For my fellow nerds, the first thing we need to talk about is what we’re actually looking at, because despite widespread agreement on the basics, geologists still aren’t exactly sure about the specifics when it comes to how this tower formed (and no, it’s not hollow.) There is agreement that the tower is composed of an igneous rock (meaning it was once lava or magma) … Continue reading Devils Tower National Monument
Cody is a small town, but big enough to offer all of the services you’d expect in a medium sized city, with lots of entertainment, dining and lodging options. Just 50 miles from the East entrance to Yellowstone (a stunningly beautiful drive), with an altitude below 5,000 feet, it’s a perfect place to stop for a few days to rest and regroup if you are … Continue reading Cody, Wyoming
The story of the native people of the American plains is epic, and still unfolding today. This museum does a great job of providing a basic overview of the complex network of tribes, with exhibits that highlight their cultures, their traditions, their spiritual perspectives and values, and provides some context of their lives today. The label of “Plains Indian” is a rather broad brush to paint … Continue reading Plains Indian Museum
This is a fascinating museum that focuses on the natural history of the area around Yellowstone National Park. The exhibits are filled with the artistry of talented taxidermists. This would normally not be my thing, at all, but here the preserved animals are presented in a way that helps visitors understand how the whole ecosystem fits together. Famous animals are also preserved here, along with … Continue reading Draper Natural History Museum
One of the most exciting things about Yellowstone for me, was that while I was wandering among the cool geothermal features, I was also wandering among big, impressive wildlife. I found it amusing to see the signs notifying visitors that bison have the right of way on boardwalks, but when a one ton animal casually walked up onto the path and stood there looking at … Continue reading Yellowstone National Park: Part 2 – A Wildlife Scavenger Hunt
I could easily spend an entire month wandering around this massive park, exploring both the wildlife and the fascinating geothermal features that draw life from sitting atop a large super volcano, a massive magma reserve below. It was vaguely discomforting to know that is what’s behind all of the bubbling, steaming, and spouting water features, but since scientists don’t expect another eruption for the next … Continue reading Yellowstone National Park (Part 1: Exploring a Volcano)
Anyplace where I can see moose, elk, bison, eagles and either a very large coyote or possibly a wolf, all within a single day, is definitely a place I want to hang out for a while. I had seen the photos of Oxbow Bend, and the Grand Teton peaks, but I wasn’t prepared for the dramatic imposing scale of these mountains as they seem to … Continue reading Grand Teton National Park
I had never heard of Lava Hot Springs until the day before I arrived, when I noticed it was just about the right amount of miles between me and the Grand Tetons for an overnight stop. I ended up staying two nights in this quiet little community whose claim to fame is their world famous hot springs. I arrived in Idaho after a longer than usual … Continue reading Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
Oops! How did I miss publishing this post on Death Valley? Oh well, I goofed and here it is! “Did you know Death Valley is almost the exact same size as the state of Connecticut?” That was the question posed to me by the Park Ranger as I picked up my park map and newspaper at the Furnace Creek Visitor’s Center, and no, I did … Continue reading Death Valley National Park
I made it to the West Coast! It took me two months via a crazy route, but I made it. I’m not sure what exactly I was expecting, but I think I had California all wrong in my head. My experience with the area was limited primarily to business trips through the LA and San Diego area, when I was rushed and driving from one … Continue reading Northern California
Magic Carpet Caravan 