Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Gunnison rodeo

The drive from Ridgway to our next location, Black Canyon of the Gunnision National Park took about 1.5 hrs in the RV. A short drive up US 550 to Montrose then a right on US 50 East for about 5-6 miles and a left on CO347 and after a steep climb to 8200 ft and we were showing our America the Beautiful lifetime pass at a US National Park entrance. Black Canyon NP was an add -on to our route after we stayed at Cave Creek Regional Park in Arizona. Rich, one of the camp hosts there, said we ought to add this one and one coming up in a few weeks as well. He had steered us to Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada as well and once again, he did us good! BCNP is a relative newcomer to the National Parks family, although it was a National Monument since the 1920's. National Monuments can be created by the President, but National Parks take an act of Congress. Both are administered by the US Park Service. BCOTGNP is on former Ute lands.

Painted Wall -Black Canon of the Gunnison NP

East Portal Road - takes you down 2000' to the Gunnison River - very steep

We settled in to our site - B3 and faced our first challenge. With an active Mule Deer population and fawns still with their mothers, you can only walk your dogs in your immediate camp site (not campground!) The doe are very protective and I experienced first hand a wary doe who countered my every move to get back to the RV with Cooper and CJ. A bit unnerving. We then found several trails where the dogs could get the necessary exercise without the threat of the deer.

We made our way to the Visitors Center, checked out the film and took in our first glimpses of the canyon. 2000 feet deep and very narrow. The National Park has about 15 miles of the canyon proper with other agencies also having portions. To get to a point directly across from the Visitor Center requires a 2 hour drive!! No roads or bridges here! Cindy and I took a brief walk along the Canyon and then made out way back to the RV for dinner. Later that night, I walked the short trip to the amphitheater to listen to the first of 3 Ranger led talks about the Park. They were all good and our favorite was the last evening. the topic was about Turkey Vultures "Peace Eagles",  how they function and why they are so special. The Ranger is a former college professor and did an outstanding job of presenting the information. He included the children by using stuffed animals, one a fawn, one a Turkey Vulture and the third a Coyote to act out how the Turkey Vultures take care of carrion. This may sound simplistic, but the Ranger took the topic to many levels. Very interesting birds!

Gunnison River visible at bottom, it is a long way down there!

Our second day there, we opted to take the drive around the National Park, a loop of over 100 miles to see the canyon from both sides. Definitely worth the time and effort. At one point, we were directly across from the Visitor Center. We ate our lunch at the small campground on the North side and continued to loop to various observation points. Amazing what water and gravity can accomplish. Again, so much comes back to the Geology of an area. Our drive took us by necessity to the town of Delta, Colorado and fortunately they have a Tractor Supply store. We have been getting Cooper and CJ's Taste of the Wild dog food at Tractor Supply while on this trip and we were down to only a few days remaining. So, in we went and now we are supplied until we get back to Pennsylvania!. (Cooper and CJ were quite pleased).

our site at BCOTGNP - B3

The next morning, we decided to drive the road to the bottom of the canyon and boy were we glad we did! We have seen quite a few specie of wildlife on this trip and also through the years, but on this day we had quite a thrill.... while driving along the river, we spotted what at first we thought was an Otter swimming across to the North side. Cindy started taking pictures and as it emerged from on the opposite bank... it revealed its form complete with very long tail... a Mountain Lion!!!! Totally Awesome!!!! What a treat. When we got back topside, we drove to the Visitor Station and reported the sighting to a Ranger who had me complete a sighting form! Way, Way Cool!

Cougar exiting river at far bank to left of center above

While down at the East Portal, we also checked out where the water tunnel and machinery house for it are providing irrigation water for Montrose, CO since its' completion in 1909!

3 years in the making, the tunnel at East Portal to Montrose

One of the things we had yet to experience was to go to a Rodeo. Fortunately, the town of Gunnison was holding the 118th occurrence of Cattlemen's Days - a PCRA event complete with Bull Riding, Bare Back  Riding,  Barrel Racing, Team Roping and Bull Dogging! We called and got tickets (not really necessary, but the place did fill up) drove the 60 miles from the park to Gunnison and had a wonderful evening. It was Patriot Night and they did a nice salute to our armed forces. Then the action begins. It is pretty non stop and quite interesting. My favorite was the Barrel Racing.

marketing via Horseback - Cowgirls rode rapidly around the arena between events with these banners flying!!

Bronc riding - short and rugged sport!

