We’re not traveling as much in our fifth wheel anymore so I thought it would be fun to relive some of our most memorable days from previous RV trips.
Flashback to our first RV trip in the summer of 2006. On this day 13 years ago, August 8, 2006, the Wandering Dawgs were enjoying the wonders of Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park.
That day we watched Old Faithful erupt and drove the Lower Loop Road where we saw Bison herds (American Buffalo), waterfalls, and spectacular scenery. It was one of our most memorable days from all of our RV travels.
Old Faithful (Wyoming)Bison in Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)Lower Yellowstone Falls in Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)Waterfall along Yellowstone Lower Loop RoadView on Lower Loop Road, Yellowstone National ParkYellowstone National Park, WyomingBison at Yellowstone National Park, WyomingWandering Dawgs at Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park in 2006
We spent about a week camping outside of Yellowstone National Park and spent most of those days exploring the park.
My father loved to take pictures with his Minolta 35 mm camera and through the years he accumulated thousands of slides. My younger brother became the curator of his slides and has been converting the good ones to digital format. His Christmas present to us this year was a DVD with many pictures from my childhood. In the photo at the top of this post you can see our Ford station wagon in Yosemite National Park.
In 1959, when I was eight years old, my father’s work required him to go to California for several weeks. Instead of going by himself, my parents decided to take the whole family on a cross country journey to see America.
I spent many hours crammed in the back seat of our station wagon, usually on the hump in the middle between my two brothers. I wonder how many times my mother had to turn around to tell us to be quiet?
Our family of 5 traveled cross country and back in this Ford Station wagon in 1959
I had so much fun looking at the old photos converted from my Dad’s slides. Each one brought back so many memories. As I was going through the photos I found a few that I unknowingly replicated as an adult during our RV travels. On the left is me in 1959 on the Big Tree in Redwood National Park and on the right that’s me in 2007 at the same tree.
That’s me when I was 8 years old sitting on the Big Tree in Redwood National Park
Redwoods National Park
Dad took a picture of Yosemite Valley that looks a lot like the one I took almost 50 years later. It looks like we were standing in the exact same spot.
My Dad’s slide of Yosemite Valley, 1959
Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View Overlook
Here’s our two pictures of the Yosemite tunnel at Tunnel View. I love the old cars in Dad’s picture.
Tunnel in Yosemite National Park, 1959
Yosemite Tunnel, 2007
Mount Rushmore in 1959 and 2006.
Mount Rushmore, 1959
Mount Rushmore National Monument
While we were in California we went somewhere almost every weekend. We visited national parks, theme parks, San Francisco, and even went panning for gold. I’ll never forget our trip to Disneyland. Where were the crowds back then?
Disneyland in 1959
Dad loved gathering the family together in the basement for slide shows. Thank you to my brother for putting these slides into digital form to be enjoyed over and over again.
Welcome to the last post in my series highlighting states we have visited throughout the years. I have only featured 45 of our beautiful United States because our wandering has never taken us to Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Rhode Island or Vermont.
I will be featuring the states alphabetically. The next and final state of my series is
Wyoming
Wyoming became the 44th state on July 10, 1890. The Capital is Cheyenne.
Welcome to Wyoming
The Wyoming welcome signs feature the copyrighted symbol of a Bucking Horse and Rider that has been used on Wyoming license plates since 1936. According to legend the Bucking Horse and Rider is based on the early 1900’s horse Steamboat, “the horse that couldn’t be ridden”.
My husband and I are huge fans of the Longmire mysteries by Craig Johnson. I’ve read all of them except his latest The Western Star (I’m on the waiting list at the library). Set in the small fictional town of Durant in Absaroka County somewhere near Sheridan and the Montana border, the stories feature Sheriff Walt Longmire and a wonderful cast of characters. With beautiful descriptions of Wyoming and the Bighorn Mountains, page turning mysteries, and great dialog Johnson’s books are hard to put down. Boy Howdy!
