A Wonderful Late August Visit!

One of the highlights of our summer was a visit from Ann, my sister and Frank, her husband.  They had a great train trip from Charleston, West Virginia to Salt Lake City where they rented a car.  With a stop over to explore some of Idaho, they arrived to spend 5 days in West Yellowstone.  It was so much fun to share some of the Park with them.

We did the sights at Midway Geyser Basin without the crowds of July- such a treat!

The wind turned just in time to clear a view of Grand Prismatic and there was a Bison at the tree line beyond Opal Pool.

This is the top of the Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River with an incredible roar of river power.

You can see the River racing to the Falls here- an awesome spot!

Late in the day we got to the famous Lower Falls.  It was also a little smoky from the MT fires to the north of YNP.

On the way back to the Campground we saw a crowd at Elk Park and there was a wolf tossing his supper around in the meadow.  A great close up view!  We were tired and hungry too so we didn't stay too long, but our timing was perfect for an unusual view in that area!

The next day we headed South past Kepler Falls for a great Scenic Boat Ride on Yellowstone Lake.  Ann had planned the trip and invited us to join them.  What a great time we had!  We learned so much about an area we knew nothing about and had a lovely lunch at the Lake Hotel.  Visits are such a great time to share other's joys and make them your own!!

On the last morning of their visit Ann and I got to walk along the Madison River at the Campground before we waved a sad good-bye as they headed for the Grand Tetons.  What FUN we had!  Just not enough time!

Cabin Creek, Ruby Valley and More of YNP

Our next adventure took us into southwest Montana to visit a family connection of my cousin, Olga, in Northern Ireland.  Olga helped set up our meeting since she visited them last year and thought we would love their corner of Montana.  She was so right!  Frank and Chris have a beautiful 3 room cabin at the base of the Ruby Mountains--gorgeous views, lovely veggie garden, perfect landscaping including a traditional white picket fence!  We want to move in next door.  Our visit included a tour of the Ruby Valley.

And a ramble through an old homestead.  The huge old barn was first to grab our attention!

Frank shared his favorite fishing spots and birding knowledge and Chris took us to her wool spinning cabin in a historical Nevada City cabin restoration.  We also spent a delightful evening at the Virginia City Players Theater production.  My Irish family has added two wonderful new friends and a beautiful Montana valley to my roving life.  Thanks Olga and Neville!

On our next days off our camp host friends, Ken and Missie, joined us for a hike up Cabin Creek after we stuffed ourselves at a Campfire Lodge breakfast.  Their friends, Dana and Scott, joined us too!  The narrow creek canyon is filled with stately Douglas fir, a nice change from the Lodgepole Pine of Yellowstone.

After much planning and anticipation on both our parts,  Ann and Frank, my sister and husband came to visit on Aug. 25-29.  It was so much fun being together that the days flew by and we didn't get to do all we had planned.  The weather was perfect and Frank proved himself a magnet for great parking spots in crowded lots.  So we didn't waste much time and got to all Ann's trip picks and a few more.

The Midway Geyser Basin River Bridge.

Grand Prismatic Spring.

The Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.

Ann also stretched our knowledge of the park by suggesting a Yellowstone Lake Scenic Tour.  We all were totally entertained by a great crew as they shared local history of the Lake area.

Ann and Frank's visit was a wonderful way to top off our summer here.

With only 9 days left, we are excited about our trip to Oregon and seeing our Oregon family and friends again.  It is sad to leave friends behind here, but our co-hosts Dave and Barb will work with us at Silver Falls State Park in Oregon.