Bull Dogging- not as easy as one might think

 Saturday morning I took Cooper and CJ in the Jeep to one of the trails where we could enjoy a hike, dropped them off and then walked the Rim Trail from our campsite to the Visitor Center and Back. Very nice and a great way to wrap up our stay at BCOTGNP! We would advise anyone visiting western Colorado to take a day or two and visit this fabulous National Park. If camping with dogs, try to avoid mid June to mid August and the Mule Deer situation.

until then,


Take Care

Cooper and CJ

Ridgway, Ouray, Telluride and Silverton Colorado

Ridgway State Park - Ridgway, Ouray, Telluride and Silverton Colorado

After spending the entire month of June and the first week of July in Idaho, with side trips into Montana for Glacier National Park and Wyoming for Yellowstone National Park and Cody, we pulled up stakes once again and headed South. This had us crossing through the eastern part of Utah (spending a nice evening at Heber Valley in a RV Resort) hopping on I70 East and crossing by Moab and into western Colorado. Our base for the next few days was Ridgway State Park, on US 550 a few miles West of the town of Ridgway. Movie buffs will recognize Ridgway as the location of the John Wayne classic -True Grit!

downtown Ridgway - scenes from "True Grit" filmed here

this was used as Undertakers shop in "True Grit"

on undertakers shop

We settled into our site at the RSP and the campground was full. The temps were in the  mid 90's and the trees were more ornamental than shade providing. Fortunately, we had electric and could run our rooftop AC units. With very low humidity, it was quite easy to maintain comfort levels inside the RV. Early in the morning and after 7PM, the temps outside provided comfortable outdoors sitting and walks to the  river.

it was quite an engineering feat to get the railroad to Ridgway in the late 1800's

Starting off our first full day at RSP, we drove into the town, stopped at the visitors center to get some direction  and brochures, toured the Railroad Museum there, went over to the town Park and started our walking tour of the town and the sites used in filming True Grit. We enjoyed a muffin and a cup of coffee in the shade of the large trees in the park, then climbed in the Jeep for the drive down to the former mining, now ski town, of Telluride. The Visitor Center in Ridgway had told us to park outside of Telluride at Mountain Village and take the free (yes, free!) gondola into Telluride. We did, accompanied by Cooper and CJ (dogs allowed) and what at ride!! The trip takes about 15 minutes with a change of lines mid way and the view is breathtaking! We walked the town, ate lunch at a nice dog friendly Mexican café answered questions about Cooper (he is a big conversation starter) hopped back on the gondola and back to the Jeep. We concluded the day by driving further South towards Rico, but turned back due to severe weather approaching the mountain passes ( later on we read that the area was indeed hit hard by rain and wind).

dogs can ride for free as well into Telluride

descending into Telluride in gondola -Cooper and CJ along as well!

downtown Telluride just after exiting gondola

The next morning our plan was to drive down US550 past Ridgway, though Ouray and on to Silverton. US550 is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the country. as it is carved out of the cliff face of the canyon and in many places has minimal shoulder and no guardrails! However, as we left the South end of Ouray, we were informed by a large flashing electric road sign the 550 was closed due to a rock slide!! bummer!!. We decided we would check out Ouray instead that day and save Silverton for the next day.  However, as we were turning around, we noticed a sign to the Box Canyon and we decided - why not??? the quarter mile drive to the parking lot was a nice little Jeep trail as well. (BTW - Ouray is the Jeep Mecca of America, there are so many Jeeps, I gave up doing the "Jeep Wave") The Box Canyon is run by the town of Ouray and is worth the time to see it if you are in the area. There are two trails, one takes you inside and the other above. I did both.

downtown Ouray, lots of nice shoppes and Jeeps!

inside Box Canyon at Ouray, Colorado

Victorian House with rooftop walk -Ouray, Colorado

We spent an enjoyable day in Ouray, sitting on benches in the shade, eating lunch at Maggie's and watching lots of Jeeps drive by. We then headed back to camp and settled in for the evening. More dog walks, reading and mapping out more details for the remained of our adventure.

We have been asked numerous times how we planned for the trip. As mentioned months back, it has been hundreds of hours, making plans and reservations, reviewing and adjusting the plans and modifying routes due to weather, circumstances and suggestions from fellow travelers.

