Reflections

As our last days of the trip approach, Rick and I have spent a lot of time talking about the great diversity in our country and the open areas that are still left. When you live in suburbia, you tend to forget the tranquility that is out there for us to enjoy. President Roosevelt certainly had a great vision for future generations!

We have seen everything from the mountains of Virginia, to the plains of Kansas and Missouri, to the rocks of Zion, the Grand Canyon, the red rocks of Lake Powell and the glorious blue waters that she has to show. Then we hit the Tetons and Yellowstone with all of their beauty. The Tetons showed us mountains as well as lakes and meadows full of the most gorgeous wold flowers. They had a record breaking 600" of snow this year. As a result, they have had many more flowers and they have lasted a lot longer than normal!

Yellowstone was a mixture of emotions. They had a fire in '88 that burned over half of the park. You can still see the ravages of that destruction. But beneath is all, there is lush vegetation springing up. Maybe when the kids come back someday wtih their kids, it will be a full forrest once again! When we got to the Eastern side of the park, the trees were huge with no evidence of the fire. There were herds and herds of bison as well as coyote, deer, and elk. No bears for us on this trip!! Once we were out of the park, we were able to see the absolute splendor that is Wyoming! Ali, you never told us how amazing it would be! I think Wyoming was my favorite state, so far! The Big Horns were unbelieveable! What an awesome drive! Then to see the open ranges and the real cowboys out there rounding up the cattle...it gave me chills. The terrain looks so flat, but there are all sorts of hidden ravines and small canyons. Kind of brought some of the books I have read in the past to life.

The other big change that we have experienced is the weather. Hot and humid in Virginia to the dry heat of the southwest! Then in Yellowstone we had temps below freezing one night - Auntie Missy's washcloth froze!!!! Last night we had some gentle winds come thru the valley and change things from chilly to downright balmy in a matter of a few minutes! Hard to believe that we are in the same country all of the time. Melissa says she feels like she is living a dream!

We are now in the Black Hills. Rick and Melissa are currently on a trial ride. When they get back, we will do Wind Cave and then do Mt. Rushmore tonite for the lighting ceremony. It is hard to believe that we will be finishing up our trip in a few days and be back at it! Rick and I have decided that we were born to vacation/travel. Now how can we make that work?

Tomorrow I will send some more pictures. Need to sign off for now. Thanks for hanging in there with my rambling!