September 10, 2015 - Traveling North Western Washington

Bellingham, Channel Lodge, Rainbow Bridge, Chuckanut Trail, Puget Sound, Deception Pass, LaConner, Anacortes, The Oyster and Thistle.....

All these towns, points of interest were within 50 miles of each other.

In this area, Phil was very familiar with the locale.  He had traveled here many times in his work with our suppliers of engineered wood.  I was looking forward to being where he had enjoyed so much of small towns, restaurants, etc.  

Chuckanut Trail - a scenic highway that follows Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean

We were fortunate to have reservations at the Channel Lodge in LaConner at the edge of the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound.  We stayed there for parts of three days.  We were right on the "canal" or "channel" that took many pleasure boats and fishing boats to different areas that surround the San Juan Islands.

We realized we could have spent a couple of weeks at LaConner.  A lovely little town with shops, and restaurants, antiques, art gallery's.....my kind of place.....

Our room was on the third floor and had a little balcony....the hotel offered "happy hour" with local wines.  They offered a nice breakfast....amenities were great!

Phil and I said many times how we wish we could just sit on the balcony and watch the boats....

(we are small lake boat people with lakes that have small fish......not used to huge open water with whales!..... Even tho, we have been on Lake Michigan.)

We walked the town and enjoyed everything!

We had a terrific view of the Rainbow Bridge.....we crossed this bridge going to Anacortes, another town on Puget Sound.

We dined at The Oyster and Thistle

Pan Seared Salmon......Perfection

Anacortes, Washington 

Anacortes Marina

Deception Pass

North Western Washington, San Juan Islands and Puget Sound:

Maps courtesy of Wikipiedia maps.

Note Bellingham, LaConner, Anacortes, Deception Pass....

Also, there is Port Townsend where we had taken the ferry and disembarked while crossing the Sound as we headed to Olympic National Park at Port Angeles

And, maybe you will see on the map the town of Sequim.  We spent the night there in a Holiday Inn Express enjoying an evening of washing the car, going to the laundromat and eating great Mexican food.

Crossing the Canadian/U.S. boarder traveling to Bellingham.  Note: Anacortes and find 

Deception Pass in very tiny blue print, south of Anacortes.

On this map, you will see Bellingham, Anacortes and LaConner

Bellingham, Anacortes, Port Townsend, (our destination on the ferry) 

Sequim, (where we spent the night) the large green shaded area is Olympic National Park and Port Angeles, is to the west.

Journey Mercies......

September 8, 9 and 10th, 2015.....Reflecting on Our Canadian Visit

We checked out of the 'Paradise Bungalow' and went into the Village at Lake Louise National Park.  Had a bite to eat and did a little tourist shopping.  I bought our grandkids a 'polar bear' mug each.  They were normal mugs but all white with a type of technique that gave them the appearance of fur with two black eyes...kinda cool.  Also, found more "native" stones in a rock shop.

My Canadian treasure was a red knit hat and a ceramic birch canoe.....

We left the Lake Louise area and headed on across Alberta and British Columbia Canadian Rockies on Trans Canada Highway One.....stopping occasionally at pull-overs to take pictures and enjoy the view.

What we wanted to accomplish on this trip was seeing some national parks, the Canadian Rockies, see our niece and family in Mt.  Shasta, California and my sister and family in Coronado, California.  Also, to spend a few days in the northwestern part of Washington in LaConner and Anacortes.  

We have several friends who have taken the train trip through the Canadian Rockies and we had wanted to do that too, but, logistically it just didn't work out for us to do it that way.  So, we opted to drive.

However, our first day in the area of the Canadian Rockies it snowed heavily, with dense fog and we were unable to see any of the Banff area and very little of the Lake Louise area....so, I chose to purchase a DVD to enjoy when we got home.  Boowah!  

The next day coming out of Lake Louise the skies began to clear and the weather acted more like an Indiana September than a Canadian Rockies January!  We later learned the day following our drive through the Rockies that Calgary had experienced 10 inches of more snow.....

The Trans Canada Highway One was the perfect highway to travel thru the Rockies and see all the peaks, and vistas and small towns along the way.  Around every curve there was a different view...and many tunnels...on some of the tunnels "there was no light at the end".....and, then another curve and you were out of the tunnel.....

I haven't really thought about it before, but, I don't believe there are any tunnels or even too many expansive bridges in Indiana?

We had nice stays in Canada and thankful the United States borders that great country.....

On to LaConner, Washington....

Journey Mercies......

September 7, 2015....a year to the day

As we headed north to the Canadian Rockies, the skies turned more overcast and cold-looking.  

A very small town close the Canadian border was, Babb, Montana.  There was a lovely little Catholic Church there sitting proudly on a hill.....and, so, I snapped a quick photo of it and posted it to the daily blog of our trip....just because it was quaint and proud standing on the hill in the middle of vastness....

My friend, Ann, who was following our trip sent me an email later (after we were home) and said that she and her family had worshipped there when they had traveled to that area.  What a coincidence!!