Our second attempt to travel to Silverton was successful the following day and the drive down US550 is not for the weak of heart (nor for those in a large rig!). The views are breathtaking and the curves and drop-offs many. Along the way you will see Red Mountain and its' famous switchback, mining sites and the town of Silverton nestled in at 9300' above sea level.. We arrived shortly before noon, checked out Bring Fido and selected the Bent Elbow (a former Brothel) as our noon day dining destination. The food was great and they even had apple pie for desert and a piano player!. We then walked the town, checked out the shoppes and took in the feel. Our waitress told us this past winter they only received 50" of snow as opposed to the usual 300"! Things are dry here and with the wildfires burning to the South at Durango, the famous train was not making it's daily excursion between the two towns. That is bad news for store owners depending on those riding those rails for their livelihood.

lots of ATV riding opportunities in Silverton area

downtown Silverton - Wyatt Earp came here after Tombstone!

mining structure north of Silverton on US550

ore cars now planters

US550 at Red Mountain

stagecoach in Silverton

US550 - pay attention at all times

US550 - not a lot of wiggle room

We had a great time and would definitely visit this area again if we could. 3-4 full days will due you well. Add one more day if you plan on riding the train to Silverton.

We are off again and will be posting more soon.

until then - Take Care

Cooper and CJ

Arco, Idaho and Craters of the Moon

Arco, Idaho and Craters of the Moon National Monument


We packed up and headed out from Flatrock Campground in the Targhee NF on Monday morning by 9 AM. We had 150 miles to travel southwest to Arco, Idaho -first Atomic Powered City and Craters of the Moon Arco KOA. The drive took us down Idaho 20 and then onto Idaho 33 right into Arco. Along the way we transitioned to high desert, with little but sage and flat terrain for the majority of the trip,

Arco is out in the Snake River Plain - only flat area in the region!

a tradition since 1920 - High School Grads paint their year on mountainside at Arco

our site at Arco KOA - nice shade trees, good location

Our first night in town we drove around a bit, ate at a local restaurant - Pickle's, We saved room of for desert. The KOA has an Ice Cream Social at 6:30 -what's not to like about free ice cream? Then we settled in with dog walks, starting this BLOG on the complimentary Wifi and reading.

The next morning we were up and out the door shortly after 8 AM to visit Craters of the Moon National Monument. Created in 1924, it is a 750,000 acre moonscape of lava flows, volcanic cones and basalt. We hiked to the top of Inferno Cone with an Interpretive Ranger, went inside a small crater in two Spatter Cones and walked a half mile over lava flows to hike through a Lava Tube - Indian Tunnel.

asphalt path takes you out to Indian Tunnel - Lava tube

Of course the Visitors Center was checked out and viewed the various videos. This is a very different and "weird" place. Not on the way to anywhere, but if you can, check it out. You need about 3 hours to do what we did.

Cindy inside the cone of a "Spatter Cone" - Craters of the Moon NM

view from lava field towards Inferno Cone - we climbed the 600' to the top -WOW!

view from inside a lava tube - Indian Tunnel - CMNM

Returning to  the KOA, we spent the remainder of the day reading, blogging, exercising CJ at the dog park ( right across from our campsite!) and grocery shopping. I picked up a few items not normally on our diet for celebrating the 4th of July. Hot dogs, potato salad, watermelon, Huckleberry Twisted Tea etc. On the morning of the 4th, we arose to a much calmer day ( the winds had been blowing at a constant 20-25 mph force since we arrived. The temps were in the lower 70's and sunny and I took advantage to get in a Jeep oil and filter change at a lot outside the KOA grounds ( I spread out a tarp under the  vehicle to avoid spillage). Cindy took advantage of the laundry facilities at KOA at the same time and by 10 AM we were both done with our chores and ready to attend to Arco 4th of July Parade at 11 AM. We had a half mile drive to the start of the parade at the town park and we arrived in time  to get a shady spot. This was nicely done and attended for a town of a population of less than 1000 people.

old vehicles are always a favorite

this is ranching country

on the whimsical side

Happy Birthday America!!

CJ had a rough time the night before with some firecrackers. They really disturb him. So, we took some preemptive measures to be ready for the big fireworks event put on at the numbers mountain on the 4th. First and foremost, I took a nap. Seriously, the fireworks start at 10:30 PM and we knew CJ was not going to be resting quietly til after they concluded. May as well be rested to stay up later than normal. Secondly, we gave him lots of time chasing ball in the dog park, right up until 9:30 PM to tire him out. We also threw in a couple extra walks around the campground. 

Late afternoon, we decided to go try to find one of the remaining sections of the Oregon Trail that ran through the Arco area. It sook some doing, but we did manage to find a section and you can see the wheel ruts from the 1850s as they pass by the edge of the Craters of the Moon lava flow about 5.7 miles SW of the visitor's center. cool stuff.

love the history you find throughout the country!

