Upper Michigan is our destination on this trip. The Picture Rock National Lakeshore is the goal. We took a northern route east from Everett, Washington, from Upper Michigan we dropped south to Milwaukee, where we visited friends before returning home to the west, on a slightly mid-northern route. Along the way I experienced several unscheduled, good timing photo events. Usually if I have one photo event presented to me, on any trip I’m happy, but on this trip, I kept stumbling over some great opportunities making this a most successful photo trip.
Day 1 - September 9, Wednesday. Everett, Washington 450 miles
On our first day we left Everett, Washington at mid-morning to get out of Seattle before the noon traffic build up. We drove all day across the state arriving in Spokane at 5:00 PM and found no after work commuter traffic problems like we are use to on the other side of the mountains in Seattle. There was only one slow down in eastern Spokane on I-90 for a few minutes and before long, we were in Idaho. Drove quickly through Idaho’s panhandle as the sun was setting, making only a few stops. At about 9:00PM, we were crossing into Montana where we stopped at a rest stop located just pass Lozeau, about 75 miles into the state at about 11:30 PM. We found sleeping to be uncomfortable or hard to do with all the trucks moving in and out. I could not get into a perfect sitting position, to sleep, but I must of slept, because after numerous interruptions the skies began to lighten up and I seemed rested.
Day 2 - September 10, Thursday. Lozeau Rest Stop, Montana 229 miles
Today we worked our way northeast in Montana, to the town of Craig located along the Missouri River. We camped right on the banks of the river, at the fishing access area above the town. This is an area of the river which is popular and a heavily fished stretch of the river. We stopped early and spent the afternoon watching the fishing guide’s work the river for their clients. This was also one of the locations where several of the fishermen got out of the river. One report we heard was 24 fish for the three occupants, not sure if this was a fish story. My first photo opportunity for this trip was watching an Osprey hovering above us like a helicopter, then falling from the sky like a rocket, hitting the water with a huge splash and flying away with a trout hanging to its claws. Photographically, I missed the actual catch at river level, but did get the bird with its catch flying up the river with fish in claws. I just was not fast enough with the manual focus. We did spent the rest of the evening watching this event unfold several times, which was incredible to watch.
The most exciting observation was following an osprey
hovering above us, diving like a rocket and coming up with a pretty good catch.
Day 3 - September 11, Friday. Craig, Montana 247 miles
Today we made a stop at Fort Benton, a fur trading post which is also on the Lewis and Clark Trail. This is the furthest up river that a steam boat could navigate on the Missouri River during the steamboat era, but only for a limited time during the year, as this river turns to ice during the winter months.
We continued on to Malta, where we found a city park to camp in. The cost was a reasonable $3.00, but no regulations on noise and night activities. The city law enforcement may have looked the other way on this night or was busy elsewhere, since it was homecoming football Friday for the local high school. After the game ended around ten that evening, our quiet campground was invaded with some 10 cars full of students to play, “Capture the Flag” in the park until midnight. The students were loud with shouting and at times, a screeching scream, piercing our ears. But, I must say they were well behaved and respectful to the spaces of the three campers, they just kept us from sleeping till after midnight.
A storefront in Fort Benton (above photo) where Louis and Clark (left photo) paved the way, for future commerce, on their exploration journeys to and from the west coast.
The pioneer rancher (left photo) has become a part of Montana's landscape.
(above photo)
Trafton River which flows through Malta and beside the city park.
The bank of the Trafton River is shored up with many old cars that some collector would surely love to get a hold of.
Our campsite (below photo) in the Trafton city park.
An owl perched right above our campsite keeps an eye on us.
Day 4 - September 12, Saturday. Trafton City Park - Malta, Montana 220 Miles
Today we drove along Montana’s northeastern side of the state, where lots of flat dry, barren terrain reached out as far as one could see in all directions. Then suddenly on the eastern border of Montana, we noticed green vegetation along the side of the road and the ground starting to get a bulge resulting in some shadows appearing in the landscape. Small hills were appearing and we were now approaching North Dakota.