I was impressed!

We had no issues going through customs....the lady looked at our passports and asked our intentions and how long was our stay.....saw all the travel decals on the window and gave us permission to cross the border.

Continuing northward....the weather became more cold and a little snow flurry activity going on....we could handle that.....but, the closer we came to Calgary......the heavier the snow.....

It was great driving through Calgary and seeing all the buildings with the Olympic logo from the 1988 Winter Olympic Games.

We were on the main highway...Canada One heading for Banff and Lake Louise.  The snowflakes became heavier and more wet....visibility was POOR!!  The weather turned so badly, that the large green highway sign for directions and exits was snow covered that you couldn't even see where you were!  So, unfortunately we missed it and kept right on driving west....(we made the determination to continue, and not turn around, because our stay at Banff was "just" sightseeing and we were not spending the night there.)

The snow let up a little as we continued to Lake Louise.  We found that exit and entered the little village of Lake Louise.  Phil had made reservations for a little bungalow in the mountains and tall pines close to the Fairmont Chateau Hotel.  (The beautiful, picturesque hotel overlooking Lake Louise and the Canadian Rockies)

Photo courtesy of travelmint.com

Unfortunately, we were unable to see similar views of the Fairmont Chateau Hotel or some of the Canadian Rockies due to the very heavy overcast skies, fog and threatening snow.

So, we came down the mountain and had a lovely dinner in the village, by a roaring fire in a huge fireplace.  We were glad to get back to our sweet little "Paradise Bungalow" and watch a little TV and emails and blog posting....yay....it had updated technology!

Tomorrow, traveling more of the Canadian Rockies.....

Journey Mercies......

September 6, 2015.....a year to the day

Remembering we left Glacier Lodge very early, giving ourselves plenty of time to make it in time for our reservation to catch our Red Bus for the tour of the park.  The entrance to Glacier National Park was an hour away from the Lodge.

We ended traveling the same highway 3 times....once to and from the park and the other heading north to Canada.

It was a perfect day for touring a national park!  It was very chilly. We had our fleeces, heavy jackets gloves and hats.   

We had a great tour guide.....and, the roads were busy with tour buses, cars, campers, hikers....

The tour gave us an opportunity to sit back and enjoy the ride and the vistas.....the tour was from 9:00 until 3:00.

The elevation at Logan Pass is 6,646 feet.

On our return to the car.....we went inside to the visitors center and I bought a book and DVD to show the grandkids when we were home.

Back at the Lodge we had a nice dinner of salmon and salad.  

The next day we were ready to head to Canada to drive through the Canadian Rockies....

Journey Mercies......

September 4, 2015....a year to the day review....

I was so disappointed with our route to get to Yellowstone National Park.

Finishing up our drive through South Dakota we entered Wyoming.....and suddenly there was the Bighorn Mountain Range.  The route took us through those mountains to Yellowstone.  The route was very curved and no guard rails....what is it with the people out west who do not put guard rails up for us flatland Midwesterners?  It was a beautiful sunny day.  There were places to pull over and appreciate the vista....and we did that several times and took photographs. 

Note the pinkish highlighted area....that is the Bighorn Mountain Range before you get to the Rocky Mountains.   Courtesy of Wikipedia maps.

The drive through Bighorn transitions to Yellowstone.  We entered Yellowstone at the east entrance.

If you want to see beautiful Yellowstone...do not use the east entrance!   There were miles and miles and acres and acres of pine trees that had been destroyed either by fire or the pine beetle.  It was so very sad and we felt so remote from everything and civilization......at this time of the day it was late afternoon and feeling like dusk.  The sun is behind the mountains, so, it becomes darker more quickly it seems.  We did not want to drive in the mountains at night, but, we got "caught" by darkness on this day.  The signage was VERY POOR for our destination spot, which was 'Yellowstone Lodge.'  

The road we were to take was closed due to repairs....so, we turned around and went back to an area that had park services.  Phil spoke with a ranger for directions.  The ranger told us we were at least an hour from the Lodge at this point.  .......it was getting darker and he warned us to watch for buffalo on the highway.....yay.....

There were very few cars out and about.....there was a full moon....and, I kept on the look out for buffalo and signs....while Phil drove....and drove....and drove some more....

It was a little reassuring to have an occasional car pass us or to have a car follow us for a distance....but, still no signage!!

When we finally arrived at the Lodge area....it was dark....no people, no cars in the parking lot...where was everybody?  (It is 9:00 p.m. Mountain time). It was crazy....

I felt like we were a part of the 'Twilight Zone!'  Phil said, he would try and find a way to get inside and locate some help with directions.  (I am making this statement subdued....if you catch my drift?) 

We did have reservations which we had made a year ahead, because the lodges and cabins fill up quickly....and, we had confirmation.....so...somebody was gonna get it (with tact) Good ole Phil! .....my knight in shining armor!  

The lady inside told us how to turn around and go back to a certain point....GO BACK!!!!???.

