Most Favorite Picture

We are going to try and post our top 10 shots, but it is proving difficult to narrow them down so we'll leave you with our most favorite shot of the trip. Yeah, it's probably our #1 shot too....

It's A Wrap

As promised we thought we'd start to wrap up our trip in a series of lists. It seems to be the simplest way of summarizing our odyssey the 13,000+ miles we've traveled over the last 2 months.

Start date: January 11th
Home date: March 15th
Total days on the road: 64
Total miles: 13,608 miles give or take a hundred or so of 'in town' driving
Total gallons of gas: 558
Average MPG: 24.3
Rubber worn off tires: 2mm from front; 1mm from rear
No. of pictures taken: 3,676
Ski injuries: none (woohoo)
Car problems: none (woohoo again)
No. of car washes: 1 (San Antonio, TX)
Coldest temp: -12F in Laramie
Hottest temp: ~85F in Death Valley (but it was a 'dry' heat)

Most interesting sighting: sled dogs on the road to Kit Carson pass, CA although foxes in the elementary school yard in Laramie was pretty cool too.

Best side trip: Vadeawoo mountains east of Laramie while on the way to Cheyenne, WY.

Best hike: The Generals trail in Sequoia Nat'l. Park...what's not to like lots of big trees, snow & quiet. Thank goodness we bought snowshoes or we couldn't have done this hike through the largest trees on earth...y'all reckon this is a best purchase? Maybe, but it could be Dansko shoes at half price and no sale's tax in Kalispell, MT or may in fact be yarn purchases!

Favorite area: Kalispell / Whitefish / Glacier Park all in Montana (Laramie, Bozeman and Death Valley ain't bad either)

Best view: Top of Whitefish mountain looking towards Glacier Park when the fog lifted and the view of the Canadian Rockies to the north.

Favorite road: Laramie to Bozeman by way of Thermopolis and Cody. How about prairie, mountains, gorges, rivers all in one drive.

Scariest road: CA 49...real skinny road, hundreds of feet up on the side of a mountain, innumerable blind turns and switchbacks, NO guardrail. Thankfully Cindi was driving.

Virginians we met: Taos Ski Valley: Bill from Henrico; Snowy Range Ski Area: Tiffany, her son, Liam and Fiance, Souman from Roanoke; Whitefish Ski Resort: Glenn from Norfolk; Solitude: six skiers from Richmond; Salt Lake City: Bob from VT class of '77 (same as me).

#Days of Bad Weather Driving: 2 with drizzle/rain, 3 with snow/snow covered roads
Location: Drizzle/fog
Spokane, WA to Boise, ID way back on February 23rd. Then again as we headed home as we reached Ohio then all the way to Richmond...the last 8 hours or so of the trip. Welcome Home...

Location: Snowy conditions
Unbelievably we only drove in snowy conditions 3 times the entire trip...the first time as we set out for a drive to West Yellowstone, MT...we went from sunny to snow in under an hour. Let's just say that there is a reason that Yellowstone is closed for the winter to cars...not snowmobiles or feet though.

The second time occurred as we left Reno through the Mount Rose area & on to Carson Pass in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on our way to Fresno, CA. Our last time driving in snow was when we were hit by "powder fever" and bailed on Laramie, WY to head up to Bozeman, MT for the second time. Although it was after most of the snow fell the roads still made driving interesting and added significantly to our car's new look.



Number States visited: 26...it counts even if we only drove through it:
Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky...

Favorite state(s): Wyoming and Montana. Why? The beauty of mountains which was so different from the Blue Ridge here in Virginia. The bright endless blue skies, the snow...light, airy and dry. How can snow be dry? The skiing/boarding in honest to God real snow. Being able to see so many animals/birds not seen around these parts. Finally the quiet...no planes, cars or people along with all of the associated noises produced. Loved it!