We turned off highway 2 onto route 327, a dirty, dusty road which lead us to the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site located off the Confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone River, where the Missouri River curves from flowing north to a southerly route. The Yellowstone River which also flowed north enters the Missouri here and together they flow south towards Saint Louis.
A few miles away is the Fort Buford State Historic Site, also close to the Confluence located on the banks of the Missouri to protect overland and river routes used by immigrants settling the West and fur traders in the Northern Territories. Here is where Sitting Bull is supposedly to of surrendered, in 1881. We camped here outside the fort, which is a nice primitive campground with three sites on a park like, grass covers area among several cottonwood trees. We were surprised to learn that the campground is run by the state and did not ask for a fee, just a donation. The only downside was the mosquitoes and gnats drove us into the camper till after sunset.
Fort Union Trading Post (left photo) along the the Missouri River near Buford, North Dakota.
Fort Buford grounds in North Dakota.
Fort Buford Campground outside the fort's outer gates.
Sunset presented us with a colorful vista at days end. (below photo)
Day 5 - September 13, Sunday. Fort Buford, North Dakota 184 Miles
Had some confusion today with the time zones. Seems simple, we were now in the Central Time Zone, just move the clock ahead one hour, but with all the gadgets: cameras, phones and computer, they all seem to work on their own time, some moving on their own, others needing help, resulting in us wondering which gadget was correct. It was so much simpler for Lewis and Clark, when it got dark they went to bed, got light, they got out of bed.
Seemed pretty warm this early in the fall, being on the humid and the sticky side. I rolled down the car window to cool off and warm air rushed into the cab as we moved on along highway 2.
Here is where we found lots of oil wells out here pumping all over the countryside. Lines of trucks from semi trucks to pickup trucks consumed the highway out numbering the few cars. This oil boom could be ruining this beautiful Dakota countryside with all the makeshift construction of roads and buildings. I can just see a landscape of slums consisting of rundown buildings, deteriorating roads and the many pop up communities, when the oil runs out.
In Granville, a small roadside town, we found another city park with only two other campers, who also were working the oil fields. The campground was pretty low key, nicely laid out with trees and electricity, but only one outhouse restroom for the whole park including picnic area . We could not find any fee envelopes or a pay box at the pay station and no one ever came by, so we stayed free. With the warm day, luckily we chose a site under some trees and without the breeze, we would have really melted.
Here is where we found lots of oil wells out here pumping all over the countryside. Lines of trucks from semi trucks to pickup trucks consumed the highway out numbering the few cars. This oil boom could be ruining this beautiful Dakota countryside with all the makeshift construction of roads and buildings. I can just see a landscape of slums consisting of rundown buildings, deteriorating roads and the many pop up communities, when the oil runs out.
In Granville, a small roadside town, we found another city park with only two other campers, who also were working the oil fields. The campground was pretty low key, nicely laid out with trees and electricity, but only one outhouse restroom for the whole park including picnic area . We could not find any fee envelopes or a pay box at the pay station and no one ever came by, so we stayed free. With the warm day, luckily we chose a site under some trees and without the breeze, we would have really melted.
Our campsite in the Granville City Campground.
Day 6 - September 14, Monday. Granville City Park, North Dakota 307 Miles
Today we moved from the oil fields of North Dakota to the green fields of crops among lakes and ponds in Minnesota. Another hot muggy day where we made a change in plans and got off route 2 and traveled south a few miles to Itasca State Park, where the headwaters of the Mississippi River are located. Stayed here in a crowded expensive campground on another muggy northern midwest night. But worth every penny, since we got to have a refreshing cool shower.
This morning we parked at the North America Geographical Center in Ryby, North Dakota on route 2.
Day 7 - September 15, Tuesday. Itasca State Park, Minnesota 250 Miles
This morning we got an early start out of the campground, to get to the Mississippi River Headwaters here in the park, for some early morning light photographs. Hiked in to where the Lake Itasca spills over her banks and begins the formation of the Mississippi River. Here she begins as a small creek flowing north through the park picking up volumes of water as she eventually flows south. When we arrived at the headwaters, there were a few ducks bathing in the morning sun. Just perfect timing for another photographic opportunity as we arrived. Incredible to think a feather from one of those ducks could travel the whole length of the Mississippi River a total of 2350 miles in length and would possibly take 33 days to make the journey all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.