Understand, there were no parking lot lights or lights on around the facility....that ended up not being the Lodge.....but, some type of facility for overnight accommodations....

Phil "kindly" suggested that we follow someone....like a security guy or ranger guide or Boy Scout or someone to our destination that only ended up being 3 minutes away....

We were accommodated and checked in to our room, only to discover that we probably had the smallest room, the smallest bathroom, everything was tired and dingy...no TV (which we understood) 

...and no wi-fi signal....we were doomed....we were disgruntled....what else can I say?  Our first stay at a National Park....I / we were not impressed! .....with the accommodations and the route!

P.S.  We did not see any buffalo on the road that night.....

We woke up feeling optimistic.  We had a tour scheduled with a guide who was driving.  I recommend this way of touring instead of going on your own.  Yellowstone and Glacier National are HUGE and we allotted only so much time to be in each National Park

We had a great guide and friendly fellow passengers....and, we got to see almost everything we wanted to see except a Yellowstone bear and moose on the range....

but, we did see plenty of 'day light' buffalo!

When we went for a bite of breakfast....hundreds of people milling about.....a line of tour busses filling the drive in front of the Lodge....where were all these people last night??  Weird for sure!

That evening we ate in the Lodge Dining Room and had a wonderful dinner.  We had edamame and a salad....just for the experience of eating in a National Park Lodge....

Headed to Glacier National Park the next day.....

Journey Mercies.

September 5, 2015.....a year to the day...

We left Yellowstone early morning.....and, just as we were pulling out of the parking lot, "Old Faithful" erupted just to say 'so long.'  We had a long drive ahead of us to arrive at Glacier National Park Lodge before it got too dark.

Yellowstone is beautiful in most areas (except for the pine trees that we first saw).

On the road on the way out, there were a couple of buffalo moseying along the road and we had to stop for them.  I wasn't able to get a picture of them that close to the car.....it was too blurry.  And, Phil and I were very still, I didn't want to aggravate them and have them do something to the car or us!  However, the one came so close to the side mirror on the drivers side of the car that his "head fur" brushed against the mirror.  We held our breath....but, he kept moving and so did we.....

We skirted Butte, Montana and located a Target.  Phil thought I needed a better camera than using my phone or iPad.   We bought a discontinued Sony Digital Camera that worked very well for my use.....posting to the blog.

Continuing our drive north we were pretty much by ourselves on the road...not much traffic.  

The closer we got to Glacier....the more touristy shops.   We stopped at one and Phil bought a pair of moccasins....something he has always wanted ever since he was a kid.  I bought some souvenirs for the grandkids...a faux bear claw....some native stones....I tried to send postcards to the kids from every landmark.  

We arrived at Glacier Park Lodge and it is a beautiful structure.  

The room was a nice sized and fresher than the Yellowstone room.  The bathroom was small with a teeny sink.  We had planned to stay there two nights.....the next day we took the Red  Bus tour in Glacier National Park.

Many travelers and visitors in the area.....folks mingling in the grand room...someone playing the baby grand.....so different than Yellowstone!

Tomorrow - Glacier National Park

Journey Mercies 

Glacier Park Lodge - Lobby

September 3, 2015

We chose to go to the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota only because I had gone there when I was a kid with my family.  I really don't remember too much about it when I was a kid except that the Corn Palace was covered and decorated on the outside with actual corn on the cob from top to ground.  The inside was all souvenir tables and very rustic.....remembering there were lots of moccasins.....

Corn Palace - circa 1965

Mitchell, South Dakota was a lovely, quaint little town.....beautiful older homes, churches on every block and schools scattered throughout town.   

Onward to Mt. Rushmore.....

On our way to Mt. Rushmore and off the interstate was a place called Wall, South Dakota...a tired, old, dated, tourist trap....we were lured in by the signs.....we didn't stay too long and headed down the highway.  

Phil and I really didn't pay attention about stopping at the Badlands National Park until we drove right by the entrance to the park....so, we decided to turn in and drive the loop drive around the park.  We had purchased a National Park Pass and were able to enter the park for "free."  

The Badlands were fascinating....every turn in the road displayed a different rock formation.  We are fans of the "Star Wars" movies and the Badlands looked like we were on the movie set.  

We are glad we stopped, but, the loop drive and our picture ops cost an hour, plus driving and we arrived at Mt. Rushmore later than planned.  

We arrived late afternoon at Mt. Rushmore and the shadows were already beginning to fall across the presidents faces, but, we enjoyed walking down the promenade to get to the open view of 

Mt Rushmore.  The promenade had columns with each state name and each of the states flags.

It is impressive, but, after awhile there is only so much you can stare at.....but, wouldn't have wanted to miss it!

I had also seen Mt. Rushmore as a child.

We stayed in a Holiday Inn Express in Mt. Rushmore-land.  The area reminded me of staying around Gatlinburg, Tennessee (even tho, I have never been there)....... totally touristy.....I was surprised and disappointed of the area we stayed the night....

So cross off one major monument off the list.....check. 

Only 27 more days to go......

Journey Mercies