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American Wanderer Summer Camp: Exploring the National Parks
Moki Dugway
Most of you would be surprised to know that I don't just watch CNBC 24 hrs a day. Last night I awoke to a new show on the Discovery Channel (one of my favorites along with the History Channel and Nat Geo) called Hell Roads. In a previous life I was known to awake to Speed Vision at all hours of the night, reliving days driving at Lime Rock Race Track. So Hell Roads naturally got my attention. Unlike my first thought it wasn't about great and dangerous race tracks, it's about some of the most extreme roads in the world. One of the roads on the show was the Moki Dugway, built by uranium miners to get ore down the thousand foot Vermilion Cliffs just north of Mexican Hat in south eastern Utah. Some of our campers should remember a special morning where we watched the sun rise over the Valley of the Gods and then ascended the Dugway to the top of the mesa for a magnificent view of the valley below. From there you can see all the way to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Lots of hairpin turns and sheer cliff drops
Lots of hairpin turns and sheer cliff drops
Looks like the TREE HUGGERS won!
Looks like we won the battle to ban disposable water bottles from Grand Canyon National Park, for now. Read the story- Coke vs The People
Tree Huggers May Win!
People count! Looks like the National Parks are going to open the debate on disposable plastic water bottles
being sold in Parks. On the North Rim they installed an ice maker and
water spigots, behind the Ranger Station, to fill reusable bottles.
Nothing better than a bunch of us TREE HUGGERS saving plastic trees.
Vanilla or Butterscotch?
Vanilla or Butterscotch?
ATK Rocket Garden
I've been a little lax in posting current events that happen in places Camp goes. I found this while finishing up The Shoshone Trail session of the Camp Yearbook. Kind of funny that the latest in space science happens right next to the Golden Spike National Historic Site. Here in 1869 the east met west with the most advanced form of travel the Railroad! Click the link to see the news-
worlds-largest-solid-rocket-motor-ignites-in-utah-desert-test
worlds-largest-solid-rocket-motor-ignites-in-utah-desert-test
Session 4 - The Lakota Path...The Adventures Continue
South Dakota Fun in the Sun and "Rain"...
The campers learned about Pioneer Life in South Dakota...
and completed a Scavenger Hunt (with a little help from...) for a prize to see who learned the most...it was down to the wire...and they tied no one knew how many beds were in the room? Was it 5, 8 or 9 no 10...and they even learned what a "Murphy Bed" is!
We went on an amazing Candlelight Tour of Wind Cave (famous for its Boxwork formation...95% of the world's boxwork is found here)! We wore gloves and were allowed to touch the walls and scramble over rocks on our path all by candlelight like the original spelunkers did.
After our Harney Peak hike in the Black Hills we went to the spot where Nicolas Cage put his hand in the rock to open up the wall in National Treasure 2...sorry no treasure.
A refreshing swim in Sylvan Lake after our hike.
When we reached the fire tower at the top of Harney Peak we had a yummy lunch, relaxed for a bit, and enjoyed the view!
We had all weather BUT snow for this hike...yes sun, clouds, rain and HAIL!
The buffalo (a.k.a. American Bison) do roam in Custer State Park.
And a little bit further down the road we were pleased to be greeted by Pronghorn Antelope grazing on the side of the road in Custer S.P.
The campers learned about Pioneer Life in South Dakota...
and completed a Scavenger Hunt (with a little help from...) for a prize to see who learned the most...it was down to the wire...and they tied no one knew how many beds were in the room? Was it 5, 8 or 9 no 10...and they even learned what a "Murphy Bed" is!
We went on an amazing Candlelight Tour of Wind Cave (famous for its Boxwork formation...95% of the world's boxwork is found here)! We wore gloves and were allowed to touch the walls and scramble over rocks on our path all by candlelight like the original spelunkers did.
After our Harney Peak hike in the Black Hills we went to the spot where Nicolas Cage put his hand in the rock to open up the wall in National Treasure 2...sorry no treasure.
A refreshing swim in Sylvan Lake after our hike.
When we reached the fire tower at the top of Harney Peak we had a yummy lunch, relaxed for a bit, and enjoyed the view!
We had all weather BUT snow for this hike...yes sun, clouds, rain and HAIL!
The buffalo (a.k.a. American Bison) do roam in Custer State Park.
And a little bit further down the road we were pleased to be greeted by Pronghorn Antelope grazing on the side of the road in Custer S.P.
Session 4 - The Lakota Path...Continues
Days 3 - 6...The Adventures Continue
Cascade Falls in Hot Springs Eli message to Victor is "I did it!"
