Welcome . . . our life, our family, our travels.
Day 39-42 Sat-Tue, July 11-14, 2015 Ouray, CO
Hip Hip Ouray! We love Ouray, Colorado!! It is pronounced “you-ray;” self-proclaimed Jeep capital of the World and Little Switzerland because of the towering jagged snow-covered mountain peaks. Day 1 Saturday: We arrived into town after lunch and wasted no time hitting the trails. Dakota knows what the open trunk means! He is 9 months old […]
Hip Hip Ouray! We love Ouray, Colorado!! It is pronounced “you-ray;” self-proclaimed Jeep capital of the World and Little Switzerland because of the towering jagged snow-covered mountain peaks. <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2070" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Welcome-to-ouray.jpeg" alt="Welcome to ouray" width="500" height="318" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Welcome-to-ouray.jpeg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Welcome-to-ouray-300x191.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Day 1 Saturday: We arrived into town after lunch and wasted no time hitting the trails. <img decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2013" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-11-4-24-18-PM-e1437016808698.jpg" alt="Photo Jul 11, 4 24 18 PM" width="250" height="333" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-11-4-24-18-PM-e1437016808698.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-11-4-24-18-PM-e1437016808698-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-11-4-24-18-PM-e1437016808698-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /> Dakota knows what the open trunk means! He is 9 months old now and finally figured out he could jump into the trunk all by himself. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2002" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-1-YB-3-e1436932680388.jpg" alt="Day 1 - YB 3" width="300" height="400" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-1-YB-3-e1436932680388.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-1-YB-3-e1436932680388-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-1-YB-3-e1436932680388-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Just 45 minutes up the nearest mountain lies “Yankee Boy Basin,” a very popular site for piture-taking because of the abundant wild-flowers and pretty swiss models. (Actually, the twin waterfalls are the main attraction for most of the explorers.) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2015" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-11-5-11-26-PM-a.jpg" alt="Photo Jul 11, 5 11 26 PM-a" width="400" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-11-5-11-26-PM-a.jpg 3264w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-11-5-11-26-PM-a-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> This is where Coors filmed their beverage commercial. Recognize it? <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2001" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-1-YB-2-a.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="263" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-1-YB-2-a.jpg 4000w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-1-YB-2-a-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-1-YB-2-a-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1994" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jordan-Yankee-Boy.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="263" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jordan-Yankee-Boy.jpg 4000w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jordan-Yankee-Boy-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jordan-Yankee-Boy-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" /> Jordan’s GoPro & GoRad pole have been great tools capturing memories this summer. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1969" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jeep-river-ouray-a.jpg" alt="Jeep river ouray-a" width="550" height="368" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jeep-river-ouray-a.jpg 1936w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jeep-river-ouray-a-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jeep-river-ouray-a-900x602.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px" /> Waterfalls are everywhere up here in Little Switzerland. But not everyone can get this close. #JeepLife <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1968" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/flowers3.jpg" alt="flowers3" width="336" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/flowers3.jpg 1936w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/flowers3-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/flowers3-900x602.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1966" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Flowers1-a.jpg" alt="Flowers1-a" width="336" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Flowers1-a.jpg 1936w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Flowers1-a-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Flowers1-a-900x602.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px" /> The state flower is this lilac-colored Columbine. It is totally illegal to pick one; the motto “Leave only footprints; take only pictures” is taken very seriously here. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1989" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/GOPR4099-a.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="488" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/GOPR4099-a.jpg 4000w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/GOPR4099-a-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/GOPR4099-a-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px" /> This waterfall where we ate lunch is not so popular because few will brave the super rocky slick trail to get here. In years past, we’ve not been able to get here for all the snow that sticks around until July. (photo credit: Jordan Fenlason) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2016" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-11-8-48-01-PM-e1436932511926.jpg" alt="Photo Jul 11, 8 48 01 PM" width="350" height="467" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-11-8-48-01-PM-e1436932511926.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-11-8-48-01-PM-e1436932511926-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-11-8-48-01-PM-e1436932511926-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" /> It was 57º when we arrived back to basecamp and headed downtown. Jordan & Carlye have been practicing their act during the long-drive days in the RV and it really paid off One passer-by put in some money in the open Uke case and said to Jordan, “Buy her a coat!” (for video footage of such events, text Rochelle privately :-)). Ah . . . those Florida kids and their white shorts . . . ! Day 2: Big Day of Jeeping tough trails All the trails have names so that when we roll back into town and down to the Jeep Wash you can answer the questions like, “How high did ya get?” Today’s adventure: “Mineral Creek Trail” to OH Point, through the Ghost mining town of Animas Forks, and finally Hurricane Pass. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2064" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Alpine-Loop-map.png" alt="Alpine Loop map" width="605" height="350" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Alpine-Loop-map.png 774w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Alpine-Loop-map-300x174.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 605px) 100vw, 605px" /> This map show the Alpine Loop. We took the blue round-trip route today. The first part of the trail on Mineral Creek leads along a narrow ledge with the creek far below. It’s relatively flat and safe unless the driver decides to enjoy the view. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2026" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-10-33-48-AM-a.jpg" alt="Photo Jul 12, 10 33 48 AM-a" width="500" height="375" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-10-33-48-AM-a.jpg 3264w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-10-33-48-AM-a-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> If a picture is worth a 1,000 words, what is a video worth?? <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1990" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/GOPR4142-a.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/GOPR4142-a.jpg 4000w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/GOPR4142-a-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/GOPR4142-a-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Each turn holds a surprise! Sometimes it’s, “Surprise! A whole caravan of Jeeps is coming down!” It’s part of the fun—-a challenge to back down a steep trail until there’s enough room to let others pass literally centimeters along your side. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2027" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-11-12-06-AM-a.jpg" alt="Photo Jul 12, 11 12 06 AM-a" width="400" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-11-12-06-AM-a.jpg 3264w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-11-12-06-AM-a-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> Dilapitated mines, boarding houses, and rusted equipment litter the roadside as memorial to the gold & silver rushes that created Ouray and the surrounding towns in the late 1800’s. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1988" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/G0024162-a.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/G0024162-a.jpg 4000w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/G0024162-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/G0024162-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Hmm . . . choices. We first went up Engineer Mountain to “Oh Point” where it feels like the top of the world! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2029" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-12-11-01-PM-a.jpg" alt="Photo Jul 12, 12 11 01 PM-a" width="400" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-12-11-01-PM-a.jpg 3264w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-12-11-01-PM-a-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> This plateau among the peaks provides 360º views of the surrounding summits. Mount Sneffels is the highest one around at 14,158 ft. (almost 3 miles above sea level!) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1984" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/oh-point-ouray-a.jpg" alt="oh point ouray-a" width="500" height="332" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/oh-point-ouray-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/oh-point-ouray-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/oh-point-ouray-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Family pic atop OH POINT! #topoftheworld <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2053" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Dakota-Oh-Point-e1437018474950.jpg" alt="Dakota Oh Point" width="300" height="400" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Dakota-Oh-Point-e1437018474950.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Dakota-Oh-Point-e1437018474950-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Dakota-Oh-Point-e1437018474950-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2065" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JeeponOHpoint.jpg" alt="JeeponOHpoint" width="433" height="400" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JeeponOHpoint.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JeeponOHpoint-300x277.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JeeponOHpoint-900x832.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 433px) 100vw, 433px" /> Dakota enjoying the views and posing like a model dog! The Jeep looked so cool with this ATV-ers flag fluttering behind it (don’t click to enlarge photo–flag is from the dark side). <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1964" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC_4284-a.jpg" alt="DSC_4284-a" width="400" height="268" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC_4284-a.jpg 1936w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC_4284-a-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC_4284-a-900x602.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1991" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/GOPR4172-a.jpg" alt="" width="355" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/GOPR4172-a.jpg 4000w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/GOPR4172-a-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/GOPR4172-a-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 355px) 100vw, 355px" /> Heading back down to Mineral Point (the other choice on the previous sign) shows lush green valleys and more wildflowers. Today’s lunch stop: Camp Bird Mine <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1981" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/kids-mine-2015-2007-a.jpg" alt="kids mine 2015-2007-a" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/kids-mine-2015-2007-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/kids-mine-2015-2007-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/kids-mine-2015-2007-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2056" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/old-mine-kids-2007.jpg" alt="old mine kids 2007" width="400" height="268" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/old-mine-kids-2007.jpg 1280w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/old-mine-kids-2007-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/old-mine-kids-2007-900x602.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> 2015 and 2007 . . . Not only the kids have changed. The structure has aged as well. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1978" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/jordan-climbing-frisco-mine-a.jpg" alt="jordan climbing frisco mine-a" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/jordan-climbing-frisco-mine-a.jpg 2136w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/jordan-climbing-frisco-mine-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/jordan-climbing-frisco-mine-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1976" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/jarred-frisco-mine-a.jpg" alt="jarred frisco mine-a" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/jarred-frisco-mine-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/jarred-frisco-mine-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/jarred-frisco-mine-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> See Jordan in left pic way up hight? This property in the middle of nowhere is actually for sale. Any investors want to go in with us to create a coffee shop & wifi hotspot out here for all these Jeepers? As remote as it is, 250,000 visitors make this trek each summer. BUT . . . I bet only one visitor will have swam here this summer . . . <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1979" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/jordan-mountain-lake-a.jpg" alt="jordan mountain lake-a" width="450" height="299" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/jordan-mountain-lake-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/jordan-mountain-lake-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/jordan-mountain-lake-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /> This lake is comprised of snow-melt. What temp do you suppose it is? We snapped this pic of two rarely seen polar bears swimming here. One had obviously shed his winter coat. The other one, after shaking all over the fully-clothed members of the family, rolled around in the snow–obviously in pure ecstasy! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2021" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-2-11-24-PM-a.jpg" alt="Photo Jul 12, 2 11 24 PM-a" width="300" height="400" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-2-11-24-PM-a.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-2-11-24-PM-a-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2020" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-2-11-15-PM-a.jpg" alt="Photo Jul 12, 2 11 15 PM-a" width="500" height="376" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-2-11-15-PM-a.jpg 852w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-2-11-15-PM-a-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2019" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-2-07-24-PM.jpg" alt="Photo Jul 12, 2 07 24 PM" width="533" height="400" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-2-07-24-PM.jpg 3264w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-2-07-24-PM-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-2-07-24-PM-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px" /> Mom may be the one who feeds, bathes, grooms, and baby-talks this furry child, but clearly a dog’s best friend is his BOY–especially one who shares his affinity for rolling in the snow. (Below) Testing out this site for a getting some footage for Carlye & Jordan’s music video. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2010" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-4-4-e1436932579933.jpg" alt="Day 4 - 4" width="375" height="500" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-4-4-e1436932579933.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-4-4-e1436932579933-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-4-4-e1436932579933-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2071" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/CJsinginsnow.png" alt="C&Jsinginsnow" width="282" height="500" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/CJsinginsnow.png 640w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/CJsinginsnow-169x300.png 169w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/CJsinginsnow-507x900.png 507w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 282px) 100vw, 282px" /> (shhhh . . . this is a sneak peak for you faithful blog followers.) Animas Forks—Ghost town . . . . . . was built to house prospectors and their families. At one point, 80 people called this home. But most of the winter, 5 feet of snow made it impossible to get out and do much. They made tunnels to get to each other’s homes, and stories abound of having to reach out the upper story windows to get snow to melt for drinking water, washing, and cooking. Jarred & Rochelle have been coming here since our teen years. Couldn’t locate those pics, but we dug up ones from when Jordan, Carlye, and Alyssa were little . . . <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2057" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/anamis-forks-window-shot-2007-a.jpg" alt="anamis forks window shot 2007-a" width="374" height="250" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/anamis-forks-window-shot-2007-a.jpg 1280w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/anamis-forks-window-shot-2007-a-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/anamis-forks-window-shot-2007-a-900x602.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 374px) 100vw, 374px" /> Animas Forks 2007 when Jordan was 8, Carlye 6, Alyssa 3, and their parents looked barely older than teens! