Estes Park & Rocky Mountain Highs
We rolled into Estes Park, Colorado, surrounded by jaw-dropping mountain views. The next day, we explored Rocky Mountain National Park: Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, Logan Pass at 12,000 feet, and finally Grand Lake, where we lunched in style. We spotted elk, a moose, wild turkeys, and deer—a full Colorado safari!
Utah: Dino-Mite!
In Vernal, Utah, we visited the Dinosaur National Monument. The “Wall of Bones” was absolutely incredible—fossils from multiple species embedded right into the cliff. Way more impressive than I expected.
Jackson Hole & Grand Teton National Park
We enjoyed a relaxing dinner in Jackson Hole, surrounded by postcard-worthy peaks. The Grand Tetons the next day were magnificent—jagged mountains, Teton Glacier, Jenny Lake, Snake River overlook, and Oxbow Bend. Nature was showing off.
Yellowstone: Geysers and Glory
Old Faithful didn’t disappoint. The crowd “oohed” and “aahed” like it was the Fourth of July. I trekked (okay, limped) the nearly two-mile hike to the Morning Glory Pool, which was totally worth it. That surreal burst of color didn’t look real. On the way back, I caught a couple of smaller geysers erupting and got to watch Old Faithful go off again. We also saw the Grand Prismatic Spring, Gibbon Falls, and more. Yellowstone is Mother Nature at her most dramatic.
Pie in the Sky
One thing we both fell in love with? Huckleberry pie and huckleberry ice cream. I think Ray has a built-in radar for ice cream shops, he spotted them from miles away.
Seattle: Space Needles and Sea Breezes
We visited the Space Needle, Snoqualmie Falls, the Seattle waterfront, Smith Tower, and Alki Point Lighthouse. We sat by the water watching dogs, boats, and people go by on a beautiful evening.
Vancouver, BC: Lost and Found
Vancouver was stunning. Granville Island, Hope, Shannon Falls, Bridal Veil Falls (a steep hike, but worth it), Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge, and Prospect Point. At one point, I dropped Ray off to find a restroom… then accidentally drove out of the park and ended up back in city traffic. I called my buddy Jason to say, “I lost Ray!” He laughed so hard, he couldn’t talk for 10 minutes. I eventually made it back. Ray, of course, was calmly eating ice cream and chatting with some pretty women. The only disappointment for Ray, no Huckleberry ice cream.
We also explored the Coquihalla Canyon and its tunnels, I then took a 35-minute gondola ride up Whistler Mountain—7,000 feet up and surrounded by snow-covered peaks. Breathtaking.
A Spiritual Finish
Our final stop together was a spiritual convention in Vancouver. I saw my friend Mike from Tampa, I got to hang out withTrey and Tiffany most of Friday, and Ray and I got to hang with Kevin and Rebecca most of Saturday. It was a heartwarming way to wrap up this epic journey, held at Canada Place and BC Place Stadium. An unforgettable few days.
No comments:
Post a Comment