We woke this morning to grey cloudy skies – but by mid morning it was warm and sunny. Perfect.
Breakfast was in a large airy garden room with lots of food stations scattered around. Everything from tropical fruits – where the bananas look green but are beautifully ripe inside to delicious locally made peanut butter for the many varieties of toast. Smoothies, pancakes, crafted omelettes, chocolate crackles, Asian food , vegetables. You name it was there.
I ordered coffee at the drinks station. And asked for lactose free milk. The young Fijian said they didn’t have any but offered almond. When he delivered it to me he brought a half carton of lactose free milk to put in my fridge. He said he was lactose free and had some in his room. So very kind. A little reward coming his way !
As we finished we heard the sounds of singers warming up. A small choir of a cappella voices. The men and women were so into it – smiling and singing. They sing farewell to guests leaving. Or for birthdays. It’s a song saying thank you for choosing Sofitel!
After checking out the activities board we decided it was an aqua class for us.
A bit different to my usual class at Centenary pool it was still lots of fun and a way to stay cool. Jill and I followed up with a swim in the sea.
Jill, Kim and me – in the blue hat.
Tomorrow the choices are …..
If you haven’t been to Fiji, it’s a beautiful laid back place. The locals are sweet and kind and love children. And they love a chat. I’m writing this sitting on a deck chair beside the pool. No less than 4 different staff have approached me to ask if they can get me anything! But mostly to chat.
Nearby local ladies are braiding hair and giving neck and shoulder massages.
Around me are families with assorted children – most with braided beaded hair, couples enjoying some quiet time. Families over various generations. In fact Fiji is perfect for grandparents to bring their children and grandchild. There’s something for everyone.
After Aerobics we took the short 15 min walk to the Marina. Lots of boats leave from here for the islands. I expected market type stalls but there is a little shopping and eating precinct. So we had some lunch before walking through lush gardens back to the hotel.
Crossing the bridge back to the hotel The little bus we could have used to get to the marina. David, Chris and Steve
I went to the little trading post this morning. We have a complimentary bar in our room with about 10 cans of assorted drinks, chocolate and chips. You can use as much as you like and it’s replaced each day OR you can trade it a little store. 6 cans is equal to one bottle of wine or bubbles or 2 local beers equals one imported beer. It’s quite a unique set up. I traded the coke, sprite lemonade and kombucha for a bottle of wine! So there’s the 5 pm drinks all ready.
Tonight we have our welcome party for the 200 swimmers.
The organisers are a NZ couple who have run this event for a few years. It’s great.
We arrived and got our swim bag of goodies. A locally made swim bag with local products. Creams, lip balm, ear drops, water bottle, and a lanyard for all the events.
We arrived to a big Bula welcome.
Me surrounded by the Fijian welcome group!
Our group of six expanded to 8. We welcomed Avy, a Chicago born lawyer who married an English man whom she met at master swim event back in 1988 in Brisbane and now lives in NZ. Then there was Tobin. A Texan cattle man who happens to swim and who helps people who need a hand. He started Crosswater Journey aimed at helping families and individuals who have been impacted by suicide. They are helped by professionals and eventually Tobin does a symbolic journey – he swims and tows a small boat with someone who needs a hand.
He was such an interesting fun man.
The evening was perfect. Under the stars and trees, a slight breeze , lovely music with a singer guitar player , meeting likeminded swimmers from about 6 nations ( mostly Australians ).
Yes it’s a hot one in Adelaide. Quite the heat wave going on here. But so different to Brisbane which swamps you with humidity. Here is a searing dry heat.
We manage – helped along by Margs beautiful ducted aircon.
Our friends Peter ( Macca) and Elizabeth from Crescent Heads are long time friends from waterpolo days. We met poolside in Sydney after our sons were selected in the Australian under 21 side. they looked like fun so I suggested we share a place in Naples where the world champs were held in July 2003. Now we catch up and travel together.
Elizabeth found a tour, a tasting and lunch at Penfolds winery Magill. It’s just on the edge of the city.
A beautiful collection of old buildings which are still in use today producing the Penfolds renowned Magill Eatate wine.
