Yellowstone~Grand Teton National Park, EOC Camping Jamboree
http://oligardner.brinkster.net/blog-photos/yellowstonebest/4.jpg

Date and location...

Date: August 8-15, 2008
Location: Flagg Ranch Resort, Moran, Wyoming
Contact Person: Jennifer
Cabins: $165/$175 View Rooms (per night)
Campsites: $20 / 1-2 Adults (per night) - Additional Adult: $5

Resrevation process is by telephone: 1-800-443-2311

Flagg Ranch Resort
1-800-443-2311
Fax 1-307-543-2356
PO Box 187
Moran, WY 83013
E-Mail: info@FlaggRanch.com
Web Site: http://www.flaggranch.com/


Flagg Ranch Resort is situated on the Continental Divide right in-between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks;
Take a left out of the campground and your in Yellowstone National Park.
Take a right and your in Grand Teton National Park.

* The resort/campground is privately run and not under NPS control.
* First rate camping for faboo outdoor fun and relaxation.
* Don't want to camp in a tent or your Element? Not a problem here. This resort has AAA rated Cabins too.

Every concievable ammenity and service you could want is found here including a lodge with a nice restuarant and Pub.
And it sits on the banks of the Snake River.

Richelle and I have camped here before and found it to be wonderful. We've no doubts that you will too.

I'm in, depending on dates! I promise to bring some meat and some sticks.

I'm in, depending on dates! I promise to bring some meat and some sticks.

We ain't gonna go camping without you Junebug. We can work around dates. Let us know what's not good for you and we'll figure it out.

Plus I want to hoist a Lone Star Beer and tequila shot at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar with you.
They got horse saddles for bar-stools there. You'll love it!

Meat on a Stick: "You can't beat it but you can heat it and eat it!"

OOOOHHH!

I haven't been to Yellowstone in DECADES.
I don't think Richard has EVER been :(
(and of course, my son's longest trip so far was Death Valley)

Do we have potential dates yet????
Sounds like a GREAT trip!
(also PLENTY of time to MAKE SURE his dumb employer understands he needs time off....of course they should have had a clue for Humboldt too...but I digress. Hell...by then he might have better employment!)

Now the question is -- tent or cabin? tent or cabin? HMMMMMMM........

Of course....I might also have to decide between this or DV revisit (don't know if the budget would stretch for two long distance trips in a year)....hmmm -- the mind buzzes!!!!

OOOOHHH!

I haven't been to Yellowstone in DECADES.
I don't think Richard has EVER been :(
(and of course, my son's longest trip so far was Death Valley)

Do we have potential dates yet????
Sounds like a GREAT trip!
(also PLENTY of time to MAKE SURE his dumb employer understands he needs time off....of course they should have had a clue for Humboldt too...but I digress. Hell...by then he might have better employment!)

Now the question is -- tent or cabin? tent or cabin? HMMMMMMM........



Hi Stevie,

So sorry you weren't able to make it to Humboldt. We'll do it again I am sure.

Still a bit early to nail down a date but as soon as we can get an idea on what's preferrable for most of us going we will. Hopefully within the next few weeks.

Stay tuned for further updates.

We miss you!

LOOKS Lik'a Awesome Place! :evil:

Maybe I should get a job here . . . :shock:

I assume another after Labor Day trip?

Ok, we're in !

* Don't want to camp in a tent or your Element? Not a problem here. This resort has AAA rated Cabins too!

I know we wont be able to go...we've got waaaay too many vacays planned for next year...but man oh man... CABINS?! Boy! wouldn't that make life easy...

*sigh* I've never even been to that part of the country... :sad:

Was I supposed to actually check out the accomodations before saying I'd go? Hm!

I'm not sure I've got anything scheduled for late August or early September of 2008 yet.

Was I supposed to actually check out the accomodations before saying I'd go? Hm!

I'm not sure I've got anything scheduled for late August or early September of 2008 yet.



No Junebug. If your going your going.
After camping with you for a week I already know what you like and I know that you will like this place.

I'm not going if you bring whatever that is in your avatar. :-D

I'm not going if you bring whatever that is in your avatar. :-D

ROTFL !!! :lol:

That's 12 yr old Samara the girl from The Ring movie.
Poor Samara was pushed into a well and sealed shut by her idiot mother who believed she was a devil child.
Many years later she managed to get out of the well and is really pissed off about it.
Someone's gonna pay for that.


It's my Halloween Avatar.. it's only a movie, it's only a movie (and a pretty good one at that)
Not to worry. I'll make sure to put Samara is back in her well after October 31st!