We passed quickly around Duluth only seeing the city from the freeway and headed right up route 61 known as the North Shore along the northwestern shores of Lake Superior to Gooseberry Falls State Park. Here we found this nice campground where our campsite was a short walk to the cliffs of Lake Superior. We met a couple camped next to us who we recognized as the same campers we were camped next to, just a few days ago outside Fort Buford in North Dakota. It just happens, we are now camped next to them again and to also find out they live in Bothell just a few miles away from where we live in Washington. Spent the evening trading travel stories we have encountered and learned about this livable trailer we are sitting in, that he has converted from a utility trailer
Pair of ducks bath on Lake Itsca splashing water over the lake banks at the Headwaters of the Mississippi River in Minnesota.
Gooseberry Falls State Park along the shores of Lake Superior in Minnesota's North Shore off route 61.
Gooseberry Middle Falls
Day 8 - September 16, Wednesday. Gooseberry State Park, Minnesota 220 Miles
During the night, the temperatures seemed to have warmed up and even got muggier. Today we crossed over into Wisconsin and were back to route 2 where we quickly moved through a lot of lush farm country. Northern Wisconsin is narrow, so before long we were heading north into Upper Michigan, to Porcupine State Park also along Lake Superior. This was another crowded big rig park. The park staff apologized for not having showers or a modern restroom, which were now being repaired. All they had during the repairs were a couple of pit toilets, which resulted in them reducing the camping fee.
Unfortunately with the continuing rare south winds bringing the warm muggy weather to the area, it also brought the biting flies. These weather conditions also brought in some heavy air, making it hard to breath. This was not one of the best camping, sleeping nights.
Rock formations on the beach at Porcupine State Park along Lake Superior
Day 9 - September 17, Thursday. Porcupine State Park, Michigan 155 Miles
The flies woke us at morning light as they began buzzing in our ears. I was told this is one of the top areas for sunrises, which did not show this morning. I have my own list and this location is not included on my list. We left early and headed further north along the Keweenaw Peninsula on route 26 over to route 41 through a heavy pine forest mixed with hardwoods. In a few weeks this could be a sea of color, this will be one photo opportunity I will miss. Many of the towns we passed through in this area appeared depressed, as the copper mines have been closed resulting in many skeletons of buildings rusting away.
Got onto route 26 along the shoreline leading up to Copper Harbor where along the way we stopped at the Jampot Bakery operated by Catholic Monks at the Monastery of the Byzantine rite outside Eagle Harbor. Bought some super sweet treats.
At Copper Harbor we stayed at the Fort Wilkins Historic State Park. A real nice campground which could be cramped if full, since the sites are located so close together. But during September or on this day, the park was not crowded, so we had lots of breathing room.
We toured the fort grounds where an entry in one of the troops diary read, “ A pretty isolated area and winters are cold.” This is a beautiful area and we only had to deal with the flies for one night, not for years like the troops in the mid-1800s had to.
Rather then swat flies at dinner time, we treated ourselves to a Roast Beef Philly sandwich at the Mariner North Restaurant. The servings were so big, the leftovers lasted another night.
Rather then swat flies at dinner time, we treated ourselves to a Roast Beef Philly sandwich at the Mariner North Restaurant. The servings were so big, the leftovers lasted another night.
That night it rained hard, reducing the humidity, making way for a much cooler and more comfortable night of sleeping.
Road to Copper Bay on the Keweenaw Peninsula. (above photo)
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Copper Bay, Michigan.
