My Trip to Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

One of my favorites of the photos I took in Yellowstone

I happened to be in Salt Lake City in September 2013 and realized I was only 5 hrs away from Yellowstone National Park, a place on my “bucket list”. So I rented a car (a first), drove alone to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and rented a small room for 2 nights.

On the way there, my phone’s talking GPS took me into Idaho then through some very tiny towns crossing into Wyoming. Along the way, the signal was completely lost. Thank God I had a paper map with me, but I really had no idea where I was, so it was pretty tricky!

(On the way home, I took a more scenic route and used MAP only.)

This is where I had breakfast both mornings in Jackson Hole. Lotus Cafe. I didn’t spend a whole lot of time in Grand Teton National

I didn’t spend a whole lot of time in Grand Teton National Park, but here are some pictures I took:

I spent one entire day in Yellowstone. WOW! Hot water everywhere, boiling white mud, roaming buffalo. Here are some photos I took:

I became obsessed with boiling mud. I must have taken 30 minutes of video.

Did you know about Yellowstone bacteria? So many rare bacteria being studied – some eat oil, some eat plastic. These bacteria may one day save the earth!

 

So glad I went!! And here are some pictures from the drive back to Jackson Hole:

What a great day.

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More Fall Hiking – Virginia

Inside Shenandoah National Park, the Skyland area has the highest points in the park. I stayed overnight at this Skyland Lodge and spent a day hiking on the area trails. They have horseback riding for those who would enjoy. The restaurant served oatmeal made with whole oats and sprinkled with pumpkin seeds that I was able to eat on the restaurant patio with amazing views.

Stony Man Trail

Another Fall hiking pleasure – happening upon a wild apple tree. I found this one in a Virginia State Park:

Fall Hikes. Getting Out There! Utah, California, Virginia

Fall is such a great time to get out and do some walking and hiking. These photos are from some of my Fall hikes.

Okay, that one (above) was more of a picnic. I made apple pie from scratch and brought it into the mountains overlooking the Shenandoah Valley just off the Blue Ridge Parkway here in Virginia. Solo picnic, so serene. Then, I did walk some trails.

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Below: hiking into Bryce Canyon (Utah) fall 2013. The toughest hike I’ve taken!

Look closely, see the people walking UP that zig-zag trail? Yeah, that was the way back up out of the canyon.

View from one of the trails. _____________________________________________________________

Below, Hiking in Sequoia National Park ~ fall 2013:

5 mile hike to a view of Sequoia Lake:

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On a less ambitious day, (below) I went to a place called Ivy Creek Natural Area outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. 216-acres with lots of trails.

Just wanted to post a little bit about fall hiking! 🙂