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2058" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Animas-house-2009.jpg" alt="Animas house 2009" width="376" height="250" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Animas-house-2009.jpg 4288w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Animas-house-2009-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Animas-house-2009-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 376px) 100vw, 376px" /> Animas Forks 2009–with Poppie & Amma, and Uncle John/Aunt Barb (Poppie’s sister) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2059" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/animas-forks-2011-a.jpg" alt="animas forks 2011-a" width="376" height="250" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/animas-forks-2011-a.jpg 4288w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/animas-forks-2011-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/animas-forks-2011-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 376px) 100vw, 376px" /> Animas Forks 2011 (Nice shades, Carlye!) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1965" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC_4326-a.jpg" alt="DSC_4326-a" width="448" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC_4326-a.jpg 1936w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC_4326-a-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC_4326-a-900x602.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 448px) 100vw, 448px" /> Animas Forks 2015–The old Dawson house is being “restored” which means there were no window sills to sit on because they had just put glass in windows for the first time in 25 years. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2054" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/cave-ouray-e1437019163887.jpg" alt="cave ouray" width="300" height="400" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/cave-ouray-e1437019163887.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/cave-ouray-e1437019163887-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/cave-ouray-e1437019163887-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> I remember spelunking into this shaft many many years ago and coming out muddy! The mining shafts have been barred and gated since we first began visiting the area. Makes it safer, but way less . . . well, exciting dangerous. (Spoken now as parent of a teen explorer.) Moving on to the next breath-taking view at California Pass on our way to Hurricane Pass. The plan was to cross this pass and head down into Corkscrew Gulch . . . (FYI: these passes are very high points that cross over very high ridges leading from one valley floor to the next. It’s a bit like being on a roller coaster in slow motion!) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2028" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-11-58-28-AM-a.jpg" alt="Photo Jul 12, 11 58 28 AM-a" width="500" height="375" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-11-58-28-AM-a.jpg 3264w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-11-58-28-AM-a-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1971" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/california-pass-12960-a.jpg" alt="California Pass" width="500" height="332" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/california-pass-12960-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/california-pass-12960-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/california-pass-12960-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> (above) About to cross the pass at 12, 160 feet . . . . . . then down through California Gulch . . . . . . up again to Hurricane Pass (below). <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1982" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/lake-como-a.jpg" alt="lake como-a" width="500" height="332" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/lake-como-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/lake-como-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/lake-como-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> The very blue Lake Como, visible from Hurricane Pass, is a popular photographed site. (This is the first time I’ve ever seen it with ice & snow on it!) Move around in the picture to get a feel for standing on Hurricane Pass bubble <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1987" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/snow-bank-ouray-a.jpg" alt="snow bank ouray-a" width="500" height="332" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/snow-bank-ouray-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/snow-bank-ouray-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/snow-bank-ouray-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> There was quite a lot of snow up here! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1983" style="line-height: 1.5;" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/marmots-playing-a.jpg" alt="marmots playing-a" width="375" height="250" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/marmots-playing-a.jpg 1503w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/marmots-playing-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/marmots-playing-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2023" style="line-height: 1.5;" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-3-56-26-PM-a.jpg" alt="Photo Jul 12, 3 56 26 PM-a" width="333" height="250" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-3-56-26-PM-a.jpg 852w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-12-3-56-26-PM-a-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 333px) 100vw, 333px" /> Marmot brothers fight in the snow. #FenFest2015 Making memories . . . and sharing Day 3: A Day of Rest & Play at the Hot Springs The water comes bubbling out of the ground around 130-140ºF. It’s contained now-a-days in a 3 concrete pool that are mixed with cold water to maintain 3 different temps. The cool pool–86º provides swimming laps, a twisting slide, and this cool obstacle race . . . <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2005" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-3-springs-1-a.jpg" alt="Day 3 - springs 1-a" width="375" height="250" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-3-springs-1-a.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-3-springs-1-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-3-springs-1-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2006" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-3-springs-4-a.jpg" alt="Day 3 - springs 4-a" width="375" height="250" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-3-springs-4-a.jpg 2439w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-3-springs-4-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-3-springs-4-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px" /> Carlye and Alyssa were kneck-n-kneck most of the race! It’s open 10a.m.-10p.m. Other than 2 10-minute walks back to the RV for lunch and dinner, the kids spent the entire day here! (Mom joined them for most of it. ) Day 4: Last Day of Jeeping to Governor’s Trail <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2033" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-14-2-46-00-PM-a.jpg" alt="Photo Jul 14, 2 46 00 PM-a" width="500" height="375" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-14-2-46-00-PM-a.jpg 3264w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Photo-Jul-14-2-46-00-PM-a-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> This trail, considered a “red,” is not one I have particularly enjoyed in the past because everything is so narrow and so rough! But, a re-opened mine at the top of the trail has improved the road to make way for commuters in work trucks. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2012" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-4-hammock-e1436932542269.jpg" alt="Day 4 - hammock" width="300" height="400" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-4-hammock-e1436932542269.jpg 960w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-4-hammock-e1436932542269-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-4-hammock-e1436932542269-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-2011" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-4-hammock-2-e1436932526608.jpg" alt="Day 4 - hammock 2" width="300" height="400" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-4-hammock-2-e1436932526608.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-4-hammock-2-e1436932526608-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Day-4-hammock-2-e1436932526608-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Now with our new-found-love of hammocking, there are other reasons to love this trail. It was cold and wet outside, but warm and toasty in the 2-person hammock. (We could have each set up our own, but . . . ) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1992" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/GOPR4257-a.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/GOPR4257-a.jpg 3653w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/GOPR4257-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/GOPR4257-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /> This pic is sort of iconic for our many mountain hikes. Jordan & his selfie stick GoRad pole document the landscape and paths of those who dare to discover it’s secrets. bubble Move around in the pic to get a feel for the view from Governor Trail and the distant Yankee Boy Basin/Twin Waterfalls. Tomorrow morning we will say farewell to Ouray as we move north to the Denver area.
Travel from Moab to Montrose, Colorado We stopped for the night in Grand Junction to restock supplies in a “big city” then headed to Montrose to try out a new Jeep trail. But first–a stop at the Montrose Riverside Park facilitated some fun and relaxation. Montrose Black Hills ATV/Dirt bike/Jeep Park This trail was […]
Travel from Moab to Montrose, Colorado <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1995" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Maps-Moab-to-Montrose-CO.png" alt="Maps-Moab to Montrose, CO" width="500" height="298" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Maps-Moab-to-Montrose-CO.png 635w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Maps-Moab-to-Montrose-CO-300x179.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> We stopped for the night in Grand Junction to restock supplies in a “big city” then headed to Montrose to try out a new Jeep trail. But first–a stop at the Montrose Riverside Park facilitated some fun and relaxation. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1958" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JCsinging-a.jpg" alt="J&Csinging-a" width="225" height="338" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JCsinging-a.jpg 1699w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JCsinging-a-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JCsinging-a-600x900.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1959" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JordanDakota-a.jpg" alt="Jordan&Dakota-a" width="225" height="338" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JordanDakota-a.jpg 1694w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JordanDakota-a-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JordanDakota-a-600x900.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1956" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/alyssamodel-a.jpg" alt="alyssamodel-a" width="225" height="337" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/alyssamodel-a.jpg 1777w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/alyssamodel-a-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/alyssamodel-a-600x900.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /> Montrose Black Hills ATV/Dirt bike/Jeep Park <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1885" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JeepTrailStormClouds-e1436760149943.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="533" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JeepTrailStormClouds-e1436760149943.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JeepTrailStormClouds-e1436760149943-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JeepTrailStormClouds-e1436760149943-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> This trail was supposed to be a moderate (blue) 6-mile trek over a few rough/steep spots to a ridgeline and then down a dirt road . . . well, things don’t always go the way they are “supposed” to. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1884" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/HammocksMontrose.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="281" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/HammocksMontrose.jpg 1334w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/HammocksMontrose-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/HammocksMontrose-900x506.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> We set up the hammocks for a little meditation time. (Dakota, Where did your family go?) But then we heard some distant thunder and spotted some lightning strikes hitting surrounding peaks. By the time we packed up the hammocks, the rain was pelting us pretty hard. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1886" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/MontroseRainComing.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="281" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/MontroseRainComing.jpg 1334w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/MontroseRainComing-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/MontroseRainComing-900x506.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1890" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/StormBrewing.jpg" alt="StormBrewing" width="500" height="375" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/StormBrewing.jpg 3264w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/StormBrewing-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/StormBrewing-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> That little white Jeep looks pretty helpless awaiting the approaching storm. Jarred took this picture from a place he hiked to looking for a safe way down the mountain. The first wave of rain muddied the clay roads beyond maneuverability. The Jeep was fishtailing and skidding as we worked our way across the ridge line. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1887" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/MuddyJeep.jpg" alt="MuddyJeep" width="500" height="375" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/MuddyJeep.jpg 3264w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/MuddyJeep-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/MuddyJeep-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1888" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/MudJeepTires.jpg" alt="MudJeepTires" width="500" height="544" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/MudJeepTires.jpg 2251w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/MudJeepTires-276x300.jpg 276w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/MudJeepTires-828x900.jpg 828w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Get a good look at those clay-caked tires. We tried scraping it off, but it didn’t last. There was nothing else we could do but wait out the storm. Then night came. We had no choice but to spend the night in the Jeep right where we were. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1889" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/SleepingDogs-stuck-in-Montrose-e1436760223621.jpg" alt="SleepingDogs-stuck in Montrose" width="500" height="375" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/SleepingDogs-stuck-in-Montrose-e1436760223621.jpg 3264w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/SleepingDogs-stuck-in-Montrose-e1436760223621-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/SleepingDogs-stuck-in-Montrose-e1436760223621-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> We tried to sleep. Jordan curled up with Dakota in the trunk for awhile. Needless to stay, no one could sleep. Expecting only a 2-hour trek, we had no food, blankets, or other–ahem–supplies. We did have water–praise God! We huddled together till sunlight broke over the mountain peaks. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1891" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/SunriseMonstrosefromJeep.jpg" alt="SunriseMonstrosefromJeep" width="500" height="375" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/SunriseMonstrosefromJeep.jpg 2048w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/SunriseMonstrosefromJeep-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/SunriseMonstrosefromJeep-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Colorado sunrise — finally! The roads were still clay soup. We asked God to make a way where there seemed to be no way. He answered. We made the decision to go down the side of the least steep slope we could find–over rocks–straight down to the base where we could eventually hook up with the flat road out! It looked scary from the top, but it felt as if angels had carried us down. Amazing! God is true to His Word. Jer. 33:3 Call upon me and I will show you great and mighty things you couldn’t think of yourself. We came rolling into the Montrose KOA around 9:00 a.m. The park manager asked us how was our first night in Montrose. She got a story she didn’t bargain for. We spent the day and next evening there, then moved on to a truly relaxing little campground riverside in the neighboring town . . . Cimarron, CO — Pleasant Valley Campground <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1955" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Sharing-the-Hammock-e1436924468257.jpg" alt="Sharing the Hammock" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Sharing-the-Hammock-e1436924468257.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Sharing-the-Hammock-e1436924468257-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Sharing-the-Hammock-e1436924468257-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1950" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Dakota-water.jpg" alt="Dakota water" width="452" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Dakota-water.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Dakota-water-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Dakota-water-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 452px) 100vw, 452px" /> Perfect hammock setup next to the river. Rochelle and Jordan shared the 2-person hammock each doing what they love–reading and texting (or is that sleeping?) Dakota loved the river experience here. A wise friend recently told me that having a dog helps us to slow down and enjoy the moment. I’m really beginning to understand that on this trip. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1952" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/hammockgoradpole.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="263" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/hammockgoradpole.jpg 4000w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/hammockgoradpole-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/hammockgoradpole-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1951" style="line-height: 1.5;" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/doublevisionhammock6.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="263" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/doublevisionhammock6.jpg 3264w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/doublevisionhammock6-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/doublevisionhammock6-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" /> There was a little creative work going on in the hammock too. A hammock is a little piece of heaven facilitating rest, meditation, and creativity. We have now acquired 5 of them on this trip, yet still prefer to share. You should get one too. Tomorrow: Ouray, CO