Drew's "famous cannonball splash"!
Ben and Brian holding a Mammoth Bone for the group to see at The Mammoth Site.
The campers imagine what it would be like to live in a home made of bones and hides.
FREE ICE WATER is the lure of Wall Drug Store (the largest in the world) a.k.a. Tourist Trap...but a great place to stop after a hike in The Badlands for Homemade Ice Cream Milk Shakes...raspberry was voted the best!
Then cool fun under the "Wall Drug Geysers" in the backyard.
Then on to see and hear the T-Rex ROAR!
Wildlife galore...Big Horn Sheep grazing on the side of the road...they didn't even notice us while we stopped to gawk and take pictures.
Scaling the wall from the lower prairie to the upper prairie...trying to imagine how outlaws, Native Americans and wagons from the Oregon Trail managed to accomplish this?
The other group made it to the top - Mission Accomplished!
Mount Rushmore or bust!
The first group saw it by spotlight at twilight and what a sight it is.
Cascade Falls in Hot Springs Eli message to Victor is "I did it!"
Drew's "famous cannonball splash"!
Ben and Brian holding a Mammoth Bone for the group to see at The Mammoth Site.
The campers imagine what it would be like to live in a home made of bones and hides.
FREE ICE WATER is the lure of Wall Drug Store (the largest in the world) a.k.a. Tourist Trap...but a great place to stop after a hike in The Badlands for Homemade Ice Cream Milk Shakes...raspberry was voted the best!
Then cool fun under the "Wall Drug Geysers" in the backyard.
Then on to see and hear the T-Rex ROAR!
Wildlife galore...Big Horn Sheep grazing on the side of the road...they didn't even notice us while we stopped to gawk and take pictures.
Scaling the wall from the lower prairie to the upper prairie...trying to imagine how outlaws, Native Americans and wagons from the Oregon Trail managed to accomplish this?
The other group made it to the top - Mission Accomplished!
Mount Rushmore or bust!
The first group saw it by spotlight at twilight and what a sight it is.
Session 4 - The Lakota Path Begins
Days 1-3 of Session 4 - The Lakota Path
A Vore Buffalo Jump Guide tells us about the Native Americans using this sink hole as a method for trapping Bison to prepare for their long winters - it dates back to before the time of Christopher Columbus.
A late afternoon hike around Devils Tower (the 1st National Monument) to learn about the Native American Legend and the geological story of the rock volcanic structure. The campers didn't believe it is great for rock climbing until they saw a group coming down! After dinner the kids watched "Close Encounters of the 3rd Kinds" that was filmed at the Tower.
A "protected" Prairie Dog Town at Devils Tower National Monument...they are out and about visiting each other at dawn and dusk...very social creatures.
A Native American metal sculpture at Little Big Horn Battlefield.
Custer's Head Stone on Last Stand Hill at Little Big Horn. His body was moved and laid to rest at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY.
Day 1 - No rest for the weary travelers...a short hike to see Pictograph Cave.
A Vore Buffalo Jump Guide tells us about the Native Americans using this sink hole as a method for trapping Bison to prepare for their long winters - it dates back to before the time of Christopher Columbus.
A late afternoon hike around Devils Tower (the 1st National Monument) to learn about the Native American Legend and the geological story of the rock volcanic structure. The campers didn't believe it is great for rock climbing until they saw a group coming down! After dinner the kids watched "Close Encounters of the 3rd Kinds" that was filmed at the Tower.
A "protected" Prairie Dog Town at Devils Tower National Monument...they are out and about visiting each other at dawn and dusk...very social creatures.
A Native American metal sculpture at Little Big Horn Battlefield.
Custer's Head Stone on Last Stand Hill at Little Big Horn. His body was moved and laid to rest at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY.
Day 1 - No rest for the weary travelers...a short hike to see Pictograph Cave.
Thank you and hello from Session 4 of AW Summer Camp
Thank yous were said from the Campers to the many whom made it possible for them to attend camp this summer! Hello to their parents, families, friends, etc. Sit back and enjoy and more blogs with camp photos and videos to come.
Camp TV
Camp TV
Session 3 - The Grand Tetons & Yellowstone
Session 3 - The Grand Tetons & Yellowstone...lots of wildlife!
Our first hike in the Tetons was around Jenny Lake...we came across a Moose across the pond.
The water was so high from winter snow and spring rains that many of the bridges were washed out and being rebuilt. We saw Hidden Falls which you could hear long before you could see it.
An afternoon swim in Jackson Lake.
