Hays, KS to Kansas City, MO

Mural in Hays, KS

Woke up and did a little geocaching. We got to see some really random areas of Hays, KS including the Visitors Center (not so random), some chainsaw carvings, and a cool faded mural. Then it was on the highway again to head to Missouri.

Toadstool Formations

We made an unexpectedly fruitful stop at a rest area and discovered an earthcache about toad stool formations. I had never heard of them (I'm a nurse, not a geologist) so it was really neat to learn about them. We also saw many fields full of windmills and oil derricks, two things which I would not have previously associated with Kansas. Woo Hoo! One day closer to home!

Selfie with Gizmo 

Denver, CO to Hays, KS

Welcome to Kansas!

Sleepy Pups

French Toast Brûlée

Driving Day! Yay... okay, maybe not that enthusiastic about driving at this point, but seeing Kansas was kind of fun. We had no plans for the day other than making it to Hays, Kansas... a city which we knew nothing about. I am just going to preface this post with the statement that TripAdvisor saved the day. We were starting to get hungry in the middle of no where (AKA Eastern Colorado) and I started searching for restaurants in upcoming towns. One of them was the Turkey Crossing Cafe in Hugo, Colorado. We decided to stop there without realizing it was 13 miles off the interstate on which we were traveling. Whoops! Well, we were already off the highway, so we decided to see what it was like. Once we arrived, it was a tiny town that reminded me a lot of Whigham, Georgia. I don't even think there was a stop light. We found that there was a large shady park with picnic tables across the street from the cafe. Bonus for the pups! We went in and ordered food. It was definitely a locals only kind of place, cause few people were gonna wander in this direction. The people inside were really nice and our food was delicious! Mom got a pork cutlet sandwich and onion straws, which were fantastic and I don't even usually pick pork as my meat of choice (except for bacon). Then for dessert we decided to try their caramel pie. It was delicious! We grabbed a quick nearby geocache and headed back to the interstate. We finally made it to Hays, which I was assuming was going to be a one horse town... boy was I wrong! Apparently Fort Hays State University is located there. We had found Gella's Diner & Lb. Brewing Company on TripAdvisor. The food was superb. They had a lot of different items like a Green Bean, Potato, & Dumpling soup (amazing), Creamed Spinach with bacon and parmesan, and a French Bread Brûlée. I thought Mom was going to have to roll me out of there. Wow! Kind wish we had a reason to go back to Hays, KS so I could eat there again! 

Rocky Mountain National Park

Wyoming Ground Squirrel

Elk at Sheep Lakes

Gizmo & Ollie got to go to Doggie Daycare while Mom and I explored Rocky Mountain National Park. The park is about 70 miles north of Denver, Colorado. We headed out, only to run into some pretty significant road construction delays. After waiting in a stopped lane for a while, we decided to turn around and take a detour that had been advertised some miles back. It took us through a more rural area to the park's entrance. As we were heading into the park entrance, we saw three elk walking into town, which we took as a good omen for wildlife viewing. The first thing we did was stop at the Beaver MeadowsVisitor Center. After browsing in the gift shop, I asked a park ranger to recommend a good drive to see wildlife and scenery on. I explained that Mom & I weren't up for much hiking with the altitude and that we were returning to Denver for the night. She recommended that we take Trail Ridge Road, which would take us into the Alpine Tundra area of the park, and we could come out the other side of the park where we might see some moose. We were all for it, and also decided to make a quick detour to Sheep Lakes in hopes of seeing some bighorn sheep, who come down from Bighorn Mountain to eat the nutrient dense mud from the lakes. As we approached Sheep Lakes, we noticed there was a car stopped in the middle of the road. I rolled down the window to ask one of the bystanders if they were looking at sheep. About that time, I noticed that there were some huge antlers that were moving in the bushes. It was a fairly decent sized elk. I snapped a few photos and then we headed down to the lakes. As we walked around, we met a very nice park volunteer who told us about the small little furry creature that we were viewing. It was a Wyoming Ground Squirrel (I'd never heard of one before). She also explained the process to become a park volunteer. It sounded really interesting! As we left Sheep Lakes, the elk had crossed the road (that has got to the a joke in the Rockies) and was grazing in an open area. I was able to get a few more pictures before we continued on our way.

View from Trail Ridge Road

We made a few scenic stops, because the snow covered mountains were just gorgeous. We finally made our way to Rock Cut, which is where the park ranger said there had been some bighorn sheep sightings. Apparently, these bighorn sheep do not want me to photograph them, because they were no where to be seen! However, I heard a small creature and Mom was able to spot him (her?). It was a cute little Yellow-bellied Marmot. As I moved to the side to get a closer picture, I startled another, larger, marmot into motion. He scared the bejesus out of me! However, his chunky little tush was very photogenic! He also complied with turning around and romping about so I was able to get some good photos! Yay! We finally continued on our way (we had to be back by a certain time to pickup Gizmo and Ollie), and drove into the Alpine Tundra area of the park. The highest point on Trail Ridge Road is 12,183 feet! The air was thin!! We stopped at the Alpine Visitor Center, where they had a pressed penny machine (Woo Hoo!), and Mom ended up getting a free chai latte (score!).

