Upper Antelope Canyon

Got a good night's sleep at the Holiday Inn, Chinle.  Needed the rest from all of the walking at Chelly.  Splurged with the breakfast buffet.  Did not take me much time to packed - on the road by 9am.

Not in a big hurry, this morning.  I would be gaining an hour with a time change between Chinle and Page.  There were some boring stretched of the road, interspersed with some interesting red rock scenic. Most of the drive, I had the cruise set at about 55 mph (with a highway limit of 65 mph).  While slow to the traffic, I enjoyed the drive more.

Found the parking lot  and staging area for the Upper Antelope Canyon tours.When I got to the tour area,I found the tour 00cost is $40 the $8 (parking?).  I thought it a bit steep, but I stopping in Page for doing the tour.  Further, my room in Page is on "points".

When it was time for the tour, we were loaded on special pick-up trucks (12 per person) for a ride to the entrance to slot canyon.  Once at the canyon, we were herded through the canyon.  At time it was crowded in the canyon.  By the time we got to the top end of the canyon, I had enough if the tight quarters and crowds.  I was about ready to tell the guide to pick  me up on the way back, when were were out of the canyon. Glad I had the point&shoot camera and my DSLR - I used both on the tour.

It was a quick walk back through the canyon to our transport (no photos on the way back).  Was a struggle getting up into the truck.  I was thinking of doing the lower canyon tour the next day.  With my legs being toast and the cost, I decided it would not worth the price and time.

I was treated by an big room (suite) with  my points at the Days Inn.Settled into the room and started checking my photos.  Found food just a few blocks away (not having to drive into downtown) and had spaghetti and meat balls at  Canyon King Pizzeria.  Finally, crashed into bed about 8pm local time.

On to the Grand Canyon North Rim.

Sac & Fox Trail

After the family picnic and reunion, I had the 1 1/2 hour drive to my hotel.  I wanted to check out a bike trail near Cedar Rapids - and needing the photos for my calendar.  From the maps, it looked like the Sac & Fox trail, along the Indian Creek, should be interesting and photogenic.

A great trail.  I would have enjoyed riding longer but the heat, humidity, and mosquitoes turned up quickly. Addition to the crushed limestone bike trail, there is a dirt/tree bark walking trail system in the same area.

Booklet Published

My booklet "Traveling with my Bicycles" has been published.  It is available for Kindle e-reader from the Kindle Store for $1.99.

This is my first attempt at e-book publishing.

As I find time, the e-book will be converted for Nook and tablet.  If there is enough interest, a paper copy may be published.

Traveling With My Bicycles

Wrapping up the editing of my booklet "Traveling With My Bicycles".  It tells a short story of what drove me to riding bicycles.  Most of the booklet is filled with how to create your "mulit-activity" trip.

Plans are to make the booklet available as an e-book for Kindle.

Preface -

"So, what are you going to do to keep active?" was the question my cardiac rehab folks asked in my exit interview. After weeks walking on the treadmill, I knew this was not the solution. My mom walks with a group. But walking the mall did not appeal me, either. Hiking is great, but "hiking" amongst the corn fields of Iowa?

As a kid, I used to ride a bicycle. Maybe that would peak my interest. I set out to look at purchasing a bicycle. I started riding local trails. Soon, I was taking a bicycle with me on trips. These trips combined my exploring nature, love of photography, and riding my bicycle.

The trips I take are not for folks that want to lay on the beach and work on their tan. They are trips filled with activity yet leaving time to relax, recover and reflect.

This booklet is a compilation of what I have learned planning and implementing these trips. It is not a recipe for the perfect trip. It is meant to cause you to consider ways to blend activities you enjoy with things you are passionate about into your travels.

 

Off the Mountain and to Phoenix

Got the car packed except for the computer, cameras, and change of clothes.  Was up about 4am.  Showered and dressed waiting until 5:30 when Chuck would get up.  Everything was in the car when I walked up to the main house.  Gave my "good-bye" and headed down the mountain.

Was still dark when i got on the road, but starting to see some light.  Got some beautiful shots of the moon set as I drove down the mountain.

Stopped in Indio along I-10 for breakfast.  On across the desert into Arizona.  Before getting to Phoenix, I dropped down to I-8, stopping at an information/visitor's Center in Gila Bend.  I was looking for information about the Sonoran Desert National Monument.  There is no visitor center in the monument. There was a trail/maintenance crew at one of the place along the highway.  They gave me a map and recommendations.  Arizona 238 is the road though the monument.  No loop road to drive through the desert.  I did stopped at a trailhead they recommended,  Took a short hike.  Not much any spectacular scenery where i was, just Saguaro Cacti, scrub brush, and dry soil.