Oregon Trail Goodale's Cutoff goes right through here, look just above and to right of center to see the tracks!

After supper, we settled in and waited for the fireworks.  Around 9:30. we went into the RV, and I popped in "The Patriot" Suitable July 4th viewing. This provided entertainment and some white noise foe CJ. Some, but not enough. He we still not able to relax until after things quieted down sometime after 11 PM. The fire works were visible from our campsite which was a treat and for the  size of the community, they put on a respectable show! Thanks Arco!!

Our last day in Arco found us rising a bit later (remember we stayed up way past our normal bedtime to watch fireworks, etc) and we drove South on US 20 to EBR--1, the nations fire nuclear reactor. It was here that atomic power was first used to generate electricity back in the early 1950"s. A guided tour is available, however I opted for the  self guided tour which met my needs. Neat stuff.

First Nuclear Reactor - 20 miles South of Arco Idaho!

turbine and generator at EBR-1 powered 4 lights!

Returning to Arco, we stopped at the Post Office to mail some post cards, dropped off the drain oil from the Jeep and took Cooper and CJ to the KOA Dog Wash!! Very nice room, special equipment which greatly  helped in washing the dogs and for a minimal price! Both dogs then spent the next few hours drying off by lying outside in the shade by the RV.

very nicely equipped dog wash - Arco KOA

Cooper drying off after his bath!

This area is probably usually only seen by those passing through on their way elsewhere. however, if you can, plan on a full day to check out the few things we mentioned here. 

We are heading out of Idaho shortly and have really enjoyed our stay here the past weeks.

more to come

until then

take care


Cooper and CJ

Yellowstone NP, Grand Teton NP

Yellowstone National Park, Cody Wyoming and Grand Teton NP

spoiler alert: this is a long entry!


Our stay at Glacier NP was inspiring and informative and we really wished the Going to the Sun Road was open the whole way through. But we had done what we could do in the allotted time and there was a 500 mile drive to our next point of interest.  We left by noon on Wednesday to get some  miles in by suppertime and lighten the drive on Thursday. We spent the night at the KOA in Butte, Montana. Unfortunately, we did not have the time to explore the town and its' historical downtown as we needed to grab lots of WiFi time to get blogs done, get do laundry, finances updated, shop for groceries and get showers. We did have a nice chat with our neighbors from Nebraska while at the KOA  and got some good tips on things to see in Cody, Wyoming if we could include it in our travels. By mid morning Thursday we were again on the road to Buffalo Campground in Targhee NF, outside Island Park, Idaho. Along the way we saw many fly fishermen in the rivers and also several long distance biking groups.  The town of Ennis, Montana is a fly fishing destination and appears quite nice.

Nice destination of fly fishermen - Ennis, MT

we have seen several large groups of bikers in the area

Our dry camping site at Buffalo Campground would be our base of operations to explore Yellow Stone National Park. From here, we would have a 30 minute drive to the West Entrance to Yellowstone NP at West Yellowstone, MT. We were very excited to experience this vast area housing so many varied attractions! Wildlife, boiling springs, geysers (there are 10,000 hydrothermal areas in the park) waterfalls, snow capped mountains, lakes and historic buildings are all to be found in Yellowstone NP. Yellowstone was created in 1872 and was the worlds first National Park!!!

Bison are numerous and dangerous - we saw thousands!

Magma is very close to the surface at YNP - groundwater gets superheated -Old Faithful

Friday morning we were on the road shortly after 6 AM to get to YNP in order to avoid the crowds at Old Faithful and get to several of the  key locations along the way. We did just that and by 9 AM we were enjoying a cup of coffee at the Lodge overlooking the famous geyser, waiting for the predicted time to observe the eruption. It happened when predicted and we were not disappointed.

Dave outside Old Faithful Inn -YNP

Lobby of Old Faithful Inn - YNP

Next we walked to the world famous Old Faithful Inn located just 100 yards form the geyser and went inside. Built in 1906, it is a site to behold. We cruised the gift shop and then went to get Cooper and CJ out of the Jeep for some exercise. We took turns going in the visitors center, watching the film and also observing Old Faithful erupt again! The Rangers at these Parks (Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton) make a point to educate visitors about the many dangers in this wild remote areas, Grizzly Bears, Bison, Elk  and others are dangerous and must be respected.  (an adult Bison may weigh up to 2000lbs!) Bear Spray is sold on site and Rangers give demos on how to properly use it!!! (we did buy a can in Glacier and wear it on a belt holster). In addition, at Yellowstone, the surface in the area of the  hot springs is only a thin crust and you could break through the surface and be seriously injured! You are advised to stay on the  boardwalks.