Yellow-bellied Marmot

Then it was down the back side of the mountain. Mom did a fantastic job driving, cause one side of the road was pretty much an immediate drop off down the mountain and the other side was snow covered boulders. As we approached the Colorado River Trailhead (where another park ranger said to start looking for moose), Mom gleefully exclaimed "I see one!". She pulled over and told me to peek around the other side of the hill. I carefully, and quietly, snuck around and didn't see any... then I saw them! There were three little guys! AMAZING! I took a lot of photos and then we continued on our way. 

Spotted another one but not quickly enough to stop. We also saw one way back in a creek, and a deer (?) beside the road. What an amazing trip!!!

I see you! 

Moab, UT to Denver, CO

Vietnam Veteran's Memorial

After repacking the car, we decided to have breakfast at Sweet Cravings Bakery & Bistro in Moab, Utah. A very nice gentleman took our order, come to find out he was "Dad" one of the owners of the bakery. After enjoying some very tasty biscuits and gravy, Mom & I agreed it was a shame we weren't staying longer so we could try their french toast, it looked delicious! Then we were on the road again, for yet another driving day...

Colorado National Monument

As we crossed into Colorado (Mom missed taking a picture of the "Welcome to Colorful Colorado" sign, so you will just have to imagine it), we decided to make a quick rest stop in Fruita, Colorado. Little did we know that there was a Vietnam Veteran's Memorial (and
accompanying geocache) at the stop we made. As we were looking at the information in the rest area, we realized that the Colorado National Monument was nearby. Having previously never heard of this place, and it being only 4 miles away, we decided to check it out. Come to find out, it isn't really a monument at all, but a National Park. As we entered at the gate (for free thanks to the America the Beautiful Pass), the ranger told us that there had been several sightings of bighorn sheep. I have always wanted to see one, so Mom agreed to drive while I waited in the passengers seat with my camera in my lap. We drove up the winding, scenic road to the visitors center without seeing any sheep, but the views were completely worth it! We then decided to return to Fruita for lunch. Using one of our iPhone apps, we discovered a place called Munchies... once again, superb meal. Finished it off with a banana shake, which was the first time I had ever had one and it was great! 

Dedication to John Otto

After our unexpected detour, we hopped back on the interstate to make it to Denver. The interstate driving was really pretty and very different from the landscape either Mom or I was accustomed too. We even passed a town called No Name and Hidden Valley. I wanted to stop in Hidden Valley to see if everyone ate Ranch dressing, but Mom was asleep so that got vetoed. We finally made it to our hotel where we checked in and tried to get some rest before our next adventure...

View from the Scenic Overlook

Moab Meanderings

Colorado River

Petroglyphs 

Black Crowned Night Heron

We woke up bright and early because Rose, in her (in)finite wisdom decided that we should take the 8 AM jet boat ride on the Colorado River. We arrived at Canyonlands by Night and Day, the tour company, to find that there were only six other people on our tour. Our guide, Rory, arrived and we boarded the boat. Cruising the river between red canyons was a really cool experience, literally and figuratively.  They had warned us to bring light jackets on the tour because it might "get a little cool". Understated to say the least... Early into our cruise, we saw petroglyphs and a black-crowned night heron. His little red eyes were kind of eiry. As we continued down the River we saw Jug Handle Arch, turkey vultures, some nesting Great Blue Herons, Thelma & Louise Point, Dead Horse State Park, and entered into Canyonlands National Park. The cliffs and geological formations were beautiful. Rory told us a little about how the movie industry affected Moab. He listed off a lot of movies filmed in the nearby vicinity, including Thelma & Louise, The Lone Ranger, 127 Hours, and Mission Impossible II. He also showed us a grotto where they hold a yearly music festival. They transport nearly 200 people to it via jet boat as well as at least one baby grand piano. The acoustics were wonderful! During our return to the office, we went at full speed. It got really cold! Brrrr! Who would have thought we would need coats in Utah during June? 

Great Blue Herons 

After we got back to the office, we asked the girls behind the counter for restaurant suggestions. They told us about a little shop called Milt's Stop-n-Eat. We decided to swing by there for some food before continuing our adventures. Let me just say, best meal of the trip so far! Home made burgers, home cut fries, and made fresh for you after you place your order. Yummy! 

Mom all wrapped up!

Next stop, Arches National Park...

