Yellowstone adventures

Two days in & out of Yellostone... The 100 Mile Circle...ahhhhh the beauty!

Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park. It was established in 1872. Yellowstone extends through Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The park's name is derived from the Yellowstone River, which runs through the park. Within the massive park boundaries, you can find mountains, rivers, lakes, and some of the most concentrated geothermal activity in the world. The park has 60% of the world’s geysers as well as many hot springs and several mud pots. Perhaps the most famous feature of the park is the geyser Old Faithful.

You can also see the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, one of the world’s largest petrified forests, and countless waterfalls. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk.

All this history, beauty, and wildlife and all that they recall is a Fishing Bridge, where Mike and Eula took Jr. and Rima when they were little. Down to the detail of where Michael was fishing off of a bridge...

Moving along..

Well... Somewhat moving along, if you call this "moving"!!

A couple more photos from Zion:

Look at the model that they met in Zion!! Wow, someone call Hef!

Zion National Park

After a long drive, through Las Vegas... (Where the group supposedly encountered a "traffic jam"...) they arrived in St. George, and slept for 9 hours!! The next day was their visit to Zion National Park.

However, on the way to Zion.. they made a stop at Grafton, which is a ghost town south of Zion.. Hope they didn't pick up any extra passengers, or as we call them in our family, "Friend's of Brookie".. Anyhow, this ghost town is said to be the most photographed ghost town of the west. For all you film buffs, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was filmed there. In the 1800's it was a farming town and the home to many LDS families. The last families left in the 1940's due to the many floods that occurred. Onwards to Zion...

Zion was breathtaking, steep cliffs and narrow canyons. The Virgin River runs through it - many hiking areas, and for those who do not want to hike - there is a free shuttle throught the park (90 minute ride of narration).

7/26/12, a new journey begins

Whoa! Has it been a LONG time!!! HELLO Everyone! I hope y'all are doing fantastic!! Since the last trip, Eula & Mike have been busy with EVERYTHING else in their life, including lots of trips. One even as recent as a few months ago... They were lucky enough to go overseas to Germany, Holland, and the Netherlands to see the World Horticultural Expo of tulips. With regards to family changes, they have had a great nephew get married, a great, great niece be born, a grandson graduate from high school... and I think that is it on the updates.. As for their new journey, just today, they have started a new RV journey with their partners in crime... :)
So, let the "games" begin!!
Their first night will be in St. George, Utah. Ahhh, say hi to your daughter Jen!
A little bit of history of St George to get your minds working: Although settlers came to Washington County as early as 1852, St. George was settled in 1861. Mormon leader Brigham Young sent a group of pioneers to the far reaching corner of the Territory of Utah to grow cotton and wine grapes and harvest silk for export to the Civil War-torn northern states. Today the cotton fields are gone, the wineries are closed and the silk industry has given way to modern, more prosperous businesses. St. George, the county's largest city, lies along interstate 15 with a host of smaller communities that make up Utah's Dixie. The advantages of the county's position along one of the nation's key north-south routes between California and places such as Salt Lake City, Denver and Albuquerque is making Washington County one of the nation's fastest growing communities. The scenic area not only provides easy access to major markets of the western United States, it has become a destination point for countless people and businesses looking for a better way of life and more fruitful atmosphere for growth and prosperity. From 1990 to 1995, Washington County grew a staggering 50 percent and St. George grew 61 percent, while the rest of the state tallied up a total growth rate of 16 percent. The tiny farming community of St. George had grown up and surrounding cities followed suit. By the end of the decade, the St. George - Zion National Park areas of Washington County were rated among the best communities in the country to retire by Rand McNalley, Prentice Hall, Money and the American Association of Retired People. As a result there was a large amount of construction of new homes in the Washington County area. The unprecedented growth experienced in the county has not been limited to retirees, however. Young working families joined the migration to Utah's Dixie to establish one of the most stable and reliable work forces in the nation. They came for the climate, the scenic beauty, the family atmosphere and explosive job opportunities. Much of the growth is due to the area's competitive construction rates and low crime.

Here comes trouble...

Here's how this conversation is going right now... "Well Mike, we are here, I think we need to go to the left." Then Latulippe cuts in, "Pat and I think we should go to the right.."

Could someone please get these guys a navigation system that yells at them!!

Colombia River Maritime Museum; Astoria, Oregon

We went to the Colombia River Maritime Museum in Astoria.

It was a great museum.

The Columbia River is mighty!

The Columbia River Maritime Museum was founded in 1962 when Rolf Klep, a native Astorian, returned to his birthplace after retiring from a successful career as a graphic artist on the East Coast. On his return, Klep – a longtime collector of maritime artifacts – and a group of his colleagues sought to establish a museum to preserve the rich maritime heritage of the entire Columbia River region. They envisioned a museum of national distinction.