Checked into my lodging and went out for some food.  The suggestion from the desk clerk was Rustler's Rooste.  The smallest burger they had was a 12oz serving with fries and onion rings.  Ordered it with a glass of Shiner Bock beer.  Not knowing, the "sandwich" came with a large salad and hot bread with whipped butter and cinnamon butter.  When I was served the burger, I was also presented with a little bucket of cowboy beans. 

I ate the salad.  It was a nice change of pace for me.  are the 3 onion rings, most of the burger and some of the fries.  Did not even touch the bread or beans.  It was just too much food.  I had arrived when the food service opened and during the happy hour.  Was happy I had eaten early.  As I was leaving the restaurant there were bus-loads of folks were arriving for their meal. 

Now settled in for the night.  Next stop Albuquerque.

Another Visit to the Zoo - Roof Repairs Stalled

I needed to get out for a walk or bike ride today.  Roofers were supposed to arrive between 7 and 8 in the morning.  It I wanted to go to the zoo, I needed to leave the bouse at 8:30.

Was a little bit humid and overcast when I stuck my head out of the door.  I had already dressed in shorts and polo shirt, so decided is was a "Zoo" day.

Arrived at the zoo as the gates were opening.  Got a good, close-in parking spot.  The goal today was to get down to the petting zoo area.  Did a detour through the Desert Dome - since most of it was closed when I was in March.

I get busy shooting photos, I do not get the names of most of the animals/  Another visit to the zoo, I should stop to shoot the exhibit sign so that I can later match the animal to the photo.

Stopped to shoot some flower photos.  Most of the plants are NOT labeled on the zoo grounds.  That would be helpful.  For now, som eof my flora/florist friends generally supply the names after I post them on facebook.

All around of Bear Canyon I found these strange cheracters (see photo(.  From the name, I think it was some Asian sculpture.  (should have grabbed a photo of the sign).  No idea it this is a semi-permanent exhibit.

The Zoo Railroad was running (I was sure sections of the track was torn up a month ago).  Toured Bear Canyon,  Lower photo is the American Black Bear. Got a couple shots of a peacock showing off his plumes.  Peahens and chicks wandering the area around Sue's Carousal.

My 11am. my legs had enough.  Splurged (50 cents) to ride the tram up neat to the zoo entrance.  While it was overcast and not hot, I was sweating from the humidity.  Treated myself to a Blizzard on the way home.

When I got home, I found no roofers.  Not surprised.  Exchanged e-mails with the contractor's salesman.  He came to the house to apologize.  Guess the company has a new work scheduler - and not coordinating much with the salesman. Was hoping to get the crew to my house tomorrow.  Well - that was blown out of the water later in the afternoon - the house the crew was working on needed a new roof deck in addition to the shingles - so would not be getting to me tomorrow.

 He gave me more info about getting the broken window.  Have someone to work on that tomorrow - after I am home from breakfast.

Trip to the Zoo

It felt like May weather when I headed into town for coffee.  Thermometer on the car showed 52  degrees on July 3rd!  Donned a sweatshirt to keep warm.

The last couple days I had been thinking of visiting the zoo.  Cameras had been in the trunk of the car.  Problem was  the overcast skies and threatening rain.  Today was a clear day.

As I headed to the Zoo from coffee (about 9am), the temperature had climbed up into the upper 60s.  Great weather for walking around the zoo.  Had different sneakers as shoes - hoping that they would be better for walking at the zoo.

From my visit in March, I knew my 18-200 mm lens would be the best one for general photos.  Brought the new fisheye lens and the super telephoto just in case.  With all of the flowers in bloom, I wish I had grabbed the macro for the shoot.  Some of my flower photos were a little out of focus.  Also, I think I was relating on the auto focus too much.  Anyway, I was able to get some pretty good flora shots

As usual, there is lots of construction at the zoo.  There's  a whole new African Grassland exhibit being constructed.  Construction of the new exhibit derailed the Zoo Railroad.  Was sorry to see that as I was thinking of riding when I needed a break from my walking.

The zoo grounds are sprinkled with ornamental zoo creatures.  The Rhino at the Garden of Senses seemed to call me - use the fisheye lens and see what I get.  As you can see - I got an intersting photo of the rhino sculpture with my shadow.  Its one of the problems with the lens in bright sunshine - difficult to keep your shadow out of the photo (if you want to shoot with the sun to your back).  So, It almost looks like the rhino may change my shadow!

