Road Trip

For those of you who follow this blog, you have noticed that there is a slight gap in the posts this past week. The reason? A well deserved road trip to the Grand Canyon, Bryce National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

When you RetireInSanDiego you don't stay here devoid of all outside adventures. Of Course not! There are so many spectacular, wondrous places to see in this great, vast country of ours. It's just that, living in the greatest climate on earth (no exaggeration here) you get to choose when to go on those memorable road trips. San Diego will be here when you get back. I have been to all the above mentioned National Parks in years past and most of the time it has been when, well, when everyone else was there; generally during the summer months. But personally, the fringe times are better for me. They are less crowded times and in many ways there are more options.

First stop, the Grand Canyon: It was beautiful and there were not nearly the crowds you run into during the summer months. Okay, it did snow one morning but it didn't stick and the white accents were beautiful.

The Grand Canyon from near Hermit's Rest

It always takes me a while to get out of Grand Canyon N. P. because there is so much to see. I want to stop at every turn-out and hike as many trials as I can. The Grand Canyon Watchtower at Desert View, is always good for an hour or three. The views are spectacular as is the Watchtower. There have been many improvements over the years. If you haven't been there, put it on your list of places to see and while away a few hours.

The Grand Canyon Watchtower at Desert View, the East Entrance

Next stop Bryce N. P. I've never been to Bryce this time of year. If I was in a hiking mood I would have been disappointed because it was pretty muddy, but on this particular road trip, Bryce was a beautiful  place to enjoy part of a day before continuing on toward Yellowstone.

Bryce Canyon from Inspiration Point

And then of course, Yellowstone. I vow to spend a prolonged period of time in Yellowstone in the next couple of years. I have to. Reading about it only whets my appetite to learn more and a few short days never gets me past taking pics of the geysers, elk and bison.

This is the Lion Geyser. By complete accident we also saw the Beehive Geyser erupt. It was truly spectacular.  

We learned from a young lady who waited on us at the Old Faithful Inn one morning for breakfast, and who worked the previous winter season at the Snow Lodge near the Inn, that they open the Inn, deep in the winter months, for a special showing of the 1980's movie "The Shining" for all the staff to see who decided to brave the winter season at Yellowstone.

Old Faithful Inn

No matter how fabulous the place, time away is important and San Diego is no exception. We had a great time, albeit too short, but we will be back. Perhaps your next road trip will be to this corner of the world, when you decide to RetireInSanDiego. See you then.