Pick the movie up at your local video store, put it in your DVD player and go hide under your bed! :shock:
It's a great creep out.

I've never been to that part of the country so count me in. Any dates are good as long as i have plenty of time to put in for time off.

We'de love to get some East Coasters too but we realize that might be asking too much of people.

I hope you realize that I find this line very insulting to me... seeing as how I have been to 2 of the California camping trips... FROM THE EAST COAST! :evil:

I am checking out the miles needed to drive, according to google it is 2190 miles each way. I can do that with 2 days of 15 hours each so I'd push the first day and get there in a comfy 10 hours the second, certainly doable and something I've done in the past. :)

You can pencil me in as a yes. I vote for having this incorporate Labor Day weekend if possible, even if I have to drive home that weekend or something. I'll see how many East Coast peeps I can drag with me, I'll certainly talk with Tom, even if I have to pick the two of them up on my way out there. lol

But I want an apology first. :cry:

The accomodations certainly *do* look nice! I'll be in the campground for sures, to keep the costs down for me!

And, I'd like this trip to cancel my, "Nothing good happens in Wyoming" experiences of the past. I'd vowed to avoid the state like the plague, but for a week of camping with my EOC peeps, I'm willing to put that madness to rest!

I'm not going if you bring whatever that is in your avatar. :-D



LOL -- Ellie pulled out the creepy avatar in time for Halloween again.
(I'll just have to avert my eyes from the upper left hand corner of the posts again)

I'm tellin ya truthfully, Samara bears an uncanny resemblance to Richard's ex-wife.:-P

Wow, that does look nice. We're a bit closer than Larry - but not by much, 1,967 miles one way. It could easily be done is a day and a half or two... (did I just say easily? )

We'll keep an eye on this thread, who knows - you might just get a few of the crazy east coast toasters out that way...

I hope you realize that I find this line very insulting to me... seeing as how I have been to 2 of the California camping trips... FROM THE EAST COAST! :evil:
But I want an apology first. :cry:

Good gosh almighty how completely foolish of me!
I apologize Larry. We could not get these camping trips to the fun level they are on without your Omelette making skills and the extrodinary entertainment you provide by burning Twinkies at the stake.

(I'll just have to avert my eyes from the upper left hand corner of the posts again)

I learned in the User CP you can choose not to show avatars. I'm doing that until 11/1! :)

I need to do some checking on dates tomorrow at work...but I wanna meet-up with this crazy-ass crew! FYI--It ain't no party unless a South Dakotan is present!

I need to do some checking on dates tomorrow at work...but I wanna meet-up with this crazy-ass crew! FYI--It ain't no party unless a South Dakotan is present!

Considering you can fall out of bed and get to the camp site I'd expect you to be there. :)

Considering you can fall out of bed and get to the camp site I'd expect you to be there. :)

huh, it's still 13+ hours for me! The dates will be the biggest issue for me. I only get 6 vacation days a school year, and it's silly for me to use them all before the semester gets on it's way!
So the dates will be the biggest issue for me LARRY.... :-D

It ain't no party unless a South Dakotan is present!

That is SO WEIRD!!!! I was thinking about getting my first tattoo and that is the exact phrase I want to get in 1" Olde English lettering. On my throat. It would have to go around my neck three and a half times, but it is so true!

See you there, Stella.

Ric

Yeeeeeeeeeee Haaaaaaaaa!
Please, please pretty please keep us Rocky Mtn EOCers informed! Depending on dates, you can count on me comin' up. If anyone wants to take the southern route on the way or to home, we can plan a picture E-vent on top of Pikes Peak too.
Can not wait!:)
KM

We're been trying to get a Rocky Mountain get-together planned for over a year and we can scrape up only 3-4 people. This thread gets started today and it sounds like E's from around the country will be coming to visit. What's wrong with this picture :mad:

I have 37 acres everyone can camp on, BYOS (Bring Your Own Shovel).

That is SO WEIRD!!!! I was thinking about getting my first tattoo and that is the exact phrase I want to get in 1" Olde English lettering. On my throat. It would have to go around my neck three and a half times, but it is so true!

See you there, Stella.

Ric

if you can guarantee that you'll have the tattoo finished by the meet, then that in itself would be worth the drive...regardless of dates....do it dude, I dare ya! :evil:

I'm in for 2 weeks :) . . .

I'm in for 2 weeks :) . . .


:lol:
If he's in, then so am I :D . . . he makes me go everywhere with him.

All Bow To:
MISS ELLIE! :cool:
CDI'ER out . . .

