Blanca Lake/ WA

About 100 miles east of Seattle we found our way to a trail head that would try our physical endurance and dazzle the mind. The hike took about 7 hours round trip to make an 11mile trek through a wondrous mountain forest leading to a green lake fueled purely by snow melt. Getting there was rigorous, as we had to ascend consistently for three hours, achieving a total altitude gain of 4300 ft. The payoff however was well worth the effort.

Camping & Fire

One of the best things about the outdoors is having the ability to hang out by the fire. The west in the summertime is consumed by the continuous threat of wildfire. There have been many fires in the surrounding areas along our way but he have had the good fortune in not having then bar our way. I just wanted to share some pictures with you all of our various campsites and the great fires we have had.

Grand Teton

Grand Teton is one of the most amazing places we have ever seen. The snow capped mountains rise majestically out of the cool waters of Jackson Lake as well as Jenny Lake. We rented a canoe the first day and took to the lake. It was a surreal image heading towards the mountain base and feeling so small as the mountain seems to drift nearer on the glassy water. Later, the wind began to howl out of the valley causing the waters to churn. It made the return voyage become a strenuous task.

The following day we bought passage across Jenny lake on a small motor craft to the base of a trail head. There we could see a Bald Eagle perched high on a tree. We followed the trail about four miles deep into the range. The views from up there were truly inspiring. While high in the mountain, we encountered no wildlife, however we did get hammered by a vicious thunderstorm, complete with large size hail. It was cold, wet, and memorable. We are having an awesome time!!!!

Love Mel -n- b

Yellowstone National Park

Heading West is a strange thing. You get to the point where you realize that what you are seeing is difficult to capture on film. Still, we are doing our best and will try to choose some great pics for you to see. We have been camping in YNP for the past 4 nights and have really experienced much of the park. The wildlife is amazing. We have had the opportunity to see wildlife such as Grizzly Bear, Bison, a wolf, Bald Eagle, Elk, and some other critters. The tough thing about camping here is the bear safety. The park is very serious about keeping food away from where you sleep. It gets a bit scary. YNP is a geological wonder and the wildlife is amazing...

Love Mel - n - b

Mount Rushmore

After the Badlands we made our way to the Black Hills. Amidst the grandeur and beauty of this spectacular region, there stands the famous memorial of the four heads. Awe inspiring to say the least! It is truly a testimony to the possibilities of what the human race is capable of. Everyone should check it out if they get the chance. We love you all and miss everyone.

Love Mel -n- b

Badlands pics

Badlands

Greetings from South Dakota! Our first night camping was stressed but amazing. We got hit by an incredible thunderstorm. It was an amazing light show but the rain hindered the smoothness of our setting up camp. The Element proved to be a fantastic shelter and we spent the night listening to the vicious wind and watching the bolts of lightning illuminate the surrounding spires and pinnacles. The next day we hiked a trail that climbed a steep rock face and lead to miles of dry and majestic prairie. Later we drove a dirt road to see the bison roam. So far the experience has been more then we imagined.

Heading Out

Well, we finally got on the road... July 6th at 4:30am. The element is loaded to the brim and we are not sure how we will sleep in there as we go. Our first stretch was to Wisconsin to visit Frank and Mayra. So far we have gone swimming in Lake Michigan and skeet shooting. Mel really loved shooting the 20 gauge. We will be here until Monday morning then we will be off to South Dakota. Future updates from the Wild West are sure to come.

Love Mel and B