Monday, August 18, 2008

It all started on a Thursday at Oh-Dark-Thirty

(Alternately titled, "FINALLY!! A post with pictures!!")

Three friends, a very early departure, 4 days, 6 states, over 1500 miles, cotton candy Blizzards, seatbelt debacles, ABBA, breath-taking scenery, near-death experiences with a bison, more cotton candy Blizzards, and more ABBA. It was great.

Day 1: A drive north through 4 states (CA, NV, UT, ID) and almost 1000 miles, we stopped for a walk around Salt Lake City and stopped for the night in Pocatello, ID.
We started each day with a self-portrait in the car.
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The Salt Lake City temple
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Day 2: Leaving Pocatello we headed for West Yellowstone, MT with a stop to see the falls in Idaho Falls. This second day was the day of the infamous seatbelt debacle, requiring a race to the nearest Honda dealership in Bozeman, MT. A walk around the charming town was required.
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The Falls in Idaho Falls, ID
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Lauren was a good sport, willing to drive 90+ minutes restrained in a locked seatbelt so I didn't have to cut it.
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A tasty lunch at Garage in Bozeman, MT
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Our cameras were ever present
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Seen in Bozeman
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Day 3: Yellowstone. Gorgeous. Breath-taking. Far more beautiful than one expects or can imagine. Our day wasn't complete until we got caught in a bison/buffalo traffic jam, resulting in an unexpected near-death experience with a buffalo.
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Soon after driving into Yellowstone we came across this multi-hued hot spring, steam rising, depths unable to be seen.
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A certain someone may have dared another certain someone to dip their foot in it, resulting in the knowledge that these steamy pools are steamy for a reason--they are near boiling hot! Fortunately we escaped without a trip to the nearest burn unit.
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Our first bison sighting! One never forgets one's first bison sighting.
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The falls at which Lauren was the unsuspecting recipient of bug kiss on the neck
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L & M were always willing subjects, whether they liked it or not.
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Our first bison herd sighting, which led to the traffic jam and near-death experience as I mugged for Lauren's camera with a bison crossing the street behind me. Apparantly my little friend wanted to get better acquainted. They really do just cross the road, regardless of the number of curious cars and people staring.
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Our day ended watching an eruption of Old Faithful
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Day 4: A drive back through Yellowstone took us past the Grand Tetons and into Jackson Hole, WY where I said goodbye to my dear friends and hello to my Aunt Laurie, who would drive the rest of the way with me.
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The Grand Tetons
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We took turns looking like fools as we made antlers in front of the antler arch in the Jackson Hole town square
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A close-up of M & L for your entertainment
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Lots of cowboys and bikers on their way to Sturgis, SD for the annual Bike Week festival
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Time to say goodbye
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Thank you dear friends, for keeping me laughing all along the way!
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For more photos from the first half of the trip, go HERE.

5 comments:

Molly W. said...

COOL pics! (well, most of them anyway....theres at least one of me that this post could do w/out!) :) Miss you Kels.

Phoebe said...

You drove my most favprite drive of the Western US. I heart SLC, IF (it is my hubby's hometown, after all), Yellowstone and Jackson. Looks like the perfect road trip.

Phoebe said...

Sorry, that would be favOrite not favPrite.

Cheryl said...

Ah, love it!

I grew up in SE Idaho, was married in Idaho Falls, spent many hours in the Tetons and Yellowstone, and currently reside 30 miles south of SLC.

So, thank you for the trip down memory lane! I'm glad you were able to make your move a vacation as well. :)

kellkellnd said...

I looks like you guys had a great trip. Love the pictures!