Bighorn mountains in WyomingStorm over the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first national park and is one of the most popular national parks in the U. S. The national park covers over 3,000 square miles. We spent several days exploring and as we drove through the park we stopped to explore the geysers, natural formations, hot springs, rivers, waterfalls, lakes and so much more.
Geysers, Yellowstone National Park
Hot Spring, Yellowstone National Park
Along Yellowstone Lower Loop Road
Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Old Faithful Geyser, Yellowstone National Park
Mud geyser, Yellowstone National Park
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is famous for it’s wildlife. Huge bison herds roam freely through the park and often stop traffic. Elk and many other animals are frequently seen.
Bison in Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)
Elk in Yellowstone National Park (Woming)
Elk, Yellowstone National Park
Bison along Yellowstone Lower Loop Road
Elk beside a river on the Yellowstone Upper Loop
If you love waterfalls you won’t be disappointed in Yellowstone.
Moose Falls, Yellowstone National Park
Lower Yellowstone Falls in Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)
Waterfall along Yellowstone Lower Loop Road
Waterfall along the Yellowstone Upper Loop Road
Waterfall along the Yellowstone Upper Loop Road
Our time was limited in Grand Teton National Park but we were able to take in the majesty of the spectacular landscape.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park
On one of our trips we left the Black Hills of South Dakota and traveled into Wyoming to see the Devils Tower. As we drove along we could see the tower jutting up from the prairie. Our campsite at Devils Tower KOA had a great view of the tower.
As we took a hike around the base of the tower images from the movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” popped into my head. There were climbers on the tower and some had made it all the way to the top.
We stopped in Alladin, Wyoming on the way to the Devils Tower
The Devils Tower can be seen from the highway
We loved seeing the Devils Tower from our campsite
There was a car show going on just out side the Devils Tower National Monument when we arrived
Devils Tower National Monument
We watched climbers making their way up the tower
We passed a prairie dog town on the way to the tower
Devils Tower at sunset
Devils Tower at sunrise
We enjoyed our stay at Peter D’s RV Park in Sheridan on our way to Alaska in 2013 so much that we stopped there again on our return trip. With a view of the Bighorn mountains, a historic town to explore, and dinner at the Wyoming Rib and Chop House it was a worth a return visit.
Buffalo Bill Cody stayed here when he was in Cody
Beautiful Sculpture in front of the Sheridan Inn
Mule deer walking through the campground in Sheridan, Wyoming
View of Bighorn Mountains from Peter D’s RV Park in Sheridan, WY
On our return trip from Alaska, we drove south from Sheridan through the high plains where we saw ranches, several herds of pronghorn antelope, and prairie dogs beside the road. We spent a night in Casper, Wyoming at Ft. Caspar RV Park where we visited Fort Caspar on the North Platte River.
Welcome to the next post in my series highlighting states we have visited throughout the years. I hope you will enjoy coming along for the ride!
I will be featuring the states alphabetically. The next state in my series is
Washington
Washington became the 42nd state on November 11, 1889. The Capital is Olympia.
Our first journey through the state of Washington began when we crossed the state line from Idaho heading west. After a quick night in Spokane we drove across the plains of south east and central Washington. On both sides of the highway were fields of sweet corn, alfalfa, potatoes and spearmint. Later in the day the flat land changed to rolling hills. We stopped at the Columbia River Gorge for a look before crossing the river.
Columbia River GorgeColumbia River Gorge
After another quick stay at a campground outside of Seattle, we drove through Olympia and began our journey on Hwy 101 to the Olympic Peninsula. For many miles we traveled along the Hood Canal before arriving in Port Angeles to explore Olympic National Park.
Hood Canal beside Hwy 101
A drive to the top of Hurricane Ridge was the first thing on our agenda. It was sunny when we started the ascent up the winding road but it wasn’t long before the snow started coming down. When we arrived at the top the snow was deep and there were snow boarders and cross country skiiers enjoying the snow. The view of the mountains was spectacular.
