Utah and Beyond 2014
We decided to put some
miles on a rental car for this 2014 adventure.
That might not have been the plan originally, but it is how it all
worked out. We put 2,100 miles on a
Hertz Rental Car as we explored Utah, Nevada, Idaho, as well as parts of
Montana and Wyoming. It was a
fantabulous trip!
Salt Lake City Temple Square
“Experience the peace and
tranquility of beautiful Temple Square with a complimentary tour of Utah’s most
visited attraction. Tours of the beautifully landscaped 10-acre property are
available in 40 languages.”
Hogle Zoo
“Hogle Zoo has something
for everyone! With hundreds of animals from hundreds of species to visit, the
splendor of the animal kingdom is yours to behold. Be sure to visit Rocky
Shores, featuring polar bear, sea lions, seals, grizzly bears, river otters and
bald eagles, Asian Highlands, a re-creation of a Himalayan village featuring
five endangered Asian cat species, and Elephant Encounter — where the Serengeti
meets Salt Lake City — and spotlights African elephants and white rhinoceros.”
“Far more than just a
state. Utah is a state of mind. Sculpted by wind, water and time, Utah's
landscape is the perfect canvas for your next adventure. From The Mighty 5™
National Parks, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion to the
Wasatch Mountain's Greatest Snow on Earth®, and all points in-between, Utah is
the place where memories are made and experiences forged.”
Great Basin National Park
“The Majestic Basin and
Range...
In the shadow of
13,063-foot Wheeler Peak, 5,000 year old bristlecone pine trees grow on rocky
glacial moraines. Come to Great Basin National Park to experience the solitude
of the desert, the smell of sagebrush after a thunderstorm, the darkest of
night skies, and the beauty of Lehman Caves. Far from a wasteland, the Great
Basin is a diverse region that awaits your discovery.”
Lehman Caves
“A Fragile Environment -
The Lehman Cave ecosystem
is easily affected by our presence and actions. Please help us in our effort to
maintain its integrity by following these important rules: You may bring a
jacket, a hand-held camera, and a flashlight into the cave. All other items,
including food, water, other beverages, purses, backpacks, camera cases, and
tripods are not allowed. Touching or collecting of cave formations is strictly
prohibited.” Very cool place!
“Nevada. A World Within, A State Apart.”
Bruneau Dunes State Park
Warhawk Air
Museum
“The Warhawk Air Museum is
a not for profit organization funded entirely by individual donations and
private foundations. The mission of the Warhawk Air Museum is to preserve and
teach the history of American veterans and their contributions to the freedoms
we value today, and to show the relationship of our country and its citizens to
those wars which so strongly impacted our nation and the world at large. The
Warhawk Air Museum Education Program is dedicated to igniting each student’s
appreciation and respect for the relationship between freedoms we have today
and the sacrifices made to preserve them. Our country’s history is its
strength. It is the cord that runs through connecting the past with the present
and hope of our future. Embedded in the past are the lessons we can learn to
help us create a lasting future, a future of hope for our nation and the world.
The Warhawk Air Museum offers the opportunity to experience these lessons
through the historical memorabilia and personal memories that are being
preserved here, and through our unique education program.” Well worth the time!
“In Idaho, taking the road
less traveled is a wonderful way to explore the state. Some Idaho byways have
historic significance, others provide access to natural attractions and outdoor
recreation, yet all have the extraordinary scenic beauty.”
Yellowstone
National Park
“World's Largest
Collection of Geysers.
It's wonderland. Old
Faithful and the majority of the world's geysers are preserved here. They are
the main reason the park was established in 1872 as America's first national
park—an idea that spread worldwide. A mountain wildland, home to grizzly bears,
wolves, and herds of bison and elk, the park is the core of one of the last,
nearly intact, natural ecosystems in the Earth’s temperate zone.” We had some rain during the visit, but still
a grand time.
Bear Lake
National Wildlife Refuge
“Bear Lake Refuge is located
in southeast Idaho, about ten miles south of Montpelier. Surrounded by
mountains, it lies in Bear Lake Valley at an elevation ranging from 5,925 feet
on the marsh to 6,800 feet on the rocky slopes of Merkley Mountain. The refuge
office is located in Montpelier.
The 19,000 acre refuge is
comprised mainly of a bulrush marsh, open water, and flooded meadows of sedges,
rushes, and grasses. Portions of the refuge include scattered grasslands and
brush-covered slopes.”
Antelope
Island State Park
“Hike, mountain bike or
horseback ride the park's backcountry trails for spectacular views of lake and
island scenery; spend a star-filled night in one of several primitive
campsites; stroll along sandy beaches and take a dip in the lake's salty waters
or step back in time with a visit to the Historic Fielding Garr Ranch. Antelope
Island is home to free-ranging bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn
antelope, and many other desert animals. Millions of birds congregate along the
shores surrounding the island, offering unparalleled opportunities for birding.
Year round Interpretive opportunities round out the Antelope Island
experience.” This is a great
get-away!
More images can be seen on
Shutterfly at:
It was a bit hazy due to all the fires going on in the West.
And the fine adventure comes to a close...