Grand Tetons National Park

On the way from the Black Hills to Jackson Hole we stopped off in Thermopolis WY. The hot springs are commercialized but fun. Lots of sulfer vapors. No chlorine necessary.



Everyone had a blast!



Before going to the Tetons we enjoyed rafting down the Snake River. The first part is a leisurely 3 hour float. We then had a camp breakfast followed by white water rafting. Great way to spend a morning.



Here is a couple of minutes of the fun.



At one of the rapids they have photographers.



Entering Grand Teton National Park. A spectacular mountain range and great appetizer before Yellowstone.




Cascade Canyon from a distance. It cuts right between the two highest peaks in the Tetons. I have always wanted to take a hike into the canyon. Next stop Cascade Canyon after a boat ride across Jenny Lake.




Tom, Alex, and Diane getting ready for the hike up to hike up to Cascade Canyon,



Alex on the hike up to Inspiration Point. Bart is the small spot on the trail above. During the new deal, the conservation corps cut the trail out of the side of the mountain.



The Family at Inspiration Point. A pretty steep hike above Jenny Lake which you can see about 600 feet below.



Bart at Inspiration Point. A great stop on the hike into Cascade Canyon.



Finally a Moose. For the past 6 years the family has been searching for a moose. Since Banff/Jasper in 2004. We have seen many large animals in this time, just no luck with moose. We finally found this bull in velvet in Cascade Canyon. It was the only moose we would see on the trip.




The Grand Tetons looking south over Jackson Lake. They are a wonderful mountain range!











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Badlands - Black Hills

National Park #1 on our road trip. The Badlands are located in western South Dakota. Just an hour from the Black Hills




The Badlands are where the upper prairie meets the lower prairie. Erosion exposes the underlying layers making for spectacular vistas.



This is a view out of the back yard of our lodging. We stayed in what was the house of the family that used to own and manage the lodge. It was a great place and we had a blast getting buzzed by bats as the sun set. Wish we could have stayed there a couple days.



Bart and Alex loved climbing in the Badlands.



In the northern part of the Badlands the layers are purple and yellow. The colors are quite spectacular.



The biggest prairie dog in the world - THEN and NOW. We were here in 2006. Look at how much the boys have grown. Wow!



Of course we stopped at Wall Drug. The boys had a lot of fun! Here is a picture of Bart riding a giant Jackelope. Ye Hah!




Alex playing at the natural opening to Wind Cave. Depending on the pressure differential between the local weather and the cave it either blows out air or sucks it in. On this day it was blowing out pretty good. Its quite amazing that the 100's of miles of cave are only exposed through a 1 foot diameter hole. You can barely see it behind Alex.



Diane with a boxwork ceiling in deep in Wind Cave.



We stayed in Deadwood. We took an old time picture, visited the grave of Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickock, saw a gun fight in the street (Bart and Alex pose with the winner), and got pounded by a hail storm. Once again we had a great stay!



Alex, Bart, and Diane with the 4 Presidents of Mount Rushmore. Quite an amazing sight.

Bart Sings

Bart is a member of the Bryan School Choir. He has to go to school an hour early every day to practice (bus pickup at 6:45 am). He loves it! Here is a song from a recent concert. He is in the second row, left hand side.

Its Still Standing

Tom has a new collaboration with researchers in Pisa, Italy. The leaning tower is amazing, especially since it was built starting in 1173. More than 800 years old. Tuscany is beautiful and my new friends are fun!

Why is Tom on the news?

On his way to the University of North Carolina Tom was stopped for a quick comment.
LINK to segment

Victory is Sweet

In his last year as a Cub Scout Alex was champion of his den in the Pinewood Derby with his car "Batmobile". He also placed 3rd in the overall Pack championship. Not to bad, 3rd fastest of 60 cars in his Pack. Last year he was 3rd in his Den (see 2008 post). In the end the Hope boy's harvested 2 1st and 2 3rd place trophies in the Pinewood Derby during their time as Cub Scouts.

Spring Break with Mickey and Friends

The happiest place on earth.



Six day of fun and adventure




Sully is a big guy in person




Bart loved the shooting gallery.




The California Adventure Park was FANTASTIC!




Diane is auditioning for a job as Cruella de Ville.




Alex is driving. Oh No! We better call Geico.




Diane and the boys with Donald Duck.




In line for a ride on Grizzly River Rapids (GRR). You are going to get wet!



Grizzley River Rapids. Another fun way to get wet! Watch out for the falls.



Arrrrrr, pirates. The old Tom Sawyer Island is now Pirates Lair Island. Bart and Alex have discovered a treasure. But how can they get it off the island?




Dead men tell no tales




Why is Alex Smiling? Another degree from the Jedi Academy.




Alex takes on Darth Mal (again). See 2007 post on disneyland. Once again he fights Mal to a draw.



I can't do the teacups anymore. They make me too dizzy. But they are still a favorite of Diane and the Boys.



BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN RAIL ROAD. Bitamer is what we call it. One of out favorites!



Pluto is always pretty goofy.





Next up, The Matterhorn.




The original, the Matterhorn!



You don't see a yellow rabbit every day.




Having a blast on California Screamin.



Lets take a ride on California Screamin.



Brer Bear, a rare sighting at Disneyland




How did Bart and Alex get wet? Lets find out.




Hold on!



Whats the same? What is different? 2007 vs. 2009




Thank you to our wonderful hosts Mickey and Minnie. We LOVE Disneyland and are proud of it!