Day 23.

Pinedale, Wy is a no light cowboy town that strives to be as cool as Jackson. On Saturday night no one was out except tourists at the new Wind River Brewery. We slept in and savored this last day of vacation and a free breakfast. Besides the incredible, picturesque, and memorable section of Wyoming we came, the rest is fairly uneventful. Rolling hills of grass and sage, farms, and ranches. We drove through 7 states, visited 5. We went 5500 miles. We had an oil change in Idaho, day 2, and are due for another. Sadly, we only got 10 miles to the gallon with the trailer attached. But most exploration done detached gave us a break on gas millage. We visited 5 national parks, one national monument. Items left or lost: toothbrush, and Nook, both by Mason. Items should have packed: extra towels. Items overpacked:  clothes, "just in case" bathroom items. Things to change/improve: smaller grill, maybe upgrading to a Truck/SUV. Also a few finishing aesthetics with the Lovebird trailer including power and a cooling system. Much to our surprise we'll be returning to Oregon next year for a home tour, Step Dad and Debbie's new house, Auntie Jan's renovated house, Lance and family's new house, and hopefully Dad gives the little old cabin by the beach some love too.   This trip could not have been possible without all the hospitality from friends and family! We were invited in on hot nights, our loved ones made us meals and paid the bill when we went out to eat. We were given big bowls of ice cream! We did loads of laundry. We were made to feel welcome and treated with kindness. We are so thankful to have so many family and friends that care for us. Thank you does not even cut it, but without all of you this trip would not have been as meaningful or as easy. Thank you for sharing your homes, and time, but most importantly your hearts. You know who you are, and are welcome in Denver anytime! :-) This concludes Road Trip 2017!

Day 22.

Today we packed up and headed South. Yellowstone into Grand Teton National Park. Jackson Lake against the Teton Range is quite a sight. We stopped at C Bay on Jackson Lake to get National Park Stamps, collectable coins, and check out The view. Along the route we saw another bison and a large black bear. The next stop Jenny Lake first a quick snack and a promised swim. Obviously a popular spot, and being Saturday, we had to park a mile away and walk in. The lake was riddled with kayaks, paddleboarders, tubers, floating devices of all kinds. The water play was much needed. We got sucked into a Utah state college research project about visiting Teton park.  We carried a GPS device and participated in an interview. The Tetons are majestically jutting out of the land surrounded by lakes the snow melt creates setting up a fantastic photograph from anywhere in the park. We would have loved to explore more but it seems much of it can be reached by trailhead and we wanted time to see Jackson Hole, Wy. We had a delicious lunch and a brew at Snake River Brewing. The kids spotted a Gaslight alley shopping area with a peculiar book store they wanted to investigate. We also discovered that at 6pm everyday but Sunday at the Town Square across from the playhouse put on an Old West gun fight so we had to stay of course. What an excellent finale! We drove the last bit to the hotel, and in time for the kids to swim, again.

Day 21

Waking early, we made a big breakfast to fuel the long day to explore the park. Staying on the lake in Grant Village kept us centrally located and gave us a head start to venture before most could get in the park. We stopped at West Thumb Geyser Basin. Here we fell in love with the color of the Abyss Pool, views of the lake and the Fishing Cone where fisherman used to cook their fish in the boiling water. Here the lake bubbled and brewed along the edge, this gave a good view of the diverse and active caldera at the bottom of Yellowstone Lake. We proceeded to Fishing Bridge, Hayden Valley, stopping at LeHardys Rapids of the Yellowstone River. Wow. Breathtaking and full of crushing power. Mud Volcano, Dragon's mouth, Black Dragon Cauldron each whose names help us convince the kids into hiking further. Along this corridor we got stuck in a "bison jam" and watched a large male bison cross the road, and swim across the river (Chris and I's favorite part). We stopped at Artist's point to view lower falls of Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. This was awe inspiring. We hiked out to Upper falls, Tower Falls, Undine falls, and Petrified tree as well. Mammoth hot springs terraces were spectacular and constantly moving, growing, dying, changing. Lily's favorite part of Yellowstone was seeing all the wildlife, we saw bison, grizzly bear, coyote, badger, geese, ducks, and elk. Artist's paint pots and Midway Geyser Basin with features Excellsior And Grand Prismatic concluded a long but satisfying day. We decided to treat ourselves to a fancy dinner at the lodge, well deserved and full of yummy calories. We hiked 9.38 miles, and loved every minute of it.

Day 20.