Day 33-34 Sunday & Monday, July 5-6, 2015 Moab, UT
Last Days in Moab Two towns top the list of Fenlason favorite Jeeping destinations. Moab, Utah is one of them. (The other one is Ouray, Colorado.) This video shows off why! We extended our stay in the red rock labyrinth set on conquering two final challenges: Dome Rock and Gemini Bridges. Little did we know […]
Last Days in Moab Two towns top the list of Fenlason favorite Jeeping destinations. Moab, Utah is one of them. (The other one is Ouray, Colorado.) This video shows off why! We extended our stay in the red rock labyrinth set on conquering two final challenges: Dome Rock and Gemini Bridges. Little did we know what the extra two days held in store . . . It began like any other day. Mom packed the lunch. Kids gathered the gear. Dad checked the oil, tires, and gas. The entrance to Dome Rock trail began an hour from town–an hour from cell service . . .from ANY services. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1906" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JarredandTheSteps.jpg" alt="" width="325" height="433" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JarredandTheSteps.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JarredandTheSteps-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JarredandTheSteps-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 325px) 100vw, 325px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1899" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Dome-Plateau-jeep1.jpg" alt="Dome Plateau jeep" width="652" height="433" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Dome-Plateau-jeep1.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Dome-Plateau-jeep1-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Dome-Plateau-jeep1-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 652px) 100vw, 652px" /> Our first challenge was “the steps.” We lowered the air pressure in the tires and the Jeep climbed right up these fellas! (Did I mention we have a really amazing driver!) Two hours into the trail, something strange happened. Coming down a steep descent, the transmission stopped shifting. The gears would not engage. The wheels stopped moving and we were stuck in “bowl” at an intersection of trails that all went uphill. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1867" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jeep-Stuck-e1436755200570.jpg" alt="Jeep Stuck" width="400" height="533" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jeep-Stuck-e1436755200570.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jeep-Stuck-e1436755200570-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jeep-Stuck-e1436755200570-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> What to do? Jordan and Alyssa gathered the hammocks to find a place in the shade. We would wait a bit. Maybe another Jeep would come by and be able to get us help. Jarred hiked up to a higher spot hoping to find a little cell connection. There was none. Then the boys had a moment of inspiration . . . Jarred’s parents have been Jeeping in Moab with us in the past; they know the area and where to get help. A text was sent to Amma and the phone attached to the drone. Perhaps up higher–say 400 feet higher–there might be a bit of 4G or LTE if we were really blessed. Not sure if that worked, but we weren’t waiting around any longer. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1857" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/after-the-breakdown-a.jpg" alt="after the breakdown-a" width="600" height="450" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/after-the-breakdown-a.jpg 1280w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/after-the-breakdown-a-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/after-the-breakdown-a-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /> We took one last selfie with the Jeep, attached a note on the windshield with our plans to hike out, and took off with a hammock-modified-into-a-backback full of water bottles, and headed out on foot. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1863" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/hiking-out-JandA-a_1.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="533" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/hiking-out-JandA-a_1.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/hiking-out-JandA-a_1-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> Approaching the distant rock formation, we discovered one bar of service and called 911. Jenny @ 911: “What’s your emergency?” Us: “Our Jeep broke down 2 hours into Dome Plateau and–” 911: “Are you the Fenlason family?” Us: “Yes!” 911: “Suzanne Fenlason has already called us and a deputy has been dispatched . . .” <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1869 size-large" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/The-Hike-Out-of-Dome-Plateau-a_1-900x180.jpg" alt="The Hike Out of Dome Plateau-a_1" width="900" height="180" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/The-Hike-Out-of-Dome-Plateau-a_1-900x180.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/The-Hike-Out-of-Dome-Plateau-a_1-300x60.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /> Last time we were here, Moab was the filming site for much of The Lone Ranger film with Johnny Depp. It’s landscape is desolate, dry, and very rough and rocky. The area sees at least one adventure-related death a year and “Search and Rescue” is sent out on average 100 times a year. The Fenlason family was their 70th rescue call so far in 2015. Several hours later, a brave tow truck driver returned with Jarred to retrieve the Jeep. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1858" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/tow-truck-a.jpg" alt="tow truck-a" width="400" height="533" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/tow-truck-a.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/tow-truck-a-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/tow-truck-a-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> The mileage added up and we received a bill for $680 from the Moab towing company. Next morning, the Jeep was fixed for $35 in labor in 10 minutes with a $3.99 plastic piece that had cracked under the 4-wheel drive gear shifter. Yep. That’s how it goes sometimes when you live a life a epic adventures! You would think that we would be begging for a day off–a day of rest–maybe laying around the pool at our campground, or a nice game of Clue around the picnic table. But NO– there was still one challenge left untamed. Tomorrow: Gemini Bridges . . . Last Day! It’s gonna be a good day!! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1921 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/AlyssaGearedUp-300x300.jpg" alt="AlyssaGearedUp" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/AlyssaGearedUp-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/AlyssaGearedUp-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/AlyssaGearedUp-900x900.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Alyssa is a trouper! Getting the gear together: Backback full of waters, hammocks, drone, and ukulele. Check! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1923" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Gemini-Bridges.jpg" alt="Gemini Bridges" width="358" height="500" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Gemini-Bridges.jpg 500w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Gemini-Bridges-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 358px) 100vw, 358px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1947" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Gemini-Bridges-from-drone.jpg" alt="Gemini Bridges from drone" width="533" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Gemini-Bridges-from-drone.jpg 1920w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Gemini-Bridges-from-drone-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Gemini-Bridges-from-drone-900x506.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px" /> [Left photo from below the Bridges on Bull Canyon Trail; Right photo from the drone at 100′] Gemini Bridges is a popular Jeeping Spot 2 hours from town, but not everybody takes the posted warnings seriously. Four years ago, a boy scout troop took a hike along the top of the arches. One boy thought he could jump the 6ft. span between the arches and fell to his death. Another 19 year old guy drove his Jeep over the arches and plummeted to his death. We weren’t taking any chances. We simply hung up our hammocks near the famed sight :- <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1873" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5880.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5880.jpg 3264w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5880-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5880-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> We found a little oasis on the plateau to get settled for a rest. Alyssa had a sweet set-up complete with a “coffee table” rock. Then we thought we’d get a little drone footage and fly through the arches–something dramatic for the blog. Like we needed more drama in Moab! The drone came crashing down the walls between the arches. (This place is reminiscent of the Bermuda Triangle stories!) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1928" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_58811.jpg" alt="IMG_5881" width="400" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_58811.jpg 3264w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_58811-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_58811-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1927" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_58821.jpg" alt="IMG_5882" width="400" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_58821.jpg 3264w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_58821-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_58821-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> It landed somewhere down here on a shelf way below the arches, but way above the canyon floor. Maybe you can see the little white crashed drone in the above pictures… The only access would be from Bull Canyon, another hour Jeep drive. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1926" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_58831-e1436808507464.jpg" alt="IMG_5883" width="375" height="500" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_58831-e1436808507464.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_58831-e1436808507464-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_58831-e1436808507464-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px" /> Bull Canyon is meant more for hikers and small ATVs, but the fearless Jeep crew was on a recovery mission, so . . . onward and downward! Once the Jeep was at the bottom, there was no easy access to the shelf on which the drone lay. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1924" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/shimmy-e1436808457466.jpg" alt="shimmy" width="400" height="533" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/shimmy-e1436808457466.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/shimmy-e1436808457466-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/shimmy-e1436808457466-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> Hmmm…perhaps someone could shimmy up this crevice to the shelf above? J.S.Fenlason to the resuce! All those push-ups and squats really paid off! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1864" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jordan-finds-drone-a.jpg" alt="Jordan finds drone-a" width="400" height="533" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jordan-finds-drone-a.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jordan-finds-drone-a-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> Victory! See Jordan up there? The drone was recovered. Pieces of it were strewn along the high rock shelf, but the video card was intact! (The video from that will be assessed and applied to the final video production at the end of the trip . . . we hope. ) FYI: There was an error received just before the crash that should be covered by warranty. We shipped it to CA and hope to have it back by the time we get to FL. Above is the actual crash video! The last two days in Moab were a bit more than we planned for. But that’s what makes life (and blogs) interesting . . . all the interruptions. Next stop: Colorado
Travel from Jackson, WY to Moab, UT!! Moab is one our best loved Jeeping destinations! Despite the incredible heat (reaching 95º by 10 a.m. and 105º by 2 p.m.), the 27% humidity level is a relief from South FL summer weather–no complaints here. Day 1 Moab Adventure: Travel & Setup Young son instantly hung […]
Travel from Jackson, WY to Moab, UT!! Moab is one our best loved Jeeping destinations! Despite the incredible heat (reaching 95º by 10 a.m. and 105º by 2 p.m.), the 27% humidity level is a relief from South FL summer weather–no complaints here. Day 1 Moab Adventure: Travel & Setup <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1770" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5810.jpg" alt="IMG_5810" width="400" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5810.jpg 3264w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5810-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5810-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> Young son instantly hung up new hammock and settled in with some uke serenading. And we actually needed some downtime to grocery shop, check emails, pay some bills, do laundry while the kids enjoyed the RV pool . . . not blogworthy, but these things do happen even on a FenFest2015 trip–haha! Day 2 Moab Adventure: Southeast mountain/plateau trails Our first day out on the extreme backcountry trails made for a very happy adventure girl! We’ve used the same Trail Guide since our first visit in 2008. It tells us the mileage, approximate time frame, and level of difficulty. Green=easy, Blue=difficult, Red=dangerous. Our favorites are the Blue trails, however, today was our first time trying Fins ‘N Things (4X4 Jeep Trail). And despite its Blue rating, it had some very Red spots! Spots that required 35″ tires and suggested having a welder and winch handy, just in case! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1769" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Fins-N-Things-a-300x200.jpg" alt="Fins N Things" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Fins-N-Things-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Fins-N-Things-a-900x600.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Fins-N-Things-a.jpg 1379w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1747" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2681-a-300x199.jpg" alt="_JDF2681-a" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2681-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2681-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1749" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2694-a-300x199.jpg" alt="_JDF2694-a" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2694-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2694-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1750" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2697-a-300x199.jpg" alt="_JDF2697-a" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2697-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2697-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> We weren’t expecting this! The white marks on the slickrock tell a tale of the unprepared Jeepers who have scraped the bottom and backside of their 4-wheeled pride and joy maneuvering this obstacle. Will the combined wits of the Fenlason boys get her down safely? <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1751" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2699-a-300x199.jpg" alt="_JDF2699-a" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2699-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2699-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1752" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2701-a-300x199.jpg" alt="_JDF2701-a" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2701-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2701-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> Notice Jarred is alone in the car . . . just in case it flipped! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1753" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2703-a-300x199.jpg" alt="_JDF2703-a" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2703-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2703-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1754" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2705-a-300x199.jpg" alt="_JDF2705-a" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2705-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2705-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> Success! And we only scraped the back edge of the hitch extension. Below is the next major obstacle: The pics don’t do this one justice! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1755 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2715-a-300x199.jpg" alt="_JDF2715-a" width="300" height="199" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2715-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2715-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1756 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2717-a-300x199.jpg" alt="_JDF2717-a" width="300" height="199" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2717-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2717-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1757 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2719-a-300x199.jpg" alt="_JDF2719-a" width="300" height="199" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2719-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2719-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1758 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2723-a-300x199.jpg" alt="_JDF2723-a" width="300" height="199" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2723-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2723-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1759" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2729-a-300x199.jpg" alt="_JDF2729-a" width="300" height="199" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2729-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2729-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Victory for the three brave Fenlasons who rode it out. Notice the girl in the green shirt at the top of the hill? She declined the rollercoaster experience down the scary drop in the name of video documentation. Smart girl <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1775" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Moab-Day-1-Drone-3.