When we finish up at the
workshop it is still raining, so we decide to head into the centre of Salt Lake
City to tour the main attraction here. Yes, that is the massive Temple for The Church
of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons). We score a carpark practically outside one
of the entrances & feed the machine (who would have thought $4 would get 2
hours!) Then head off to get our tour. The tours are more like instruction in
their religion, but it is impressive to see inside the lovely temple, the older
small one & then the gigantic conference centre. For the first 2 we had 2
lovely young girls showing us around, but the next guide was an older, much
more boring guy. We finally escaped. Followed by a drive around town, before
heading to Tim’s driveway for the night. John had met Tim at the Isuzu
dealership. The long & the short of it is that Tim & his mate Brian are
building a camper out of an ex USA army 4x4 large truck. Should be something
special when finished as they are both very competent engineers,
Bright & early we leave
the city and head due north. Next stop: Antelope Island State Park, set on an
island in Great Salt Lake and connected by a long causeway. Such a great place -
we spend the better part of the day exploring. Lots of bison & pronghorn antelopes
(all other species here remain hidden from us.) Would be a great spot to stay –
but more to see & do, so we continue on. To Logan & then through Logan
Canyon. Really pretty, but nowhere to camp, so finally head up a side road
until we find a nice spot beside the river. Brrr a chilly night – wake to find
our roof vent encrusted with ice. GR2 takes ages to warm up.
On & up over the
mountains, with great views of Bear Lake. Then on across the border into Idaho.
Lots of farming communities, all with their own large Latter Day Saints Church.
Even pass a really lovely LDS cathedral/temple in Paris. Another summit, &
in to Wyoming. Lots more towns before we head in to Wyoming’s Grand Canyon.
Again lots of white water rafting. Finally reach Jackson Hole – an incredibly
touristy town, which we can’t wait to leave. Then on in to Teton National Park.
Everywhere we drive we are overshadowed by these magnificent peaks. We finally
find a spot in the forest to camp with views of the Tetons/peaks. A campfire,
sunset & then sunrise.
An early start means we
get to see a huge male moose, lots of elk & a fox hunting breakfast. Some
lovely views over the lake, then more scenic driving. We can’t drive all day,
so head off on a walk. Back driving, the road continues straight in to
Yellowstone National Park. It is massive, and there is no simple way to drive around
& to top it off it is the weekend and the place is packed. We decide to
explore the south east quarter & head out to Cody (that way we can return
via the very scenic Beartooth Pass that has been highly recommended. On to
explore the West Thumb thermal area with its wooden walkways. Lots of
aquamarine steaming pools, little geysers going off, and bubbling mud right
beside the huge Yellowstone Lake. Apparently fishermen used to cook their catch
as soon as they caught them – in the bubbling water. Then we drive along the
edge of the lake & up into the mountains, through yet another canyon and in
to the town of Cody. And yes there is a Walmart. Campspot solved. Dinner out in
a local restaurant with the old boys belting out country & western.
Awesome!
The next morning we head
to the incredibly famous (here anyway) Buffalo Bill Museum. A big section is
about a guy by the name of William Cody/ alias Buffalo Bill: who was a famous tracker,
explorer & finally entrepreneur who took his Cowboy & Indian Show
around the world (rather like Circus Soliel). There are also sections about
Native Indians, the animals in the area, the biggest display of guns we have
ever seen etc etc. You really could spend all day here – in fact your ticket is
valid for 2 days. But the weekend is nearly over – time to venture back in to
Yellowstone, with hopefully fewer people. Finally leave town with an empty loo,
full water tanks & full diesel tank (with the cheapest fuel in town of
course – thanks to Gasbuddy) Head off towards Beartooth Highway – find a great
spot for the night beside the river – it even has a pile of firewood waiting
for us.
Up bright & early
ready to attack the mountain. And what a drive it is. Near the summit we see a
sign – Road Closed. But the barrier isn’t shut & the cars that passed us
haven’t returned, so we carry on. Once it snows this road gets closed – and
there is evidence of fresh snow all around. The summit is very chilly. Perfect
to stop for coffee. Then a magic descent passing heaps of shiny blue lakes. Finally
back in to Yellowstone. The list is up for camp grounds (yes we plan to legally
camp in one). At least half are closed for the season, and only a few of the remaining
have empty spots. We decide to book one once we get there – quite a drive away.
On through trees & in to Bison territory. Lots of cars stopped &
massive lens trained on these huge beasts. Another stop cameras are pointed to
the hills – there is one lonely longhorn sheep there! Too far away for my
camera. On to the camp ground – it is now full!!There are cars everywhere, and
parking areas are already getting tight. Luckily GR2 can squeeze in to pretty
small spots.
Head on south to see one
of my must sees – the falls over Grand Canyon – awesome. Then we decide to walk
down in to the canyon to the lower viewpoint – what a trudge back up – but
worth the great view. More mud pools & crazy thermal areas before doubling
up on part of the loop past Yellowstone Lake. No way will we be able to finish
the Old Faithful & other geyser areas & exit the park today, so we turn
in to Grant Village to see if we can find a spot there. The camp ground is
closed. There are heaps of empty carparks…..couldn’t we just use one of them.
We see a ranger vehicle & ask. Sure thing – just go behind the petrol
station. What a relief! Here we meet a couple from Aus who have hit a moose in
their VW camper & are waiting to be towed. What a small world.
Phew another day exploring
& tackling the crowds (even carpark queues!) First to the very famous Old
Faithful – who faithfully puts on her show. The Beehive puts on an even more
spectacular display. Lots of boardwalks to explore – and 100’s more photos taken.
More geyser areas to explore – more boardwalks & even more photos! One
special stop was a walk to the unofficial outlook over the incredibly gorgeous
Giant Prismatic Spring (surely the most vibrant, amazing pool of water). The
carpark in to view it was jampacked with a queue waiting – but we got there.
Many more thermal areas before it really is time to start heading out of the
park. We are geysered out. But one last stop at Mammoth Falls to trek yet more
boardwalks, to see the limestone terraces. Magic. Then in town we finally see lots
of elk. Males rutting & bugling (all to catch the female’s eye). Finally we
are out – find a spot beside the Yellowstone River for the night. Two other
motorhomes join us – and yes they are both Aussies! And no we did not see Yogi
or Boo Boo.
Coming Soon: “Going to the
Sun”