Least favorite state: Washington...why? Well, to be fair to Washington we had just left Montana & Wyoming so the shock of traffic and people in Spokane didn't help make a good 1st impression. The second thing was the weather...dreary drizzle & fog. Finally the scenery along the road to Pullman, WA just looked too 'manufactured'.

The animals:
Thankfully one of the great side benefits of this trip was the fact that we were able to see at fairly close range quite a bit of wildlife. Sometimes the wildlife cooperated with our photography and sometimes we didn't get the shot off in time...talking about those darn bald eagles again.

We are always on the lookout for birds that are unique to an area. On this trip we did find one that showed up in the countryside & in the towns...the black-billed Magpie seemed to be everywhere. Cindi tried to get a decent picture of the bird, but never quite pulled it off. The most remarkable feature was the tail...extra long at 9-12" according to our birding book. Too bad we never got a shot at one in flight...black and white plumage along with that tail was a pretty neat thing to see flying. Why such a long tail? We have no idea.

Since we're talking about birds we also were able to see quite a few bald eagles, one golden eagle and numerous hawks. Still trying to figure out which hawks (mainly red-tail, rough-legged, sharp-shinned, & Cooper's), but we did get some fantastic pictures of a red-tail hawk outside of Fresno, CA. He seemed to be posing for our camera.

On the other hand, for all the eagles we saw while on the trip we never got close enough for good shots. It would seem that the bald eagle is camera shy. While in Montana we also saw some of the largest flocks of wild turkeys we've ever seen...good luck for the Hokies, maybe? The first group of 30 or so birds was along the road at a gas station in Casper, WY just pecking away in the fresh snow.The second group of 100+ birds was literally attacking the stacked hay in pastureland on our way into Bozeman. The ranchers stack up their hay and enclose them in fencing to keep the deer and cows out...must not have thought about the impending turkey invasion.

We were also fortunate to see coyote (Idaho & Wyoming), big horn sheep (Colorado & New Mexico), red foxes (Wyoming), buffalo, (Wyoming), elk (Wyoming & Montana), prong horn (Wyoming, Montana, & South Dakota), white-tail deer (everywhere), mule deer (most of the West), prairie dogs (South Dakota), a few ducks swimming along the rivers & glacial lakes (Wyoming, Montana), vast numbers of ducks & geese migrating along with ring-necked pheasants (South Dakota, Iowa) and various lizards (Death Valley, CA).

Most unusual sighting was that of a horse being ridden along the highway in a Bakersville, CA gas station...don't see that along Hull Street. As we walked back to the hotel the cowboy and his horse were stretching their legs...learned one thing...always have a camera on you. You just never know what you will see.

Total Ski Areas Visited: 9
No. of days skiing: 19
Favorite ski run: Moose at Whitefish (Cupp at Snowshoe is really nice but the snow is so much better out west)
Coldest ski day: -5F at Bridger Bowl (we really expected more cold)

Snowshoe...the 'start' of our trip, but to be honest the official start for us wasn't until we were out on our own, January 24th.

Sipapu and Taos Ski Valley both located outside of Taos, NM and were our first ski resorts visited in the West...in this case the Southwest. Our first ever powder skiing in 10+ inches at Sipapu was really eye opening, exciting and way more work than we were used to on skis. Taos was terrific...our 1st "bowl skiing". Only wish we could have skied a 2nd day, but Bill decided he'd rather be sick with "allergies"...not.

Snowy Mountains Ski Area: outside of Laramie, WY in the Medicine Bow National Forest. It was pretty small operation, but Cindi regained some confidence on the board which would enable her to become the Boarding Queen by the end of our trip.

Bridger Bowl: only 16 miles from Bozeman, MT recommended by Tom H. as a terrific place for 'skiers' not one for 'pretenders' as it were. He's right we met more true skiers here than anywhere else. Way more men & women over 50, heck over 70 than anywhere else...they skied in the areas of the mountain that we dared not go...maybe next time we'll venture out with our own avalanche beacons. Maybe.