The family developed the wine business starting in 1844 in the Magill area of Adelaide. This stands today as the closest winery in the city though most of the grapes are grown in the Barossa and other wine areas.
The legendary wine maker Max Schubert put the winery on the map with his Grange series. As part of the tasting after the tour we got to try the Grange as well as the Magill Estate. And their Chardonnay is a good taster as well!
After tasting six wines we were ready to eat. So off to the Magill restaurant for a delicious lunch. Italian Burrata is a favourite of mine now and made a lovely start to lunch. Followed by Kingfish ceviche I was very happy. Catching up with Elizabeth and Peter is a great treat. We’ve travelled together many times during and after our sons Waterpolo careers. World championships, Olympic Games and trips to NY and we travel happily with many laughs.
The lunch crowd was in full flight. It is obviously a popular place with locals as well as visitors to Adelaide. Next up was a tasty piece of beef and honeycomb chocolate mousse. By now I was done!
We had met another couple during the tour and tasting and they joined us for coffee. George and Francesca from Scotland. Such a lovely couple we shared many travel stories and laughs as the afternoon slipped away.
Peter, George Francesca myself and Steve after a very long lunch!
We’ve tried to catch a few shows in between attending the Writers session. There’s so much on it gets hard to fit it all in.
We went to the State Library into the beautiful old Mortlock Chambers. Emma Knight, a well known Adelaide Musician & writer has developed a show around books. She looked back at her favourites, chose a line from the book and wrote a song around it. Such an original idea and it was well done. In the intimate setting of the beautiful room with balconies we enjoyed an hour of entertainment unlike any other show.
Mortlock Chambers Emma Knight
It was a warm evening so we went to the nearby 2KW rooftop bar for a drink and bite to eat. It has the best burrata dish. And a great view.
With friends Linda, Elizabeth & Peter McGregor from Crescent Head
The next night we went to a Pub Singalong quiz show. Lots of fun & interaction.
From the singalong we headed to the Garden of Unearthly Delights. It’s a big garden – a party hub of venues with shows of all types from comedy to music to burlesque. We saw Nurse Georgie Carroll. She was a nurse and now is a comedian. She has a big routine of stories! Very funny and nurses would love it. She has a signer in stage with her and that was hilarious to watch. Seeing her signing some of the things being said and described was so funny.
Google her and have a laugh. One of the lines I enjoyed was ‘menopause has stolen the rest of my sentence’.
Another full Festival day. We’ve set a cracking pace but it’s great fun.
Adelaide has really turned it on. The heat! And the fun.
It’s 36 most days but so dry compared to the humidity of Brisbane.
So we kept the pace up at Writers Week.
I found the session on the relationship authors have with their editors very enlightening.
I really enjoyed the authors panel on the relationship with their editor. Madison Godfrey. A young poet, Anjum Hasan, a novelist, poet, shirt story writer and editor & author of the well received History’s Angel. Another got my list! The third was author Kate Grenville a favourite author of mine.
Each author spoke about how an editor is essential. They all said editors start with a little massaging! To soften the impact of the toughness needed to give a good edit.
Following this there was a panel discussion on publishing. Three agents spoke about the world if agents and punblushinv house. Miranda France, Vanessa Radnidge and Jeanne Ryckmans. As expected there was a line up of people, most of whom had written books and were dealing advice on how to get published.
I couldn’t help but think of my Instagram friend Shelley Dark. A funny woman with a keen eye for photography, and a passion for writing. Shelley has been working on a book for sometime now and it’s finished. But where is the publisher? Perhaps some of the hints I picked up at this session might help….
1. Put your manuscript in a draw for at least a year. 2. Don’t give up. 3. Get an agent. 4. Don’t send to an agent and a publisher at the same time. 5. Don’t get an editor to edit before an agent has seen it. 6. Don’t use AI to help write your book.
The session with Mark Brandi, Una Mannion and Lucy Treloar was good. It was on Genre: do rules apply. They discussed their books and the area of genre they were sometimes assigned by their publisher. As murder mystery thriller are all good sellers that tag is often put on covers. Even though the book is not about that! Misleading. They all said their readers were often disappointed the books weren’t thrillers or mysteries!