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="450" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Moab-Day-1-Drone-3.jpg 4000w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Moab-Day-1-Drone-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Moab-Day-1-Drone-3-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /> The drone view of the desolate plateau captured the little white speck that is is the Jeep. Quick video compilation shows off the diversity of the terrain. (Credit: Jordan Fenlason) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1763" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2742-a.jpg" alt="_JDF2742-a" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2742-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2742-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2742-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1771" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5814.jpg" alt="IMG_5814" width="355" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5814.jpg 1280w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5814-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5814-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 355px) 100vw, 355px" /> Chelle with 2 of her favorite boys! This one on the right is the MOST favorite!! Below: Dakota ran through a patch of white-needled cactus plants! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1772" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5816-e1435983804911.jpg" alt="IMG_5816" width="300" height="400" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5816-e1435983804911.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5816-e1435983804911-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5816-e1435983804911-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> He was whimpering in pain, but calmed right down and stayed perfectly still as Drs. Carlye, Alyssa, and Jordan tediously plucked long and short needles from the tops and bottoms of his paws. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1800" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2763-a-a.jpg" alt="_JDF2763-a-a" width="600" height="400" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2763-a-a.jpg 1153w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2763-a-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2763-a-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /> Not an easy task to find white needles amidst white fur, but Dakota was remedied in the end and enjoyed preferential treatment the rest of the day <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1768 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Carlye-Snapple-2-300x201.jpg" alt="Carlye Snapple 2" width="300" height="201" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Carlye-Snapple-2-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Carlye-Snapple-2-900x602.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Carlye-Snapple-2.jpg 1936w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1767 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Carlye-Snapple-1-300x201.jpg" alt="Carlye Snapple 1" width="300" height="201" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Carlye-Snapple-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Carlye-Snapple-1-900x602.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Carlye-Snapple-1.jpg 1936w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> And now it’s time for a commercial break from our sponsor: Snapple may be only 5% real fruit juice, but it sure tastes good when you’ve been hiking at 6,000′ elevations. Whether you’re in flowering meadow . . . or gazing at a far-distant mountain peak . . . Snapple makes a beautiful addition to all your adventure memories. So snap some Snapple selfies from your refreshing adventures and be sure to hashtag them #snapplesupersensationalselfiesnappingadventures bubble Move mouse over this 360º bubbli picture to experience the thrill of riding the ridge of Moab red rocks! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1760" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2730-a.jpg" alt="_JDF2730-a" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2730-a.jpg 1331w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2730-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2730-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> Check out more personal photos on Instagram #Fenfest2015 Day 2 Moab Adventure: Chicken Corners (Blue rating) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1780" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2786-a.jpg" alt="_JDF2786-a" width="500" height="332" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2786-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2786-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2786-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> This angle was a bit of a balancing trick for the Jeep and for us! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1781" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2787-a.jpg" alt="_JDF2787-a" width="500" height="332" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2787-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2787-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2787-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1792" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Drone-Climbers.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Drone-Climbers.jpg 4000w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Drone-Climbers-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Drone-Climbers-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> This remote canyon wall presented a surprise photo op. Click to enlarge and see the nimble rock climbers hanging on for dear life! (Well, they DO actually have proper lines and gear :-).) Below: The Catacombs of Kane Creek Canyon <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1785" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2832-a.jpg" alt="_JDF2832-a" width="500" height="332" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2832-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2832-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2832-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> The climb up to this opening into the cave system cause a gash and bruise to the knee, but it was worth it! It was so so so hot out there! No one wanted to pose for a picture!! Honestly, this pic was totally candid after the kids saw Dad setting up the tripod for a family snapshot from inside the catacomb. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1783" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2813-a.jpg" alt="_JDF2813-a" width="500" height="333" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2813-a.jpg 1522w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2813-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2813-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1784" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2815-a.jpg" alt="_JDF2815-a" width="500" height="332" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2815-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2815-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2815-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> But . . . there was the blog to think about <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1794" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jeep-Cave-HDR-a.jpg" alt="Jeep Cave HDR-a" width="600" height="398" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jeep-Cave-HDR-a.jpg 2141w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jeep-Cave-HDR-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jeep-Cave-HDR-a-900x597.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /> View from inside the mouth of the cave opening. Below: On to Chicken Corners where the views are from a scary height! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1786" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2834-a.jpg" alt="_JDF2834-a" width="400" height="602" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2834-a.jpg 1424w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2834-a-199x300.jpg 199w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2834-a-598x900.jpg 598w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> Why did the chicken cross the road? To mark this awesome trail to the end of the canyon plateau! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1788" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2844-a.jpg" alt="_JDF2844-a" width="500" height="332" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2844-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2844-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2844-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1789" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2845-a.jpg" alt="_JDF2845-a" width="500" height="332" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2845-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2845-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2845-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> It was a bit too windy to feel safe and stable on this little outcropping, but if the tripod could withstand it, so could the Fenlason family! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1791" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Chicken-Corner-HDR-a.jpg" alt="Chicken Corner HDR-a" width="600" height="399" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Chicken-Corner-HDR-a.jpg 2142w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Chicken-Corner-HDR-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Chicken-Corner-HDR-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /> And across the Colorado River on that far outcrop is “Thelma & Louise Point” where a scene from the movie was actually filmed (anybody actually see that movie?). <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1782" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2791-a.jpg" alt="_JDF2791-a" width="500" height="333" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2791-a.jpg 1770w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2791-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2791-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Lizard hunting is one of the things this threesome looks forward to in UT where some of the most unique species in the US are found. A little sibling teamwork and a fishing-line snare attached to the end of the GoPro pole cinched the conquest. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1790" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2869-a.jpg" alt="_JDF2869-a" width="500" height="332" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2869-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2869-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JDF2869-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> This handsome yellow and green spotted fellow is a “collared lizard.” Suggested names range from the Greek word for rock “Petra” to the Indian name “Found-on-Rock.” The name is forthcoming . . . stay logged-in for the exciting reveal! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1793" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5846-a.jpg" alt="IMG_5846-a" width="1010" height="227" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5846-a.jpg 13632w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5846-a-300x67.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_5846-a-900x202.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1010px) 100vw, 1010px" /> Eight hours. Red rocks. 4-wheel drive. Moab, UT. Enough said. Moab Day 3: Fourth of July Happy Freedom Day! The Aquatic Center downtown Moab declared Free(dom) Day today . . . Hours of high dives, high slides, and warm water soothed away the rough ridin’ tensions from the last two days. Unfortunately, there are no pictures to show for all that fun. 10:00 p.m. city fireworks displayed in the field just behind the RV park. With waffle ice cream cones in hand, we walked over for one of the best displays EVER! Fenlason Family Five thumbs up rating! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1831 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC_4117-300x201.jpg" alt="DSC_4117" width="300" height="201" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC_4117-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC_4117-900x602.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC_4117.jpg 1936w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1832 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC_4125-300x201.jpg" alt="DSC_4125" width="300" height="201" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC_4125-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC_4125-900x602.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC_4125.jpg 1936w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Tomorrow may or may not be our last day here. No one really wants to leave this COOL western town! Stay tuned . . .
Jackson Hole, WY The popular little ski town lies just south of Grand Teton N.P. and was experiencing higher-than-normal temperatures today! This green space in the center of downtown found us relaxing and simply enjoying each other. Jordan broke out the ukulele and Carlye sang along much to the delight of other park patrons. After some […]
Jackson Hole, WY The popular little ski town lies just south of Grand Teton N.P. and was experiencing higher-than-normal temperatures today! This green space in the center of downtown found us relaxing and simply enjoying each other. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1741" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jackson-Hole-Park-antlers-a.jpg" alt="Jackson Hole Park - antlers-a" width="600" height="400" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jackson-Hole-Park-antlers-a.jpg 1669w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jackson-Hole-Park-antlers-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jackson-Hole-Park-antlers-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1744" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/family-in-the-park-e1435981914587-225x300.jpg" alt="family in the park" width="400" height="533" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/family-in-the-park-e1435981914587-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/family-in-the-park-e1435981914587-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> Jordan broke out the ukulele and Carlye sang along much to the delight of other park patrons. After some success in the park they moved their performance to the street corner where Jordan put down his uke case for some tips. We were all amazed when 45 minutes later they had made $47! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1745" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JRDakotaJacksonPark-225x300.jpg" alt="J&R&DakotaJacksonPark" width="275" height="367" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JRDakotaJacksonPark-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JRDakotaJacksonPark-675x900.jpg 675w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JRDakotaJacksonPark.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 275px) 100vw, 275px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1743" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/AlyssaDad-Jackson-Park-e1435981885947-225x300.jpg" alt="Alyssa&Dad Jackson Park" width="275" height="367" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/AlyssaDad-Jackson-Park-e1435981885947-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/AlyssaDad-Jackson-Park-e1435981885947-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 275px) 100vw, 275px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1746" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JordanCarlye-singing-Jackson-Park-e1435981945997-225x300.jpg" alt="Jordan&Carlye singing Jackson Park" width="275" height="367" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JordanCarlye-singing-Jackson-Park-e1435981945997-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JordanCarlye-singing-Jackson-Park-e1435981945997-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 275px) 100vw, 275px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1813" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Daddy-Alyssa1-e1436030473638-225x300.jpg" alt="Daddy-Alyssa" width="275" height="367" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Daddy-Alyssa1-e1436030473638-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Daddy-Alyssa1-e1436030473638-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 275px) 100vw, 275px" /> Sometimes you just gotta stop and smell the grass . . . and just relax . . . Sigh And other times you’ve got to get moving! Rock climbing is a popular sport here in the mountains, and this park had some pretty serious training going on for kids of all ages. Alyssa made it to the top in record time–barefoot! (She obviously received that gene from her Daddy who took rock climbing courses in college during his time at ORU.) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1816" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Alyssa-RockClimber-604x900.jpg" alt="Alyssa-RockClimber" width="350" height="521" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Alyssa-RockClimber-604x900.jpg 604w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Alyssa-RockClimber-201x300.jpg 201w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Alyssa-RockClimber.jpg 609w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1808" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Butterflies.jpg" alt="Butterflies" width="275" height="367" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Butterflies.jpg 1776w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Butterflies-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Butterflies-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 275px) 100vw, 275px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1811" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Giant-Geode-e1436030587203.jpg" alt="Giant Geode" width="275" height="367" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Giant-Geode-e1436030587203.jpg 2448w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Giant-Geode-e1436030587203-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Giant-Geode-e1436030587203-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 275px) 100vw, 275px" /> The varied natural beauty of the Jackson/Teton area is astounding. Artisan shops abound in Jackson Hole. This Geode is almost as big as Alyssa–But it’s value doesn’t even come close! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1742" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Wildlife-on-road-sign-300x201.jpg" alt="Wildlife on road sign" width="400" height="268" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Wildlife-on-road-sign-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Wildlife-on-road-sign-900x602.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Wildlife-on-road-sign.jpg 1936w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> We’ve seen everything on that sign while we’ve been here! (Check that off the Bucket List.) Onward and southward to Moab, UT where the temps will reach 105º all week!