Sapphire colored hot springs!

Mud Volcano - rock turned to mud by the sulfuric acid created here!!

On our drive we stopped halfway at the Museum of the National Park Ranger and checked out the displays. Before there were Park Rangers, the US Army patrolled the National Parks. In Yellowstone, there are many of the original stations still in use by the Rangers all year round!

there are 30+ Ranger cabins dating from the early days that are used to this day for studies and patrols 

my personality testing always comes back saying I should be a Forrester/Ranger!

We drove up the road from Old Faithful going clockwise with Mammoth Hot Springs and Gardiner, MT as our target by suppertime (Gardiner is just outside the North entrance to YNP.) Along the way we saw numerous hot springs, small geysers, mud pots, several rivers and Gibbon Falls.

84 ft Gibbon Falls - Gibbon River, Yellowstone NP

Yellowstone is for Fly Fishing!

Mammoth Hot Springs at North End of Yellowstone NP

Just a few miles North of Mammoth Hot Springs is the North Entrance to YNP with its' famous Roosevelt Arch. The town of Gardiner, MT immediately adjoins the Park and offers numerous attractions, shops, rafting and horseback excursions and eateries. We had a great Amber Ale, a tasty salad and everything pizza at K-Bar. The staff and owner were very nice and Cooper and CJ got plenty of attention. While we were dining outside, a brief rain shower passed by ( the weather in the area is quite changeable) and we were rewarded with a rainbow for our troubles!

Roosevelt Arch - North Entrance Yellowstone NP

rainbow in Gardiner, MT after a great pizza!

We were now about 100 miles from our campsite and it was 7PM. Time to hit the road back! We got home around 9 PM, and I walked Cooper and CJ from the campground entrance the 1/2 mile back to our site for our mutual exercise and a close to a great day.

The next day we rose at 5:30 AM to get out the door in hopes to see some Grizzly Bear or other wildlife such Moose. We were in the Park by 6:30 and heading towards the Tower-Roosevelt area. We did see numerous Elk and literally thousands of Bison, but no bear nor moose to be seen. We stopped at Tower Falls and reversed course before reaching Mammoth Hot Springs. Then we drove the whole way out of the Park at the Northeast Entrance and ate lunch in a small town café.

early morning temps in the low 40's - steam rising from mud pots, etc

Tower Falls - Yellowstone NP

grazing Elk, many make Yellowstone their home

blue sky was fairly common during our visit

Then back into the park and down the small roads again. Picture the Park roads as a figure 8 with 5 feeders from the entrances) . This may seem overlapping, but the Park is so large, you can't really drive it in a day and if you are looking for wildlife timing is important. We again took many, many pictures and got home around 8PM. Again, I hopped out of the Jeep at the campground entrance and walked Cooper and CJ back to our site. This was our second 12 hr plus day in a row and needless to say, we slept very well.

Sunday Am we rose at 5AM to attempt to see Grizzly and Moose (not Moose and Squirrel) and arrive at the park on the Eastern side at Canyon Village and then South toward Hayden Valley. This is a prime wildlife area, we saw Elk and Bison, but not bear nor moose. We stopped at  Fishing Bridge area and had to wait to cross the bridge because a Bison was walking down the middle of it!. We hit the Visitor Center there and on the spur of the moment decided to push on to Cody, Wyoming. This was the closest we would be to Cody during our entire trip so the time was ripe. The drive took us another 1.5 hours and was well worth it. Cody was developed by Buffalo Bill Cody over 100 years ago and is proud of its Western Heritage. a large rodeo area greets you as you enter from the West and the Buffalo Bill Museum is a world class Smithsonian affiliated museum you should try to see.

down town Cody, Wyoming

Smithsonian affiliated, there are 5 main display areas. A full day to see it all! or 2

entrance to the Buffalo Bill exhibit - many original artifacts inside

Before hitting the museum, we had a great lunch at Pat O'Hara Brewing. Great amber ale and beef and cheddar sandwich. Most importantly, they are dog friendly on the patio and even brought Cooper and CJ a fresh bowl of water! Great staff took care of us and we would certainly stop there again if back in Cody. While Cindy took the dogs to the local dog park for some off leash time, I hit the museum for a few hours!

Plains Indian women did all the moving and camp setup!

