Day 4: Thermopolis to Yellowstone

It took us just a few hours to arrive at Yellowstone. This was one of the more beautiful drives we took. We passed through a really cute town -Cody, WY - that I would like to go back & spend some time in.
Once we arrived in Yellowstone (YEA!!) we still had about an hour drive to our campsite (BOO!!). But it was really cool to see the clear sky, waterfalls, wildlife everywhere. I think the most amazing part of Yellowstone is that there are no fences in the 2.2 million acres of the park.

This is where we encountered the first of many road construction areas - 'Your Recovery Dollars at Work.' This is also where we jostled on the uneven pavement, resulting in a huge cracked windshield. Bummer! It was not the first damage done...and it would not be the last.

Once we arrived at the campsite & got all set up, it was a gorgeous afternoon! We hopped on the mountain bikes and took off to check out Grant Village. Our first stop was the Grant Village visitor center, where the kids picked up their Junior Ranger packets and got right to work. We had dinner down by the lake (with water averaging 45 degrees). The national parks are lacking in the restaurant business....

After dinner we made it to 2 ranger programs - one about Birds and another about Bears. I was so impressed with both Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon's Park Ranger programs. The people we saw were so friendly & knowledgeable and did a great job with each topic they covered. Both with the information & delivery.

At the Bird Talk

Preston said, 'what's a Slow Ranger Check?'

That's where they check for slow rangers!

At the Bear Talk

Day 3: Estes Park to Thermopolis, WY

We had intentions of driving from Estes Park to Yellowstone on Day 3, but due to a delayed departure we didn't quite make it. We decided to cut the drive short & stay in Thermopolis WY for July 4th. The drive here was so beautiful - lots of mountains, flowing rivers, and even some cool tunnels.
We headed to the Fountain of Youth RV park & immediately smelled a foul odor upon arrival. We had read about the natural Hot Spring that flows at the park, but had not expected the incredibly strong Sulphur smell. P-U! Being the RV amateur that I am, I immediately thought the place had a sewage problem & was not looking forward to the evening. But I was able to get over that very quickly! The pool was setup in 3 section: 1 Extremely hot/Do Not Swim, 2 100+ degree/hot tub temp, 3 99 degrees / very comfy.

We whipped out another picnic-table dinner then took a nice swim in the pool. The park turned out to be a unique location & a good opportunity to set off our July 4th fireworks.

Not again!

We passed a tornado during the morning & found some hail at this stop.

Preston - get your head out of my landscape shot!

That's better.

The Fountain of Youth hot spring

The Extremely Hot pool

Fireworks with the neighbors

Ready to Head out again!

well....most of us.

A local at the Gas Station.

Day 2: Palo Duro to Estes Park, CO

Day 2, we hit the road and headed to Estes Park, CO. Once we hit the TX-OK border, there was a big difference in the OK highways - awful! Luckily we were only on them for a brief stretch. SE Colorado was not much to write home about either. But once we hit the mountain area, it was some great scenery.

We arrived in Estes Park, CO and stayed at Jellystone Park. We quickly parked, set up the Texas flag, and headed to Candy Bar Bingo. We were not big winners, but some of the other winners were very kind to share the wealth. The kids played at the park, in the gameroom, and checked out the miniature golf while we prepared another outdoor meal and smores!

One of a million gas stops! There's some interesting stuff in the convenient stores of America...

Candy Bar Bingo

Smores!

Two Tired Pups

Can you see the mini chipmunk? Little did I know these were all over the place.

I never would have imagined RV parks having such great amenities.

RV Trip, Day 1: Dallas to Canyon, TX

Day 1 went very well! I had intentions of working in my 9 mile run on day 1 of vacation, but that didn't work out so well with the itinerary. I did get a good 2 mile jog in with Lucky, in preparation of Leg 1 of our vacation.

We took off (almost on time) from home & headed West towards Amarillo to Palo Duro Canyon.
We were fortunate to find a great deal on an RV rental - a first for our family to travel in. To be honest, it felt a little like a piece of luggage on wheels at first. But - it was SO comfy and is so great that we are fortunate to get to travel in it.

My native CA husband has been talking about Palo Duro Canyon for several years and we have finally worked it in. What a joy it was to get there! The place is remarkable. We arrived around dinner, threw on some hot dogs, and made sure Lucky was secure before heading to the TEXAS outdoor play. What a treat this was! The play was performed in an outdoor amphiteatre, currently in its 45th season. We even got to experience it with a scattered drizzle throughout.

We all slept like babies our first night out & woke up to a pleasant, cool Canyon TX morning. Preston & I went for a walk with the dog before returning to camp. While we sat outside enjoying the surroundings (and waiting for Addison to wake up), poor Lucky completely busted out of his makeshift tie-up, tearing his leash in two pieces. The poor guy is not used to being tied up in any manner. But we just can't take a chance trusting him in no-mans-land. Fortunately, after meeting the dog he desired, he did not stray....just as usual.

That was the only hiccup in our first day of our trek. We stopped by the visitor center & headed out for day 2: Estes Park, CO.