Grand Teton National Park is just south of Yellowstone, and is completely different in topography and vistas. Day 1: After quickly settling into our campsite at Colter Bay RV & Campground, we set out on a lakeside hike. Starting at the south parking lot near Jenny Lake, we hiked north past String Lake (not named […]
Grand Teton National Park is just south of Yellowstone, and is completely different in topography and vistas. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1704" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Teton-welcome-sign-a.jpg" alt="Teton welcome sign-a" width="500" height="333" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Teton-welcome-sign-a.jpg 1838w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Teton-welcome-sign-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Teton-welcome-sign-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Day 1: After quickly settling into our campsite at Colter Bay RV & Campground, we set out on a lakeside hike. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1732" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Leigh-Lake-Hike.png" alt="Leigh Lake Hike" width="400" height="270" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Leigh-Lake-Hike.png 547w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Leigh-Lake-Hike-300x202.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> Starting at the south parking lot near Jenny Lake, we hiked north past String Lake (not named on the map) to the crystal clear waters of Leigh Lake. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1702" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2588-a.jpg" alt="_jdf2588-a" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2588-a.jpg 1828w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2588-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2588-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1700" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2577-a.jpg" alt="_jdf2577-a" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2577-a.jpg 1810w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2577-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2577-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> These hearty hikers were in good spirits & ready for the 7 mile round-trip trek. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1695" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2541_2_3_tonemapped-a-a.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="399" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2541_2_3_tonemapped-a-a.jpg 2139w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2541_2_3_tonemapped-a-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2541_2_3_tonemapped-a-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /> Leigh Lake displays some pretty white sand beaches just ready for swimmers who are missing the Atlantic Ocean. (Photo Credit: Jordan Fenlason) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1699" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2574-a.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="400" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2574-a.jpg 2017w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2574-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2574-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /> Private and pristine! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1698" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2571-a.jpg" alt="_jdf2571-a" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2571-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2571-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2571-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1697" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2557-a.jpg" alt="_jdf2557-a" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2557-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2557-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2557-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> Teton Beach Babes <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1696" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2552-a-300x199.jpg" alt="_jdf2552-a" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2552-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2552-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1701" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2581-a.jpg" alt="_jdf2581-a" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2581-a.jpg 1165w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2581-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jdf2581-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> Jordan was not only hunting for rocks, he was searching for a large horsefly that he could make into a pet. Yes, that is a leash made from a strand of his sister’s hair. The poor fly flew round and round in circles until . . . well, that’s enough of that story. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1703" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/G0083680-a.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/G0083680-a.jpg 4000w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/G0083680-a-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/G0083680-a-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> We swam in the glacier-formed Leigh Lake at the end of northern route, and dried off on the trek home. I’d like to know the actual water temp, but my guess is near 70ºF. Not too bad for a lake above 6,800 feet! Once the sun went down, the kids made a new friend from Wisconsin and drafted him to play cards with them. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1734" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Kids-and-cards.jpg" alt="Kids and cards" width="400" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Kids-and-cards.jpg 3264w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Kids-and-cards-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Kids-and-cards-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> Good Night . . . The boys need their sleep for tomorrow’s adventure! Day 2: THIS is what we came to the rugged Teton Range for! The mountain hike! Jarred & Jordan tested their natural abilities against the 16 mile / 9 hour hike to Amphitheater Lake. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1712" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/G0093692.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/G0093692.jpg 4000w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/G0093692-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/G0093692-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1713" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/G0103698.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/G0103698.jpg 4000w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/G0103698-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/G0103698-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> Smart guys–checking the billboard, maps, and info on recent bear attacks. Sorry to say there were no Starbucks stops listed on the map up the mountain. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1707" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2601-a.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2601-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2601-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2601-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> 6:00 a.m. Jordan was eager and ready! The goal lay within the peaks ahead. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1708" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2605_6_7_tonemapped-a.jpg" alt="Taggart Lake early morning" width="600" height="400" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2605_6_7_tonemapped-a.jpg 2079w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2605_6_7_tonemapped-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2605_6_7_tonemapped-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /> 9:00 a.m. the boys were met with Taggart Lake . . . <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1722" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2626_7_8_tonemapped-a.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="400" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2626_7_8_tonemapped-a.jpg 2022w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2626_7_8_tonemapped-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2626_7_8_tonemapped-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /> . . . then Bradley Lake . . . <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1710" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2668-a.jpg" alt="Hiking to Amphitheater " width="600" height="399" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2668-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2668-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2668-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /> . . . and a few hours later, Taggart and Bradley Lake are in the distant past. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1709" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2664-a.jpg" alt="Amphitheater Lake" width="600" height="399" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2664-a.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2664-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JDF2664-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /> Success! 12:00 Goal reached: Amphitheater Lake 9,698′ elevation. Great place to stop for lunch . . . Starbucks sure would be great up here though. Onward to . . . (it’s a surprise)!
Travel from Deadwood to Yellowstone National Park! …Finally! 🙂 This stop along the highway should be a national park unto itself! But it’s just a stop . . . along the very windy, mountainous route through the Big Horn National Forest in Wyoming. Our brakes were telling us they needed a rest. It was the […]
Travel from Deadwood to Yellowstone National Park! …Finally! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1677" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/map-Deadwood-to-Yellowstone.png" alt="map-Deadwood to Yellowstone" width="400" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/map-Deadwood-to-Yellowstone.png 811w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/map-Deadwood-to-Yellowstone-300x169.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> This stop along the highway should be a national park unto itself! But it’s just a stop . . . along the very windy, mountainous route through the Big Horn National Forest in Wyoming. Our brakes were telling us they needed a rest. It was the perfectly timed stop, perfectly out of our control. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1671" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/shell-waterfall-e1435465045587-201x300.jpg" alt="shell waterfall" width="300" height="448" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/shell-waterfall-e1435465045587-201x300.jpg 201w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/shell-waterfall-e1435465045587-602x900.jpg 602w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/shell-waterfall-e1435465045587.jpg 1296w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Shell Falls tumbles 120′ over gorgeous granite. (photo credit: Carlye Fenlason) This amazing drone footage looks like something out of NatGeo, right? <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1670 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/rv-drone-big-horn-national-park-rd-a-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/rv-drone-big-horn-national-park-rd-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/rv-drone-big-horn-national-park-rd-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1665" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/motorhome-jeep-pic-entering-yellowstonea-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/motorhome-jeep-pic-entering-yellowstonea-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/motorhome-jeep-pic-entering-yellowstonea-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> (above) This is part of that windy, mountainous road through Bighorn National Forest, and down past the Yellowstone River heading into one of our favorite parks . . . <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1673" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Yellowstone-sign.jpg" alt="Yellowstone sign" width="500" height="333" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Yellowstone-sign.jpg 1744w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Yellowstone-sign-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Yellowstone-sign-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1737" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/165957059-a.jpg" alt="165957059-a" width="498" height="333" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/165957059-a.jpg 1280w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/165957059-a-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/165957059-a-900x602.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 498px) 100vw, 498px" /> [And our 2007 visit on the right] <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1666" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/no-drone-a-200x300.jpg" alt="no drone-a" width="222" height="333" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/no-drone-a-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/no-drone-a-600x900.jpg 600w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/no-drone-a.jpg 1184w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 222px) 100vw, 222px" /> . . . which prohibits drones! So here it is; what we’ve all been waiting for . . . <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1667" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/old-faithful-carlye-a-300x200.jpg" alt="Old Faithful" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/old-faithful-carlye-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/old-faithful-carlye-a-900x600.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/old-faithful-carlye-a.jpg 1799w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1660" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/geyser-7-a-300x199.jpg" alt="geyser 7-a" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/geyser-7-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/geyser-7-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> . . . “Old Faithful!” true to form was erupting about every 90 minutes today. “Bluebell Pool” steaming hot! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1659" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/geyser-6-a-300x200.jpg" alt="geyser 6-a" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/geyser-6-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/geyser-6-a-900x600.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/geyser-6-a.jpg 1935w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1641" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/colorful-geyser-carlye-a-300x200.jpg" alt="colorful geyser carlye a" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/colorful-geyser-carlye-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/colorful-geyser-carlye-a-900x600.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/colorful-geyser-carlye-a.jpg 1873w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> “Grand Prismatic Spring” is the largest pool in Yellowstone. It gets the Fen Fam five thumbs up for the most beautiful too. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1668" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/red-geyser-300x201.jpg" alt="red geyser" width="400" height="268" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/red-geyser-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/red-geyser-900x602.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/red-geyser.jpg 1936w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1640" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/clear-blue-geyser-a-300x200.jpg" alt="clear blue geyser a" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/clear-blue-geyser-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/clear-blue-geyser-a-900x600.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/clear-blue-geyser-a.jpg 1863w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> Liquid sulfur is yellow–and smells like rotting eggs. “Sapphire Pool” would make an amazing backyard pool (at a lower temp of course). <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1672" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/white-tower-300x199.jpg" alt="white tower" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/white-tower-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/white-tower-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1637" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/blue-geyeser-2a-300x200.jpg" alt="blue geyeser 2a" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/blue-geyeser-2a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/blue-geyeser-2a-900x600.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/blue-geyeser-2a.jpg 1684w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> Limestone and calcite bubbling from this fountains by the North Entrance create constantly changing terraces. Much of the the landscape around the water features will be different the next time we return. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1655" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/family-colorful-geyser-a.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/family-colorful-geyser-a.jpg 3675w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/family-colorful-geyser-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/family-colorful-geyser-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Behold the glorious handiwork of our Creator God . . . the many colors of Yellowstone! The animals of Yellowstone: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1661" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/grizzly-a_1-300x200.jpg" alt="grizzly-a_1" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/grizzly-a_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/grizzly-a_1-900x600.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/grizzly-a_1.jpg 940w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1636" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/black-bear-a-a-300x200.jpg" alt="black bear-a-a" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/black-bear-a-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/black-bear-a-a.jpg 598w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> Yes! We got a glimpse of a Grizzly and a Black Bear! (And between our many cameras, we actually got something better than a Sasquatch shadow to show for it.) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1635" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/buffalo-a-300x200.jpg" alt="buffalo-a" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/buffalo-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/buffalo-a-900x600.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/buffalo-a.jpg 1908w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1663" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Jordan-dog-300x201.jpg" alt="Jordan dog" width="400" height="268" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Jordan-dog-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Jordan-dog-900x602.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Jordan-dog.jpg 1936w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> So many bison in this park–everywhere! We couldn’t believe the rare sight of this half polar bear/canine mix and his companion. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1658" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/fox-a-300x200.jpg" alt="fox-a" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/fox-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/fox-a-900x600.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/fox-a.jpg 1357w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1639" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cayotte-carlye-a.jpg" alt="cayotte carlye a" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cayotte-carlye-a.jpg 1391w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cayotte-carlye-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cayotte-carlye-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> This elusive fox wasn’t quick or slick enough to escape our Nikon; neither was the coyote. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1654" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/elk-group-a-300x199.jpg" alt="elk group-a" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/elk-group-a-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/elk-group-a-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1653" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/elk-closeup-300x199.jpg" alt="elk closeup" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/elk-closeup-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/elk-closeup-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> Elk were not afraid of humans; one even posed . . . and I think I see a smirk forming. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1669" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/rochelle-alyssa-geyser-a.jpg" alt="rochelle alyssa geyser-a" width="500" height="333" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/rochelle-alyssa-geyser-a.jpg 1830w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/rochelle-alyssa-geyser-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/rochelle-alyssa-geyser-a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> All that steam was great for our skin and hair <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1664" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/little-grand-canyon-carlye-e1435465031664.jpg" alt="little grand canyon carlye" width="400" height="598" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/little-grand-canyon-carlye-e1435465031664.jpg 1296w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/little-grand-canyon-carlye-e1435465031664-201x300.jpg 201w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/little-grand-canyon-carlye-e1435465031664-602x900.jpg 602w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> “Little Grand Canyon of Yellowstone” has some impressive falls. This “Lower Falls” is 308 feet high (2x the height of Niagara actually), and at peak runoff when the snow is melting it pushes 63,500 gal/second! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1657" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/flowrers-carlye-a.jpg" alt="flowrers carlye a" width="500" height="335" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/flowrers-carlye-a.jpg 1936w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/flowrers-carlye-a-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/flowrers-carlye-a-900x602.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> More wildflowers here than in any of our travels thus far (Photo Credit: Carlye Fenlason) Onward and southward tomorrow to Grand Teton N.P. only 2 hours from here.