Whitefish at Big Mountain: beautiful scenery...all 360 degree of it when...or better yet if you can see it. We loved the 'personal tour' provided by Glenn on our 2nd day on the mountain and all the extra information gathered during our conversations. Now we know what 'fog balls' are and just which parts of the mountain to revisit...next year. Cindi was also able to finally figure out that she could manage a toe side every now and then on the beginner hill while at Whitefish.

Mount Rose: two things we will always remember about our day at Mount Rose...wind and lots of it make for a very unpleasant day on the slopes and the second thing is that Cindi managed to become a boarder and switch from heelside to toeside on a INTERMEDIATE hill...once again proving me right.

Solitude: after what we would call an icy day on the slopes we were once again blessed to find 12 inches of powder on our second day. One of us starting thinking that boarding beats skiing...at least if it's a powder day. We also have video proof that Cindi can in fact make it down the intermediate slope without a single stop or fall. Major accomplishment...another "knuckledragger" in the family.

Bridger Bowl redo: just 'cause it snowed and we wanted another opportunity to ski in powder. A first occurred for Cindi...she pulled out her board for an entire day...no skiing at all. Too bad we headed back to Spring in Virginia because the area has been hit several more times since we've packed up our equipment for the year. Next year we won't be making that mistake again...

Well that about does it for this trip. We're in 'discussions' about our next one...a trip back to Wyoming and Montana during August or possibly a trip north through Canada along the Alaskan Highway to Alaska. Hawaii has been mentioned too...we've only canceled that trip 2 times during the last 12 months. Any suggestions? Anyone?

Welcome Back to Virginia

We're back at home tonight for the first time since January 11th. Thinking that we'll post a final writeup of the trip in a few days. We still need to unload the car & get everything put away. Then try to get back into the groove...things like grocery shopping, cooking, & especially going out for coffee. You know the important stuff so check back in a few days for our final thoughts on this trip.

I Was Right

Yep, I was right about the drive today...not much of interest along the way. Cindi amused herself trying to capture pictures of birds. There must have been thousands of ducks and geese migrating North. The swirling masses of birds did entertain us for a few hours, but then it was all about the driving. As we drove we noticed that there were a rather large number of hawks along the roadside...one observation is that the Idaho & Montana hawks must be smarter than those in Illinois or Indiana 'cause the number of bodies we observed along the road was noticeable.


At least the red wing black birds know to keep your friends close and your enemies closer.....




Occasionally, a sign would catch our attention, but other than that not much else to report.

The best one is much too blurring, but fun none the less...who would like to try eating at the Possum Trot Restaurant? Anyone?





Corn sculpture is all the rage in Iowa, Illinois or was it Indiana?...who can spot the cow & pig?

Drive and Drive Some More

Today we once again turned east...maybe it'll stick this time. The drive was mostly just driving. Not much to report other than the sightings of a few critters along the route. Quite a few hawks of various types...red tail, rough legged, Cooper's along with numerous bald eagles, but no photographic documentation of any on them. Extremely difficult to get a decent shot of anything when zooming along at 75 mph.

One last view of the mountains of Montana

Once we entered the flatland of South Dakota's wheat/corn country we spotted several ring necked pheasants along the roadside. Once again not able to get clear shots of the birds just take our word for it. Also the usual mule deer & white tail deer wandering along the road and in the fields.

We didn't expect to see prong horns, but we did. Maybe they need a compass 'cause they've wandered into South Dakota further than they are said to be...well past the "150 miles of Cody, WY" alleged in our research.

We'll leave you with a few more shots we did get today....moon at sunrise over Montana and one more sunrise shot.

Our next segment of driving will be even more uninteresting we're afraid...Sioux Falls to Louisville, KY...but you never know what we may find to sidetrack us along the way.

Another Montana Ski Day

Not much to say today. The weather was beautiful with bright blue skies and little wind...maybe a bit on the cold side. We went back to Bridger Bowl and skied all day. I'm almost to the point of thinking that boarding beats skiing. Cindi's still dithering.