We're been trying to get a Rocky Mountain get-together planned for over a year and we can scrape up only 3-4 people. This thread gets started today and it sounds like E's from around the country will be coming to visit. What's wrong with this picture :mad:

I have 37 acres everyone can camp on, BYOS (Bring Your Own Shovel).

wow, talk about long term planning! :shock:

mid to late august would be best.:) I havent been to yellowstone for almost 20 years! :shock::shock:

I think I will start packing this weekend . . . only 335 days to go :shock:

Depending on the dates and if Dogs are allowed..............I'm a strong maybe

Depending on the dates and if Dogs are allowed..............I'm a strong maybe


That would be great !! I think dogs are MANDATORY, right Miss Ellie ? :)

The Lodge at Flagg Ranch also allows pets for extra $ . . .

Dang this thread's grown legs like a centipede since yesterday! :D

We'll be contacting Flagg Ranch in a few hours to inquire about nearby tattoo parlors for Ric, beds for Stella to fall out of, sticks for Junebug to sling her meat on, back road directions from North Carolina, and how many EOCers we can pack into a campground.

IFYI--It ain't no party unless a South Dakotan is present!

Well there very well maybe three former SoDakers there. Coincidentally Dr. Farther is in the process of talking our son into taking our grandkids out for a semi-family reunion in the Tetons next fall on her dime. So hopefully there will be three additional South Dakotans, a spouse of a South Dakotan and the two spawn of a South Dakotan on the list.

That would be great !! I think dogs are MANDATORY, right Miss Ellie ? :)

The Lodge at Flagg Ranch also allows pets for extra $ . . .



Yes! Dogs are a pre-requisite at all of our campouts. Last time we camped at Flagg Ranch we had two Kuvases, one Austrailian Shepard, and a Alaskan Malamute.
We had the Malamute's Little Red Wagon and sled-harness along.
His job was to haul our firewood from the campstore to our campsite!
He loved pulling that wagon around. We loved that dog.
Got pics of it. It's a hoot!

Depending on the dates and if Dogs are allowed..............I'm a strong maybe

Dr. Farther won't go anyplace without her three Corgis!

Dr. Farther won't go anyplace without her three Corgis!

Ira, Jack and Rosie are turning into real road dogs and we are proud to know them. (and youze guys too) What a fun traveling circus they are. :D

If you go on this trip the Corgis will get to meet Obi-the-Black Lab (Box4Rox's pooch) who not only loves water but also climbs rocks.
Add Duffy to the mix and some of the other campdogs in our crew and there's no telling what kind of hysterical canine lunacy is in store for us!

OK girls and boys, just got off the phone with Mike at the Flagg Ranch Resort and it all looks good.

I told them who we were and that we could need as many as 20 individual campsites and probably a few cabins. No problem, they have 75 campsites there and at the moment there's availabilty through all of August 2008.

There are no Group Camp options availble to us here so this will cost $20 per night to camp here. Those of us wanting to do Cabins are also in luck as there's plenty available. People can choose do combinations of both.
A few nights in a campsite and a few in a Cabin if they wanted.

As a group they would like us to book our campsites asap as it will help keep us together in one area of the campground.

PS: Anyone wanting to do Cabins will contact Flagg Ranch directly to make those reservations.

I don't have an opinion on specific dates, but I'm all for better weather if possible. Thanks for getting the ball rolling!

I don't have any specific dates that I need to work around in August 08 as of now... if I can get this onto my calendar then I'd work around this. :-)

Just curious, how are the roads in the area for bike riding? :)

I spoke with Miss Ellie and they gave the go ahead to move this thread into the main Event/Meet area. This way everyone will be able to see it and possibly make this an even bigger camping trip.

Maybe one of these would work for you:

Employment Opportunities

This is a list of general positions that Flagg offers during the summer season. It is not a list of available positions:

Dorm & Recreation Hall Attendant
Bartender
Line Cook
Grocery Store Stocker
Busser Prep Cook
Grocery Store Clerk
Host/Hostess Dishwasher
Switchboard Operator
Waitstaff
EDR Cleaner
Office/Administration
Cashier
Front Desk
Town Driver/Tour Driver
Lodge Cleaner
Reservations
Campground Attendant
Housekeeping
Activities Clerk
Campground Cleaning/Maintenance
Night Security
Gift Shop Clerk
Laundry Attendent
Maintenance
Cabin Attendent(Porter)

Glenn, there is great fishing in that neck of the woods...also GRIZZLIES!