I have a lot of respect for the Coast Guard that work here. (They have to deal with tourists like us..)

Check out the two Mikes.. I think they actually thought they could teach the coast guards how to do their job.. Ha ha ha.. We let them believe they could!

Oh, and by the way, nice vest dad... I expect that back in my closet when you get back! Darn you, all these years mom had to worry about me borrowing her clothes... Now, you're borrowing my cool clothes! Ha, ha, ha!

Also we went to the the Astoria Column. It is l25 feet high and has l64 steps to the top. This sits on top of a hill overlooking Astoria and the bay. You can see the bridge as well. This bridge goes from Astoria Oregon to Long Beach Wash. the bridge is 4 miles long.

We took a Trolley on the wharf from one end to the other and learned a little history about Astoria. We loved it. You can see Mary below - she is doing the native dance, she'll teach it to the Los Compadres group when we get back!!

This is a first, An International Kite Festival

The Washington State International Kite Festival is a week-long kite celebration and competition held annually during the third week of August.

Starting on Monday and ending on Sunday this Long Beach, Washington State vacation extravaganza boasts skies ablaze with color, high flying action and choreographed movement. Washington’s Kite Festival draws famous kite fliers from all around the world, and tens of thousands awed spectators, many of which participate in the fun with their own kite flying adventures.

Aha, The Lighthouse!! - Two of them

As mentioned previously, some groups drive around in RVs seeking out weather phenomenons, this group searches for lighthouses... (and benches)

The group finally found Cape Disappointment (completed in 1856) and The North Head Lighthouse (completed in 1898).

"Before there were lighthouses on the Peninsula, ships bound for Portland and Astoria navigated their way through the high waves and shifting sandbars, focusing on fluttering white flags and notched trees along the shoreline by day and flickering signal fires by night. These methods were crude at best and, despite heroic efforts, the sea offshore of the Long Beach Peninsula became known as ‘The Graveyard of the Pacific’."

Did You Know:

Cape Disappointment is the oldest functioning lighthouse on the west coast.

In 1788, British fur trader John Meares named the area Cape Disappointment after his inability to locate the river’s mouth.

Look, there's the two Griswolds... of course sitting on a bench!

The group also visited the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, which was a real interesting museum to see. The interpretive center is located at Cape Disappointment State Park, two miles southwest of Ilwaco.

In November of 1805, the U.S. Corps of Volunteers for Northwest Discovery, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, reached the mouth of the mighty Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean at last. "Great joy in camp," Clark wrote in his journal,"we are in View of the Ocian, this great Pacific Octean which we been So long anxious to See."

Today the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center stands high on the cliffs of Cape Disappointment State Park, 200 feet above the pounding Pacific surf. A series of mural-sized "timeline" panels guide visitors through the westward journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition using sketches, paintings, photographs and the words of Corps members themselves. The center also features short film presentations, a gift shop and a glassed-in observation deck with fabulous views of the river, headlands and sea. Additional displays focus on local maritime and military history.

8/16/11 Dedication to the Dixon Twins.. Kelli & Nick

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you...

We found this for you, Kelli! (We'll have to scrub out "y")

Nick, we're still looking for something for you! :)

Cheers!

Weekend of August 13/14, 2011 - Washington cont.

We celebrated the weekend at a jazz music festival, where you could of course eat... (why else would we be here!) The food is just outstanding up here!

There's Clark! (Mike, enjoying the view)

Afterward the festival we drove to the end of the island where there is a wildlife refuge and a park called Leadbetter Point State Park, which is a Washington state park on the Long Beach Peninsula northwest of Oysterville, Washinton. The park is bounded by Willapa Bay to the north and east and th Pacific Ocean to the west. Oysterville was a very interesting town with a rich history, it was first settled in 1841 by John Douglas, who married a local Chinook (Native American people in the Northwest) woman. It was then established in 1854, and became a hub for oyster farming.

A sign that hangs in the historical Oysterville school tells the story about how all the county records and books were stolen on February 3, 1893. These records were stolen in order to move the county seat from Oysterville to South Bend, Wa. It has since been agreed that the seat would be moved to South Bend.

Oysterville, should definitely be a part of your destination list in the future due to all of the historical buildings - homes, school house, many built prior to 1880. The only unfortunate thing is that many of the buildings have been lost due to the sea and the elements.

Just as we returned to the motor home, Latulippe and Griswold 1 (Pat) had to go and get some clam chowder. The rest of us opted out - we stayed home and rested.

Happy Birthday to you... RV style...

It was Bonnie's birthday (from Los Compadres), so what better way to celebrate then with champagne!

Happy Birthday Bonnie!

Long Beach, Washington cont...

Ahhh, beautiful Long Beach - along the Washington/Oregon Coast line..

