Jackson Lake, Yellowstone, Apostle Islands

Captains Cat":2eic4uzh said:
Can't wait for next summer Jim! ~~100 here the past week. Are you gonna be back there next year or should we plan on Maui?

Charlie
Click to expand...

Hi Charlie, look for a PM, so I don't hijack the thread.
 
Wow, these folks know how to make some miles! Not much to stop for between Flaming Gorge and the Tetons, so Dave and Ginny arrived a couple days early. I was taking Joan down to the marina (guess who has to work on her day off, to close the store?) and we came across this...

DaveGinnyE.jpg

Got to meet Dave and Ginny face-to-face and see their beautiful V-23. Also got to meet the sweet Lucy, but I didn't get a photo of her, yet. We didn't take up a bunch of their time this evening, since they are getting their boat launched.

Just the C-Dory infusion I needed!

Have a great time here, Will-C crew; we'll talk to you tomorrow!

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
Well we made it to Grand Teton and Jackson Lake . No way we could sneak up on Jim and Joan. What a beautiful place. Jim and Joan are great assets to this park. I watched him bring the cruise boat in and everyone cheered as they tied up to the dock.Back to vacation mode.
D.D.
 
Well we spent 5 days at Grand Teton N.P. on Jackson Lake. The people out in these parts are the best. Always offering to help or sage advice. We have found out on both Yellowstone and Jackson Lake you have a better chance of internet access out on the lake. We got to Yellowstone August 16th and have traveled to the north entrance the south entrance and the northeast entrance. We photographed buffalo,bald eagles,elk,deer and one grizzly bear. It's mating season for the buffalo and we have seen some violent head bashing over some younger females.We met John (Yellowstone) of the Farwest and he provided a wealth of info. He has been coming here since 1948 the year I was born. Yesterday we left the lake and drove out the northeast entrance and drove RT 212 the Bear Tooth Highway to Red Lodge. Without a doubt the craziest stretch of road I have ever been on. Could have walked over and touched the snow. Buffalo walking on the roads cause traffic jams and some people just stop and freeze causing some pretty funny jam ups. This place is a scream. Just floating around on the lake which is a very cool 57 degrees. Ginny is holding up well cooking meals on the boat. We call the boat living "Tiny Town" because of all the stuff moving it around from sleeping, to boating, to cooking. Its been a blast we are spending the 22nd at the Old Faithful Inn. Good news is that that gas at Yellowstone's Bay Bridge Marina has no ethanol. Frost some mornings had our Espar heater on a couple of times. At night we keep a little electric heater going. What we found that works out well for breakfast is the pancake mix that comes dry in a little bottle and you just add water.Pour into a fry pan and the ole butane stove cooks them up in minutes. Left over batter goes right back into the cooler for the next day. Funny the little things that you enjoy while on the water. I'll get some pictures posted of the wildlife and of the Bear Tooth Trip.
D.D.
 
DD

Glad to hear Yellowstone is meeting your expectations. We have a small sticker on the back of our truckcamper that says "Yellowstone is our happyplace" & no saying to us has ever been more true. Love to go on grand exciting Alaska & such adventures, but none have ever exceeded the combination road, boat and back country of the Yellowstone area experience & luckily for us its just a few hours a way.

If all goes well will be heading up your way in the morning. Haven't been back to the Hunkydory in a month & couldn't be looking more forward to being back.

Jay
 
You could spend a lifetime in YS Park and never experance all it has to offer. We are fortunate to live only 132 miles from the marina and have experanced the park in every season, we can’t seem to soak in enough of it to last, we just keep going back for more. Looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend. We are heading out Friday AM and usually arrive at the marina about lunch time.