I listened to Anjali Joseph with Claire Nichols from the ABCbook show. She’s a new author for me but I think I’ll read her book Keeping in Touch set in Assam in India.
Anjali Joseph
A few favourite sessions were with Pip Williams author of The Bookbinders of Jericho. She is entertaining and interesting all at once.
Kate Grenville has written another book about a family member. This time her Grandmother. Dolly Maunder. It’s now on my list.
Kate Grenville
And the always entertaining William McInnes had us laughing hard. He’s an entertainer and his books are always a delight to read.
There were many more authors, commentators & journalists on ( Lisa Miller & Leigh Sales were entertaining ) a few I missed one or two not so great but it’s all terrific.
It’s the best Writers Week in Australia. In my opinion!
All year I’ve been looking forward to visiting festival city Adelaide.
1. To see family 2. To go to Fringe shows 3. To perform in two concerts.
Yes …..my choir Soul Singers from West End Brisbane got a ‘gig’ at the festival.
Our fearless, joyful, energetic conductor Jac Larsen had joined forces with Vocalize choir here in Adelaide to develop a show for our combined choirs
Three of Jac’s choirs from Brisbane, one from Cairns, the online viral choir with members from all over Australia and the local choir Vocalize combined on Saturday for a 180 strong choir onstage.
The day started at 9am at Woodville town hall with a seated rehearsal in the balcony of the beautiful old town hall.
Jac, her son Daniel and local Kerrie Polkinghorne are the dynamic trio leading up in song.
The day was long but the energy levels were up.
All members of the 6 choirs were friendly helpful and respectful. An absolute joy to be with.
The first performance was at 4 on. Excitement mounted! I had Steve, his sister Marg and daughter Vashti there sitting in the downstairs in cabaret style seating.
Before long they were singing along. It was such great fun.
After the concert the singers were buzzing! We had a break after that show eating dinner delivered from the local Vietnamese restaurant. Some had a glass of bubbles to celebrate…….
Then the show was done all over again in the evening for a much more lively audience. Perhaps the beverages in hand helped!
The night ended with cast drinks and big thanks to Jac, Kerrie and Daniel.
After nearly 9 weeks , multiple beds , thousands of miles driven, meals eaten, Gins drunk, beds slept in , showers negotiated, meeting lovely friends, seeing unbelievable scenery, taking hundreds of photos , walked kilometres……. It’s time for home.
But first we have a few more friends to visit.
We said goodbye to John & Lisa our ‘in laws’ who are so much fun to travel with and flew to LA.
It always amazes me that our beautiful fun friends Dan & Izzy Garr live about 10 mins from LA airport but when you get there it’s a quiet children friendly suburb. Westchester is great. Only 11 mins to the beach Dan swims at most days, 29 mins from Dan’s work called Hot Buttered Elves, a design place where he invents – products , toys and makes models for movies. It’s 15 mins from Izzy’s work at Mattel, where she is head of the design team for Barbie.
As you can tell they are creative. And their sons Max , 21 is studying Film at College and Luke 15 is at school.
Our first night with them Dan cooked up a storm for us. Beautiful home cooked chicken Cordon Bleu parcels. Their kitchen is a cook’s paradise.
The next day they both had work commitments so Steve and I had a very late start and headed off up to Paradise Cove – a favourite spot of Dans. It’s by the beach up past Malibu. We had a beach walk and an early lunch before heading back and stopping at Culver City shopping mall to check out an LA mall. Much the same as ours!
Izzy was waiting for us when we returned. She really wanted to take us to her workplace’s toy store. It’s full of toys all made by Mattel. She said ‘ you really have to take your little grandsons some toys’ . I wish I had prepared better. It’s like Aladdin’s cave and I couldn’t decide. I was limited by size as we still had a flight from San Diego to San Francisco. But I managed a bag of toys. Thanks Izzy. Big staff discount as well.
Back at their house Dan was preparing for dinner. He is a super cook !
They kindly invited our friend Betty (my wing woman in Galapagos and Turkey swim treks ) and her husband Craig.