Driving through snow on the road to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National ParkHurricane Ridge in Olympic National ParkDeer beside the road on the way to Hurricane RidgeOn the way back down we stopped for a view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca with Canada on the other side
Another day we drove by Crescent Lake on the way to the Hoh Rain Forest. When we arrived at the National Park entrance we were disappointed to find it closed. After making a few purchases at a small store a few miles from the entrance we found out there was a trail head just outside the park so off we went to explore the trail. There had been a big storm the previous year and there were many trees down.
Crescent LakeHiking in the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National ParkHoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park, Washington
After our hike, we passed by a field with Roosevelt Elk on the drive back to the campground.
Roosevelt Elk in Olympic National ParkRoosevelt Elk in Olympic National Park
Dungeness Harbor was nearby so one night we went for dinner at the Three Crabs (the restaurant is now closed). There was a great view of the New Dungeness Lighthouse and were able to watch the sun go down.
New Dungeness LighthouseSunset at Dungeness Harbor
Leaving Port Angeles in our rear view mirror we continued our journey through Washington on Hwy 101. As we drove south along the coast we caught our first glimpses of the Pacific Ocean. Hoping to find a parking space big enough for our truck and fifth wheel, we turned off the highway into a parking area at Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park. Success! It was a little tight but there was space to park and turn around to get back to the highway. After going down a short path to the beach we enjoyed our first walk beside the Pacific Ocean.
Our first view of the Pacific Ocean was Ruby BeachRuby BeachRuby Beach
We continued down the coast to our next stop, Cape Disappointment Sate Park on the Long Beach Peninsula. It quickly became one of our all time favorite state park campgrounds. Our site was spacious with with a path behind the site. Inside the state park there were trails to explore, beautiful beaches, two lighthouses, magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean from high atop cliffs, and a Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. The first order of business to walk down the path and we were thrilled to step out onto a beautiful beach with a view of the North Head Lighthouse.
I loved this view of the North Head Lighthouse as we walked out on the beach from the trail behind our campsiteA short trail behind our campsite at Cape Disappointment State Park led us to this beautiful beachSunset at Cape Disappointment State ParkHigh above the Pacific Ocean at Cape Disappointment State ParkBoat washed up on the beach at Cape Disappointment State Park
Lewis and Clark first spotted the Pacific Ocean while in the area and there is evidence of the their presence in and around the state park. We learned a lot about their journey at the excellent Interpretive Center in the state park.
Lewis and Clark monument on the McKenzie Trail
Lewis and Clark first sighted the Pacific Ocean near here and camped in the area
We explored some of the nearby towns and beaches on the Long Beach Peninsula. We ate our fill of local seafood at some of the restaurants in the area. Blondie loved running on the dog friendly beaches.
Blondie loved the dog friendly beach at Long Beach
We loved the two lighthouses at Cape Disappointment State Park.
North Head LightCape Disappointment LighthouseCape Disappointment Lighthouse
Our first Washington adventure ended when we crossed the Columbia River into Oregon. Several years later we returned to Washington on our return trip from Alaska. After a couple of nights in Orroville just south of the border from British Columbia our route took us past more beautiful scenery and the Grand Coulee Dam.
Driving along in northern Washington after our trip to Alaska in 2013Near the Grand Coulee DamGrand Coulee Dam
Welcome to the next post in my series highlighting states we have visited throughout the years. I hope you will enjoy coming along for the ride!
I will be featuring the states alphabetically. The next state in my series is
Utah
Utah became the 45th state on January 4, 1896. The Capital is Salt Lake City.
As we drove through Utah exploring national and state parks the scenery was spectacular. There were red sandstone cliffs and hoodoos, multicolored striped mesas, white cliffs, red slick rock, arches and balanced rocks, canyons carved by river water, and twisting narrow highways with steep grades.
We had our first views of Utah as we entered the state from the southern border with Arizona.
