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Howdy partners!!!! hehe Lisa thinks she is a cowgirl now and wants a cowgirl hat :)
Sorry we haven't added anything for so long it has been a really busy couple of weeks. We've travelled from Seattle to Montana, driving the length of Montana. Then drove Wyoming, Idaho and half of Utah. So far we've covered 1800miles in 9 days.
So to start off we took the Amtrak Empire builder train from Seattle to Whitefish (MT) Needless to say this lived upto be everything we hoped except lack of sleep! The cabin we got was definately the right choice, we had loads of room and Denis our conductor was super helpful. Scenery out of Washington is amazing all be it a little scary at times where there was a sheer drop the other side of the track. We were even wined and dined in the restaurant carriage. The chefs onboard are trained at a top culinary college in NYC. THE best steak either of us have ever eaten by far. Take a look at the pics for some a funny pic of Ed. He really did not like his top bunk and the swaying of the train :P There was even a strap to hold him in his bunk of which Lisa found hilarious! The journey took 14 hours in total but it did mean we got a chance to stargaze with no light pollution and saw the "big dipper" The train arrived at 7.15am into Whitefish with two very tired but excited travellers.
We picked up "Stavros" our showpony of a car compared to "Gertie" and headed up Whitefish mountain. We also travelled to Glacier National Park and took it fairly easy. Next day we took the long drive to Logan's pass and witnessed the amazing snowy peaks of the Montana mountains. It was so cold up at Logan's pass that both Ed and I wore 4 layers and were still cold. We did some short hikes to waterfalls and rivers etc. Next stop was Bozeman further South. Here we visited Brutus the Bear made famous by National Geo Wild channel for his helping with bear proof items and safety tips. If you fancy a look it's www.brutusthebear.com. We also headed to the Lewis & Clark caverns and did a 2 hour hike & tour. Lisa nearly lost half her body weight in sweat due to claustrophobia but we both really enjoyed it. The colours and structures were amazing including the Empire state building & Statue of Liberty Stallagmytes.
Another lengthy drive took us into Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park for Ed's birthday. It was even a "free" day so that made it all the better. We've seen enough geysers and mudpools to last a lifetime and really wouldn't mind never smelling them again! We even timed it right for Old Faithful's eruption. Saw lots of Bison & deer but no Elk's :( We stayed in a log cabin by the shore of Lake Yellowstone in true keeping with Yellowstone there was no phone reception, tv's or radios. The plus side was the true feeling of wilderness with Coyotes howling at the nights sky. There was so little light pollution we both witnessed the clearest skies so far and you could see thousands of stars, truely awe-inspiring. We also had a celebratory beer for Ed's bday! Next day we were heading to the Mud volcano's and some more hikes. The volcano was slightly disappointing but it's due to being fall and fairly dried up. Time to head onto our next place but not without a dramatic rescue first. We witnessed and helped a lady who drove off the road, down the embankment into a river. Luckily she was in a big 4x4 and didnt roll it on the way down. Lisa and a guy got the lady out and thankfully she was ok except severe shock and a sore back. We left when the ranger arrived and headed onto our next place "Virginia City" feeling a little shaken ourselves. Turned out to be a long drive for not very much, when they say "most preserved" we thought in true old fashion but it has little tourist stores selling gifts etc. Took a few pics and headed for a pizza in West Yellowstone.
Long driving day today, we headed from Montana, through Idaho and into Utah. Ed got the nice bit of driving through the country and little towns. Lisa got Ogden and Salt Lake City with 7 lanes of hell! After travelling the 85 miles of chaos we arrived at hotel for the night. Lisa's nails had now disappeared and we decided to head to the room to "relax" Next day was a driving day to Moab which was super pretty and we even had time to visit Arches National Park. This is both of our favourite place so far. We've spent the last 2 days hiking around exploring many of the 2000 arches. We even conquered the hike to Delicate arch, this is the one that appears on the Utah Centennial license plate. The heat here is unbearable during midday heat but early morning and late afternoon hikes have meant we've seen beautiful scenery and uncrowded trails, the heat is still 90c during this time but plenty of water (3 - 4 litres a day) and you're fine! We've also been to Canyonlands National Park and done a couple of short hikes but then both needed an afternoon of R&R.
We're heading off even further South today to Torrey near Capitol Reef National Park. Two more parks in Utah and then heading to Vegas!! More heat :S hehe last stop will be Arizona for some exploring and then heading to Nick's.
As most of you probably know by now we have decided to head home after 2 months not 3. All this travelling, mileage and hotels has taken it out of us. Plus Ed really can't wait to start work on his hardtop again! hehehe. We arrive home 19th October.
A few shout outs below because there has been lots of news while we have been away.
Congratulations to Mike & Helen with the house move news
Congratulations to Becky & Matt on their engagement
Congratulations to Wendy who is getting married :)
Goodluck and fingers crossed to Kat & Mark on the arrival of their baby
See you all really soon and we will try to post one more blog update from Nick's house. Take Care & love you all.
Lisa & Ed xxxx
- comments
Jennie Walton You 2 are certainly clocking up those miles! Cant believe you are not planning on chilling out and recovering on a nice warm beach somewhere for a few weeks! Jen x