Travel from Custer, South Dakota to Deadwood, SD So, we thought about driving the 9 hours to Yellowstone today . . . but the drive past many streams, waterfalls, and lakes strewn throughout Black Hills National Forest enticed us to stay longer. Deadwood is famous for the 1876 gold rush that brought a flood […]
Travel from Custer, South Dakota to Deadwood, SD <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1605" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/map-Custer-to-Deadwood-300x289.png" alt="" width="300" height="289" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/map-Custer-to-Deadwood-300x289.png 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/map-Custer-to-Deadwood.png 434w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> So, we thought about driving the 9 hours to Yellowstone today . . . but the drive past many streams, waterfalls, and lakes strewn throughout Black Hills National Forest enticed us to stay longer. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1611" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/deadwood-sign.jpg" alt="deadwood sign" width="602" height="400" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/deadwood-sign.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/deadwood-sign-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/deadwood-sign-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px" /> Deadwood is famous for the 1876 gold rush that brought a flood of prospectors, gunslingers, and saloons to the area. (Alyssa was determined to get gold the easy way by taking the hunk of gold from the sign.) It was once dubbed “The most wicked city in America.” Supposedly the HBO series Deadwood is pretty true-to-life. The Fenlason family ate lunch at the saloon where Wild Bill Hickok was shot and killed. Live reenactments of gunslinger showdowns spontaneously occur throughout the downtown. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1619" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Wild-BIll-shot-900x675.jpg" alt="Wild BIll shot" width="400" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Wild-BIll-shot-900x675.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Wild-BIll-shot-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1615" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Restaurant-300x225.jpeg" alt="Restaurant" width="400" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Restaurant-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Restaurant-900x675.jpeg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> (above) Saloon Number 10 in downtown Deadwood, SD where Wild Bill was shot on August 2, 1876. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1613" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jeep-trail-and-field.jpg" alt="jeep trail and field" width="600" height="399" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jeep-trail-and-field.jpg 2141w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jeep-trail-and-field-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jeep-trail-and-field-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /> We took off in the morning for some crazy Jeeping trails through the Black Hills National Forest. Inside this 1.2 million acres of protected forest, streams, and meadows lie more than a few private homesteads that were granted before it became preserved. Every once in awhile we would happen on a maintained section of road with a fence, some cows, and interesting buildings (most still in use). <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1616" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/selfie-out-of-the-side-of-the-car-with-dakota-900x675.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/selfie-out-of-the-side-of-the-car-with-dakota-900x675.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/selfie-out-of-the-side-of-the-car-with-dakota-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1609" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-by-cabin.jpg" alt="Dakota by cabin" width="452" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-by-cabin.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-by-cabin-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-by-cabin-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 452px) 100vw, 452px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1629" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Deadwood-Flowers-Carlye.jpg" alt="Deadwood Flowers-Carlye" width="500" height="335" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Deadwood-Flowers-Carlye.jpg 1936w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Deadwood-Flowers-Carlye-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Deadwood-Flowers-Carlye-900x602.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Wildflowers are in bloom everywhere because of the abundant rainfall so far this summer! (Photo credit: Carlye Fenlason ©) Jordan is quickly becoming a master at videography, and–more importantly–editing all the footage to produce a memorable experience for those who’ve lived it and those who wish to do so Jeeping took us deep into the forest and up mountain passes over the state border into Wyoming. Cement Ridge contains one of the highest peaks in this area (6,600 ft. above sea level). The fire lookout is manned everyday by a ranger who can see more than 25 miles in all directions and spot wildfires started by campers and/or lightning. We had no cell service anywhere on the Jeep trails, but at this lookout, we had full bars LTE! The kids thought this would be great job . . . <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1612" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/family-view2-900x600.jpg" alt="family view2" width="450" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/family-view2-900x600.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/family-view2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/family-view2.jpg 1914w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1614" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Lookout-point-Tower-900x600.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Lookout-point-Tower-900x600.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Lookout-point-Tower-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /> “Cement Lookout” . . . aerial view (see the little brown lookout tower in the pic on the right?) You can’t tell from the pics, but the road runs up a ridgeline with steep embankments on each side. So steep, in fact, that Carlye did not want us to let Dakota out of the Jeep! But he knew better than to jump off a cliff . . . Dakota prefers meadows of wildflowers as you can see below. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1618" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/waterfall-jordan-deadwood-300x199.jpg" alt="waterfall jordan deadwood" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/waterfall-jordan-deadwood-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/waterfall-jordan-deadwood-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1617" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/waterfall-jordan-deadwood-2-300x199.jpg" alt="waterfall jordan deadwood 2" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/waterfall-jordan-deadwood-2-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/waterfall-jordan-deadwood-2-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1607" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Alyssa-Cabin-300x199.jpg" alt="Alyssa Cabin" width="400" height="266" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Alyssa-Cabin-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Alyssa-Cabin-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> This old barn was shingled with aluminum disks with some stamped lettering that we could not decipher. The ranger at the fire lookout had informed us that cyanide was (still is) used to leech the gold out of the rocks in these “black hills.” The disks were the lids from the cyanide cans! Great way to “reduce, recycle, reuse!” Pretty artsy shingles too (click on the pic to enlarge). Tomorrow we head toward Yellowstone via Cody, WY. Good bye Dakota Territory.
Happy Father’s Day! The Beaver Lake Campground, where we also stayed 8 years ago, has this super slide for its campers! But that’s not the even the best part about it. What do the kids remember most about staying here? The tame wild-bunnies that roam the grounds. Here, we’re 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore (see […]
Happy Father’s Day! The Beaver Lake Campground, where we also stayed 8 years ago, has this super slide for its campers! But that’s not the even the best part about it. What do the kids remember most about staying here? The tame wild-bunnies that roam the grounds. Here, we’re 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore (see the old blog for pics) and other sites below. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1544" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Custer-campground-aerial2-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Custer-campground-aerial2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Custer-campground-aerial2-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /> We didn’t plan on going to Custer State Park, but our GPS lead us astray (unthinkable, I know!) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1556 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Bison-blog2-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Bison-blog2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Bison-blog2-900x600.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Bison-blog2.jpg 1938w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1557 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Bison-blog3-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Bison-blog3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Bison-blog3-900x600.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Bison-blog3.jpg 1643w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1555 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Bison-blog1-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Bison-blog1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Bison-blog1-900x600.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Bison-blog1.jpg 1559w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> (above) Apparently, here Bison often hold up traffic, delight in mud baths, and roll with laughter at each other’s jokes. Wildlife abounds! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1558" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Carlye-Deer2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="335" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Carlye-Deer2.jpg 1936w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Carlye-Deer2-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Carlye-Deer2-900x602.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> (Deer photo credit: Carlye Fenlason) So . . . our real destination was Wind Cave National Park <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1569" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WindCaveSign1.jpg" alt="WindCaveSign1" width="500" height="335" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WindCaveSign1.jpg 1936w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WindCaveSign1-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WindCaveSign1-900x602.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1570" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WindcaveSign2Jump.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="335" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WindcaveSign2Jump.jpg 1936w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WindcaveSign2Jump-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WindcaveSign2Jump-900x602.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Feelin’ frisky after a cold front came through last night–only 71ºF today! Wind Cave National Park is the 6th longest cave system in the world (3rd in the U.S.) with 168 miles of mapped tunnels so far. Unlike many caves that were formed by fast-moving water, this limestone cave has unusual formations formed by slow-moving water. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1560" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Cave-5.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Cave-5.jpg 1445w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Cave-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Cave-5-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1559" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cave-4_1.jpg" alt="" width="199" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cave-4_1.jpg 1424w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cave-4_1-199x300.jpg 199w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cave-4_1-598x900.jpg 598w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 199px) 100vw, 199px" /> Next stop: Crazy Horse National Monument. Can you see the Indian Head carved into the granite? <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1565" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CrazyHorse2_1.jpg" alt="CrazyHorse2_1" width="500" height="332" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CrazyHorse2_1.jpg 2144w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CrazyHorse2_1-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CrazyHorse2_1-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> This is a privately funded endeavor to provide a tribute to the Lakota Indians and their most famous chief. Work began in 1948 by a man and his wife who had 10 children. The children are continuing the work. Eventually the carving will include the whole body sitting on a horse as seen in this model/statue. The head is already half the size of the entire carving on Mount Rushmore! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1563" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CrazyHorse-Aerial_1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CrazyHorse-Aerial_1.jpg 2959w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CrazyHorse-Aerial_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CrazyHorse-Aerial_1-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Drone view from 500′ up. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1564" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Crazyhorse-RC.jpg" alt="" width="266" height="400" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Crazyhorse-RC.jpg 1424w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Crazyhorse-RC-199x300.jpg 199w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Crazyhorse-RC-598x900.jpg 598w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 266px) 100vw, 266px" /> Two of Jarred’s adoring fans on Father’s Day As we post this day’s blog, we sit in wonder of the most incredible Father of all–Our Father God! Thank you, God for freedom to adventure and explore the earth you made for us! Tomorrow . . . Deadwood and yellowstone.
Travel from Wisconsin through Minnesota to the Badlands of South Dakota with an overnight stop in a Walmart parking lot. This land is your land; this land is my land; NO! It’s Dakota Territory! 🙂 No trip to SD is complete without a stop at the famed Wall Drugs. The billboards offering “Free […]
Travel from Wisconsin through Minnesota to the Badlands of South Dakota with an overnight stop in a Walmart parking lot. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1578 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/maps-Wi-SD-300x191.png" alt="maps-Wi-SD" width="300" height="191" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/maps-Wi-SD-300x191.png 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/maps-Wi-SD.png 539w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> This land is your land; this land is my land; NO! It’s Dakota Territory! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1545 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-in-Dakota-300x201.jpg" alt="Dakota in Dakota" width="300" height="201" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-in-Dakota-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-in-Dakota-900x602.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-in-Dakota.jpg 1936w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> No trip to SD is complete without a stop at the famed Wall Drugs. The billboards offering “Free Ice Water” and “5¢ coffee” can be seen roadside beginning 350 miles out! They opened in the 1930’s and still sell lots of nostalgia today. (Best 5¢ coffee ever btw . . . so worth the stop!) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1566 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jordan-jackalope1-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jordan-jackalope1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jordan-jackalope1-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1568 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/walls-drug-man-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/walls-drug-man-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/walls-drug-man-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Now you believe in jack-a-lopes, right? The Badlands are an incredible piece of God-art. Imagine you were a pioneer 150 years ago . . . and you’ve been traveling through the flat grassy plains of southern Minnesota and South Dakota, then suddenly! Jagged rocks jutting out of the prairie floor greet you. Welcome to the Badlands! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1539" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-2015-arrive_1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="335" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-2015-arrive_1.jpg 1936w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-2015-arrive_1-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-2015-arrive_1-900x602.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1537" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-2007-arrive_1.jpg" alt="" width="501" height="335" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-2007-arrive_1.jpg 1165w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-2007-arrive_1-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-2007-arrive_1-900x602.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 501px) 100vw, 501px" /> Below are two pics by the entrance sign. This first one is from today. The second is from 8 years ago! As you can see, not much has changed [First pic 2015 – Second pic 2007] Amazing photo op! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1581" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-first-stop-Jordan.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="396" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-first-stop-Jordan.jpg 2110w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-first-stop-Jordan-300x198.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-first-stop-Jordan-900x594.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /> (above Photo credit: Jordan Fenlason) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1536 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-kids-300x300.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-kids-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-kids-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-kids-900x900.jpeg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1541" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-Family.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-Family.jpg 2016w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-Family-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-Family-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /> It was 90-something degrees (felt like a FL summer day!) Jordan jumped out of the moving vehicle and ran like a mountain goat to capture this rare pic. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1543" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/BigHornSheep-Jordan-Badlands-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="452" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/BigHornSheep-Jordan-Badlands-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/BigHornSheep-Jordan-Badlands-900x598.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 452px) 100vw, 452px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1542" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-motorhome-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-motorhome-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-motorhome-900x600.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-motorhome.jpg 1898w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /> Below: We ran out of water wandering the alluring paths of the Badlands . . . the exit pics are worth a thousand words. (2015 & 2007 respectively) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1540" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-2015-leave.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="335" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-2015-leave.jpg 1936w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-2015-leave-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Badlands-2015-leave-900x602.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1538" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/badlands-2007-leave.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/badlands-2007-leave.jpg 1280w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/badlands-2007-leave-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/badlands-2007-leave-900x602.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> I guess we’re good for another 8 years. Check back in 2023 for another Badlands photo update.