Copper Bay Lighthouse (bottom photo)
Sun tries to break through the early morning clouds at Lake Fanny Hooe in Fort Wilkins State Park
Day 10 - September 18, Friday. Fort Wilkins Historic State Park - Copper Harbor, Michigan 208 Miles
As with most cities we travel through, upon reaching Marquette, again the freeways just carried us pass the city. Not wanting to deal with downtown traffic we seldom ever stop to check out city attractions. We just visit small towns, we also stay off, of Interstates, traveling the backroads 90 percent of the time.
Interesting color designs can be found in the rocks that make up the beach at Point Isabella in the Bete Grise Preserve sitting along Lake Superior, Michigan.
Our campsite at Bay Furnace, a forest service campground, off the town of Christmas was right on the banks of Lake Superior, Michigan.
Today we are heading for Picture Rock National Lakeshore along route 28. The day went by pretty fast and before long we were in the town of Christmas stopping at a forest service campground named Bay Furnace. We lucked out by finding one of the best campsites in the whole trip right on the shores of Lake Superior. We stayed here for two nights while exploring the western side of the national lakeshore.
Interesting color designs can be found in the rocks that make up the beach at Point Isabella in the Bete Grise Preserve sitting along Lake Superior, Michigan.
Day 11 - September 19, Saturday. Bay Furnace Forest Park - Christmas, Michigan 85 Miles
The day started out under clouds as we hiked up to Mussing Falls. Went on over to the Miners Castle Overlook for the only good view of the shoreline cliff formations. I guess most of the views of the park and its photogenic formations would be from a boat or backpacking in and staying overnight, which neither we could do. The winds on this day were blowing up to four foot waves, so only one sightseeing boat was able to go out halfway before returning to port, because waves were breaking over her bow resulting in the canceling of all trips the rest of the day. The sun would poke through the clouds every once in a while illuminating the Miners Castle cliff formations, being pounded with heavy wave action making for some active photos. But with the off and on sun light, there was lots of waiting for the right light. Unfortunately I did not get the cliff formation photographs I had envisioned at this location.
That evening a couple, Julia and Kel from lower Michigan, whom I had met the night before, while walking through the campground came over when we got back in the afternoon to our campsite and invited us to dinner. It happens they were camped just across from us. We had a delicious lasagna dinner. Julia had prepared the meal and it was sure good. We sat around in their trailer trading camping experiences till late in the night.
A view of Lake Superior from the Bay Furnace Park in Christmas, Michigan.
Miners Castle Overlook in the Picture Rock National Lakeshore Park.
Wave action down on Miner Beach in Picture Rock National Seashore.
Day 12 - September 20, Sunday. Bay Furnace Forest Park - Christmas, Michigan 77 Miles
At 4:30 AM another photo opportunity was presented to me when I went outside of the camper to relieve myself. After standing out there looking at the many stars floating in the heavens for a few minutes, I noticed a waving light sensation in the northern skies. I immediately realized I was witnessing the Northern Lights starting to put on a show. Quickly grabbing my camera and tripod, I woke Belle up to come out and see this. The skies became peacefully active with soft lights resembling fingers slowly extending up like search lights of greens and reds into the universe. What a great sight and to be able to correctly expose and capture that light sensation in my camera, made this whole trip worth it. I also learned that the lights don’t appear every night, only once in awhile, depending on atmospheric conditions and only from 30 to 90 minutes. Why I got up at that particular time and at first I had no idea what I was visually witnessing. This is a photo I’ve always wanted to get and to think I could have slept right through the whole event.
Hated to leave here in the morning, but today we were headed for the Eastern side of the National Lakeside Park wanting to camp at the Hurricane River Campground. On the way I took a hike to the Sable Falls descending 130 steps down below the falls and then back up. At the campground, after setting up, I took off on a mile and half hike to the Au Sable Light Station. Returned partially along the beach where on the way back, I came across some shipwreck remains, a water logged rib from one of the many ships that have sunk in the waters off these shores known as the ships graveyard of the Great Lakes.
Hated to leave here in the morning, but today we were headed for the Eastern side of the National Lakeside Park wanting to camp at the Hurricane River Campground. On the way I took a hike to the Sable Falls descending 130 steps down below the falls and then back up. At the campground, after setting up, I took off on a mile and half hike to the Au Sable Light Station. Returned partially along the beach where on the way back, I came across some shipwreck remains, a water logged rib from one of the many ships that have sunk in the waters off these shores known as the ships graveyard of the Great Lakes.