Mason was awoken by The Wilson's dog Emerald crawling into his sleeping bag, her favorite place. Lol. We were convinced that we needed the local breakfast fare at The Inn at Gallatin Gateway where everything was fresh and homemade including the complimentary donut holes. Yum! After farewells we headed to the West Gate at Yellowstone. We have a day and half here, so we get started. We explored the Fountain Paint Pots(Mason's favorite feature), a few springs and Old Faithful before setting up camp. Old Faithful was 20 min past schedule but more impressive than expected. The kids got their National Park Stamps and we picked out Yellowstone t-shirts. At camp we were able to walk down to the beach of Yellowstone Lake. Spaghetti dinner and a small fire to cook Apple pie crescent rolls for dessert. Chris and I enjoyed Huckleberry beer while we played Gubs, our new favorite card game with the kids. We looked over our literature and maps creating a plan of attack for the next days adventures.

Day 19.

Leaving Glacier was bittersweet, we really wanted more time to explore. Even though we had food to cook, we got sucked into the breakfast aroma wafting from The Lazy Bear Cafe. We packed up and said Bon Voyage to some new friends. We often get people stopping to ask about the trailer. This cute little couple stopped last night to inquire and share that they were also vintage trailer owners. After burgers at camp, kids went swimming (again!) While Chris and I strolled over to see their trailer. A 1948 LaCabana (I think!) All red and white and shiny with AC, heat, microwave, and potty. So this morning, after putting away sleeping quarters we showed Verna and Jerry our Lovebird, and attracted a couple neighbors over as well. I love this community of vintage campers! We hope to see them at one of the rallies for Tin Can Tourists. On the road again, we grabbed a quite lunch bite lakeside of Seeley Lake. Destination: Big Sky, Mt to see Beth, Chad, Levon and TJ. Excited to see them and share our homemade beer! We had an amazing dinner and chatted long into the evening while kids got some time in the hot tub and Levon even got his hair wet! (he's 3, this is a big deal). Although, we miss them this place is perfect in every way, no wonder celebrities are moving in and spending millions to be in the area. As to be expected, they are right near a river and we made plans to return soon.

Day 18.

Wow. Glacier KOA is incredible, colorful flower beds and native trees everywhere, pool, hot tubs, restaurant, ice cream shop, store, showers, laundry, cabins and more. Some of the monster RVs that people drive around are insanely large and decked out, similar to pulling our actual house around. The camp also offered different site upgrades that provides an actual yard, patio tables, umbrellas, full size grills, and of course all hook ups including, you guessed it, Wi-Fi and cable. Kinda defeats the camping aspect but I don't think that is what they are out for with this set up. Going into Glacier national park was slow going as there was construction. Parking anywhere at features was challenging.  I recommend the shuttle. But the further we went in to the park the more awe struck we were. The first amazing sight was a bear cub crossing the road in front of us! We drove the entire length of Going to the Sun Rd from West to East entrance. From Logan Pass, we hiked up to Hidden Lake and had our lunch. Along the way we saw Big Horn Sheep at a distance, Mountain Goats up close, Marmots, Ground squirrel, and Chipmunk. This place seemed unreal, fields of wildflowers bathed the hills, amongst ice fields melting and crafting streams feeding this wilderness. I kept thinking how lucky these animals are to have this as their home. Nature = art. Really difficult to put this beauty into words, you must see this. Feel it. Experience using all your senses. We stopped at Rising Sun access to Saint Mary Lake to put our feet in. The water was cold but satisfying, we felt refreshed and connected. One really needs to spend about a week to get the whole park in. We pulled off along the road and enjoyed Jackson Glacier, Weeping Wall, a snow bridge, and stood under a waterfall. These are the things your soul needs. Entering at 8 and leaving at 4 we did our best with the time we have

and every intention of returning. The pool and ice cream call us back to camp. Later, with clear star filled skies, we got a bonus of seeing the International Space Station crossing overhead right before bed.

Day 17.

We woke early. Even before the alarm, the 6am the trash truck came by. Rough. But we had to get up anyway for breakfast and a head start on a long day of driving. Old Town breakfast in town with Aunt Kathy and Uncle Mark helped ease the pain of getting back in the car. It's so hard leaving Joseph. We wish we could stay for a week. Onward, a 10 hour drive, from Eastern Oregon to Upper Montana. The first leg was the Rattlesnake through Hell's Canyon alongside the impressive Grande Ronde River. We were instructed to stop for milkshakes at Boggan's at the bottom. Imagine a long winding road, going up and down and it is worse than that. Joseph elevation is 4190 and Grande Ronde at the bottom is 344. Now add towing and switch backs. Blah. But it is a gorgeous landscape and the milkshakes were the best, even at 940am. :-) Crossing the High Plateau and rolling hills of western Idaho, was a little like being in a painting. We stopped in Coeur d'Alene for groceries and lunch. We found a genius business concept, The Growler Guys, where we were able to try local beers on tap and fill our growler to take back to camp. We lost an hour crossing the time line, coming into West Glacier at 8 but really 9pm. The pizza at Glacier Grill was delicious. Camp set up at 10 was challenging as we were exhausted but excited to see the park.