What a fun night. Dan has a big open teppanyaki grill and did the fried rice. Then there was the bbq – fish , scallops, beef, chicken. Enough for an army.
Dan in action. Steve with Izzy & Dan With Betty my ‘wing woman swim friend ‘ we swam in Galapagos and Turkey – next year Egypt.
We had the best night. Betty’s husband Craig has amazing stories of his time in the US airforce as a lawyer. As a cook he was …. But with Dans encouragement he was great.
Another wonderful night with friends. and a 🛌🛌🛌 bed rating. What comfort.
Saturday we headed down the 405 – the freeway south. It was super busy and fast so we got off and took the scenic road through the beaches.
There was an airshow at Huntington Beach. People everywhere.
We continued south to San Capistrano. It’s a mission established in the late 1700’s when the Mexican Catholics lived in this area.
We called in briefly to the outlet centre. Steve bought more than I did!
We arrived at our friends Ben & Sharon. We met Ben on our first ever swim trek but have caught up about 5 times since. He and Dan & Izzy are old friends. I’d never met his wife Sharon as she said swims are his thing! But we hit it off.
Their house in Del Mar just north of Dan Diego is beautiful. They are still doing renovations but they welcomed us and we had a 🛌🛌🛌 stay.
After a glass or two of Veuve 🥂we headed off to a jazz night. Their son Eric is in a group at his school and they were the opening act for a more established group. We had dinner there and a great night.
And a good sleep. Thankfully as our flight home is 11.50 tonight!
This morning Ben & Steve walked down the hill to the beach and Sharon & I slept in. around 9.30 we headed down for breakfast with son Eric. A great cafe.
Eric & Sharon at the cafe.
We had a great walk around the area.
Beautiful beach side. Ben & Eric surf! Cute houses in the area. Bars with a view for happy hour.
Before long it was time to leave. Many hugs later we headed off.
A little detour to La Jolla just a few kilometres south. This is where Rob & Jordan stayed for a few months after leaving NY during covid. Leo has run his toes through the sand here !
A beautiful piece of coast.
Finally…….. the airport. A flight to San Francisco where we are now drinking a glass of bubbles thinking how lucky we are to have enjoyed a long ….. long ….. trip and still be loving it all.
But I’m ready for home. For our sons, our daughter in laws , especially our grandsons, my friends, the pool.
🎶Welcome to the hotel California 🎶 Another song popping into my mind!
We landed in Sacramento to be met by Lisa and John – our daughter in law , Jordan’s parents. They live in Lodi abut 45 mins away. We’re so fortunate to get along so well.
They were to be in Yellowstone but got covid. But now here we are and head off to Yosemite together.
John cooked a wonderful omelette with veg from the garden. The bed is super comfortable and the shower is the best! The laundry got done is this definitely a 🛌🛌🛌🛌 stay.
After eating and packing we headed off to Yosemite about 3 hours away. We had a few stops along the way.
First stop was exciting. We’d heard about the dispensaries in California – for marijuana products. It’s legal here and so common. So Lisa and John stopped just so I could see it.
In we went. We had to show ID and register and then the doors opened and we were in a room with lots of products hanging in colourful rows. Like a sweet shop.
I chatted to the man asking about something for pain and swelling on my knee. He showed me patches. Explained their use. It is a CBG product. Not the one banned in Australia. So I took two patches.
Then I asked about sleep. There are gummies, lotions and patches. I took another two. How exciting I thought. I’ll use one tonight.
Outside of The Dispensary
Next stop was a very cute little town called Angels Camp. Famous for its frog races they have plaques dedicated to the winners of the frog jumping competitions. Mark Twain wrote about the frog jumping to let the US readers know about it. The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” by Mark Twain, is a tall tale about a man who bets on anything and wagers that his frog can out-jump a stranger’s frog, with surprising results.
Coffee called at Groveland. There’s a little coffee shop there where I had the best coffee in 8 weeks. It’s run by a young German man.
The Main street had lots of models !
And an interesting bar.
It was into wonderful scenery as we headed towards Yosemite. It is so good to have John driving pointing out things along the way.
There is some magnificent scenery as we arrive in the Yosemite valley.