Travel through the U.P. of Michigan to Wisconsin Crossing the Mackinac Bridge is always a breathtaking experience! It’s the 5th longest suspension bridge in the world; longest in the U.S. We climbed the amazing viewing tower located on the shore of Lake Superior, took a family selfie and… …a drone shot with the […]
Travel through the U.P. of Michigan to Wisconsin <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1483" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/map-Mi-to-Wi-300x201.png" alt="map-Mi to Wi" width="300" height="201" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/map-Mi-to-Wi-300x201.png 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/map-Mi-to-Wi.png 597w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Crossing the Mackinac Bridge is always a breathtaking experience! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1466" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/MackinacBridge.jpg-300x186.png" alt="MackinacBridge.jpg" width="300" height="186" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/MackinacBridge.jpg-300x186.png 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/MackinacBridge.jpg-900x559.png 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/MackinacBridge.jpg.png 902w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> It’s the 5th longest suspension bridge in the world; longest in the U.S. We climbed the amazing viewing tower located on the shore of Lake Superior, took a family selfie and… <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1446" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/FamilySelfieMackinac-e1434685298802-300x225.jpg" alt="FamilySelfieMackinac" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/FamilySelfieMackinac-e1434685298802-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/FamilySelfieMackinac-e1434685298802-900x675.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/FamilySelfieMackinac-e1434685298802.jpg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1447" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/MackinacBridgeLookoutTower-300x225.jpg" alt="MackinacBridgeLookoutTower" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/MackinacBridgeLookoutTower-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/MackinacBridgeLookoutTower-900x675.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/MackinacBridgeLookoutTower.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> …a drone shot with the bridge in the background. Jarred and I climbed this very same tower 23 years ago when we were dating. We stopped for Michigan-famous pasties (pass-tees) filled with beef, potatoes, and onions wrapped in a flaky crust–a Yooper classic! (Can you figure out what a Yooper is?) Next stop: House of the Rock <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1470" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/TheHouseOnTheRockSign-300x225.jpg" alt="TheHouseOnTheRockSign" width="340" height="255" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/TheHouseOnTheRockSign-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/TheHouseOnTheRockSign-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 340px) 100vw, 340px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1485" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/familyHouseontherock-e1434827871526-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="191" height="255" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/familyHouseontherock-e1434827871526-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/familyHouseontherock-e1434827871526-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 191px) 100vw, 191px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1484" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/livingroom-300x225.jpg" alt="livingroom" width="340" height="255" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/livingroom-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/livingroom-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 340px) 100vw, 340px" /> Legend says that the builder of this whimsical engineering feat was influence by his father’s ideas learned as a student of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The very low ceilings, walls, and floors were completely covered in red shag carpet. Dim lighting, low couches, and crazy collections of just about everything made this a very unusual kind of photo op! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1471 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/The-Infinity-room-e1434814988151-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/The-Infinity-room-e1434814988151-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/The-Infinity-room-e1434814988151-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1472 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/KidsInfinity-e1434815023953-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/KidsInfinity-e1434815023953-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/KidsInfinity-e1434815023953-675x900.jpg 675w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1476" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dollhouses-212x300.jpg" alt="Dollhouses" width="212" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dollhouses-212x300.jpg 212w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dollhouses-636x900.jpg 636w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dollhouses.jpg 2000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 212px) 100vw, 212px" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1475" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/guns-212x300.jpg" alt="guns" width="212" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/guns-212x300.jpg 212w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/guns-636x900.jpg 636w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/guns.jpg 2000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 212px) 100vw, 212px" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1477" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/crownarmor-212x300.jpg" alt="crown&armor" width="212" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/crownarmor-212x300.jpg 212w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/crownarmor-636x900.jpg 636w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/crownarmor.jpg 2000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 212px) 100vw, 212px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1478" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/turquoiseglass-300x225.jpg" alt="turquoiseglass" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/turquoiseglass-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/turquoiseglass-900x675.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/turquoiseglass.jpg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1479" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/tusks-300x225.jpg" alt="tusks" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/tusks-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/tusks-900x675.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/tusks.jpg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> We went through the place a pretty brisk pace and saw everything in about 4 hours (including a lunch stop). I (Rochelle) could have spent an entire day there! Our campsite at Governor Dodge State Park was serene and relaxing. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1495" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DodgevilleCampsite-e1434830122258-225x300.jpg" alt="DodgevilleCampsite" width="315" height="420" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DodgevilleCampsite-e1434830122258-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DodgevilleCampsite-e1434830122258-675x900.jpg 675w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DodgevilleCampsite-e1434830122258.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 315px) 100vw, 315px" /> A short video clip of highlights from the first two weeks (Credit Jordan) Long day of driving ahead tomorrow . . . heading for the Badlands of South Dakota.
Travel from Port Huron, Mi to East Jordan, Mi We arrived Wednesday evening to our beautiful RV spot on the East Jordan Bay of Lake Michigan (compliments of Scott & Cheri Scheer) First day there was busy as we help as “staff” of a Jordan Valley Barn Wedding (Rochelle’s parent’s weekend business). This is a […]
Travel from Port Huron, Mi to East Jordan, Mi <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1431" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Map-Port-Huron-to-E-Jordan-300x167.png" alt="Map Port Huron to E Jordan" width="300" height="167" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Map-Port-Huron-to-E-Jordan-300x167.png 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Map-Port-Huron-to-E-Jordan.png 776w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> We arrived Wednesday evening to our beautiful RV spot on the East Jordan Bay of Lake Michigan (compliments of Scott & Cheri Scheer) First day there was busy as we help as “staff” of a Jordan Valley Barn Wedding (Rochelle’s parent’s weekend business). This is a Friday afternoon wedding we helped with . . . <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1443" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WeddingBarn-300x300.jpg" alt="WeddingBarn" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WeddingBarn-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WeddingBarn-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WeddingBarn-900x900.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WeddingBarn.jpg 1000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1488" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Barnlights-225x300.jpg" alt="Barnlights" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Barnlights-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Barnlights-675x900.jpg 675w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Barnlights.jpg 720w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /> Rochelle’s sister and brother and their families joined us out at the farm . . . that made 15 kids (Kim & Ray have 10; James & Jordan have 2; we have 3. That makes a whole lotta cousin fun :-). <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1436" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/15cousins-675x900.png" alt="" width="500" height="667" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/15cousins-675x900.png 675w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/15cousins-225x300.png 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/15cousins.png 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> The Scheer family celebrated their own family wedding on Saturday June 13, 2015 . . . <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1437" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CarlyeAlbieKiss-300x300.jpg" alt="CarlyeAlbieKiss" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CarlyeAlbieKiss-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CarlyeAlbieKiss-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CarlyeAlbieKiss-900x900.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CarlyeAlbieKiss.jpg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Carlye Scheer & Albie Bartolemao (see lots of Scheer family wedding pics on instagram#bartobash2015) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1441" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/ScheerAdults8-300x225.jpg" alt="ScheerAdults8" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/ScheerAdults8-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/ScheerAdults8-900x675.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/ScheerAdults8.jpg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1520" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JarredRochelleFenlason1.jpg" alt="Jarred & Rochelle @ the Castle" width="161" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JarredRochelleFenlason1.jpg 846w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JarredRochelleFenlason1-214x300.jpg 214w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JarredRochelleFenlason1-643x900.jpg 643w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 161px) 100vw, 161px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1465 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Wedding-kids-300x225.jpeg" alt="Wedding kids" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Wedding-kids-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Wedding-kids.jpeg 640w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1522" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Alyssa-Daniel-300x201.jpg" alt="Alyssa-Daniel" width="336" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Alyssa-Daniel-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Alyssa-Daniel-900x602.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Alyssa-Daniel.jpg 1936w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px" /> Lots of family togetherness made for great smiles, laughs, and pictures! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1515" class="wp-image-1515" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Gaylord-Tubing-Aerial.jpeg" alt="DCIM100MEDIADJI_0162.JPG" width="500" height="500" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Gaylord-Tubing-Aerial.jpeg 2248w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Gaylord-Tubing-Aerial-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Gaylord-Tubing-Aerial-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Gaylord-Tubing-Aerial-900x900.jpeg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Tubing @ Dixon Lake – photo via the drone Some of the most fun was tubing at Dixon Lake . . . <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1529" class="wp-image-1529" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dixon-Lake-resort-300x225.jpg" alt="Dixon Lake, Gaylord MI" width="500" height="375" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dixon-Lake-resort-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dixon-Lake-resort-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Skiing on Dixon Lake, Gaylord MI (Drone pic) Finally figured out how to get some drone video footage posted!! YEAH!! (Credit to Jordan for the edit) And Jordan enjoying a little mudding with the cousins… (Credit to Jordan for the edit) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1532" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/OleyLake11.jpg" alt="Oley Lake, Gaylord MI" width="500" height="375" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/OleyLake11.jpg 4000w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/OleyLake11-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/OleyLake11-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Our 7 acres on Oley Lake that we have listed for sale. Interested? <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1440" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/RVJeep-300x225.jpg" alt="RVJeep" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/RVJeep-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/RVJeep-900x675.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/RVJeep.jpg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> All hooked up and ready to exit Michigan and head west! I want to take this moment and thank Mom and Dad Scheer for hosting all of us and making this week very memorable!
Travel to Port Huron, Michigan located just over the Canada/USA border The hard part of being in Canada was also the best part. ATT charges $1/minute for calls, .50/texts, and $20 per 1mb data. Airplane mode for a day and a half brought our family that much closer 😉 Now…back in the USA…We stayed at […]
Travel to Port Huron, Michigan located just over the Canada/USA border <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1371" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Map-3-to-Port-Huron-MI-300x229.jpg" alt="Map 3 to Port Huron MI" width="300" height="229" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Map-3-to-Port-Huron-MI-300x229.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Map-3-to-Port-Huron-MI.jpg 573w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> The hard part of being in Canada was also the best part. ATT charges $1/minute for calls, .50/texts, and $20 per 1mb data. Airplane mode for a day and a half brought our family that much closer Now…back in the USA…We stayed at the most amazing KOA campground. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1414" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WesternStore-300x225.jpg" alt="WesternStore" width="319" height="239" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WesternStore-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WesternStore.jpg 640w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 319px) 100vw, 319px" /> It had its own Western store complete with an fudge shoppe, ice cream & candy store, pizza place, and Town Hall with crafts and games . . . tennis courts, 2 pools, and multiple playgrounds! WOW! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1416 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/StoneFamily-e1434338014856-225x300.jpg" alt="StoneFamily" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/StoneFamily-e1434338014856-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/StoneFamily-e1434338014856-675x900.jpg 675w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/StoneFamily-e1434338014856.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /> We had a little downtime to enjoy all these amenities and even took in a movie at the Town Hall. Alyssa created this lovely “Stone Family” as well. Oh! The things that you can imagine when faced with free time and no television <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1417 alignnone" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JordanGear-300x300.jpg" alt="JordanGear" width="313" height="313" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JordanGear-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JordanGear-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JordanGear-900x900.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JordanGear.jpg 1000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 313px) 100vw, 313px" /> Jordan got us all geared up for our field trip to Lake Huron <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" size-medium wp-image-1418 alignnone" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JarredCarlyeTakingPic-e1434079365409-225x300.jpg" alt="JarredCarlyeTakingPic" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JarredCarlyeTakingPic-e1434079365409-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JarredCarlyeTakingPic-e1434079365409.jpg 480w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" size-medium wp-image-1419 alignnone" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CarlyeLighthouse-e1434079382802-225x300.jpg" alt="CarlyeLighthouse" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CarlyeLighthouse-e1434079382802-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CarlyeLighthouse-e1434079382802-675x900.jpg 675w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CarlyeLighthouse-e1434079382802.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" size-medium wp-image-1420 alignnone" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/AlyssaDakotaLighthouse-e1434079408201-225x300.jpg" alt="AlyssaDakotaLighthouse" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/AlyssaDakotaLighthouse-e1434079408201-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/AlyssaDakotaLighthouse-e1434079408201.jpg 480w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /> I had lived in Michigan for 13 years and had never visited Lake Huron before. The water temp was 55 degrees today. My feet were so numb I ran across the rocks lining the shore without even feeling them. Huron is the 2nd largest of the 5 Great Lakes and is 750 ft. deep at its deepest. The Great Lakes contains 1/5 of all the world’s surface fresh water. Yes, I love facts and history <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1512" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/lighthouse-aerial-porthuron.jpg" alt="Port Huron Lighthouse" width="500" height="375" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/lighthouse-aerial-porthuron.jpg 3902w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/lighthouse-aerial-porthuron-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/lighthouse-aerial-porthuron-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Port Huron lighthouse taken from the drone (above and below). Jordan’s first drone video edit… Next stop: East Jordan, Mi for a Scheer family wedding.