Bay Furnace Forest Park along Lake Superior shoreline.
Au Sable Light in Picture Rock National Lakeshore Park, Michigan.
Foliage along the trail in the Grand Sable Forest, in the Picture Rock National Lakeshore.
Waves consuming the many uniquely designed stones along the lakeside. (right photo)
Wooden rib remains from a ship that sunk off the shores of Lake Superior. (below photo)
Day 13 - September 21, Monday. Hurricane Campground - Picture Rock National Lakeshore Park, Michigan 157 Miles
In the morning we headed south for Saint Ignace to view the Mackinaw Bridge. We were going to stay at the state park there, but the town was just too much a tourist town and Michigan had outrageous camping and day use fees. Almost as bad as Washington State except the Michigan Parks are better maintained.
It was interesting to learn that the borders of the two lakes, Michigan and Huron were determined by the Mackinaw Bridge. I always thought a Lake was named or determine because it was surrounded by land.
From here we continued South down along Lake Michigan to Epoufette, where we camped at a forest service campground called Lake Michigan.
Mackinaw Bridge from Saint Ignace on the Lake Huron side (above photo) and bronze statue dedicated to the men who constructed this bridge on the Lake Michigan side.
Near our campsite in the Lake Michigan Forest Service Campground outside Brevort, Michigan at sunset.
Day 14 - September 22, Tuesday. Lake Michigan Forest Service Park - Epoufette, Michigan 284 Miles
Back on the road along route 2, we made frequent stops to view Lake Michigan. This became a long day on the road as we arrived at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin around 5:45 PM. to find the Potawatomi State Park after making a few wrong turns. We now found another state with outrageous camping fees, but we did enjoy the showers. We were now in the central time zone picking up an hour which we needed, since we got lost today
At a rest stop near Naubinway on the shores of Lake Michigan (left photo)
I saw a semi-truck with 40 wheels, a bit more then most truck trailers have. Just had to wondered what she was hauling. (bottom photo)
On the beach at the Lakeview Memorial Park in Manistique, Michigan was a dog getting some exercise.
Downtown Marinette, Wisconsin. (left photo)
Farms of all sizes are found in Wisconsin, these are all in and around Brussels.
Day 15 - September 23, Wednesday. Potawatomi State Park - Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 161 Miles
Headed out this morning, to tour Door County in and around Sturgeon Bay. Another tourist area infected by more commercial tourist small towns. There was not much lake views, since most of the land is private and seemed to be occupying by mansions. We did find one county park named Cave Point Park with a shoreline of undercut, rocky cliffs. What appeared to be caves were formed by continuous water action undercutting the rock cliffs making for a photographic shoreline.
On the way South out of Door County we moved over to route 42, which followed the Lake Michigan shoreline through several not so tourist, small towns.
South of Two Rivers we found the Point Beach State Forest where we spent the night.
Another Wisconsin farm, this one in Door County.
Entrance to one of the Door County estates. (below photo)
Cave Point County Park near Whitefish Bay.
Rock art on the beach near Cave Point. (below photo)
Ephraim Beach Parade on Lake Michigan, Wisconsin.
Peninsula State Park - Eagle Bluff, Wisconsin.
Navigation Light outside the harbor of Algoma on Lake Michigan.
Downtown Kewaunee, (above photo) with tug boat Ludington and Lighthouse in Harbor.
Day 16 September 24, Thursday. Point Beach State Park - Two Rivers, Wisconsin 180 Miles
Sunrise through the forest at Point Beach State Park and light station off beach near Two Rivers, Wisconsin.
Also sand textures and trail to beach, all within the park.
