Even in a pandemic people are traveling, us included. We saw so many RV’s, trains and of course 18 wheelers (though they were probably not vacationing).
This trip was truly a once in a lifetime event. Tom began planning this trip over a year ago and we could not think of not going, COVID-19 or not.
From Dallas to Crested Butte, Colorado was a very long trip but it was the first leg and there was lots of excitement and anticipation. We have been to Crested Butte several times and always love going there, especially to see our friends Pat and Kay and Don and Vivian. We got to trout fish a little while we were there and I caught the only trout landed. We saw several animals including a magnificent buck, a rare sight for us.
Salt Lake City, Utah showed us the Great Salt Lake and I can attest first hand, it is very salty!
The grounds of the Mormon church were absolutely beautiful and pristine clean.
Driggs, Idaho was our base for trips to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and the Grand Tetons.
Even though there were lots of tourists in Jackson, we all masked up and practiced social distancing and were able to enjoy this delightful town.
The float trip down the Snake River was a true highlight.
Yellowstone National Park was our next stop on this trip.
A week was not enough time to see all that Yellowstone had to offer, but we made the most of it for sure. With 10,000 geysers, you can’t see them all! Old Faithful put on a spectacular water show that will not be forgotten,
but my favorite will always be the bison!
We made some one night stops in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Leavenworth, Washington on our way to Seattle. Leavenworth was a quaint little town patterned after a European Bavarian town.
On to Seattle and a trip to the Space Needle.
The fun side of Seattle was Pike Place Market—truly something for everyone. The very first Starbucks—
Food, flowers, hats, clothing even fortune telling machines, we enjoyed every bit of it.
But now for the centerpiece of the trip, Gold Beach, Oregon.
The house was amazing,
but the view was even better!
Tom found the “Hilltop House”, where the Rogue River meets the Pacific Ocean. We got to wake up to that incredible view each morning.
The whole point of this trip was to go salmon fishing and we did! Tom booked 7 trips with John the guide (and Donnette, his deck hand).
Our friends Pat and Kay, Don and Vivian all got to fish.
Pat landed a couple of nice ones.
Tom’s brother and his wife Pennie were able to join us for a week and a couple of fishing trips. They also landed a nice fish.
There was a lot of boat riding during this kind of fishing, but when someone gets a bite it’s, “FISH ON” and excitement follows!
Tom’s son, Brian and his friends Jeff and Zeke were able to come and fish with us.
“Fish on” is always a thrill! They got to catch several fish.
If we never get to do this again, I’m so glad we had this experience. It was unquestionably a highlight of the trip.
Also from the Gold Beach area we were able take day trips to the Redwood National Forest
both unforgettable experiences. The towering redwoods were breathtaking as was the pristine blue water of Crater Lake. Both deserved more time. Unfortunately, we were turned back a couple of times by smoke and fires in the area. We were so pleased to see the gratitude shown by the people in the affected area with “thank you” signs, many hand made by children.
True test to the human spirit.
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