Days 4-5 Travel from Asheville, NC through VA, WVA, PA, & NY to Ontario, Canada and Niagara Falls Love traveling in the motorhome because we can stop whenever and wherever . . . like at The New River Gorge in West Virginaia We released the drone to fly all around it and along the […]
Days 4-5 Travel from Asheville, NC through VA, WVA, PA, & NY to Ontario, Canada and Niagara Falls <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1340" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/maps-nc-ny-268x300.jpg" alt="maps-nc-ny" width="268" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/maps-nc-ny-268x300.jpg 268w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/maps-nc-ny.jpg 611w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 268px) 100vw, 268px" /> Love traveling in the motorhome because we can stop whenever and wherever . . . like at The New River Gorge in West Virginaia <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1367" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/New-River-Gorge-Jordan-300x200.jpg" alt="DCIM100MEDIADJI_0154.JPG" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/New-River-Gorge-Jordan-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/New-River-Gorge-Jordan-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> We released the drone to fly all around it and along the river. This is a still shot from the drone (video to be released later). The New River Gorge Bridge is the longest single arch bridge in the world. 3,000 feet across the top of the road. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1366" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/New-River-Gorge-Bridge-Jarred-300x225.jpg" alt="New River Gorge Bridge-Jarred" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/New-River-Gorge-Bridge-Jarred-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/New-River-Gorge-Bridge-Jarred-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Cost $37 million to build in 1977 Did you know “Virginia is for lovers”? Click on the pic to enlarge and read it for yourself <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1376" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Virginia-is-for-Lovers-300x201.jpg" alt="Virginia is for Lovers" width="300" height="201" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Virginia-is-for-Lovers-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Virginia-is-for-Lovers-900x602.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Virginia-is-for-Lovers.jpg 1936w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Next stop: NIAGARA FALLS After much deliberation and counsel from Trip Advisor, we drove across the Peace Bridge, through customs and settled on the Canadian side of the amazing Niagara Falls. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1381 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Entering-Canada-300x225.jpg" alt="Entering Canada" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Entering-Canada-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Entering-Canada-900x675.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Entering-Canada.jpg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> FYI: Yes, we needed passports to enter Canada. No, they did not search the RV or ask any questions about pets, or fruits/veggies we were carrying (unlike when we entered the great country–I mean state–of California 5 years ago and they confiscated all our fresh fruits and veggies). Dakota and Alyssa loved the RV Park playground and soft grass <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1397" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/alyssa-rocket-e1433824416867-225x300.jpg" alt="alyssa rocket" width="221" height="295" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/alyssa-rocket-e1433824416867-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/alyssa-rocket-e1433824416867-675x900.jpg 675w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/alyssa-rocket-e1433824416867.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1372" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-stick-300x300.jpg" alt="Dakota stick" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-stick-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-stick-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-stick.jpg 528w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> But we were here for this main attraction . . . Niagara Falls! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1383 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Niagara-300x225.jpg" alt="Niagara" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Niagara-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Niagara-900x675.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Niagara.jpg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> (left) “American Falls” (right) “Canadian Falls” <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1382" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/family-selfie-Niagara-300x225.jpg" alt="family selfie Niagara" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/family-selfie-Niagara-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/family-selfie-Niagara-900x675.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/family-selfie-Niagara.jpg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1362 size-medium" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Alyssa-at-Niagara-300x225.jpeg" alt="Alyssa at Niagara" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Alyssa-at-Niagara-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Alyssa-at-Niagara-900x675.jpeg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Alyssa-at-Niagara.jpeg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1364" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/2FallsBoat-300x300.jpg" alt="2FallsBoat" width="500" height="500" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/2FallsBoat-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/2FallsBoat-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/2FallsBoat-900x900.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> (above photo credit Jarred Fenlason) “Maid of the Mist” boat tour for those who want to be one with the Falls <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1344" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/FullSizeRender-300x201.jpg" alt="FullSizeRender" width="500" height="335" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/FullSizeRender-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/FullSizeRender-900x602.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/FullSizeRender.jpg 1936w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> (photo credit: Carlye Fenlason) Ah…the rainbow Interesting story: The only person to involuntarily go over the falls and survive was a 7 year old boy who fell overboard when his boat was in an accident. Only wearing a regulation orange life vest and his swimsuit, he survived the drop and was rescued at the bottom by the Maid of the Mist. Ps. The drone was not welcome here Tomorrow: Back to cell phone service and the good ol’ USA
Welcome to the Fenlason Family Travel Blog 2015! Although there have been many FenFun WestFest travels since 2009, this is first time the travels have made it to the blog in six long years. The children have grown into teens and the cute five year old has become a beautiful 11 year old. We […]
Welcome to the Fenlason Family Travel Blog 2015! Although there have been many FenFun WestFest travels since 2009, this is first time the travels have made it to the blog in six long years. The children have grown into teens and the cute five year old has become a beautiful 11 year old. We invite you to join our travel experience through the Appalachians, the Rockies, Canada, and many places in between. For us, this is a journey of epic travel documentation: We have two Nikons, 5 iPhones, the flying drone, the GoPro, and joining us on his inaugural journey–Dakota our 8 month old English Cream Retriever! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1361" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-8-months-old-300x201.jpg" alt="Dakota 8 months old" width="300" height="201" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-8-months-old-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-8-months-old-900x602.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-8-months-old.jpg 1936w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> We are relying on Proverbs 3:5&6 as God directs our paths. See us on Instagram #FenFest2015. Day one Map: Jensen Beach, FL to Asheville, NC <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1339" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/map-fl-nc-231x300.jpg" alt="map-fl-nc" width="231" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/map-fl-nc-231x300.jpg 231w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/map-fl-nc.jpg 513w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 231px) 100vw, 231px" /> Traveling in the Winnebago makes for amazing family bonding as each member was glued to their iphone (hear the sarcasm?). That all changed when we met up with the Rasku cousins . . . <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-1370" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cousins-on-a-rock-via-drone.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cousins-on-a-rock-via-drone.jpg 4000w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cousins-on-a-rock-via-drone-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/cousins-on-a-rock-via-drone-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> (above L to R) Jordan F, Taylor R, Carlye F, Jacob R, Megan R, Alyssa F, Sam R (below) A cloud rolled in over the hiking trail atop the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, NC <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1349" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/sunset-hike-w-cousins-300x225.jpg" alt="sunset hike w/ cousins" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/sunset-hike-w-cousins-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/sunset-hike-w-cousins-900x675.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> (below)The trailhead at “Craggy Gardens” <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1348" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Craggy-Gardens-Jarred-300x300.jpg" alt="Craggy Gardens (Blue Ridge Parkway)" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Craggy-Gardens-Jarred-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Craggy-Gardens-Jarred-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Craggy-Gardens-Jarred-900x900.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1350" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-Hike-in-mist-Jarred-300x300.jpg" alt="Dakota Hike in mist" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-Hike-in-mist-Jarred-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-Hike-in-mist-Jarred-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Dakota-Hike-in-mist-Jarred-900x900.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> (below) Success at the top! Amazing sunset (our favorite type of pic) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1345" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Sunset-Alyssa-Jarred-300x300.jpg" alt="Sunset Alyssa" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Sunset-Alyssa-Jarred-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Sunset-Alyssa-Jarred-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Sunset-Alyssa-Jarred-900x900.jpg 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> As we look forward to a new travel day tomorrow, we sadly say goodbye to Jarred’s Sister & Family in NC and head for the far North–Canada!
Welcome to our 2015 summer family travel blog! Join our family this summer (2015) as we take an 8-week RV trip across the country. We hope you can feel the love in our family adventures, for with Love, all things are possible. [This blog places the last written post, latest in date and newest in […]
Welcome to our 2015 summer family travel blog! Join our family this summer (2015) as we take an 8-week RV trip across the country. We hope you can feel the love in our family adventures, for with Love, all things are possible. [This blog places the last written post, latest in date and newest in experience, on top. Posts below are from our 2009 FenFun WestFest.]
Day 62-64: Thursday-Saturday July 30–August 1, 2009
Thursday morning we woke up to see another rainy day and we made the decision to head home. The map below shows our 3-day, 2,078 mile route from Denver to Stuart, FL. We took the northern route out of Denver so we could see the beautiful state of Nebraska–one of two states we haven’t been […]
Thursday morning we woke up to see another rainy day and we made the decision to head home. The map below shows our 3-day, 2,078 mile route from Denver to Stuart, FL. We took the northern route out of Denver so we could see the beautiful state of Nebraska–one of two states we haven’t been in out west. We would like to thank everyone for reading our blog. We feel blessed to have such great family and friends. And a special thanks to you who left comments on the blog–you know who you are I must say . . . there’s no place like home. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1308" title="Return route" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/route_day_62-64-300x215.jpg" alt="Return route" width="300" height="215" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/route_day_62-64-300x215.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/route_day_62-64.jpg 780w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> We will continue the blog at such time as we embark on yet another adventure. To be continued some time in the future . . . Praise God from whom all blessings flow! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1320" title="Visited States Map through 2009" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/VisitedStatesMap2009-300x151.jpg" alt="Visited States Map through 2009" width="300" height="151" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/VisitedStatesMap2009-300x151.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/VisitedStatesMap2009.jpg 347w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Our motor home “Visited States Map” through 2009 (maybe an East Coast trip will be next).
We packed up–in the rain–and left Garden of the Gods to head (hopefully) to drier weather in Aurora, CO. We stopped at Focus on the Family headquarters in Colorado Springs and played in their amazing kids’ area. The kids rode the 3-story corkscrew slide, performed a puppet show, and ventured through the wardrobe door into […]
We packed up–in the rain–and left Garden of the Gods to head (hopefully) to drier weather in Aurora, CO. We stopped at Focus on the Family headquarters in Colorado Springs and played in their amazing kids’ area. The kids rode the 3-story corkscrew slide, performed a puppet show, and ventured through the wardrobe door into Narnia. The bookstore there is amazing. Our family gives this stop 5 thumbs up! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1299" title="Jordan on the Focus on the Family three story indoor slide" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-3-300x225.jpg" alt="Jordan on the Focus on the Family three story indoor slide" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-3-900x675.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-3.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1297" title="Carlye on the Focus on the Family three story indoor slide" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-1-300x225.jpg" alt="Carlye on the Focus on the Family three story indoor slide" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-1-900x675.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-1.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1298" title="Alyssa on the Focus on the Family three story indoor slide" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-2-300x225.jpg" alt="Alyssa on the Focus on the Family three story indoor slide" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-2-900x675.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-2.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> The kids on the Focus on the Family three story indoor slide <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1300" title="Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-4-225x300.jpg" alt="Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-4-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-4.jpg 576w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /> Threatening dark clouds greeted us as we arrived into Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora, CO. The downpour began about an hour after setting up camp. Jordan was determined to have our own campfire tonight no matter what the weather. So . . . we roasted hot dogs and made smores while holding umbrellas. Jordan faithfully held the biggest umbrella over the fire itself–desperate weather requires desperate measures! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1301" title="Enjoying a camp fire regardless of the weather - Cherry Creek State Campground in Aurora Colorado" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-5-300x225.jpg" alt="Enjoying a camp fire regardless of the weather - Cherry Creek State Campground in Aurora Colorado" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-5-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-5-900x675.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-5.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Enjoying a camp fire regardless of the weather – Cherry Creek State Campground in Aurora Colorado <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1302" title="Our last night together" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-6-300x225.jpg" alt="Our last night together" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-6-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-6-900x675.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day61-6.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Our last night… We think we’ll head east tomorrow. Although we actually prepaid another night here, the rainy weather has forced us to reconsider our plans. And we know paradise awaits us in Stuart, FL (It’s lobster season after all!) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1303" title="Route Day 61" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/route_day_61-226x300.jpg" alt="Route Day 61" width="226" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/route_day_61-226x300.jpg 226w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/route_day_61.jpg 396w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 226px) 100vw, 226px" /> Route Day 61 (From Colorado Springs to Aurora)
Wow… 60 days in a motor home with 5 people and a dog and we haven’t hurt each other yet! (well… at least seriously) 🙂 It rained and rained and rained . . .but the kids didn’t care. They made friends at the playground and introduced the new kids to their lizards. The lizards were […]
Wow… 60 days in a motor home with 5 people and a dog and we haven’t hurt each other yet! (well… at least seriously) It rained and rained and rained . . .but the kids didn’t care. They made friends at the playground and introduced the new kids to their lizards. The lizards were a hit and the group created a 6-part play with the lizards center stage. See video clip for a sampling We joined John & Suzi and John & Barbara for dinner downtown Manitou Springs at the famous Stagecoach. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1291" title="Rainbow at Manitou Springs Colorado " src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day60-1-199x300.jpg" alt="Rainbow at Manitou Springs Colorado " width="199" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day60-1-199x300.jpg 199w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day60-1.jpg 510w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 199px) 100vw, 199px" /> We saw a double rainbow over downtown Manitou Springs. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1292" title="Carlye admiring the purple flowers" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day60-2-225x300.jpg" alt="Carlye admiring the purple flowers" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day60-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day60-2.jpg 576w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /> Carlye admiring the purple flowers. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1293" title="All of us at the restaurant" src="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day60-3-300x225.jpg" alt="All of us at the restaurant" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day60-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day60-3-900x675.jpg 900w, https://www.fenlason.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/coloradosprings_day60-3.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Posing in front of the fireplace at the Stagecoach Restaurant. Later we joined another family’s campfire–it was too wet to start own after dinner. Tomorrow we will head towards the Denver area to get a little closer to the airport as the Briggs fly out Thursday morning.