Red Canyon
Our first Utah destination was Bryce Canyon National Park. After setting up camp at Ruby’s Inn we headed to Bryce to take an afternoon drive through the park. Just a few overlooks later our drive was cut short as the rain started coming down. By the time we got back to our campsite the rain was coming down in buckets. With better weather the next morning we returned to Bryce for some more views of the red sandstone formations called hoodoos.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Rainbow Point, Bryce Canyon National Park
Natural Bridge, Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Point, Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
As we traveled on scenic Utah Highway 12 from Bryce Canyon to Torrey we stopped for lunch at Kodachrome Basin State Park.
Henry and Blondie are standing at the base of this hoodoo in Kodachrome Basin State ParkKodachrome Basin State Park
After lunch we continued to Torrey. The narrow highway climbed upward with several 8% and a couple of 10% grades. We were both happy when we arrived at Sand Creek RV Park safe and sound. There were no other campers in the park and our site had a great view of red cliffs and mountains.
The next morning we left the camper in the campground to make the 20 mile round trip scenic drive through Capitol Reef National Park.
Capitol Reef National ParkCapitol Reef National Park (Utah)Capitol Reef Petroglyphs
Traveling on Highway 24 from Torrey to Moab the scenery changed from red cliffs to all white cliffs to grey and gold mesas near a town called Luna Mesa.
Driving through Luna Mesa on Highway 24 we felt like we were on the moon
Portal RV Park in Moab was our home for a few days while we toured Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and enjoyed several Moab restaurants.
We made several visits to Arches National Park and went on a few short hikes. I have a terrible fear of heights and was hesitant to do the Delicate Arch hike because there is a section where the trail is very narrow and high above ground. I am very happy that I didn’t let my fear keep me from making the hike that was the highlight of our visit to Arches.
Henry standing under Delicate ArchPetroglyphs at the bottom of the Delicate Arch trail
There were many other arches and formations in Arches National Park that we saw as we toured the park and walked on many short trails.
Three Gossips at Arches National ParkBalanced Rock at Arches National ParkArches National ParkDouble Arch at Arches National ParkOne of the Elephants on Parade at Arches National ParkArches National Park Landscape Arch
Dead Horse Point was a short drive from our campground in Moab. The view from one of the overlooks provided a spectacular view of the Colorado River and the deep canyon.
Dead Horse Point State Park
We arrived at Canyonlands National Park just as the afternoon storms were rolling in.
Rain over Canyonlands National ParkCanyonlands National Park (Utah)
Of all the Utah parks we visited, Zion is my favorite. Maybe it’s because we had this view from our campsite beside the Virgin River in the Watchman Campground. Or maybe it’s because our first night we watched the moon rise over Watchman.
Moon rising over Watchman in Zion National Park
Or maybe it’s my favorite because of the beauty of the park. To hop on the shuttle for a ride through the canyon all we had to do was take a short walk from our campsite to the Visitor’s Center. One day we took Blondie on a four mile hike on the Pa’Rus trail beside the Virgin River. Another day we took a ranger guided shuttle tour through the canyon in the morning and drove through the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel to the East entrance after lunch. The landscape changed on the other side of the mountain and we discovered a herd of Big Horn Sheep.
Blondie takes a dip in the Virgin RiverVirgin River in Zion National ParkZion National ParkThe Narrows in Zion National ParkMenu Falls at Zion National ParkThree Patriarchs in Zion National ParkCheckerboard Mesa in Zion National ParkBig Horn Sheep in Zion National ParkBig Horn Sheep in Zion National Park
Our adventures in Utah continued as we towed our fifth wheel through the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel to our next destination, Gouldings Lodge and Campground in Utah near Monument Valley which is in the Navajo Nation Reservation in both Arizona and Utah.
John Wayne’s Cabin at Goulding’s from “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon”View of Monument Valley from Goulding’s Lodge and Campground
The elemental effects of nature on the earth are evident all over the state. Water and wind created these magnificent formations on the earth.
