Alsguth Travel Blog

 Hello again, We left Yellowstone on Tuesday.  We had a long drive to Moab, UT.  But we arrived safely and have a nice place in Moab to explore Canyonlands and Arches NP.  Dinner upon our arrival was at the Moab Brewery (thanks for the recommendations, Darby and Welton). Yesterday and today we saw Canyonlands.  The Park is divided into three sections: Island in the Sky (sits between the Colorado and Green Rivers, The Needles (the Southeast corner of the Park) and The Maze (West part of the Park - this part is completely remote, 4-wheel drive only, make sure your will is in order, etc.) First day was Island in the Sky. First hike was Upheaval Dome (about 2 miles).  This area is interesting because this: In the center here are rocks that are fractured and tilted, forming a circular depression more than two miles wide.  Scientists do not know exactly how it formed.  There are two theories: 1. a salt dome that cracked and tilted the rocks over time, o...

 Perfect weather today ... Carsten must have said that 100 times! LOL We decided not to be in a rush this morning, take time for breakfast and just a lazy morning before heading back into the park one last time. The last thing on our list to see was Mammoth Hot Springs, specifically the Travertine Terraces.  A little science because it is interesting... the interaction of water and limestone create chalk-white travertine.  These terraces are among the fastest changing features in the park, emerging quickly and drying up just as fast. Mound Terrace: Mound Springs: Minerva Terrace This was very interesting and beautiful. On the way there we saw many different geological formations... Giant boulders: Golden Gate - the road through here was originally built 1885 but it was a bit unsafe, it has been rebuilt in 1900, 1933 and finally in 1977 using better materials and engineering each time.  Some of the RVs are so large these days ... it might be time for a newer, wider br...

 Hello! Today we decided to head down to Grand Teton NP.  It is a couple hours south of where we are but a lot closer than Houston... LOL. We were not disappointed!  Grand Teton was absolutely beautiful!  The weather was perfect, no haze from the fires remained, temperatures were cold in the morning but warmed up nicely during our hike around Jenny Lake (today's step total was 16,679 for those keeping track). The Tetons rise up out of the earth from a valley - no gradual incline or lazy hills in the way - just BAM - Mountains!  The view across Jenny Lake: Clear evidence of bears - this tree had many scratches from a bear claw (Carsten's hand for size): Along the Jenny trail - notice all the colors and the amazing blue sky! you gotta have a panoramic shot of the Tetons: the trail was so beautiful - i could have taken 100 pictures and never made it around..... more mountains as reflected in Jackson Lake: we don't get Fall colors like this in Houston: the sun final...

Hello, First some data: Steps taken - 19,157 Cool and damp today - mostly around 47F. First thing of the day was Bison on the road to the Norris region of the park... about 10 yards from the car.  There were some crazies that were out of their car trying to take selfies with them... but not us.. Gibbon Falls: Artist Paintpots: Norris Geyser Basin is one of the hottest and most acidic hydrothermal areas in Yellowstone... Cistern Spring- Crackling Lake- Emerald Spring- Porcelain Basin - Porcelain Basin - Vixen Geyser- Yellowstone River runs through the park in a "grand canyon".  We walked along the canyon at the observation points for the upper and lower falls.. Lower Yellowstone Falls- Upper Yellowstone Falls- Canyon walls - Hayden Valley is the region where the Bison come to pursue their mate in the Spring... today there was a family with a younger calf. this guy was digging in the ditch for food... So, the coolest thing of the day... across the river was a GRIZZLY BEAR eatin...