Two Rivers, Wisconsin
Turkeys grazing near Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Beach in Kohler-Andrae State Park south of Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Port Washington, Wisconsin (bottom photo)
Our campsite at the Muskego County Park outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Day 17 - September 25, Friday. Muskego County Park - Muskego, Wisconsin 50 miles
We were back to Milwaukee, where we lived while I attended Milwaukee Technical College studying photography back in the late 1960s. While back here for a few days, we drove through Cudahy to find our old apartment and found it was still standing, looking as new as when we lived there. Looked up a school friend and his wife, Bill and Mary Drehfal. Got to see their daughter and son and two grandsons while visiting.
The morning ground fog in Muskego County Park.
Day 18 - September 26, Saturday. Muskego County Park - Muskego, Wisconsin 22 Miles
Today we visited another classmate Bob Walters who was having a yard sale with his wife, Jean in a Milwaukee neighborhood. Another great two days with Bill and Mary reliving past good memories. That night we camped in the Drehfal driveway.
Bob Walters with Bill Drehfal at Bob and Jean's garage sale in Milwaukee.
Camped on the Drehfal driveway in St Francis outside Milwaukee.
Day 19 - September 27, Sunday. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 218 Miles
Left the Drehfal home at 10:30 AM, after a long farewells, as we did not want to leave, but had to head out across Wisconsin with a stop outside McGregor, Iowa at Pikes Peak State Park overlooking the Mississippi River. Being a bit warm and slightly humid was good, as we could stay up late and view the lunar eclipse of a full blood moon over the Mississippi River. The event happen at a decent 8:00PM hour with clear skies, after being cloudy all day.
Mississippi River along the banks of Pikes Peak State Park, Iowa.
The blood moon during the lunar eclipse.
Day 20 - September 28, Monday. Pike Peak State Park - McGregor, Iowa 323 Miles
Woke early to get some great early morning photos of the sunrise breaking through the fog over the Mississippi River, before leaving the campground park. Drove all day across Iowa to Sioux City and camped at Stone State Park, a small primitive park in a down pour through the night.
Sunrise over the Mississippi River from Pike's Peak State Park as the ground fog begins to lift.
Visitors roll into this unique town of McGregor in Iowa on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Mississippi River along the banks of McGregor, Iowa.
Day 21 - September 29, Tuesday. Stone State Park - Sioux City, Iowa 249 Miles
Last night we had some pretty heavy rain creating lots of mud where we were camping. Had to move the camper out of the mud onto the road to get us packed up in the morning. We crossed over into South Dakota today passing from one small town to another.
Was going to camp at Randall Creek Recreation Park along the Missouri River, but South Dakota had some crazy policy that we would have to call an 800 number to reserve a site and also pay a $7.50 service reserve fee rather then just self check in. Unfortunately the park was immaculate and just about empty, only saw one other camper, but we could not stay, we had no phone service. So South Dakota lost our business and we drove on to Nebraska, which has a much more friendly camping policy. We had to drive another 60 miles to a not so nice park, as the South Dakota park, but the Nebraska park was also empty and we could self register. Only drawback was that we were surrounded by cattle outside the park boundaries and their odor of manure ruled the air around us. The smell never went away, we just somewhat got use to it.
After raining all night this morning was beautifully clear at Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa.
Invasive Koa fish are eating the Missouri River so clean, there is not any natural food left for the native game fish here in Yankton, South Dakota.
Remains of the Fort Randall church near Pickstown, South Dakota (left photo)
Missouri River along the Randall Creek State Park near Pickstown, South Dakota. (below photo)
In the last three weeks we accumulated a few bugs on our camper and truck. (left photos)
Day 22 - September 30, Wednesday. Lone Pine Recreation Area, Nebraska 253 Miles
Today we pick up an hour by moving into the mountain time zone, on our way to Fort Robinson along highway 20, a long straight lonely stretch of road with not much traffic. Lots of small towns with only a few buildings, a real pleasant route. Fort Robinson is a quiet state park with many of the original buildings still in use. This time of the year the park is inactive with all the park activities closed down, so we had the park to ourselves. Few people, no traffic, just perfect for us as we explored the park.
Driving the rolling route 20 near Gordon, Nebraska.
