HurricaneMaine

As there was a major snow storm coming for the Tetons and Yellowstone, I left early to visit the furthest points in the Tetons. The pass to get there is no joke: winding roads and cold temperatures. Lots of snow still for the end of April.

I did get a picture of a moose. Not too bad with my phone.

Visitor Center and Elk Conservation center

Jackson hole

Mormon Row. Unfortunately the landscape was hidden by snow clouds.

I enjoyed some great food waiting for the storm to pass over. Next stop is the west entrance of Yellowstone which is opening the next day.

While I was here some very cold weather came through. Freezing temperatures at night, hail….Looking at the coming weather I decided that this will be my last night camping in the minivan as most temps were not getting above freezing and 15 inches of snow is expected.

I had a great time looking at the North Crater and the different lava forms. The lava tubes were closed as the bats are still hibernating.

i climbed this Inferno cone viewpoint to get some awesome views of the volcano ash field.

I think it is amazing how trees and flowers can grow in what was such a hostile environment and now is all varieties of sizes of ash and rock. I unfortunately did not see a pika here. It was too cold to go deep in the trails.

The nuclear research center on the way to Idaho Falls was closed but there is a little town called Atomic city which used to house those that were working on nuclear power in the area. Now it is a mostly abandoned town with only a few houses, a dirt race track, and an RV park.

Shoshone Falls was pretty cool though the weather changed drastically while I was there.

After entering Idaho I saw a look over point of the Snake River. This not the point where Evel Knievel kevel attempted to jump it but it made me th8nk about it. Unfortunately I did not make it to that other spot. I did not realize I was that close.

At the campground near Twin Falls, I walked some trails to the Snake River.

That night a storm came r ally close to where I was staying. The skies looked unfriendly but then later there was an incredible rainbow where the storm was.

Idaho Falls

The potato museum was wonderful. It really showcased the history of the potato in the world and Idaho. It also had novelty collections of peelers, mashers, and Mr. Potato head. I liked the videos including how the potatoes are processed for McDonalds including how they are cut using a water gun t9 shoot the mat 60 mph towards a cutter.

I asked about the free bag of potatoes for those visiting from out of state. They were instant potatoes but I am anxious to try them.

I did eat in the cafe that had all of the dishes featuring a baked Idaho russet potato. Delicious!

After stopping in Salt Lake City for groceries, a haircut, and buying a net and hat to keep bugs out as well as bear spray and grips for my shoes in Yellowstone, I headed to Antelope Island. The net was needed as the gnats are terrible. They were so bad that some still managed to get into the net and make hiking miserable. I still managed to get some hiking in and survived the two nights there. The bison walking next to my car was amazing.

I was glad to leave the gnats!

I first spent the night in Panguitch which is a lovely town!

There actually still is a Recall Drug store here and they have a Radio Shack still inside. Old school!

Bryce Canyon

The lore is that a coyote, tired of the humans wicked ways, turned them into these hoodoos. Some of them appear to be standing, S9 e sitting, and all have he dresses and face paint!

After Bryce, I spotted Butch Cassidy’s boyhood home.

I decided to stay in Fremont state park. The remains of the Fremont people were found here when they were building I70 and found the remains of the civilization.

Goblin Valley has these structures crafted from sedimentation and erosion. They were cool and I found one that looks like a goblin…or maybe an elf…

I stayed in Green River. The state park was amazing and it had grass! The town is very rundown which is pretty sad and it seems that drug addiction is rampant her as well.

Capital Reef

Mormons came here and created a small community that is shelter d in the canyon and they were able to divert some water to grow fruit trees. It is like an oasis here.

The Gifford pie shop gives homage to the history of fruit trees here. of course I had to get a strawberry rhubarb pie.

I then worked it off with a long hike.

On the way to Panguitch, I went through Escalante National Staircase. It was some of the narrowest roads with steep drop offs.

A view from the bottom of the canyon…

i stayed at this state park. It was a nice quiet stay and this overlooks the place where the ending scene occured in Thelma and Louise. As I named my car Thelma, it seemed fitting. The arrow is the spot.

The views here rival the Grand canyon.

Area 52 was a fun place to stop on the way through to Green River.

The beef jerky was amazing…

What an amazing park! Many beautiful arches and hikes to get you out of your car. Amazing!

Balanced rock.

I haven’t seen a squatty potty since China. So surprised to see one here in Utah!

Such a gorgeous day and beautiful landscapes.

A lot of driving but some amazing nature!

Natural Bridges

On the way to Canyon lands Needles…

Canyon lands hike

It was so cold in the canyon overnight and was below freezing. It was great to get on the road. In Moab, I stopped for gas and saw this sticker. Price of fuel is up 25% which is cutting into my budget.