Christmas passed and the weather here was depressing. I decided that a road trip was in order. Sun, or at least no snow, some beach, and time to think.
Tyler, my youngest just shy of 21, joined me. It was the longest time we had spent together since our trip to Mexico two years ago. I expect that these opportunities will be few and far between, hence I will take them any time I can arrange them.
Our trip ran from Calgary through to Yellowstone National Park, to the Grand Canyon (western edge) through Las Vegas, to the coast just north of LA, north along highway 1 on the Oregon coast, cutting back through Sandpoint ID back to Calgary through the Crows Nest Pass. In total, covering 6150km in 7 days.
The ride initially through Greatfalls was uneventful and dreary. Flat lands broken up periodically by feeding pronghorn seemingly in no hurry.
We approached the northern entrance of yellowstone park through the quiet community of Gardner. Few people were on the road making our travels smooth.
Lucky for us we were greeted at the gate by a small herd of elk. Lucky in that except for the road running west to east along the northern edge of the park, it was closed to vehicle traffic. Snow mobiles, skiers, and tracked vans were the only entrants.
As we headed south, the setting sun provided spectacles looking host east ...
and west.
Heading south again, I could have taken weeks just to explore the terrain. I understand that Utah has some of the best mountain biking trails in the western US.
Slowly the rolling hills gave way to the sandstone that was characteristic of the grand canyon area.
Found the last patch of snow at sunset.
A break along the road.
Tyler, my youngest just shy of 21, joined me. It was the longest time we had spent together since our trip to Mexico two years ago. I expect that these opportunities will be few and far between, hence I will take them any time I can arrange them.
Our trip ran from Calgary through to Yellowstone National Park, to the Grand Canyon (western edge) through Las Vegas, to the coast just north of LA, north along highway 1 on the Oregon coast, cutting back through Sandpoint ID back to Calgary through the Crows Nest Pass. In total, covering 6150km in 7 days.
The ride initially through Greatfalls was uneventful and dreary. Flat lands broken up periodically by feeding pronghorn seemingly in no hurry.
We approached the northern entrance of yellowstone park through the quiet community of Gardner. Few people were on the road making our travels smooth.
As we headed south, the setting sun provided spectacles looking host east ...
and west.
Salt Lake City Utah was our next destination. The state building was an undeniable presence from the core. The city was significantly larger than anticipated, with a population of approximately 190,000.
Churches were everywhere.
We had been advised to find a specific Mexican Restaurant, but after an unsuccessful bout with my GPS, we settled for hot dogs.
We did take a few minutes to visit the state building.
Accompanied by this statue reminding all of their heritage.
Heading south again, I could have taken weeks just to explore the terrain. I understand that Utah has some of the best mountain biking trails in the western US.
Slowly the rolling hills gave way to the sandstone that was characteristic of the grand canyon area.
Found the last patch of snow at sunset.
A break along the road.
Hotdogs are better than tacos anyway.
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