What a great weekend

After we got off work on Sunday, we drove to Flagg Ranch Campground which is 2 miles outside the south entrance to the park. The Air Force has 10 twenty six foot camping trailers they keep there and rent for $80 a day. We went with 3 friends. Sunday night we just kind of hung out. On Monday we hiked 8 miles in to the south park of yellowstone to see Union Falls. It is the second highest waterfall in Yellowstone and it was totally awesome. We did a mile add on to scout pond which is thermally fed so the water is fairly warm and we all enjoyed the water. We then hike the 8 miles out for a total of 17 miles. We were all worn out especially Mary Ann and I. Our 3 friends were used to that distance. When we got back to the trailer we grilled steaks and cooked zuccini and potatoes on the grill. And of course drank lots of beer and wine. It was one of the best days we have had in Yellowstone. We all slept really good Monday night.

Where Has the Time Gone?

Well, I have not written anything in a long time. We have really been busy. It seems like we have only been here a short time but we have been here 3/12 months and only have 1 1/2 months left. There is still a lot we want to do.Yesterday we hiked Mt Washburn which was a wonderful hike and gave great views of Yellowstone. It was only a 6 mile hike with 3 miles up and 3 miles down and an elevation gain of 1400 feet but Mary Ann and I both were really tired. I think the elevation had a lot to do with it. Old Faithful area is about 7700 feet and we started the hike at 8800 feet and went to 10,250 feet. In two weeks we are doing a 16 mile day hike to Union Falls with 3 friends. That is a lot more than either of us have done. Mary Ann and her friend Stella went Whitewater Kaayaking on the Gallatin River. Mary Ann described it as fun but scary and a rush but terrifying. She said she enjoyed the time in the kaayak but not so much when she went out of the kaayak. She went up against a rock and got a big bruise on her behind. Our friend Marsha and her husband Al are visiting in early September and it looks like our son Michael will visit the middle of Septemeber and we leave September 27. We will spend one night in St George, Utah and then drive to Las Vegas where we will spend two nights at the Venetian. We have tickets to see Phantom on the 29th. Then we will drive to Phoenix to spend time with our Daughter and Son-In-Law.