Kevin & Laura
 
We spent five days at Jackson Lake before we moved on to Yellowstone Lake. We ran into John (Yellowstone ) almost immediately. His knowledge of the park is unbelievable as he has been coming there since 1948. He was heading home to take care of somethings on the home front. After we got launched we met Montana Kev and his wife Laura. Later Jay and Jolee of Hunky Dory. We sat and talked for hours. It was great to finally meet these fine people. We did some cruising on the lake, took pictures of each other and our boats and visited some of the campsites with docks on the lake and bear boxes for your food storage. Yellowstone was my favorite place. Flaming Gorge came in a close second. Jackson Lake was beautiful especially the Moran Bay area. Much cooler in Yellowstone some frost early am. We used our diesel heater as the lake's water temp is only 57 degrees most mornings. We spent 6 days total at Yellowstone. We traveled around in the afternoon traveling across the Beartooth Highway to almost Red Lodge. We saw old faithful and had a nice lunch at the old faithful Inn. We have pictures of eagles,elk,bison,coyote,and grizzly bears. Yesterday we took the northern route out of the park up to interstate 90 in Montana. Today we headed east across the hot 90+ degrees plains, saw forest fires and poor people on indian reservations in Lame Deer Montana to Rapid City South Dakota as we are going to visit Mt. Rushmore tomorrow. About 800 miles to Bayfield Wisconsin. We have traveled 4265 miles so far. The truck is now getting anywhere between 17.2 and 15.5 miles to the gallon pulling the boat with the boat loaded for cruising. As the internet speed improves I'll try to load more pictures.
D.D.
 
What q great trip to the western parks you are sharing with each other - and us on the Brat site. So glad it has worked out so well for you - the trip of a lifetime!

We saw two Griz. in the Lamar Valley last week - one 'up close and personal.' Good National Forest campgrounds outside the ne entrance to Yellowstone.

Enjoy the sights, the water, and the cool nights and keep the tales coming - we enjoy sharing the trip with you folks.
 
Thanks El and Bill. We have had the best of weather. We left Rapid City today after staying at a Microtel. First night not sleeping on the boat since we left home on August 5th. Actually staying in the boat and doing campgrounds is easier and more relaxing. After nearly bankrupting the Microtel by way of the breakfast bar we moved on to Mt Rushmore? It cost 11 dollars to park I almost turned around but was over ruled. I asked the attendant isn't Mt Rushmore owned by the park service? She relied yes but they don't own this parking lot. Go figure the concessions are run by Xanterra the same people Jim had issues with when he was at Yellowstone. They must know people in high places. Took pictures got some post cards. Who are the four presidents that make up Mt. Rushmore. Are there any Japanese people left in Japan? Some serious picture takers. We went down the hill thanking God that the manual operation of of allision transmission was up to the task of using the trucks Duramax engine to keep our speed in check without having to abuse the brakes. When we got to the bottom we stopped for a bag of ice and I noticed a man staring at our boat. He walked up and started asking some questions about the boat. I said let me give you a card which explains our boats model length and the c-brats site. I said the link on the C-brats site contains a link to the factory website. A copy of the card we hand out is in our album. He handed me his card Art Anderson part owner of the Million Dollar Cowboy bar in Jackson, Wy. He was up at Mt Rushmore riding his motorcycle. We handed out a bout five cards already this trip. We got on the highway and made to almost Marshall, Minnesota as we are cutting across the state via Rt. 23. We pulled into the state park at 7:30 the office still open. We got a nice pull through for thirty bucks. About 400 miles to the Apostles Islands. Probably take the reminder of miles in two chunks. We plan to pull into Bayfield, Wisconsin Friday before noon. Boy do we have some pictures to load. Got to go I'm practacing raising my pinky finger while sipping Pinot Grigio. Ain't life grand?
D.D. :) :shock:
 
Sounds like all is going well, Dave and Ginny. From the perspective of one who used to live in the Black Hills, I remember when Mt. Rushmore WAS free of charge... part of what ol' Gutson envisioned for the monument. The way around all that: charge for the PARKING, but entrance to the monument is free. At first, they had a no charge parking area that was a LONG walk... then, they closed that. Gotcha!