We checked into The Awanhnee Hotel. it’s an iconic grand old hotel. Lucky us. Lisa & John organised it for us. A few days of relaxation in a beautiful place.
The side of the hotel. View from our bedroom.
We took a walk before afternoon drinks. Down the meadow. Over the bridge. The views.
Dinner was just lovely in a beautiful room. But unfortunately not the main dining room. It’s having renovations. It was so good to share it all with John & Lisa.
Off to bed in our 3🛌🛌🛌 hotel room.
Day 2:
Breakfast was very simple before we headed off to Yosemite Lodge for a 2 hour tram travel through the Yosemite Valley floor.
We sat in an open train/ tram with a guide who grew up in the Yosemite valley as part of the Indian tribe of the area.
She explained the history of the park., including the types of plants and trees.
El Capitan
We paused to look at El Capitan rock and could see some brave climbers. We watched for awhile as the climbers slowly inched up.
After the little tour we got the car to tour up to Glacial Point. No! We didn’t hike up. The weather was beautiful and Lisa had packed a picnic with a lovely bottle of bubbles to share. Outstanding views of Hal Dome and other mountains – most higher than Mount Kosciusko!
Back down the winding road, another little stop for a walk then back to our lovely room for a nap before dinner.
Day 3:
A walk first up to Mirror Lake. About an hours walk. The mornings are cool especially walking in the shade of the sequoia trees.
Walking for about 40 minutes we arrived at the creek and the lake which after summer is more a small lake – puddle.
Still reflecting though lacking water The boulders have fallen from the mountains after glacial movement.
Back to the hotel for a late checkout.. I could easily stay longer.
Taking our time to drive home we had lunch at Groveland in a cute Mexican place before driving through the vineyard area surrounding Lodi. Lodi is one of the big wine areas of California. Napa gets the publicity but Lodi has a great wine industry.
Then it was family time. John’s mother Anne came over. Jordans brother Joseph, wife Taci and their three children came over for swim and early dinner.
The twin boys are just a few months younger than Leo. They even look a little alike. Poppy is 5 and very funny and talkative. Very gorgeous children.
It was a big happy noisy family dinner. Then they all went off to bed and we just chatted. John & Lisa made us so welcome and we are good travel buddies. We’ll be seeing them next Wednesday in Brisbane. They are coming over for Alby’s christening and first birthday.
Tomorrow is a travel day to LA to stay two nights with Dan & Izzy Garr. We met Dan on our first ever swim trek and love seeing them. Then a night in San Diego with Ben & Sharon Maisek – another swim friend.
Then Home Sweet Home. Fingers crossed the threatened workers strike doesn’t happen on Sunday as predicted. It could affect flights!
The weather cleared and we farewelled Jackson as we headed off on our big adventure.
Every time I mention Yellowstone people say look out for Kevin Costner ! From the TV series of the same name. Have you watched it? Rumour has it that he bought a ranch here years ago ( after making Dances with Wolves ) and he’s just sold it.
I purchased an app for guiding us through the two NP. Tetons ( meaning two teats or breasts so named by the French when first travelling here ) this will be like having a guide in the car with us. Our supposed to be travel companions Lisa & John suggested it. Then they got covid and couldn’t come with us. So I bought one called Shaka. It was recommended and comes with full GPS guidance and will work without wifi.
The Grand Tetons. Part of the Rockies.
We headed out of Jackson and the first stop was the Mormon houses. They travelled to this area and set up farms around 1846. The structures that remain from early Mormon settlers are framed perfectly with an amazing view of the eastern side of the Tetons
Now unused Mormon house & barn. Tetons behind.
Next stop was Snake River. Not because it’s shaped like a snake but is named for the Snake Indians, the Shoshone, through whose country the greater part of the river flows. The Indians, in turn, were named “Snake” by their Plains neighbours to the east, possibly because they reputedly used snake heads painted on sticks to terrify their Plains enemies.
Taking a walk along the river we looked for beavers but only saw ducks and artists.
Next stop was the tiny Catholic Church which holds services only in summer. It’s a tiny dark wood church with one stained glass window.