The group went on a long walk along the sea side looking for a light house... For all of you readers, you know just how much these folks love light houses. Arriving at the end of the walk, they realized they were on the wrong side of the peninsula.. go figure, they made a wrong turn! They made the best of it and ate at Doogers Seafood. (Remember, if you click on the words in different colors, they will connect you to the websites of these specific places.) Assuming they dined at the Warrenton, Oregon location..

One thing about Mike and Eula, they fall in love with every location they go to and want to immediately buy a home and move there.

Here is a picture of one of the houses they are looking at.. room for two.

The next day, the group headed back to the peninsula on a mission to find the light house..

Look, it's Dorothy, "They're off to see the wizard.."

Just imagine the conversation, "Which way do you think we should go Griswold?" "I'm not sure, do you think they have another Clam chowder/crab cake place down here to the left?"

Mike has found the life he wants to live.. He just loves his "quiet time".

Ahh good times with friends...and leaving Oregon

The Three Amigos!!

Mike Latulippe, Clark I, and Clark II..

We need a name for Latulippe, unfortunately the group cannot be the Three Canadians, nor the Three Mikes', maybe the Three Bench Sitters - 2nd String players (for all you soccer players)

Help me out peoples, what name should we give this group of Bench sitting/ice-cream eaters? ?

Mary Latulippe and Clark Griswold II - Mary is wearing her Gladstone t-shirt, celebrating their 100th Anniversary. They are posed in front of the river that they were staying at in Long Beach.

The road leading to Long Beach - Awesome trees..

Leaving Oregon City - hard haul

Of course Eula Faye and her boyfriend found an outlet to shop at... Eula sends pictures of flowers instead of all the loot they purchased - it is a cool picture though. Too bad the outlets in California do not have beautiful flower arrangements everywhere.

Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Multnomah Falls is a Must!

"A waterfall as magnificent and memorable as any in the country is located just a 30- minute drive outside of Portland. Visiting Multnomah Falls, a 611-foot-tall roaring, awe-inspiring cascade of icy water, lets you experience the power and beauty of nature up close and with ease. From the parking area off of I-84, a 5-minute walk is all that separates you from the exhilarating spray at the base of the falls.

According to Native American lore, Multnomah Falls was created to win the heart of a young princess who wanted a hidden place to bathe. Although you can see the top portion of the falls from the highway, to view both tiers you have to walk to the viewing area located in a carved-out opening in the rock face. Tilting your head up in the narrow rocky confines of the steep cliffs, you get a mind-boggling perspective on the sheer magnitude of the falls."

Long Beach Peninsula - Washington Coast 8/9/11

The Griswolds have arrived in the LBC... not really, who knew there were so many cities in the US called Long Beach! They have arrived at Driftwood RV Park
The Long Beach Peninsula:
A 28-mile peninsula with more sandcastle building material than you will ever know what to do with. The Long Beach Peninsula is a terrific vacation destination. There are a number of unique towns that make this Peninsula one of the favorite spots to visit in Washington. The peninsula is between 2 and 5 miles wide and is pinned between Willapa Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Towns on this peninsula include Illwaco, Seaview, Ocean Park, Nahcotta, and Oysterville and Long Beach. NWcoast.com includes accommodations for all of these destinations.

The first thing Eula Faye reminisced about was Mike Jr picking up driftwood in SLO to make his jewelry boxes.. ahh, the good ole days!

Clackamette RV Park in Oregon City & Mount Hood

Travel stops in the United States continued:
Clackamette RV Park is located at the confluence of the beautiful Willamette and Clackamas Rivers in Oregon City. RV spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We do not take advanced reservations. Stays are limited to 10 days.

According to the Griswolds, this park is not recommended to stay too long due to the lack of hook ups...

The Willamette River: is a major tributary of the Columbia River, accounting for 12 to 15 percent of the Columbia's flow. The Willamette's main stem is 187 miles long, lying entirely in northwestern Oregon in the United States. Flowing northward between the Oregon Coast Range and the Cascade Range, the river and its tributaries form the Willamette Valley, a basin that contains two-thirds of Oregon's population, including the state capital, Salem, and the state's largest city, Portland. Portland surrounds the Willamette's mouth at the Columbia.

The group traveled to Mount Hood this weekend - did you know that Mount Hood is on the back of the 2010 Quarter?

Mount Hood photograph taken by Eula Faye

Here are some really large cherries that were growing in the orchards on the way to Mount Hood.

Aha - the group found some "Canadian Honkers" - how fitting!



The group visited The Timberline Lodge


This Lodge was constructed in the 1930's (during The Great Depression) by the Works Progress Administration which was under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's leadership. He dedicated the Lodge on September 28, 1937, and in his speech he said: "This Timberline Lodge marks a venture that was made possible by W.P.A., emergency relief work, in order that we may test the workability of recreational facilities installed by the Government itself and operated under its complete control..."

The 1980 film, The Shining, based on Stephen King's novel used aerial shots of Timberline as part of its opening scene.