See Y'all there.

wgwood...OUT and about. :D

See Y'all there.

wgwood...OUT and about. :D

Sounds like we'll have at least two Wenonah's show up ;-)

I thought you were only 19? :grin:

CDI'ER out . . .

wow, talk about long term planning! :shock:

mid to late august would be best.:) I havent been to yellowstone for almost 20 years! :shock::shock:

I'll take that, along with 1 Kayak & 1 friend with a Canoe! :cool:

CDI'ER out . . . and ready to move about . . . ;-)

The Duff'man will get to tangle with those Grizzlies! :shock:


Maybe one of this will work for you:

Employment Opportunities

FISHING GUIDE

Glenn, there is great fishing in that neck of the woods...also GRIZZLIES!

See Y'all there.

wgwood...OUT and about. :D

The moose (mooses ? meeses ? ) scare me more than the Grizzlies . . . :neutral:

I'm a definate maybe as well... it will depend on the situation in OK, the dates and all my peeps weddings, cash flow, dog arrangments and what the new job is like. But I am most definately interested..... even if its a talk the boyfriend into the tetons and make an appearance at the E-vent..... (he's not much for large gatherings.... neither is my pup)....

thread subscribed to, and awaiting new info.... YAY!!!!


jen

Just curious, how are the roads in the area for bike riding? :)


The key word here is roads.
There's just one road here and it's steep, long, sloping up and down and at a high altitude.
Flagg Ranch is very isolated and sits alone by itself on the John D. Rockefeller Parkway (the one road) which runs from the south entrance of Yellowstone National Park, directly into adjoing Grand Teton National Park which sits at at a lower elevation desending from 7,500 ft to 6,300 ft. (aprox.)

Road bikes are great for the Tetons and Yellowstone as both parks are mostly level with stupendous views of the mountains, lakes, and rivers.
The road that we are camping off of is a on a long slope that connects the two parks.
So you'de need to travel north or south for 10-20 miles for more level cycling.

Critters up the wazoo here. Especially in Yellowstone!
You may easily have to share the road with bisons taking afternoon naps as you come around the apex of a curve.

The Duff'man will get to tangle with those Grizzlies!



Duffy will definitly cause some serious ankle injuries, and they won't be able to lay a paw on that speed demon.

It's on like Donkey Kong.

Nail down the dates and let everything else fit around it.

I don't care, I'm goin'. Four to six days minimum with
gallavanting there and/or back. Pike's Peak? Okay.
Utah: Could it be any prettier? Bring liquor, though.

Ric

Also - if Perdata really wants some company we could make that happen I bet. Why would I need a shovel though?

There's just one road here and it's steep, long, sloping up and down and at a high altitude.

Umm, is it scarrrrrrry to even drive on?? How is it compared to the drive to Shelter Cove?

Umm, is it scarrrrrrry to even drive on?? How is it compared to the drive to Shelter Cove?

Heck no.
In fact it's one of the most beautiful, well paved two-lane roads in the world: John D. Rockefeller Highway (guess who paid for it?)
It's just very long and sloping and not well suited for cycling unless you're real atheltic and used to pushing it at higher elevations with hills.

In fact Flagg Ranch is surrounded by two National Parks and two National Forests.
Yellowstone to the north, Grand Teton to the south and Targhee and Bridger Teton National Forests to the west and east.

It's truly breathtaking scenery and it's all wilderness.
The view coming down from Yellowstone past the entrance to Flagg Ranch is most magnificent and very exciting as you catch the first upsurgers of the Tetons peeking through the towering timber that's surrounding you.

"It will knock you out of your Birkenstocks"

Oh goody! Sounds fantastic. Glad to see the group growing!

Uh, how's the cell reception? ;)

Oh goody! Sounds fantastic. Glad to see the group growing!

Uh, how's the cell reception? ;)


Yup. It's growing like a prairie fire. :D

The cell reception must be AOK as that's how I contacted Flagg Ranch today. No problems at all. :)

I have 37 acres everyone can camp on, BYOS (Bring Your Own Shovel).


Party at Perfdata's House !!

Start gettin' yer next rap together.

There will be some of this...
39627


And lot's of this...
39628



And, hopefully, none of this...
39629

wgwood...out and about:)

Yowza on all that stuff

Well, looks like I've got to pull out before I even sign-up
The wife has her heart set on going to Estes Park, Co. in early Sept.
Maybe some of the Denver folks can meet up there too!
Sorry, this sounded like a GOOOOD trip, I was looking forward to meat on a stick

That's too bad Orangee it would of been nice to meet you.
But I am sure you'll have lots of fun at Estes Park. It's very beautiful there! :)

OK then;
Looks like we're good to go on this folks!