Next, I crossed the bridge to check out the koi in the pond and monkeys on the their island.  Across the bridge were the sea lions.  It was a good spot to test my legs.  Skipped the pachyderm exhibit - knew it would make the hike too long.  Had plenty of walking and hills to climb to get back to the car.

At this time, I could feel that I had gotten a bit dehydrated.  Stopped at one of the snack bars for a large cup of PowerAde.  Helped me a bit.  Bought the souvenir cup so I could get a reasonable refill.

The Madagascar exhibit was disappointing.  Too dark in the building.  So, it was on to the orangutan and gorilla buildings.  The orangutans seemed to be hiding.  Was able to get a couple good shots in the Gorilla House.

On to the Cat House.  I had skipped this house in March - had enough for the day.  Glad I checked it out today - got an awesome photo of the spotted leopard.  Was able to get some shots of tigers and lion.  Was productive visit to the Cat House.

It was able a climb the path back up to the entrance level of the zoo.  Legs were about toast by the time I was back up there.  Took a quick walk through the Aquarium (mostly to get more jelly fish shots).  I was after noon, the aquarium was packed with screaming kids.  Took my photo and glad to be out of there.  Stopped at the snack bar for a Powerade refill and hot dog. 

By the tie I left the zoo and walked to the car, my legs were like rubber.  I could hardly walk.  And, just what I needed, there was an idiot in a F 1500 pick-up parking to my left.  He had "aimed" the truck at the parking space.  The vehicle was over the line and caused some problems getting into the car. 

Had one more stop on my way home.  Stopped at the bike shop to show them the new fisheye lens.  Took a couple of photos inside the shop with the new lens.  Was going to visit longer but they were busy and I could hardly move.  Time for me to get home.

Slowly, I will get through all of the zoo.  I have not been in the Jungle this year.  Need to see the rest of the desert dome. There's still the Pachyderm Hill and the farm (and petting zoo).  The day also would have been a great day for a bike ride (temperature and light wind) but thinlk I ended up with a bigger work-out today hiking in the zoo.

Scoping Out the Zoo

Slept in today as no early morning chat for the next week.  Noticed a light dusting of snow on the grass.  Was looking for an early start for a trip to the Omaha Zoo.  But, with the cool morning, I waited until 11am to head to the zoo.

I have a couple of goals by visiting the zoo.  It would give me an excuse to get out of the house and walk.  The zoo would also be a great place to hone my photography skills.

Mostly sunny morning, but cool and windy.  My first venue in the zoo was the Desert Dome.  Was looking forward the the warmth and light in the dome.  Did not end up getting many photos there because major remodeling in the Desert Dome.

Next location I wanted to check out was the Lied Jungle.  That was a lost cause.  The cold outside air and the warm, humid air in the jungle fogged up my glasses and camera lens.  I was obvious that it would take a long time to stabilize the lens.  I exited the jungle and went to the Wild Kingdom Pavilion.

Must be school break because the zoo (and particularly this pavilion) was filled with kids.  On over to the aquarium.  This was the best place to refine my photography.  The various lighting, moving subjects, and shooting through glass had their own issues.  Still, I was able to get some decent shots.

Was going to check out the butterfly Pavilion, but was just too congested with parents getting kids out of strollers.  Decide to check out the Orangutan, Gorillas, and Bear Canyon.  By the time I had checked out these locations and shot some photos, my legs were getting tired.

Its not easy to get back from Bear Canyon to the zoo entrance.  Walking back through the Gorilla exhibit (more where outside at this time), and took the elevators up to near the Desert Dome.  Walking back from the entrance to my car, I had to stopped a couple times to rest my legs and knee. 

I ended up walking (with very few breaks) for 2 1/2 hours.  Much longer than I had originally planned.  Treated myself with a late lunch at Culver's.

Altitude Sickness?

I think I have some altitude sickness,  Since arriving in West Yellowstone Tuesday, I have been at over 6000 ft.  Each day I call it a quit a little earlier.  Tired, short of breath, constant light headache. Even with my walking stick, I was not doing well.. 

Anyway - this morning, I hightailed it to Canyon.  Along the way there, I detoured through the one-way drive to take better photos of Virginia Cascades.  Success -  was able to stop on the road (nobody coming) and get the photos.

Today's tour was the South loop of the park.

First big photo shoot area this morning was Yellowstone Falls and the Canyon the the Yellowstone.  checked out and took photos on both sides of the river.  Got some good photos. (see here)

Stopped at Mud Volcano.  Took a couple photos of the thermal action there.  There are fires in this area of the park.  Another driver told me that all turn-outs South to Fishing Bridge was closed because of the fire.