A few vistas found around the Fort Robinson State Park.
Our campsite near the fort complex.
Day 23 - October 1, Thursday. Fort Robinson State Park, Nebraska 282 Miles
Started raining in the early morning, it was just a drizzle, but sounded worst in the camper, We left the campground early in search of seeing some buffalo, but found none. Now that the tourist season is over, the buffalo must have all gone home for the year, till the new season opens again next year. There was lots of ground fog as we crossed into Wyoming, where the landscape was flat with roads straight as an arrow. The hunters were out hunting for game on those golden grassy plains. I did see one hunter returning to his truck, with an antelope draped over his shoulder.
In Shoshoni we stopped at Boysen State Park along the Boysen Reservoir with our campsite right on the beach. Late into the night I noticed flashes of lights, so I went outside to investigate and found behind the western shores was a lightning show. Quickly I set up my camera to try and capture the lightning bolts. I proceeded to spend the next couple hours photographing the night skies and the light show. Had to quit when the winds picked up and the rain began to fall. The winds must have been high in the atmosphere, because I could hear the winds above us like a moving train, but only felt an occasional gust against the camper every once in awhile at ground level. The weather report was lightning and thunder with snow at 8500 and above in the western mountains.
Shawnee, Nebraska a town of the past still lives in the memories of the surrounding residents.
The Boyden Reservoir at Shoshoni, Wyoming, where we camped on her shores.
Lightning show that entertained me around mid-night before moving close by with rain and some winds.
Day 24 - October 2, Friday. Boysen State Park - Shoshoni, Wyoming 270 Miles
Woke to cloudy skies and a dark western horizon, so we made a change of plans to head south around the Tetons where we had originally planned to go today. This was an interesting day as we went in and out of storm fronts all day. We could see the storms off in the distance making for beautiful dark clouds, which we would soon catch up too. We would get poured on and then the skies would lighten up, then another dark cloud would appear before us. We finished the day traveling on route 30 to Bear Lake State Park in Utah. We were one of five campers in this nice quiet lakeside campground.
Cattle roaming over the pastures in Red Canyon on route 20. (right photo)
In the photo on the left, an unmarked grave of an unknown pioneer on the Oregon Trail still is visible on route 28 near Farson, Wyoming.
Fontenelle, Wyoming on route 189. (bottom photo)
Our campsite at Bear Lake State Park. (left photo)
Day 25 - October 3, Saturday. Bear Lake State Park - Garden City, Utah 278 Miles
Another day of following heavy dark clouds as we continued west through Idaho to the Crater of the Moon National Monument.
Along the way in the town of Soda Spring, while looking for a city park restroom, we suddenly came across a geyser blowing off up into the air in the middle of town. This is the only captured geyser in the world. She was found while the city was drilling for a water source when they were building a city swimming pool. The geyser is now programed to spout up hot water at the top, of every hour. Again on this trip our timing was perfect as we came into town and noticed the geyser shooting into the skies.
From Blackfoot we headed out across Idaho’s barren flat terrain to Arco. Out here, there are top secret atomic energy development orgnazations. There are building complexes not within our visibility from the main roads. We do not see them, but I’m sure they see us.
Got to the Crater of the Moon National Monument around 3:30 PM and we prepared for a cold rainy night. One of those dark clouds let loose over us dropping hail and blowing in winds. 
Soda Springs Geyser erupts in downtown Soda Springs, Idaho
Camping in a downpour at Crater of The Moon National Monument. (bottom photos)
Day 26 - October 4, Sunday. Crater of the Moon National Monument - Arco, Idaho. 295 Miles
Woke to a sharp penetrating cold at 6:30 AM. Just wanted to pack up and get into the truck cab and get the heater going. Left at 7:45 AM to drive through the park and find some morning light photos. The sun was playing hide and seek with the clouds this morning, so I spent much of my time waiting in the cold, waiting for the sun to peek out. I concentrated on the white wildflowers covering the black volcanic landscape, I was shooting with excitement when the light fell on the flowers bringing the park alive.