Day 16.

I'm the first one up, writing this blog on my favorite piece of furniture, an antique fainting couch with velvety striped autumn color upholstery. The hand carved wood back and legs and squeaky springs are what makes it. I have enjoyed sitting on this couch ever since I can remember, and just being in my Aunt and Uncle's home where I feel safe and loved. We go to breakfast and enjoy a little country diner. We walk to the shops looking for replacement flip flops and gifts. Everywhere we went we felt important, being introduced to all the locals. I adore Joseph, Or. It has wiggled its way into our hearts and will always be  in our life. A small walking town nestled at the base of The Wallowas, near Wallowa Lake, near Hell's Canyon, Grand Ronde, Snake and Wallowa rivers. After town, we had to check out the "new" vintage trailer my Uncle will be fixing up. I think he secretly fell in love with our little Lovebird. It is parked on his property near Wallowa Lake. He paid $500, it is a 1973, 19' by Fleetwood. Lots of updating, but it literally has all the bells and whistles and original paperwork! Score! We all hiked up to the cabin, and to catch an elevated view of the lake. Always a favorite activity when we visit. Hiking the switch back up the hillside, I often revel in the awesomeness and hard work that it took to create this place up on this ridge. Uncle Mark built this with his own hands and skills, carrying, or using a pully system to get the materials up. I wasn't even involved and love and appreciate every board and window. We drove to the lake and enjoyed lunch at the cafe there, and let the kids swim for a couple hours. The weather was spectacular. We enjoyed watching the families play but longed for our water toys. We went back into town and picked up dinner. Aunt Kathy taught the kids the "straw trick," I am sure it will be coming to a party near you. The kids wanted to watch another movie with Aunt Kathy, so we all piled in the TV room. Another fulfilling day.

Day 15.

We reluctantly left our friends with a lovely to go cup of coffee and a quick gathering of sleepy children. Got gas, ice and breakfast and hit the road for a long drive today, destination Joseph, Or. We lucked out and the berry stand opened at 8, so we snatched up local berries for snacking. I should have taken a picture, the berries were so beautiful and fresh. We got blueberries, raspberries and Marionberries, mmm. The drive along the Columbia River Gorge is scenic and offers a diverse landscape. It was hot, 87 and humid, one side of the river has lush trees, waterfalls, and rock cliffs and one side of the river has dry rolling hills much of which appeared to offer the perfect climate for wineries. Scattered along the river are locks and dams, last timewe were here we did the dam tour and it was fascinating. Highly recommended. I love to see the resource of the water being used to power the area. It does not feel like we have been going for two weeks, time does fly when you're having fun. Visiting lots of friends and family has been fun but also checking out new places, exploring, and new adventures. Hopefully, the kids will have fond memories and treasure this time we had. It has helped to have modern entertainment, dvd's, tablets, devices, headphones, music, audio books, as well as coloring, reading, and crafting.  Getting closer to Joseph, Or means the landscape continues to get more and more beautiful. If you've never been, you must. We pull up and enjoyed a seat by the stream with Uncle Mark and Aunt Kathy while the kids go for a dip. Sadly, Lily lost a flip flop downstream. We took them on tour of the Lovebird trailer and walk to dinner. We close the place down chatting while Jose insists we need more drinks and dessert. Since they got up at 4am to balloon chase a friend's hot air balloon ride, everytime we sat down Mark fell asleep, so we had to keep moving. He was the one that initiated the trip to The Hydrant, the local karaoke bar. We sat and listened to some very confident and slightly of key "singers" but Mark was our fav. His first song was Billy Joel Movin' out. He had tough competition with a guy that looked Buddy Holly singing classic Frank Sinatra very well. We finished watching the kids movie with them and we all fell asleep fast.

Day 14.

Spent the morning and a good portion of the day having coffee with some our favorite peeps. Uncle Shawn Lacey was able to come down from Port Townsend to Lacey, Wa and meet us out for a burger and beer. :-) The kids also got a bit of pool time, but it's never enough. Shawn bid us farewell and we took off to Seattle to meet A for her 21st birthday! This young lady has surpassed every expectation and has grown into the most beautiful person. We are so excited to be here on her special day and celebrate her. Happy Birthday Lady! Stopped at the Pikes Peak Market Place, fish, flowers, fruit and collectable comic books store, ha! We found some neat gifts for friends and family. Walking downtown Seattle is an adventure in itself. Guy tried to "collect" our parking pass so he can resell it, luckily Chris is fiesty. Met for dinner at Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge, funky French & Creole restaurant for A's birthday. The food was rich, exotic, and flavorful. Chris and I both had jambalaya which was spicy and full of chicken, shrimp, and homemade Andouille sausage. Being with friends, in this place with a rustic authentic feel felt like we were all on romantic getaway in a French quarter. We drove back to Olympia and passed out; a full and fulfilling day. Thank you Sarah, Andy, A and Z for providing good coffee and amazing life long friendships. You are our peeps. We love you!