Balanced Rock 

Mom & I at North Window

As we entered Arches, we received the brochure and map, but Mom already had a geocache picked out for us to do. We passed the Petrified Dunes, and decided to grab the cache and then do a short 0.3 mile hike around Balanced Rock. It was pretty hot & humid by that time (to think we were freezing earlier in 
the day), so we took the picture taking and hiking slowly. After we finished admiring Balanced Rock and all of the desert vegetation, we headed for the Windows Area of the park. The parking lots were full when we arrived, but luckily the Subaru doesn't mind parking a little off-road (only in permitted areas, of course). We then decided to hike up to the North Window, from which we would have a nice view of Turret Arch. Mom and I spent a while basking in the warmth and beauty of the arches and headed back toward the car. I rehydrated, applied some more sunscreen and then set out on the well-populated short hike to the Double Arch. It was so neat! Gazing up at the arches and the blue sky, it almost felt as though I were on a completely different planet. Afterward, I returned to the car and Mom & I headed back into Moab. We decided to do dinner at the Moab Brewery (also suggested by the girls from the boat tour earlier). Really good food, Mom had a sunflower cilantro dressing on her salad, which sounds weird but tasted yreally good. After enjoying some homemade gelato for dessert, it was time to go back to the hotel to relax and call it an evening.

Double Arch

The big "B" to the "SLC" ( AKA Boise to Salt Lake City)

So we headed out from Boise bright and early (at least for Rose). First stop... Geocache! Grabbed a quick find at a nearby location and then hopped on the Interstate. Driving, driving, driving... Made what we thought was going to be a quick stop for lunch in Twin Falls, Idaho. As we pulled into Culvers, we saw signs for Shoshone Falls. Over fried cheese curds, yummy freshly made food, and frozen custard, we researched a nearby caches. If you have never been to Culver's (it is a chain restaurant), definitely give them a try when you see one, you won't be disappointed. The frozen custard is similar to really good ice cream, except much creamier and absolutely delicious! 

The first geocache that we found was in nearby Twin Falls County Centennial Waterfront

Park. The park was located deep in the valley, following the Snake River. From the park, we had a great view of Perrine Bridge, which spans 1,500 feet with a height of 486 feet. It was completed in 1976, and is a neat sight to behold. Also, Shoshone Falls, which neither of us had ever heard of, was pretty amazing! Shoshone Falls, called the Niagara Falls of the West, is actually 50 feet higher than Niagara Falls. The viewpoint was beautiful, even if it decided to rain tiny little kittens & puppies while we were there. Highlight- pressed penny machine, woo hoo! Naturally, there was a cache in the park we had to grab.

We reluctantly got back in the vehicle to finish our journey to Salt Lake City, Utah.  Although the Great Salt Lake is about 75 miles long by 28 miles wide, somehow we missed seeing the exits for it on the way into town. Instead, we made a quick stop at PetSmart to get some toys for two very patient pups. I am sure the guest of the LaQuinta Inn really appreciated those squeaky Kong balls. And headed for the hotel. After checking in, we enjoyed a quick dinner at Chick-Fil-A and called it a night. 

Desert Driving

After a restful night in Salt Lake City, we woke up, loaded the car, and headed out to see the Great Salt Lake. We decided to see it at Salt Lake State Park. It was raining when we reached the park.  Pretty sure that Rose brought the Washington weather with her. As we exited the car, an overwhelming smell of saltwater pervaded the air, imagine the smell of those shells we would bring home, then forget to take out of the car. Wow, potent!

 We walked to the Visitor's Center to pay our entry fee and do a little browsing. Immediately upon entering the facility, there is a HUGE chunk of salt! Seriously, it was bigger than if you lined up Ollie & Gizmo. Think a young Arnold Schwarzenegger's thigh... No joke.  Apparently the Morton Salt Company just found it floating in the Lake. The Great Salt Lake varies in salinity from 6-26%. To give you a comparison, the Dead Sea is about 30%. The Great Salt Lake is divided in the middle by a railroad track (not sure which genius thought that one up). The southern portion of the lake, where we visited, is about 13-15% and the northern portion is twice that! As the level of the lake drops, the salinity increases causing the water to become super saturated and large chucks of crystallized salt appear floating on the surface. Despite it's immense size, the Great Salt Lake is relatively shallow. The Park Ranger told us it is about 30 feet at it's deepest and that the bouys, visible in the distance from the center, signified a depth of only 6 feet. We took pictures and explored the marina adjacent to the Visitor's Center, finding a cache and walking the dogs. We dried off the crew and loaded up for the next portion of our journey. 

 We stopped for breakfast at Chick-Fil-A (again, yummy), and hopped on the interstate for a few miles before catching US Highway 191 out to Moab, Utah. 

The highway out to Moab had us passing through some very beautiful, though desolate, country. It is so different to be surrounded by towering cliffs of gold and red. We pulled off at a random viewpoint only to find out it was the site of a robbery by Butch Cassidy. And, of course, there was a cache there! That's pretty cool. 

As we drove into the town of Moab, there were plenty of the cutesy shops one expects in a tourist-driven town. There were also numerous advertisements for different tour companies, 4x4s, river rafts, ATVs, zip lines, and jet boats (just to name a few). Mom immediately decided she wanted to do one of the tours (and Rose was all for it)! After we got settled into the hotel, we gather some interesting brochures and called to make reservations for a jet boat tour down the Colorado River the next morning.