Our USA Roadtrip

Thanks , Ana , Ihope you enjoyed reading my little musings ,I have spoken to all family and some friends , now going to have a little hour here , as himself has gone to a retirement "DO" , don"t know how he can manage it , then I suspect "Jet -lag" will set in, so beddy byes for me , have unpacked , sorted washing , can you guess who used every garment he took with him ?? I will give you 10 bob if you can ? lol

Nonu, what a wonderful record of your experience! Well done, Mr N.
Welcome back, by the way!

Although I have to say Mr N , writes a diary every day whilst we are over there , then types it all up when we get back . I secretly admire him for that how he can remember the next morning , what we did the previous day. His is more personal to us though.

Butty , thanks , glad you enjoy them I find it is nice to write things down then they become a permanent memory for me .

I was about 17 when I saw Easy Rider and I can still remember the shock! I just wasn't expecting that ending.

Nonu Deliverance is one of the scariest movies I have ever seen!
Always interesting to hear news of your road trip.

Haven't seen either of those films, but did see the documentary - and stuff from that Michael Moore chap.

I guess news can be conflicting. I'm constantly amazed when I read your papers on line the US stories we don't get.

Deliverance is one of my all time favourite movies , even though it scares the pants off me, watching it .

Envious, according to some of the news reports in this country, that's exactly what people in the US are doing - running out in droves to buy guns! I watched a documentary the other night which gave the information (whether true or not) that apparently gun sales have gone through the roof.

BTW Easy Rider and Deliverance were movies made to shock people.

NfkDumpling, pick up truck+gun=a hunter.Please don't worry about getting shot.Also the gun law debate hasn't caused people to run out in droves to buy guns.

Nfk , very nice too , a place I"ve not been to .

Don"t forget to let us know back on the "Ranch" how you are doing

We're off to Africa in the autumn - once that's paid for we'll start planning a USA trip. I must confess I had been a bit put off by all he recent gun law hype - and we did see the odd shot gun laying casually in the back of a pick up.

Anno , Thank you .

Nfk, you are right about Estees park , but Steamboat Springs is prettier , you will have to go again.

{smile]

I'm hooked! We just touched on your tour on our last trip, but it was several years ago. We went through Rocky Mountain NP just as it opened after the snow. Fantastic. Is Estees Park that town which looks just tooo beautiful to be true?

That's a really lovely account of your trip, Nonu. I enjoy your travelogues. The tourism authorities in the US could employ you to do their publicity!

17/5/13

hello there a little update

In Wyoming we set off along The Beartooth Highway, this is an incredible 68 mile scenic byway, during which we drove past 11,000 ft, Mountain Peaks at eye level, the snow was still there in such quantities , that people were using the ski slopes as we passed. Many recken this is the most scenic drive in the USA and don"t think I would disagree.
Later in the afternoon we visited "Medicine Wheel" which is an arrangement of large stones , high in the Mountains with what appears to be a spiritual significance for 1st nation Americans.
Next day in the little town of Buffalo, we did a tour of the "Occidental Hotel" , where the author stayed whilst writing the stories on which the TV series "The Virginian" was based.
We then mioved onto Laramie and visited the Wyoming Territorial State Prison , built in the late 19th Century, where Butch Cassidy spent 18 months, the only time he was ever imprisoned . For cattle rustling. we also saw the gallows and the gas chamber . All a bit creepy to be a bit frank.
Next day through the Snowy Mountain Range and the Medicine Bow Forest. On route we had the magical experience of seeing a large Brown Bear ambling across a meadow 25 yards from the vehicle , lucky or what!!We ended up at Steam Boat Springs, [so named because the Springs reminded the early Fur trappers of the sound of a Steam Boat]

Next day onto the Rockie Mountain Park where we drove for over 30 miles through stunning Mountain Scenery, saw lots of Wild life, Deers, Elk and Big Horn Sheep [which is a rarity apparently].

Spending night just outside National Park at Estees Park.
Now moving onto Denver, the Mile High City , before flying home.

All gone too quickly, still have to go home before can return .

This trip has been different to many others, as we have had the soul soothing feeling of a deep inhale of crisp Mountain Air. Redefining "Road Trip" on wide open , traffic free highways.
TO be highly recommended!!

Bye for now to ya"ll

NFK mmmm is about right !!!

Today we are off to Laramie and will visit the Old State Prison for a guided tour , electric chair and all , at Rawlings en route . Like the sound of that , will post & let you know how it went also our adventure over the Beartooth Mountains earlier this week .

Sel , garden getting a bit overgrown , or travelling out West , think we know the answer to that one????? Enjoy Istria

Temps already 90 d. only 9am

wall to wall

Wow Nonu five weeks. I've never had a holiday approaching that. My OH is still working so time is constrained but how great if you can do it. Not sure I could cope with the packing - although I have heard they have shops in America

I have been to many parts of the US but not where you are so would be interested to hear more when you're back. From your descriptions, it sounds both awesome, in it's real sense and very interesting.

I'm off next week to Istria, Northern Croatia, somewhat closer to home so will catch up on my return.

Ok, so you've not put on any weight but I bet your garden will be a mess

Mmmmmm....... Sounds mmmmmmm!

NFK
No it is a small car, but a little beauty, we would Never go off road. We always now go for a smaller vehicle and are paying roughly 2 pound a gallon.

Don"t forget also when we are finished , we will have driven 5,000 miles give or take , so as someone said "Every little helps" I will be looking for your posts next Spring .

SEL . No, 5 tremendous weeks , you would be consoled by my weight gain but you will be wrong sauceboat , as I am being very healthy and eating loads of smoked salmon {which I love anyway] and salad .

We never dine out in the evening, after our adventures. We hop into Wlmart or where ever pick out our scoff and hunker down. Pop our grub into the Mic. as he and I usually eat at different times . Very nice, watch some tv with the odd glass of vino and his Sierra Nevada.

So you will have me back in a week or so . Boo Hoo !11

{smiles] to all

Nonu Have you emigrated?? How long is this road trip? It sounds absolutely wonderful. I am jealous and yet strangely consoled by the thought that you've probably put on loads of weight. Cowboy portions

Stay safe.

Just looked up Choice Group - very good value. Is the hybrid 4x4? 50 mpg is brilliant. I really hanker after an RV but I suppose you (and DH) are right about the mileage - and there's a lot of mileage isn't there!

Next spring!

You really should NFK , Montana is gorgeous.

We rented a car and then stay in Hotels , as an when , + we stay with the Choice Group and gain points for every nights stay which gives us a few free nights .

I have never really fancied an RV , they seem so big and unwieldy ., plus they are gas guzzlers , the vehicle we are driving is a Hybrid so when we drive round the Citys it doesn"t use gas , we are also getting 50 miles or so to the gallon , which is a steal , so we are getting more bang for our buck.

Get yourself over here .