Day 13.

Thank you to my Godmother Aunty Jan for opening her heart and adorable home to us. I can't wait to see the finished product and for your upcoming retirement! And if anyone local wants hunting or trapping practice, she has some Nutria that need to relocated. We met Lance, Nicole and Evelyn for a Bon voyage breakfast right under the Astoria bridge. Destination Olympia, Wa to see my bestie Sarah, her beau Andy, and her children Alia and Zac. After running into the street to hug Sarah and Zac, we parked and went in for homemade chili. We decided to walk around the Capital Lake in town and reveled in the beauty of this area. We found a brewery called Fish Tales, amazing beers, menu and good atmosphere.  Facetime with A and much longed for conversation with friends brought laughter into the night.

Day 12.

It is so quiet here. We take our time getting ready to explore Astoria. We head downtown to the Oregon Film Museum. Here one make a film of your own using your own script or those of Films made in Oregon. It is housed in the old city jail, small but fun. We then took the self guided tour through the Flavel mansion, meeting up with Lance and family. Lunch at Buoy Beer and restaurant was slow but delicious. We have come to the conclusion that not only tourists but also locals are also on "beach time." Evelyn needed a nap so we went on to explore the Astoria Column. The kids and Chris hiked the 167 stairs to the top and I took pictures from the bottom. It is tradition to throw balsa wood model airplanes from the top so we stayed and watched the flight patterns for awhile. The view from here was spectacular as you look over the Port, the hills, bridges and rivers. We then ventured to Sunset Beach, after promising the kids more beach play. Immediately upon reaching the water we realized there were jellyfish parts on the sand. We scoured and scooped all the pieces we came across only to find large live ones coming in with the tide. The mass exodus came with a 10 inch Jelly with stingers still attached washed up near us. Opting for frisbee and sand play instead was short lived with the rising tide. We picked up dinner and grilled for Jan, Lance and family. We hung out and watched a movie until Evelyn's bedtime. Evelyn took turns on everyone's lap and Lily got some diaper changing practice! :-) Happy to see them and spend quality time together!

Day 11.

We can now officially say we have driven the entire length of the State of Oregon on US 101 along the coast, from Crescent City to Astoria. This has always been a bucket list item for me and it was worth it. We left Lincoln City and met our Niece Tiesha for breakfast in Pacific City. As locals know, beach weather is unpredictable, and this most of the duration of our time here has been amazing, sunny and warm. Pelican Brewery had a yummy breakfast with pairings and seafood. This beach is where my Step Mom Carol wanted to go when she was alive and after she passed. Lots of good memories with Grandma here for the kids. We walked out to the waves, I only cried a little, and luckily Tiesha was there too. Carol was such a beautiful p5erson inside and out, and we miss her terribly. She was divinely there, she reached out and showed is right where the good beach swag was. We collected sand dollars whole, clam shells, oyster shells, barnacles, and saw anemones, and fish in the tide pools. She was with us. We said Farewell to Tiesha and pushed on. We stopped to see the cabin that my Grandpa Harris built for my Great Grandparents in Manzanita, Or. Uncle Mark helped me find the street online because when it was built there was no address. My Great Grandma passed when I was 5, but I remember the house vividly. I wish now it would have stayed in the family. It is now the tiny house amidst giants, where the median home value is $445,000. It is a one bedroom, one bath, A frame built in 1963, my uncle helped put on the original cedar shake roof when he was young. A few blocks from the beach, we found it! Exactly as I remembered, updated of course. Next, we drove through Canon Beach which seemed very high end and busy. We stopped in Seaside and walked out to beach. This town has grown as well, the cute little main street became home to restaurants, and boutique shops. We ended up at my Godmother's "Aunty Jan" home in Astoria and parked the trailer. We met Lance, Nicole, and baby Evelynn down on the pier where they had gotten an Airbnb. Such a cool unit right over the water of the Columbia River Gorge by the bridge in an old fish cannery building. This area has been developed with upscale restaurants and lofts. Right next door we went to Rogue brewery and then met Jan after work at Mo's. We went back to the house to visit and see all the renovation progress on her house. All the finishes are classic of the 1930s era and fitting for this sweet dream home. The house sits right on the local slough (water way), ten minutes from downtown Astoria and the beach. We dozed off listening to the lone Bullfrog croaking.