Friday, October 3, 2014

Utah and Beyond 2014

 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...