Tomorrow we turn east and drive. A lot. Unless we find powder along the way or deem Snowshoe worthy our ski/board bum days are done.

Observation for the day: 19 days of skiing and boarding this season and no injuries. Plus 2 POWDER days!

Second observation of the day...Tom, these guys are still nuts.

I'm Married to a Snowboarding Queen

As of today, we have been gone for 2 months.


The TV said it was -6F this morning and I wouldn't argue. At least it was sunny and with no wind it really wasn't too bad. We put on an extra layer and headed up to Bridger Bowl. There was more snow around than when we were here a month ago and we had a 'blue sky' day; very nice indeed.

Cindi decided to start out on the board to stay warm and stayed with it all day; a first. She ain't the fastest boarder out there, but she's doing blues and blacks and she is the only over-40 female boarder that we have seen the entire trip. Pretty cool. Anyway enjoy the pics. They don't do justice, but no pic can.


























Those little black dots along the top of the ridge are the insane people walking up to the death-wish area. You know, the near-vertical, double-black chutes with rocks, trees and cliffs. Tom H. wishes he was with these guys, but I'm OK just watching.

Bill and Cindi's Most Excellent Adventure

We were planning on skiing at Snowy Range outside Laramie and then heading home; but then we got a big storm Monday night. Tuesday morning we checked the slope conditions (Solitude in Salt Lake City got 26 in., Bridger Bowl in Bozeman got 18 in. and Snowy Range got several inches) and road conditions and after some discussion (OK a lot of discussion) we headed off to Bozeman for a second time. I wasn't sure we would be able to make it to Bozeman in one day, but what the heck. It was around 0F but thankfully not much wind; at least not much for WY. The road had patchy snow for almost the entire trip, but with virtually no traffic, we could still make 65-75mph in most places.








We heard that the jackalope was not real, but we saw this one sitting up on a hill.










I'm pretty sure we set a new 'dirty car' record.








Sunset in Bozeman, MT.

I'm....Out.....of....Breath

I made Cindi come back to Laramie mainly to go snow shoeing in the Snowy Mountains. Unfortunately I didn't really take the 10,000+ ft. elevation into account. We did go, but it was real work. We only went about a mile with 600 ft. climb, but it took an hour and we were dead. I wanted to get to the high central plateau, but no way. In between oxygen-deprivation black-outs it was really pretty though.







On the way up to the mountains, Cindi got our first good pic of a golden eagle.









The snow up here is REALLY deep.



















Apparently the snow is so deep the outhouses need their own snow shovels.










Suited-up and ready to go.









View from 10,400' back towards Laramie. It's way down there in the valley 30 mi. horizontal and 3,400 ft. vertical.








Hey Bill. Are you sure that's the way back?

Sunday Morning Driving

As you can tell from our silence we've been a tad bit too busy to write...oh well. A funny thing did happen to us when we walked into the McDonald's for our breakfast before heading out of Salt Lake City...we met a fellow Hokie...class of 1977 too. We invited him to eat with us so we can talk all things Hokie. About an hour later we exchanged info & finally headed off towards Laramie.




More WY landscapes















WY does wind energy.




We actually drove back to Laramie by way of the Interstate...surprising right? Not much to report other than it was a bright sunshine day and windy once in Laramie, but what else is new. Must report that when we checked the weather when we hit the hotel we noticed the impending snow dump about to hit where we just left. We ALMOST decided to head back down to Salt Lake Monday early AM...we didn't.

Side Note: Solitude received 26 inches of snow from the storm Monday night through Tuesday AM...shoot. Imagine the powder runs we missed out on...I'm really trying not to think about it.

Another Day In (Snow) Paradise

It was supposed to have snowed last night so we went skiing to try some more powder. It had not snowed, but it was a 'blue-sky day' so it was still good. Cindi improved her boarding, but otherwise, nothing notable. We did get some OK pics.







Yes Tom, those are fresh tracks in Solitude's back bowl.