It
It's hard to see but you can see the outline of a cinnamon colored Black Bear at the start of our hike to Surprise Lake. For safety reasons we kept the group together for our hike and adventures throughout the park.
Walking through a meadow of wild flowers.
For those who dared a swim in Surprise Lake...you can see the melting snow on the far side so quite cold as you can imagine.
The top part of the trail had snow along the path.
On to Yellowstone to West Thumb Geyser Basin to see beautiful thermal features along Yellowstone Lake.
Campers looking at Fishing Cone where fisherman tell tales of catching a fish and dropping their line fish and all into the geyser and instantly cooking their fish meal.
Castle Geyser and more blasting off in the Old Faithful Geyser Basin.
Which way does the water flow? Ask the campers...a photo opp. at the Continental Divide.
Our walk to Fairy Falls...and a short walk up a hill to get great photos of Grand Prismatic Pool (the most photographed geyser in all of Yellowstone but usually from a helicopter).
Group postcard photo...better than what's in the gift shop.
Fairy Falls
Many swam to the falls and stood on the ledge below the falls and for others a great place to cool off their feet..
Wildlife galore! Over 100 American Buffalo or Bison counted that day!
Mud Volcano and lots of "sulphur fumes".
A bear swimming across the river...he/she made it...before the falls! Big cheers from the campers.
A walk down 375 stairs on Uncle Tom's Trail (better than the early 1900's when he took people down with ropes) to see the Lower Falls.
A view from the bottom...now 375 stairs back up...we stopped on each landing to take pictures.
Artist's Point the inspiration for many artists and photographers.
Campers having fun...the background is real!
Elk taking an afternoon nap on the lawn by the North Entrance in Hot Springs.
Hot Springs Lower Terrace a different view of a thermal feature...some of the oldest in the park and every changing from day-to-day,, season-to-season and year-to-year.
The North Entrance...dedicated by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1903 the gateway into the 1st National Park - Yellowstone!
On our way to see the Petrified Tree (a giant redwood from when this area was marsh along the shores of the ancient oceans)...we saw a Coyote running along the hillside at dusk (one of the best times of day to view wildlife)!
Our first hike in the Tetons was around Jenny Lake...we came across a Moose across the pond.
The water was so high from winter snow and spring rains that many of the bridges were washed out and being rebuilt. We saw Hidden Falls which you could hear long before you could see it.
An afternoon swim in Jackson Lake.
It
It's hard to see but you can see the outline of a cinnamon colored Black Bear at the start of our hike to Surprise Lake. For safety reasons we kept the group together for our hike and adventures throughout the park.
Walking through a meadow of wild flowers.
For those who dared a swim in Surprise Lake...you can see the melting snow on the far side so quite cold as you can imagine.
The top part of the trail had snow along the path.
On to Yellowstone to West Thumb Geyser Basin to see beautiful thermal features along Yellowstone Lake.
Campers looking at Fishing Cone where fisherman tell tales of catching a fish and dropping their line fish and all into the geyser and instantly cooking their fish meal.
Castle Geyser and more blasting off in the Old Faithful Geyser Basin.
Which way does the water flow? Ask the campers...a photo opp. at the Continental Divide.
Our walk to Fairy Falls...and a short walk up a hill to get great photos of Grand Prismatic Pool (the most photographed geyser in all of Yellowstone but usually from a helicopter).
Group postcard photo...better than what's in the gift shop.
Fairy Falls
Many swam to the falls and stood on the ledge below the falls and for others a great place to cool off their feet..
Wildlife galore! Over 100 American Buffalo or Bison counted that day!
Mud Volcano and lots of "sulphur fumes".
A bear swimming across the river...he/she made it...before the falls! Big cheers from the campers.
A walk down 375 stairs on Uncle Tom's Trail (better than the early 1900's when he took people down with ropes) to see the Lower Falls.
A view from the bottom...now 375 stairs back up...we stopped on each landing to take pictures.
Artist's Point the inspiration for many artists and photographers.
Campers having fun...the background is real!
Elk taking an afternoon nap on the lawn by the North Entrance in Hot Springs.
Hot Springs Lower Terrace a different view of a thermal feature...some of the oldest in the park and every changing from day-to-day,, season-to-season and year-to-year.
The North Entrance...dedicated by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1903 the gateway into the 1st National Park - Yellowstone!
On our way to see the Petrified Tree (a giant redwood from when this area was marsh along the shores of the ancient oceans)...we saw a Coyote running along the hillside at dusk (one of the best times of day to view wildlife)!
Session 2 Ends & The Session 3 Adventures Begin.....
