standing. It makes for a slightly eerie feel as you pass through, almost like a scene from Lord of the Rings or some other fairy tale type of odd forest. I know 1988! But we’ve been told that it takes a long time for the old trees to fall and the new ones to form a new tall forest. Our first stop was The Continental Divide. Then onto Old Faithful, which was not our favorite part but if you are there it’s like you have to do it. Just the same as if you are in New York, you have to see the Statue of Liberty or in San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge. Next we headed to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and made a few stops along the way. The sulfur cauldrons, the paint pots and hot springs were crazy! It looked like another world and smelled terrible – bad eggs, catalytic converter – just not a good smell. The Grand Canyon was breath taking. The best part of the park in our opinion. The waterfalls were magnificent, the views awesome. This whole area of the park was greener and more beautiful, plus the animals were out! Elk and buffalo mostly. We were stuck in traffic a couple of times because the buffalo were walking down the road or standing in the road. Who knew traffic could be caused by buffalo?! Yes the vehicles are far too many in the park, but it was convenient for us to be able to drive through. Nonetheless, I think I prefer less auto pollution in such a pristine place. Finally we drove out the East Gate and headed to Cody, WY to visit our friend Rose and her husband, Mike.

posted Aug 3, 2005 | Comments (0)

Lollygagging - Jackson, Wyoming

 This place was Great visited Jul 31, 2005

Rolled out of Salt Lake City in late morning as we didn’t arrive until late night. Took the time to relax and enjoy the drive up to Jackson Hole, WY after a 12 hour power through ride the day before. I think my bum has taken the shape of an Audi car seat. Stopped at Salt Lake for a photo op. I dipped my foot in, Tiph took a self portrait (she’s good at those) and we were back on the road again. I’m sure a day could be spent at Salt Lake involving recreational activities and tours explaining the salt content and why the Mormons settled here nevertheless we had mountains in mind and just gave it a drive-by. I’d recommend staying downtown at the Salt Lake City Center Marriott if you go, the staff there were very helpful and there are good bars and restaurants nearby (Port O’ Call). But overall, not a city I care to revisit. Driving up the 15 from SLC was uneventful and not much to look at, thank the good stereo gods that we have SIRIUS radio and IPods! Once we hit the 89 towards Jackson the scenery was greatly improved. Bear Lake in Garden City, UT was a nice surprise. A quaint little town with a good vibe and massive homes overlooking the lake which is crystal blue and crosses two states, Utah and Idaho. I took pictures, then my camera ate them and thus I have nothing to share but words. Trust me, it was a town you could vacation in and spend days on that lake fishing or reading a book. As we drove closer to our destination, we passed through many beautiful state parks and mountain ranges. Found that a past-time in this area is to build archways and statues out of Elk horns, who knew? Or as Tiphanie said – OHHH NOOO. We thought this was some sick tribute to the deaths of many Elk but later found out that the horns are actually shed by the Elk and then they regrow new horns. Yeah…like we would know…Elk are always walking around SF. Finally we arrived in Jackson Hole and headed downtown for some grub. The brewery there is excellent! Good beer! Downtown Jackson Hole is charming and unusual. Another Elk Horn statue! We ended up in the biggest tourist bar (The Cowboy Bar) and had an absolute blast. We met two couples from Ohio riding their Harleys to Sturgis, 4 other bikers riding to Sturgis, a monstrously tall man named Mike and his wife Sarah, a 40 year old psychologist who had a body of a 20 year old – as we were often reminded by the our 4 friendly bikers (HA!) and a lovely bartender who wouldn’t tell anyone where the locals hang out. Damn. Can't wait to head out to the Tetons and Yellowstone tomorrow.

posted Aug 3, 2005 | Comments (0)

THE LONGEST DAY.... - Salt Lake City, Utah

 This place was Great visited Jul 30, 2005

San Francisco was typically foggy this morning, it is summer after all! We packed up the car like a game of Tetris and headed out. A quick stop in Sacramento, CA for lunch at BUTCH & NELLIE'S, an absolute gem of a coffee house catering to the diverse and open minded! Following Route 80 all the way, a scenic yet endless freeway, we felt as though time was standing still. It is beautiful scenery but deserted and most towns are just the blink of an eye to drive through. A couple of scary truck stops, a natural phenomenon (doo-doo doo-doo-doo) and some crazy prison areas later...we finally made it to Salt Lake City, tired and beat down but we powered through the first leg of the trip! Off to see the Salt Lake, Tetons and Jellystone (Yellowstone for those who don't know the American cartoon) tomorrow!

posted Jul 31, 2005 | Comments (0)

The End & The Beginning - San Francisco, California

 This place was Amazing visited Jul 2005

As Tiphanie leaves our favorite little city by the bay to pursue her goal of trumping Donald Trump...she celebrates with some of her closest friends (and the neighbors, the local homeless guy, that hooker from the alley). We are happy for her and still a bit sad. But mostly, we drink through it! As I tend to not be prepared for anything...I desperately need luggage for the trip, the one we are leaving for in the morning! Luckily, Mary has just what I need...a 72 hour, 4 person earthquake preparedness kit in a large rolling duffle bag. Purchased by her mother for no small sum, survival is costly my friends. As we admire this bohemeth and all of its contents(beef stroganoff or blueberry cheesecake - just add water - mmm...mmm...good) I am bewildered at how we'll ever lug the thing to safety when the big one hits. But what a fantastic duffle! It shall be mine! So large and roomy yet just one bag, as Tina demonstrates with her Ocean 11 skills. It was an intimate gathering and fantastic farewell of friends who will be missed dearly.

posted Jul 27, 2005 | Comments (0)