From our June – July newsletter:
56 of our members left Vancouver on May 16 for our 12 day adventure to Yellowstone National Park and Las Vegas which was full of adventure, new sights, lots of photos, fellowship and fun.
After clearing USA Customs we headed straight to Leavenworth Washington for lunch and then on to the 2nd biggest Dam in the world The Grand Coulee on the Columbia River (it was magnificent)
… read more, below the photos
On to a old mining open pit mine near Spokane where we stopped for our first night. The next morning we were off to drive through The beautiful and famous Coeur d' Alene before arriving at Wallace an historic silver mining town in Idaho which was also very quaint and interesting for a nice stop before arriving at Bozeman Montana
Everyone was so excited when we arrived at The Main Gate Of The Yellowstone National Park and as we stopped to take photos at the gate we could not believe our eyes to also see some Elk feeding on the grasses and then one of our group spotted a small number of Deer also feeding and resting nearby.
Our next stop was at The World Famous Mammoth Hot Springs and sulphur pools. This excellent walk through and around the many formations of foaming and steaming vents were totally amazing. Great photo opportunity and not to be out done on our first stop we also were up close and personal with more Elk, Bison and someone spotted a very large snake as well.
On our way to Canyon City in the Park we had another thrill seeing two very diffrent Grizzly Bears one travelling up a valley across a river and running up a hill at great speed as well as one on the side of a river bank watching the tourist taking pictures.
We seen many more Buffalo, Deer and Elk, Coyote throughout the various locations in the park but one of the many highlights was being surrounded by buffalo so we could not move the Bus on the road.
As we arrived at old Faithful to await the blast off from this famous location we were all thrilled to witness a new born Bison(Approix 5 hrs old) learn how to stand and take its first feeding in front of Old Faithful. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day. (But it was not over yet as we had to get to West Yellowstone for The Hockey Game)
We left West Yellowstone early the next morning and drove back into The Yellowstone National Park on our way through The Grand Teton's National Park and Jackson Wyoming through lots and lots of snow piled high along the side of the road. The Grand Tetons was the backdrop for the movie Shane. Downtown Jackson is very expensive but very quaint and very much a western town.
Our next destination was Bryce Canyon National Park and it was indeed breathless, humbling and as one of our group Ming Chan said" now we know how small we really are" We made multiple stops in the park all very unique and spectacular in there own way. What a treat to see this special place on the earth.
It can't get any better but the next day the drive into Zion National Park was another awesome sight with its unique and colourful rock formations and beautiful Vistas. We stopped here to take the Park shuttles deeper into the Park and it was not enough time for most folks who could have enjoyed 5.
After leaving Zion we drove through The Valley Of Fire Park and on to Las Vegas for a chance of wining the jackpot or relaxing by the pool in the beautiful 84 degrees.
Well in Vegas we enjoyed a special trip to The Red Rock Canyon Park, Freemont Street experience and Factory outlets. Some did other local trips as well enjoying a side trip to The South Rim Of Grand Canyon. A lot of our folks enjoyed a number of special Las Vegas shows as well as special dining experiences. Were not sure how much money was won on the slots but there were many many deals in the factory stores as well as at all apple locations as indicated by all the bags brought back on board as well as the extra luggage brought back home.
On our way north we stopped at Wendover Nevada for a great dining experience and at La Grande in Oregon for a fantastic Get together at our Wine and Cheese Party. Bruce Mavis Thanked our very special driver and host Ian Heath for a perfect enjoyable and safe trip and his outstanding job.
Our last stop at duty free and another load of bags brought back on the Bus and away we go back home to the real world.
Thankyou to all who conducted all the fun activities on the Bus and for bringing all the prizes, quizzes, DVD's and raffle items to help us all enjoy the trip and pass the time with fun and laughter.