If you haven't seen it here's the link to our LiveStream Channel Camp TV:
Camp TV
Session 2 Campers hike down to The Great Salt Lake to float in the 26% salty water via SaltAire access.
Last dip in the pool for the Session 2 campers and a jump into the hot tub to get the last of the salt off!
Sorry no fire ring on the last night of camp so we imporvised and used a lantern for our last fireside chat and camp wrapup chat.
Don't they look chipper at 4:30 in the morning...good bye Session 2 campers have a good end of the summer.
Session 3 begins with a live steam engine demonstration, a ranger talk about this historical landmark and a movie about building "The Golden Spike" where East met West on May 10th, 1869 at Promintory Point, Utah to celebrate the transcontinental RR.
Down the road is TDK's rocket booster playground...a transportation mecca in America.
On to the Paris, Idaho Tabernacle the first Mormon stake outside Utah. All hand built by local labor.
The campers were there in time to hear the beautiful serenade of the organ being played for it's daily practice. The wood is all hand carved in the Tabernacle.
The Oregon Trail Center for a simulated wagon train ride...it really is bumpy and authentic according to one of the actors who portrays the wagon master for the trip to "Oregon or Bust"!
A dip in the beautiful campground pool and a fun game of Marco Polo.
Dinner yum-yum...Chinese Cuisine - Chicken Stir Fry with Rice! One of the campers said "the food is great...not traditional camp slop"!
We fondly call Bear Lake the Caribbean of the West - "Coney Island" but you can't tell from the pictures. The kids are all thoroughly enjoying the sand and the surf.
Set up for Camp TV...so don't miss out on those updates too...Live Streaming from wherever we can get it to broadcast from.
Our first official hike from the cave to Porcupine CG and back to get our legs warmed up for The Grand Tetons...Surprise Lake here we come!
All ready for the 444 steps down into the cave and 444 back...
Minnetonka Cave...in Shoshone...one of the most famous formationon...the three sisters. The middle sister is waving her left hand at you! She once looked like her sisters...but after an earthquake voila she now has an arm to wave with!
Afton, Wyoming to stop for a photo opp. under the world's longest Elk Horn Arch made of over 3,000 antlers and a drink from the only cold water geyser in North America.
Group 1 ready for take off on The Snake River.
The black spots bobbing are the campers floating down river.
Camp TV
Session 2 Campers hike down to The Great Salt Lake to float in the 26% salty water via SaltAire access.
Last dip in the pool for the Session 2 campers and a jump into the hot tub to get the last of the salt off!
Sorry no fire ring on the last night of camp so we imporvised and used a lantern for our last fireside chat and camp wrapup chat.
Don't they look chipper at 4:30 in the morning...good bye Session 2 campers have a good end of the summer.
Session 3 begins with a live steam engine demonstration, a ranger talk about this historical landmark and a movie about building "The Golden Spike" where East met West on May 10th, 1869 at Promintory Point, Utah to celebrate the transcontinental RR.
Down the road is TDK's rocket booster playground...a transportation mecca in America.
On to the Paris, Idaho Tabernacle the first Mormon stake outside Utah. All hand built by local labor.
The campers were there in time to hear the beautiful serenade of the organ being played for it's daily practice. The wood is all hand carved in the Tabernacle.
The Oregon Trail Center for a simulated wagon train ride...it really is bumpy and authentic according to one of the actors who portrays the wagon master for the trip to "Oregon or Bust"!
A dip in the beautiful campground pool and a fun game of Marco Polo.
Dinner yum-yum...Chinese Cuisine - Chicken Stir Fry with Rice! One of the campers said "the food is great...not traditional camp slop"!
We fondly call Bear Lake the Caribbean of the West - "Coney Island" but you can't tell from the pictures. The kids are all thoroughly enjoying the sand and the surf.
Set up for Camp TV...so don't miss out on those updates too...Live Streaming from wherever we can get it to broadcast from.
Our first official hike from the cave to Porcupine CG and back to get our legs warmed up for The Grand Tetons...Surprise Lake here we come!
All ready for the 444 steps down into the cave and 444 back...
Minnetonka Cave...in Shoshone...one of the most famous formationon...the three sisters. The middle sister is waving her left hand at you! She once looked like her sisters...but after an earthquake voila she now has an arm to wave with!
Afton, Wyoming to stop for a photo opp. under the world's longest Elk Horn Arch made of over 3,000 antlers and a drink from the only cold water geyser in North America.
Group 1 ready for take off on The Snake River.
The black spots bobbing are the campers floating down river.