Native Plains Indian weapons

I also did a quick run through the gun museum wing and saw a Pennsylvania Rifle from a Lebanon, PA gunsmith!

Bronze of Buffalo Bill outside museum - one of several statues

Then back in the Jeep to head home and it turned out to be a most fortuitous event. Just before getting to the East Entrance of Yellowstone, there was a small crowd along the road, looking across the river. I slowed and rolled the window down and asked what was up. "A couple of bear across the river." was the response. We pulled over at a safe spot, grabbed the binoculars and crossed the highway. There was one remaining viewer and he pointed out the two Grizzly cubs across the river about 100 yds away ( the advised Bear viewing distance). I put glass on them and we took turns watching for a few minutes. They appeared to be yearlings. We kept looking for the mom, and after a bit, Cindy walked further along the road and motioned she could see mom from that angle behind some fir trees!

momma Grizz and cubs in center of frame - great to watch from a safe distance

We shared our binocs for about 10-15 minutes and then moved on, Home was still three hours away. We got home after another great day in the Yellowstone area . All in all, we drove approx. 650 miles in Yellowstone itself in three days. again we slept well that night.

Our plans now called for a short drive down US20 to Grandview Campground in Targhee NF, near the Upper and Lower Mesa Falls.  We pulled into the camp, unhooked the Jeep and pulled into site 5. This site is beautiful, well shaded and the entire campground only has 9 sites!!!! Quiet and scenic. Lower Mesa Falls was less that 100 yds away and very nice. Upper Mesa Falls is a 3/4 mile walk or drive and spectacular!

one of our favorites- site 5 Grandview Campground Targhee NF

Upper Mesa Falls - 110 ft tall

farm land abounds in southeast Idaho

Our first full day at Grandview, we took off to Jackson, Wy, and Grand Teton National Park. Along the way on our 2 hour drive we passed the well known potato fields, the quaint town of Driggs and over the 10,000 ft pass and down into Jackson Hole. Grand Teton is about 15 minutes North and the picturesque mountains are visible for probably 50 -75 miles! ( we see then entering and leaving Grandview.

hard to miss this in Driggs, Idaho

potato farm - Grand Tetons in the background

Seed Potato Farm - Idaho!

Grand Teton National Park is large and much of it can be seen by driving around as it sits in a very flat, sage brush valley. There are numerous bike paths and the terrain is generally level, so biking would be a great activity there. Wildlife includes, Grizzly Bear, Black Bear,  Pronghorn, Elk, Moose and others. (Pronghorn are the only animals that can digest the sage brush that grows so abundantly). After walking Cooper and CJ, we checked out the Visitor Center at Moose, grabbed a map and off we went in the Jeep.

one of several antler arches in Jackson

Along the way we took the Lake Jennifer Scenic Drive and looped around back to Jackson. Two  days here would allow you to do some hiking, biking or horseback riding and take in most of the Park.

beautiful - Grand Teton

Lake Jennifer - Grand Teton NP

We headed back home, stopping at a car wash in Driggs to remove a weeks worth of muddy roads and toad dirt. Jeep was appreciative. Then back to our campsite for a relaxing afternoon and evening. Several walks with Cooper and CJ to the woods or Lower Mesa Falls rounded out the Day. The next two days we spent doing laundry and updating the blog at the Ashton Library. Most importantly, we had to get CJ to a Vet. His right eye was oozing greenish stuff!  Cindy did a search and we placed a call to Dr Rick Geary at Countryside Veterinary Clinic down in St Anthony. Cindy, Rick's wife and office manager was able to get us in the next morning and an exam and some eye medicine go CJ back on track. THANKS!

Countryside Veterinary took care of CJ

Later on, I took some time to replace the accessory jack n the RV that we plug the GPS into. The threads would hold it securely in the dash. Hopefully the new unit will do better.

view from our chairs at site 5 Grandview Campground

As we wrap up our stay in this region, we have two more stops, one at Flatrock Campground (where we plan to get in more Yellowstone NP visits) and then Craters of the Moon KOA in Arc, Idaho after which we start our trek back to Pennsylvania. It will be over a month, and much more to see, but postings to the blog may be sporadic.

Firehole Canyon - Yellowstone NP

river approaching top of Upper Falls- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Flatrock Campground - Targhee NF -site B07 - 50Amp

We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Idaho and this portion of our trip and we are glad we set aside this amount of time to visit the area.

"what kind of dog is he?" "Is that a Wolfhound?" -Cooper, everywhere we go!

until then safe travels and take care


Happy 4th of July America!!

Cooper and CJ