We left the park at 9:00 AM heading for I-84 where the skies did clear up and warm up as we traveled west into Oregon, where we stopped at Farewell Bend State Park, our favorite Oregon Park. We had electricity tonight, so I could work with the computer on my photos.
Early Morning Light at the Crater of the Moon National Monument.
Day 27 - October 5, Monday. Farewell Bend State Park, Oregon 302 Miles
A beautiful clear morning on this day, I almost decided to spend another day here, but we did move on. While we were packing up, beside us roaming up on the hillside, where we were camped, were some 20 antelope grazing.
While traveling through Eastern Oregon on I-84 we made a minor detour or change in our plans, east of Pendleton, to go see the Whitman Mission National Historic Site. Had a heck of a time finding the mission. I always thought the mission was in the city of Walla Walla, we finally found the mission outside of town, which to our disappointment was closed today.
While traveling through Eastern Oregon on I-84 we made a minor detour or change in our plans, east of Pendleton, to go see the Whitman Mission National Historic Site. Had a heck of a time finding the mission. I always thought the mission was in the city of Walla Walla, we finally found the mission outside of town, which to our disappointment was closed today.
Now turning to the Corp of Engineer campground, that we had planned to camp in today near Pasco, Washington on the Snake River, which we soon found out that the campground had been closed for the season, so off again we went down the Snake River in search of another campground. In Oregon on the Columbia River at Umatilla, we found a city park under the I-84 bridge, that crosses the Columbia River. This was a clean park, but noisy being it was located under and off the interstate, but it had wifi, so I could get caught up with my internet messages, which I have not read for the past month.
Antelope trek up the hillside next to our campground at Farewell Bend State Park in Oregon.
Whitman Historic National Monument outside WallaWalla, Washington.
Umatilla Mariner Park in Oregon under the interstate 84 bridge.
Day 28 - October 6, Tuesday. Umatilla Mariner Park, Oregon 181 Miles
Drove down the Washington side of the Columbia River checking out future campgrounds and ended up at a Corp of Engineer campground along the John Day River in Oregon, the LaPage Campground. The campsites were way too close together with mainly big rigs. We set up early in the afternoon and relaxed reading and doing more photo editing.
During the Summer, because of the lack of rain, this year many acres of brush and trees burned all over Washington state.
Our campsite at Corp of Engineer LaPage Park where we camped along the John Day River in Oregon.
Day 29 and 30 - October 7- 8, Wednesday and Thursday.
LaPage Park, Oregon 122 Miles
LaPage Park, Oregon 122 Miles
Long Pine, Washington 0 Miles
Woke to a morning drizzle as we headed back to Washington on highway 97 to Yakima. Outside of Sela, we followed the Yakima Canyon Road to another of our favorite BLM campgrounds, Long Pine along the Yakima River. The park closes on September 15, but remains open with no camping fee, a great deal so we stayed here for two days catching up on my writing and relaxing before going home.
We stopped at the St John's Bakery for some Greek pastries located on route 97, near Goldendale, Washington. The bakery is part of the Greek Orthodox Monastery consisting of 20 nuns and novices.
Our Long Pine campsite along the Yakima River in the Yakima Canyon.
Day 31 - October 9, Friday. Long Pine, Washington 180 Miles
Thirty-one days on the road today, our last day with a total of 6,439 miles, when we get home in Everett, Washington. Always hate to end these trips, so I prolonged the trip home or stayed off the Interstate 90 to Seattle and took highway 97 to highway 2 through Leavenworth and over Stevens Pass on our way back to Everett, to stay out of the Seattle traffic. As it turns out this was a good chose and good day to end this trip. We were now back in the Northwest and the rain was falling on the westside of the Cascades. At first I could not figure out why so many cars were heading east. We then discovered this was the start of the Columbus Day, a three day weekend. That is why that line of cars and campers, bumper to bumper were heading east in the opposite direction. It was good that we did not have to be in that line and that we had decided to not go through Seattle, instead we would be home soon.
Deer gather along the Yakima River.
Yakima River Canyon, Washington