They rebuilt the parking area and added all the columns and arches - prior to that, it was a very "natural" looking walk up to the monument. Perhaps more "Washington" looking now, but not what the Black Hills are all about. A local family ran the concession there for decades, until "the change." A lot of the locals were upset about the "updates."

Still, Mt. Rushmore is an amazing site. When we are in the Hills, we ride our motorcycle up there, pay the damn parking fee, and walk all around the area. Very impressive. If you were able to walk down to the artist's studio at the monument or visit the Rushmore Borglum Museum in Keystone, you get to see more of the story of how the monument was created. Impressive.

We're enjoying your updates. It was a pleasure to get to meet you two. Travel safe, have fun.

Best wishes,
Jim
 
Nice quiet evening in Camden state park, 10 miles south of Marshall, Minnesota. We are about 310 miles away from Bayfield, Wisconsin. Our plan is to get fairly close and attack bayfield tomorrow before noon. As soon as we got into MN the landscape changed. Instead of vast plains where they Grow nothing bur grass and hay, we started to see corn and soy beans. And less cattle. The farm dealers sell huge equipment with tractors that have tracks instead of wheels. We are in the grain belt. Traveling on route 23 which is now a divided highway and they mow the medial strip and side on road and they bale it and use for cattle feed during the harsh winter. This part of MN has gently rolling hills that consists of many small towns, lots of which have populations of under 500 people. It resembles eastern pa.

We stopped to replace provisions in Milaca. There was a barber shop across from the grocery store and I got a haircut - $10. Ginny walked Lucy while I hit the grocery store and ATM. On toward Bayfield Wis. We have decided to grab a a campsite in Sandstone,Mn. in Banning state park. I think this is one of the places they should use to test mosquito repellent. The bugs here are bad. 140 miles to Bayfield should have the boat back in the water by noon. I'll try to leave at sun up and get in town early to bargain for a transient slip for five days or so.
D.D.
 
Ok I knew it had to happen about 2 miles outside of Bayfield the 5 0 (john law)(five O was from the show Hawaii 50) pulled me over. It was a Wisconsin State policemen. I was not doing anything wrong that I could think of so I quickly opened a can of dumb ass. He was young still had braces he starts good morning sir, I answered and good morning to you. He asked how wide is your trailer? I said man I don't really know about 8 feet I guess. He said would you mind stepping out and coming back I want to measure your trailer. I say sure I go back he's got a 25 tape measure with almost all the numbers worn off. He hands me the dumb end and says put in on the the edge of the fender. okey dokey I rely. He says it's so close (to what I don't know) We are holding the tape in the air under the motor. He says I'll let be on your way. I said so what if I was over width what would happen, he said you would have to call Madison ( the capital) for a permit and i'm sure I would have gotten a ticket. I'm ready to go back to the drivers seat. John Law says let me measure it again this time we will lay the tape on the ground, I'm like ok, same thing it's so close I'm gonna let you go. I say thanks and left the scene. Bayfield the gateway to the Apostle islands is beautiful. Had lunch at Maggies got a transcient slip with showers , power etc for three days for 98 dollars. The water is amazingly clear about 67 - 68 degrees. launched got in the slip when Chiquita a 22' cruiser from Chicago pulls in and invites us over for a glass of wine in an hour. ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) Man the traveling C-Dory show is expanding. Got go will start a new sub album titled Apostle Islands tonight. Life is good :smiled
D.D.
 