By the time I got to Yellowstone Lake, it was past breakfast time.  Just got under the wire as breakfast at the Lake Lodge cafeteria closed at 10am.  Already, my knee and short of breath was getting to me

Debated, but eventually got out of the car and did a short walk (with my walking stick) at West Thumb Geyser Basin.  Thinking that I might walk more there tomorrow when I head South.

Stopped at Kepler Cascades.  It was right along the road near Old Faithful.  Speaking of Old Faithful, I was planning to stop there for photos and a walk.  But, by the time I was there, I would have parked a long way away from the geyser basin. 

There were a couple other of other places I wad thought about stopping - but they were busy, too.  Guess these will be other places to visit when I head south to the Grand Tetons and Jackson.

Processed all of the photos taken today.  Heath Blizzard this afternoon. No getting ready to pack up for being on the road in the morning.

North Loop of Yellowstone

Early start this morning - touring the North loop of Yellowstone National Park.  Temperature was 41 deg when I left West Yellowstone.

Walked some at one of the pools and another walk at Gibbons Falls.   Legs and knee were doing pretty good.  (Not 100%, but pretty good).  I took it easy as I had a long day ahead yet.

At Norris Geyser Basin - the walk was almost too much for me.  Wanted to get some good photos.  Did NOT walk down to the bottom of the basin.  But it was an effort to get back to the car.  Didn't help that I left my walking stick in the car.

By the time I arrived Mammoth Hot Springs, I was getting hungry.  Stopped at the Terrace Grill (fast food).  Needed some nourishment and coffee.  Back up to the Springs.  Drove the upper loop and did a short walk.

There was road construction in the Tower Falls area.  Almost passed on stopping there because the lot was full.  But, someone left, and I parked.  Started leaving the parking lot when remembered I forgot my walking stick.  Grabbed that and headed the path to the falls.  Only walked to the upper viewing deck.  That was enough by the time I got the the gift shop.  Did a little shopping and headed back on the road towards W. Yellowstone.

Drove the one-way road past Virginia Cascades -- not a good view angle form the road (without walking down the road a bit).  My legs would not handle that.

Back in West Yellowstone, I did some more shopping, early dinner at the  Outpost Restaurant.  From there, Gas up the car and stop in the grocery store for sports drinks.  Finally, back in my motel.  Body is exhausted and my legs are sore.

Got my photos processed. Today's photo is of a moose (or were they elk?) family in Madison River.  Now off to bed!

Two Medicine

My last full day in Kalispell.  Muffin and coffee at the motel then an early start to drive along US 2 to East Glacier.  Took several photos along the road - mostly of the Middle Fork of Fladhead River.

About 8 miles from East Glacier I entered the Two Medicine section of Glacier National Park.  Photos of the lake and mountains.  Shopping at the general store.  In my guide book, I saw a short trail to a waterfall.

Altitude was not a problem here.  Grabbed my walking stick, bear spray, and camera.  Sign said it was 0.3 miles to Running Eagle Falls.  Was glad that I was able to get out for a short hike.Today's photo is of me at the fall.  Figured I had to post at least one photo of me - proof that I was really there!

When I got to East Glacier, I was getting hungry.  Stopped at the "Whistle Stop".  Had a very good omelet with polish sausage, onions, & peppers.  Could recommend the restaurant to anyone.

Stopped at the post office to send post cards and pick up more postcard stamps.  On US2 for the return trip.  Took a couple photos at Marias Pass.  Caught my eye because one of my train computer games has a route over Marias Pass!

Just West of there is the Izaak Walton Hotel.  The inn is at Essex - a station on the BNSF main line (and Amtrak).  Originally, it was planned to be at an entrance of Glacier National Park - that was not to be.

Original plans plans were to do some dirt riding after I got back to the motel.  But, It was a bit warm and I had lots of packing (and re-packing) before I head out for Yellowstone in the morning.

Topped off the day with Mexican food at Casa Mexico and a mug of Dos Equis. 

Scoping Out "Going to the Sun" road

Slept in as much as I could this morning.  still, I was on the road by 8am.  The motel "breakfast" did not have any hot food.  So had coffee and a packaged cinnamon roll.

With the start I had, I decided to head up to St, Mary to scope out the "Going to the Sun" road rather than drive US 2 to Kalispell.  On the way to St. Mary I kept an eye out for a place to eat breakfast.  There were non along the road until I arrived in St. Marys.

Got to St, Mary's at 9.  One place did not open until 10.  Other places had waiting lines.  So, I entered the park and started drive toward Logan Pass.  Stopped to take some photos on the drive.  The photo here is a tunnel on the "Going to the Sun" road up toward Logan Pass.