We entered the park paying the $ 30 fee which definitely goes to a good cause to maintain these parks. It’s good for 7 days.
Straight to thermal activity at West Thumb. The thermal activity caused by being on top of the caldera from thousands of years ago.
The pools are amazing as the colours alter depending on size, heat, age. The boardwalks around the thermal activity make it easy to see them up close.
A selection of the thermal pools.
As you can see the pools are all different in size and colour. I’d love to pop into one – but the heat coming off them remind you they are twice boiling point. So …. No swims.
After walking and admiring the elk – who stand in the steam to keep warm apparently, we headed to Old Faithful.
This is the area with the biggest – of everything. Including the biggest geyser. There are 4 big ones and several smaller one right outside the hotel.
View from the verandah of our lodge
The original Inn is a massive, completely wood structure. Built in 1903 it’s made with local logs and stone, the inn is considered the largest log structure in the world. The towering lobby has a massive stone fireplace and a hand-crafted clock made of copper, wood and wrought iron serving as focal points.
We’ve stayed two nights in Old Faithful Lodge cabins. Very basic but they have a bathroom. The big Old Faithful Inn has a lot of rooms but some without bathrooms.
The newer Snow Lodge has rooms and cabins
Part of the chimney
There are three stories of balconies overlooking the main floor. A pianist entertains while people sit, read and wait for dinner. It is so big and so many people are staying, the restaurant, though huge struggles. Even with a booking you have to queue up. The only booking John could get when booking in months ago was 8.45. What !
It was an excruciating time to wait. After our long travel days we like earlier nights. The dining room when we finally got there is massive. A big fireplace , huge wagon wheel chandeliers, etched glass, enormous timber railings, timber timber everywhere.
When you sit for dinner your ‘server’ introduces themselves and starts up a pleasant chat. They are all lovely and I guess hoping for a generous tip. Their wages are still not as good as hospitality workers in Australia so rely on tips.
Day 2.
Our time in the big Y continues……
It was cold last night and snow was predicted. We still managed to be out in the cool by 8.30. Lots to see.
Yellowstone is accessed by a ring road shaped like an 8. We’re staying two nights in the lower left circle of the 8. The park is divided into west and east and we are exploring most of the western thermal areas in one and a half days. Then exploring the eastern side which has sweeping views that rival the Grand Canyon and has more valleys with the big animals. The bison, elk, a wolf if we’re lucky , moose, birds, fox. We’ll have to keep our eyes peeled. When you see cars pulled over and people all looking in one direction you know something has been spied!
Today’s highlights are many. The thermal pool are great.
There are rangers all over but this one looked a classic.
Yogi said ‘the Ranger’s coming Boo- Boo!’’
The board walks circle the pools making it easy to view them up close.
The red pool. The forests and rivers are stunning.
We made lots of little stops along the way. The tracks are easy most of the time. Though there are much longer, harder trails.
We got to Mammoth on the top of the 8. A lunch break under the trees needing padded jacket , hat and gloves.
The big food area. We bought snacks for a picnic.
The highlight of Mammoth was seeing all the elk in town. They took over the town. Rangers had to direct people and cars away from them.
The big daddy with the big antlers
We drove to the northern gate especially to go through the Arch.
Enter Yellowstone National Park from the north and you’ll see the iconic Roosevelt Arch. Completed on August 15, 1903, the massive stone structure offers a glimpse into the park’s early years.
Back in those days, before the mass production of the automobile, vacationers travelled by train. Before 1903, trains brought passengers up to Cinnabar, Montana., where people would then get into horse-drawn carriages to enter the park’s sweeping landscape. That year, however, with the Northern Pacific Railway’s extension to Gardiner, Mont., visitors would now have easier access.
Our last night we had dinner at the Snow Lounge restaurant. You can’t book so we sat in the sky lounge looking out at the geyser had a drink and saw the first line disappear into the restaurant …..then you can put your name down and get a buzzer. Much better idea.
Dinner was delicious.
Day 3:
Today we drove to Norris and then went East across the middle of the 8 to Canyon.
We set off along the eastern loop , the canyon & valley (and a few more thermal areas) side. With our handy audio guide and map on the car satnav we were guided to all the great spots to see something interesting or, to walk or find a good picnic spot.
