Yellowstone Scenics

It's so difficult to summarize the grandeur of Yellowstone in a few pictures... The falls and rivers are spectacular. When we arrived there was still a lot of snow in the mountains, Dunraven Pass and the Beartooth Highway were still closed and the runoffs were spectacular. Falls that are subtly beautiful now were roaring torrents then.

Tower Falls is about midway down the western side of the park loop.

We didn't initially realize how spectacular the flow was because we had nothing to compare it with. Last winter produced a greater-than-normal snowpack which took several months to melt. In fact we can still see snow in the shaded areas of the higher mountain peaks.

Lower Yellowstone Falls is always spectacular, regardless of the season. The two green stripes are its distinguishing feature, caused by the irregular face of the rock beneath the falls.

Known as the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, it almost doesn't look real. These untouched photos don't do it justice.

The lakes are also gorgeous. This is Trout Lake, a short hike from the roadway in the Lamar Valley.

The Grand Canyon is over 20 miles long, but the tourist turnouts only provide views of a few miles at best. To see the rest you have to hoof it. A few suspension bridges have been built to allow access to both sides of the rim. This one crosses Hell Roaring Canyon.
At dusk people line the ridges in several locations in Lamar Valley to get a possible view of the wolves and other wildlife coming out to as the day cools.

Sheepeaters Cliff provides a close-up view of the Columnar Basalt created when the basalt lava cooled fairly evenly.

Lost Lake falls, taken later in the season showing the more-gentle flow once most of the snow has melted.

We get some pretty spectacular thunderstorms and great sunsets.

Along another remote stream.

Falls and rapids are common on every waterside trail.
Another picture of Lower Yosemite Falls, taken later in the season. Notice the viewing deck to the right of the falls. There are platforms on both the Upper and Lower falls that allow you to get right to the brink of the spillway.

One of my favorite pictures of the base of Lower Falls

There's those people again, always getting into my pictures!

Craters of The Moon National Monument

Based on a recommendation from Mike and Donna we altered our route to Yellowstone to go by Craters of the Moon National Monument/Preserve in south-central Idaho. The name originated when it was thought that this is probably what the moon's surface looks like. Astronauts for the initial moon landing even came here to train. After their landing, it was decided that it "ain't necessarily so" but the monument kept the name anyway. The preserve is unique in that the lava came from numerous small volcanoes that "flowed" more than erupted. The lava-covered area is huge, covering about 600 square miles. Betty and I spent part of a day at the visitor's center and driving around the loop through the rugged landscape of the park.

Sequoia National Park (almost)

It was a bright sunny day as we left Viking RV Park in Kingsburg, CA on our way to Sequoia National Park. But then it began to snow - no problem, probably just a flurry...

And it continued to snow.

Thirty-three miles to Sequoia... no problem, it'll let up before we get there - after all it is April.

Hmm, doesn't seem to be letting up.

OK, time to admit defeat and head back down the hill.

We didn't get to see Sequoia Park, but the drive was pretty.

Las Vegas

Time to head west toward home with a short stop in Sin City.

The Parks of Southern Utah

From Arizona we headed north to the wonderfully scenic parks of southern Utah - Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon and Zion. Culling my images down to just 10 was a painstaking process for me. As anyone who knows me knows, I take a lot of pictures - so this is my attempt at showing a sampling of what we saw on our 10 day stay.

10 days wasn't long enough, I'm sure we'll be back.

Phoenix, AZ

Steve and Allison had to return home but we continued on to Arizona to watch a couple Giants pre-season games. Nice weather, cold beer but disappointing results for the two games we saw. Luckily it's just pre-season. Let's Go Giants!
The next day we stumbled across a Native American concert in the park. It was part of a traveling show that featured the music and dance from several tribes. Lucky find.
Our second game was a night game at Giants stadium - note that we weren't able to get nearly as good seats. The stadium was full of Giants fans and we had a great time regardless of the final score.

Disneyland

Oh boy, Disneyland! Steve treated Allison with a trip to Disneyland for her birthday and we tagged along. Steve's setting the bar pretty high - last year was Giant's spring training and this year is Disneyland. Wonder what he's got in mind for next year? Natalie is all rested up for a full couple days.
OK, let's get going!

We arrived in the afternoon and just planned to visit Downtown Disney the first day, topping it off with a birthday dinner at the The Rainforest Cafe.

Finally we're here. Let's get going - we can take pictures anytime.

Natalie's not too sure of the princesses - they look so real close-up...

Allison, Natalie and Nana waiting outside the Tiki Room.

This place is the best!

Oh yea, we're here too...

There is just so much to see...

and do.

And then top it all off with fireworks - what a perfect day.

Lake Tahoe

Amy and Scott rented a cabin at Lake Tahoe for a ski week and invited everyone up for the weekend. Those of us who could attend had a great time. Thanks Amy and Scott, you two are the best!