50 States in 50 Years Nos. 2 - 3 - 4

Montana No. 4

Wyoming No. 3

Idaho No. 2

Idaho and Montana. Two of these last three states are what  I call 'through' states. I went through them on the way from or to somewhere else. There is not much to say about either of them: except, I can count them as part of the quest. 

Going through Montana I felt I was at the top of the world. The sky seemed endless to me. There was nothing along the horizon except the curve of the earth. 

In 1977 we were on the way to Yellowstone and swung through Billings, Montana, to say we had been there. 

We took a day to drive through Yellowstone. 

We did not see one animal, but were lucky enough to see Old Faithful let off steam.

and get a picture of the upper falls. From there we went to Jackson Hole along the Tetons on the way to Salt Lake City. 

Bear Lake Idaho 1977

The only landmark in Idaho that was memorable was the sight of  Bear Lake along State Highway 89 in the southeast corner of the state.

Wyoming counts as a 'been to' state.  On the 1977 trip we stopped in Jackson Hole for the night. In 2015 we had a full 'stay for a while' trip. Our starting place was Estes Park, Colorado. From there we went up through Cheyenne and Laramie on the way to Jackson Hole. What an adventure! The Tetons are always an awesome sight to see. We stayed downtown in a quaint period motel right off the square. We love that we can walk to sight-see, shop for souvenirs, and eat. We took a day trip to investigate the mountains. We did not go as far as Yellowstone this time. A photo blog of the highlights of our trip follows:

The Episcopal Chapel of Transfiguration

Window inside the church
looks out on the mountains.

Our Wyoming trip ended too soon and we were on our way back to Estes Park to say goodbye to our family and head back home to Arkansas. 

Good memories were made!

*For "new to my blog" friends...on May 17, 2010, I visited Wisconsin.

I can now say that I have been in, to, or through all 50 United States.

I am committed to make an Artist Trading Card "ATC" for each of

the 50 States. 

The Orioles-Here Today Gone Tomorrow

One day there were Orioles all over Hot Springs Village. Everyone with feeders had at least three birds looking for food. The next day they were gone. I guess they moved on to their summer home. Here are some pictures of the ones that visited my feeder.

HERE TODAY.....

...GONE TOMORROW

THEN AND NOW-THE LIFE OF A TREE

I have been keeping a photo record of a Jane Magnolia tree that we got when we moved into our house in Little Rock twenty-five years ago. We moved to another town six years ago. We go check on it from time to time when we are back in town. It is still growing and putting on its spectacular Spring show.

February 2009

March 2010

March 2018

Maine No. 27 of 50*

Up until August 2013 Maine had been in one of those states that I had been 'in and out'.  Chuck was determined that he would see Maine that year with or without me.  I decided I didn't like the 'without me' option so I jumped in the car and away we went on a 5,000+ Road Trip.  We hit several states before we arrived at Camden, Maine, to begin one of our most memorable trips. We added to our 'Top Ten.

We met Sherri and Scott in Camden at the White House Inn. An iconic Inn that was the setting for the movie 'Peyton Place' starring Lana Turner. We loved Camden-a lot of neat shops, a short cruise on the Penobscot Bay, a side trip to Rockland and the Farnsworth Art Museum/The Wyeth Center.

We didn't stay long in Camden before we headed to Deer Isle where we stayed for several days.  There was a lot to see and do, but we mainly 'hung out' with family and enjoyed our visit.

Enjoyed the Scenery

Played a little music

Bought some lobster right off the boat

Then ate it with corn off the cob

Continued to hang and read a little

Did a little sight seeing:

Our stay on Deer Isle soon ended and 

we headed to Bar Harbor 

and Acadia National Park.

Holding 'The Voice' from Hot Springs Village.
After we got home the picture
was published in 'The Voice' along
with other travelers who took 'The Voice'
on their travels.

Acadia National Park

A blow hole.  We got there just
after it blew.  Didn't stick around
2 hours for the next time.

At the end of the trail
lunch at the Jordan Pond House.
Yumm!

What a wonderful place to end our Maine trip. The next day we left and headed home.  We had traveled 2,500 miles and had another 2,500 miles to get home to Arkansas. 

It's always fun to travel to faraway places,
but it's even sweeter to come home!

*For "new to my blog" friends...on May 17, 2010, I visited Wisconsin.

 I can now say that I have been in, to or through all 50 United States.

 I am committed to make an Artist Trading Card "ATC" for each of

 the 50 States.