We gathered information at the Visitors Centre and then headed north to the top of the 8
Once again stunning. It had snowed last night and the trees were dusted with snow.
Out of the high area of forest and back down to the plains and along to Lamar Valley. We weren’t disappointed.
We saw the big bison close up. They came and crossed in front of us. Then we spotted an owl. And I was particularly pleased to see a Yellowstone Pronghorn. It’s often mistaken for an antelope.
Well hello Mr Bison
We looped back and started in the lower part of the 8. Driving south we drove the upper rim of what they call Yellowstone Grand Canyon. The river gathers speed and power as it enters the canyon then BOOM. Down it goes as a waterfall. We had to walk down a steep path for 2km to see the water fall up close. That meant 2 km back up. As you can tell my knee has improved. It will ache tonight but no walking stick!
After a long walk down.
We continued south to our new cabin for tonight. Lake Lodge. It’s in Yellowstone Lake which is big ( everything here is big)
Our cabin is good. Better than Old Faithful. We checked in & rushed to our very early dinner. John had made bookings ages ago and had to take what he could get. Tonight was 5.30. But that suited. ( better than 8.45 the other night) The dining room was beautiful and we could see the lake. The meal was delicious . Once again I had trout. We then sat in the lounge and did some catching up. FaceTimed Ollie our grandson in Bali. Met a lovely man from Ghent. Watched some young people playing pickle ball ( remember said it was a big craze here) .
View from the dining room.
Our time in Yellowstone had been great. It’s a big NP but talk about lots on offer ! There are thermal pool, geysers, mountains, canyons, plains, herds of animals, lakes, and snow!
Our last sunset from the lodge.
HINTS:
There are 5 main stops in Yellowstone: Old Faithful, Canyon Village, Mammoth Hot Springs, Fishing Bridge- Lake Village & West Thumb . These have Visitors Centres, General Stores & a few other facilities.
If you are planning a trip, think about where to stay to avoid backtracking too much. That’s if you’ve only got 3 nights. If you have more time then two nights in each spot.
We had two nights in Old Faithful , one at Lake Lodge. Doing it again, even though you’d move each day I’d say 1 in Old Faithful, 1 at Mammoth Falls, 1 at Lake Hotel or Lodge cabin. Depending on your budget……. The cabins are great – though a little basic ( lake lodge is good. ) maybe a hotel room ? In saying that, I like the quietness of the cabins.
Book everything ahead.
Some people like to stay at the towns just outside the Park itself. This would be cheaper & offer more variety of eating options. This could be good though depending on the day you could queue to get into the park. This morning when we left by the West Yellowstone gate the queue was at least 1km long and moving slowly.
Tickets : the first time you enter the Park you pay $30 and that is good for 7 days. So you can come and go. Stay at Jackson, West Yellowstone, even Cody an hour away.
Summer here would be so busy, it might get hard moving around. We’re here in Sept 20-24 and it’s quite busy though they are winding down. Staff has decreased. Minor roads ( little loop roads to walks or views) will start to close. Though it could be lovely with snow!
As we drive songs keep popping into my head. Today it was Calamity Jane’s ‘Oh, the Deadwood stage is rollin’ over the plains’. 🎶. She’s is buried here in Deadwood. Next to Wild Bill Hickok.
Wild Bill. We visited the graves in Deadwood
Calamity Jane, along with A.W. Merrick, Sol Star, and Al Swearengen all shaped Deadwood from a rough mining town to an iconic western town. Prospectors scoured the area for the smallest flecks of gold in the 1800s. Gold mining was huge.
Deadwood is not a great name for a town.
It was a pretty driving afternoon after leaving Badlands and heading towards Mt Rushmore.
We left Badlands and had a few stops along the way to explore.
First stop was the amazing store in Wall called Wall Drug. It’s a huge place with restaurants and lots if stalls full of …… stuff.
Hard to describe the Walk Drug Store
The it was Keystone. Another town with American Indian influence .
Keystone
We stopped in Keystone ( these names have me chuckling and singing) before moving onto Mt Rushmore.