Glad you are having a great trip. We were in Yellowstone last weekend, the 19th and 20th, and we were sorry to miss meeting you. I love going to Yellowstone every year, usually spring and fall. We saw your boat but you were out exploring when we stopped by. We saw all the usual animals and even wolves (a rare treat these days) in the Hayden Valley. I have usually seen them in Lamar. Jim and I did not bring the boat as we were camping in the Honda Element and it was a quick weekend trip. From Coeur d' Alene, we came east on I-90 to Columbus and over Beartooth, through Red Lodge and camped at Soda Butte Campground. It has great pull throughs for the boats/campers, which we did not need this time. It is hard-sided only as it has lots of griz activity and someone was killed there last year. It is a great campground though with lots of room. On Yellowstone lak we met the crew of Grace, and saw Jay on Hunky Dory. It was nice to see 4 C-Dorys in the Bay. We camped near West Yellowstone on the way home. I love it there, have been going all seasons for 37 years.
Marti
 
Jim and Marti we are sorry we missed you.Our heads are still spinning from all we saw in Yellowstone.
Today we explored the Apostle Islands a little. We set off from the Apostle Islands Marina and went out the west channel out by Oak and Raspberry Island light a swung a loop around Devils Island. Then down to a dock on Stockton Island. We went along the back side of Madeline Island.We saw C-Pup a 16' C-Dory hailed them on ch 16 said hi. We spent a little time in Bayfield today. The Candy Store makes the best cinnamon rolls and pecan rolls. We had a couple run Runners at the Rum Bar which were excellent. We ate dinner out at Ethyl's 250 restaurant. Had a penne pasta chicken concoction with spinach and feta cheese with a bottle of Pinot Grigio complete dinner for two 55 dollars. The Candy store also does home made ice cream which is not bad at all. Tomorrow we will sneak over to Madeline Island and scout out uncle Tom's Burned down cabin a bar. The Apostle Islands are beautiful temps are 70's during the day 55 a night. A very nice cruising destination.
D.D.
 
We left the marina about 10:00 am. We were headed for Sandy Island light house and then to a park at little Sand Bay. We went out to the light house, took some pictures and then headed on over to Little Sand Bay park. We took the grill from the boat and set it on a grill up near a picnic table and grilled a couple burgers. Temps in the mid 70’s it was and is beautiful here. After lunch we saw Ramone and Laura from the C-Dory Chiquitita. They are in the next row over in the marina and are fine people and fun to be around and from the Chicago area. As we were heading back we saw some dark clouds coming from the south so we beat feet back to the marina. 44.7 miles today. No bad weather has occurred yet. Tonight I think will be our last night here and we are going to try Maggies for dinner. We had a great appetizer Whitefish Livers with sauteed onions and green peppers with a little tub of tarter sauce. Stepping out of the comfort zone here they were great. I had a crab shrimp risotto dish which was great. Service was impeccable so nice to be around happy friendly people which included the bartender and restaurant staff and the other patrons. So nice just a little walk up into the cute little town of Bayfield. This place reminds me of Maine. Tomorrow we will pack for home and start making our way back to Pa. I think we will be back here someday this place really grew on us. What a great trip this has been.
Ginny and Dave Lucy Dog Wonder :)
 
Heading towards home today went across Rt 2 on the bottom side of lke Superior into Michigan. Headed south across the Mackinac Bridge stayed in a campground just outside Travers City Mi. 500+ miles today. We are going to take a little side trip to Leland,Mi before we head south to pick up route 75 down to rt 80 east and on east to Pa. I'll add some pics to the Apostle Islands album from the Leeland tour.
D.D.
:smile
 
Dave and Janet of Will-C:

Great report on your travels. You were great company at the Apostle Islands. Glad you made it safely to Michigan. We just got home and cleaned the boat. Ready for the Guttenberg gathering next week. Have a safe trip back home.
 
Thanks Ramon and Laura,
Your boat was spotless and we had fun sharing food and drink with you and Laura in Bayfield. We visited Traverse City and Leland today they were beautiful We made it to just south of Toledo,Ohio another 500 miles or so. We should be home by dinner time tomorrow. Have a safe trip to the gathering and have fun.
Dave and Ginny
 
If you don't want to turn into the driveway head on down to Indian River Inlet/Bay DE -- we are entertaining for Labor Day 8>))

Bill Uffelman
Ocean View DE unitl next week
 
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