Our National Parks 2015

On June 5, 2015 Paddy, Larry and I left Indio, CA for our adventure through some of America's most amazing National Parks.  While growing up, we never camped!   (My Dad's idea of camping was going to a Howard Johnson Motel with a pool and black and white TV!)  So seeing these parks was a real "eye opener" me.  I just can't express my enthusiasm for these parks.  This country offers so much diversification.  They belong to us - you and me.  Go see them.

 First stop was Lake Havasu, CA and lunch next to the London Bridge.  By the way, we hit every Harley shop along our path.  Some were just little t-shirt stores while other were major dealerships. Hence, London Bridge Harley Shop.  Then to Laughlin and dinner at this great place with a beer tap at the booth.  Dangerous!

 Next stop, Zion National Park, Utah.  Here you look up and can walk a peaceful path by the river.

 

 Then off to Bryce Canyon National Park where you look down unless of course you are hiking a trail down in the bottom of the canyon - looking up.  Too many pictures to show you so you'll just have to go yourself!

Hoo-doos! Those towering rock formations.

 Mesa Verde National Park,  Colorado 

-where the Pueblos created homes in natural caves in the sides of rocky mountains to protect them from the winter snows and winds.  After approximately a 24 year drought, they left the area to find a more resourceful place to live.  They were there only 150 years.

The most gorgeous ride was from Bryce Canyon through the Grand Staircase-Escalante, Glen Canyon, and Canyonlands National Park (all in southern Utah).  Put that ride on your bucket list!

Dinosaur National Park - Utah

Yes, Dorothy, there were once dinosaurs roaming the earth - in Utah. 

 Just had to go to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to visit Pat and Anita.  Go see them at their restaurant The Lift.  Charming town with a rodeo every Wednesday.  Even Gator Dave showed up. And it's down the road from Yellowstone.  I was disappointed we didn't see any bears, then again, I was relieved.

And there's the famous Mangy Moose, once owned by Pat.



Heading East from Jackson Hole through Idaho to visit the Craters of the Moon National Park. Looked like a lava field!


Continuing into eastern Oregon where it was a little warmer and drier.  Cute towns there - Wallowa, Enterprise and Joseph.  Check out the B&Bs there.  North through Hell's Canyon - that was interesting.............and up to Washington state.  Stopped and spent several days with Becky and Wirt at their lovely home and I was lucky to see Val and her fiancee Chris.  And Gator Dave!  He was visiting to pick up a 1975 BMW motorcycle.

Here's our view of Mt. Hood from the deck!  Yes, that's snow.

We arrived a few weeks ago in Vancouver to see Julie, John and Foos.

 This is sweet Foos.

 Pool party with Susie, Aimee and their clan!

It's been a wild month plus covering almost 2,700 miles, visting about 8-9 national parks and seeing way too many motels.  Thank goodness for my cushy seat and generous friends to stay with.  I fly to Florida on the 19th for 3 weeks and can't wait to see family and friends, go scalloping and sweat alot! Paddy's heading east for Sturgis. Then we'll begin our trip back to California and visit some friends on the way.  

We LOVE California!

Paddy and I miss Le Chat Beaute' and look forward to returning to our home moored 

in San Diego early September. 

Namaste'