Traffic was bad at the pass Visitor Center, so just kept driving down toward Lake McDonald.  Missed the turn to the Apgar Visitors Center and before i realized it, I was exiting the park.  By now (11:30) I was getting hungry.  Gobbled up a patty melt and fries at the West Glacier Restaurant.

Back into the park to the Visitor Center to get books, post cards, and check on places to hike.  The ranger suggested getting up early and driving up to Logan Pass.  Nice, easy hike and there are still wild flowers at the pass.  Back in West Glacier Village, picked up walking stick (with bear bell), a cap, t-shirts, and a couple more post cards.

Still lots of time to do things in Kalispell.  Picked up a hydration bladder for my camera backpack.  Checked into the motel.  Moved bikes and other stuff into the room.  Then, got directions to Wheaton's Cycle (local Trek Dealer) from the motel.  Picked up an area trail map.

Talking with the desk clerk at the Motel.  Sky was a bit hazy, though the temperature was pleasant.  He said the haze is smoke from a forest fire about 2 hours to the South.  No wonder I smelled something - wondering if the car, brakes, or such were overheating  Hope we get clearer skies tomorrow.. 

Turquoise, Pecos, and Capulin

Long day on the road yesterday. Not many miles - lots of hours. Headed out of Albuquerque west and north on the Turquoise Trail. I was too early to stop in any shops. Did take a couple photos in this eclectic area.

Main stop for the day was Pecos National Historical Park. Stopped in at the Visitor's Center. They had desk copy of trail guide. Took that and drove up to the ruins. Was surprised that I was able to walk the whole top trail - with some rest breaks. The photo with this posting was taken at Pecos.

Back at the Visitor's Center I returned the trail guide and purchased a couple books (evening reading material) about the area and the ruins.

The original plan was to drive to Raton, NM and settle in the Quality Inn. But, it was only 2pm when I got to Raton, so decided to drive over to the Capulin Volcano. I was going to visit Capulin Volcano National Monument today (Tuesday). Anyway, checked in at the Visitor's Center and drove the road up the cone.

I could have hiked the cone trail (there was a couple doing that). But, with the altitude and the 2 hour hike at Pecos, I thought better. Took some photos at the summit. Back down, over to Folsom, NM. Interesting drive on highway 72 from Folsom to Raton.

Checked into my hotel. Started processing photos from the trip. Took a break for dinner at K-Bob's Steakhouse. Productive and exhaustive day.

Treynor to Hayward

Early this morning I headed out of the house heading for Hayward, WI for Festival of the Trails. Couple of minor problems on the trip. The Check Engine came on between home and Des Moines. Cleaned the gas fill cap. Checked the oil (had problems getting a good reading). Drove with the light on until St. Croix Falls, WI.

Construction traffic just North of St. Paul on I-35E. That slowed me down. I was still at St. Croix Falls, WI a little after 1pm. Was ready for a break from the drive. At the Information Center recommended at hike at Interstate Park.

Interstate State Park is Wisconsin's first state park. While no mountain bike trails, it is at the end of Wisconsin's Gandy Dancer Trail (bicycle). Also, it is the West end of the Ice Age Trail (hiking). When I got to the entrance, I realized that my Senior National Parks Pass is good for Interstate Park. Free admission, what a deal!

Figured I would check out a couple of trails, spending about 2 hours. Started with Pot Holes Trail. Was a good trail with views of the St. Croix River.

After the 0.4 mile hike, up and down rocks, my legs were feeling pretty good. Decided to try the Summit Trail and eventually Echo Canyon trail. Documented my hike with several great photos. there will be several on my facebook photo album.

At one point, I had to back-track so that I could see the "Old Man of the Dalles". That's the lower photo on today's posting.

Now, my legs had been giving me problems walking - specially my left knee. When I finished the 2 hour hike, my legs/knee were feeling great.

I can recommend Wisconsin's Interstate State Park. Get out and hike the rocks along the bluff. Great break from the drive.

Into the motel (Super 8) in Hayward. They screwed up my reservation - did not reserve me a room in the annex. Having some other issues with the room. The knob is missing from the light switch between the beds. Also, while the TV channel card shows MSNBC, I cannot get that channel.

Once I was checked into the room, I headed to the Angry Minnow for beer and food. Was looking forward to the pork tenderloin sandwich - but they did not have it on the menu this year. Settled for a burger and 2 glasses of River Pig Pale Ale. Processed photos while eating. Now I am exhausted - bed time!