The story of how Mt Rushmore came about is so interesting and it’s really quite awesome to see.
The 4 famous Presidents…. can you name them ?
Of course it’s well laid out. 6 layers of parking a big open mall walking up through the state flags. A good movie and museum gave us the story of the sculptures.
We walked the trail and chatted to a few people along the way.
Spotted a few tipis or tepee along the way
Arriving into Deadwood surprised us. I didn’t realise it is a big gambling town. Lots of cute shops in Main St. But they all turned out to be full of poker machines & poker tables. And a big lack of restaurants.
The gambling places offered burgers. That’s it. So I found a place that did take away nachos and we went back to our very big comfortable room and Steve watched football.
Lots of cowboy bars.
Tomorrow we head to Cody. Cody is a town in northwest Wyoming famous for Buffalo Bill Center. We’ll be seeing Devil’s Tower and Big Horn National Park.
We left Chicago to travel to Winona leaving Illinois and arriving in Michigan.
We had a rain storm which was awful. Steve decided we should pull over. He couldn’t see. Cars and trucks passed by so closely that the car shook.
Steve put on hazard lights we waited awhile. It eventually eased.
By the time we reached Winona the sun was out. The drive along the mighty Mississippi River was beautiful. What a river – and this is just the headwaters!
Our BnB called Alexander Mansion is a big grand house with a dominating corner position.
An original photo from the 1880’s
Owner Richard answered the door. Richard and his partner David bought this place about 8 years ago and are happily running an excellent BnB in a small out of the way town.
We were his first Australians. He was fascinated. ‘What brings you to Winona !’
The library
Richard loves a chat and instead of showing us our room insisted on a house tour , a glass of wine , told us dinner options, library inspection, painting explanations, ……
The organ which he invited me to play
He very helpfully told us about 2 good restaurants. We chose the Fish Hut. It was slightly out of town over looking the mighty Mississippi. He was spot on. It was great. I had a catfish ! Done in a spicy coating with mango salsa. Steve felt like a steak and said it was great.
We got back to the house. It was very quiet so we took his advice and sat in the large library with a glass of wine he’d left us and read about the history of the place.
Up the stairs to bed.
Back in our room Richard had left us a nightcap – a Baillie’s and a chocolate.
The room was beautiful. Floral, wood furniture , lamps everywhere, an old radio playing classical music.
I wish I could say the big high bed was comfortable but it had a dip in it and we both woke up with aching bits.
The bathroom was gorgeous and original.
He had made a point about breakfast being at 9am with all guests. He was going to give us a big wholesome breakfast. He likes his guests to chat and bond. We knew we had a long drive to Badlands National Park the next day but he was so disappointed we agreed to stay.
Only problem was we woke very early and decided we needed to get going. He was sad and showed us the beautifully set table snd gave us a banana to see us on our way at 7.30.
This gave us time to stop at The Corn Palace in Mitchell an historical old town. A tribute to the corn that grows here, there is a huge palace type building all decorated with corn. The displays outside the building are changed each year to a theme. Inside is a big entertainment area. They regularly have basketball (the local team is the Mitchell Kernels!) and concerts – and there was a great display of all the artists who have played there. From Bob Hope to Tommy Dorsey.
We’re pleased we left early because we arrived at Badlands early enough to do a few walks through this incredible landscape. It’s well set out and just amazing
Tonight we are in the Badlands motel. It’s basic and cheap. Close to the park and just fine. Air con is blasting away as it unseasonably hot.
We’re eating at the Wagon Wheel having a burger. Chicken. Does that count? A real cowboy bar. Drinking Budweiser watching Miami vs New England in American Football, trying not to think of the Wallabies losing to Fiji in the Rugby.
The sunsets here are amazing.
I love a good sunset.
Tonight we went along to the ranger chat at the caravan park. The first session was on the types of fossils found in the park.
The second session was probably the best night sky session I’ve ever been to.
We even saw Elon Musks satellites running in a row across the sky. We saw so many of the brightest stars and the Milky Way so clearly.
This is a photo from the internet but it looked just like this. Moving quickly across the sky.
frans travel tales 