Date: August 8-15, 2008
Location: Flagg Ranch Resort
Contact Person: Jennifer
Cabins: $165/$175 View Rooms (per night)
Campsites: $20 / 1-2 Adults (per night) - Additional Adult: $5

Resrevation process is by telephone: 1-800-443-2311

Flagg Ranch Resort
1-800-443-2311
Fax 1-307-543-2356
PO Box 187
Moran, WY 83013
E-Mail: info@FlaggRanch.com
Web Site: http://www.flaggranch.com/

When I spoke with Jennifer at Flagg Ranch today I told her that I was unsure exactly how many of us there would be or how many campsites we would need.
We could be anywhere from 10-20 sites with some of us opting for Cabins.
They have no problems with any of that.

When you make your reservations, remember to indentify yourself as a Element Owners Club member.
They will do they're utmost to keep us more or less together within the campground so that we're not flung out all over the place.

People can begin making thier reservations as early as right now.
So if you got all your ducks in a row and are ready to go, just call Flagg Ranch Resort, speak with Jennifer and she'll get you hooked up.

Note: the dates are from Friday to Friday 8-8 thru 8-15.
I suspect that most of us will do the entire 7 days and some of us may opt for less than that.
It's all good as your making your own reservation and will have your own individual campsite. Stay as long or as short as you like!

Just holler at me if you have any questions. :D

Thanks for the info... can't wait to get there and hike, raft and bike. :-)

Thanks for the dates, now I am trying to figure out when best to leave, etc. Looks like if I were to leave NY on the 7th I could get there sometime during the 9th then I'd depart on the 15th and get home on the 17th. Doing it this way I'd only miss 7 days instead of 10 days of work! :-) I can live with that.

I'll make my reservations by next week.

Death Valley....or Wyoming.....



Death Valley......or Wyoming.......



Death Valley.....
........or Wyoming




Death Valley................or -- Wyoming?




AAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH!
I need to hit the lottery so I can make it to both!!!!!!

:twisted::twisted::twisted::twisted::twisted:

Needless to say......they're both awesome trips :)
So you see my dilema, yes???

Yes indeed Stevie,

I know what you're saying. It will be tough for some of us to do both.
But for Richelle and I, if it comes down to picking Death Valley National Park over Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, we'll definately be choosing the later.

There's just sooo much more there to do and see there and two National Parks are better than one!

This is great info Gene and Richelle :)


Thanks so much for setting it up.

So we're asking for 7 nights 8/8 - 8/14 and leaving Friday morning the 15th, correct ?

I'll be calling mine in later today and will also ask about the rules on # of vehicles per campsite. Hoping to be able to put a small trailer in the tent site with the car and not have to reserve a full blown mega-RV site.


Can't wait fer Yellerstone . . . haven't been there in ages. :cool:

I just got off the phone with Jennifer and I'm paid up for six nights from Saturday Aug 9th, leaving Friday Aug 15th. I'll find someplace beautiful in Utah to camp on the way up on Friday Aug 8th.

She asked me how many and I said one for now, but Jennifer is confident I'll have a proper girlfriend by then so she put me down for two. So I got that going for me.

Ric

...confident I'll have a proper girlfriend by then...Ric

Not to worry. We will send Rosie over to snuggle with you if you show up alone.

Just made reservations for a tent site for the whole week. I am excited but it looks like we can't talk our son into coming and bringing the grandkids. Oh well I am sure we will have plenty of fun without them. And if we don't have to pay for their vacation maybe we can spring for that teardop camper.

this is all sounding great! Cooper and I are excited!

If Stella's going, I'm going ... whether or not Ric gets his tattoo. :)

Not to worry. We will send Rosie over to snuggle with you if you show up alone.


If Ric has a date, can we be 2nd back up on the Rosie offer?
Snuggling with Rosie (she's such a sweetie) would be most welcomed in our tent. :D
It could get a little bit chilly there at night!

We're thrilled that The Farther Clan is going on this trip.:)
It's gonna be a super huge fun time!

If Stella's going, I'm going ... whether or not Ric gets his tattoo. :)

This is so kewl, I'll finally get to meet Stella! (and Cooper)

PS: Is Cooper a Beagle? He's very handsome.

Looks like beagle ears with some wienerdog masking to me.

I got the tattoo but there may be a problem - I haven't looked it up yet, but there's one "u" in Dakouta right?

[quote=Box4Rox;485271]This is great info Gene and Richelle :)

Thanks so much for setting it up.



You're most welcome!
We've learned from the best (you) on how to put these big trips together.
Glad that Obi gave you permission to go. I take it you're not on his schzit list at the moment. :rolleyes:
And what about Ms.Courtney? Do we get the pleasure of her company as well?
T'wood be great to see all three of youse!

ya sure, Sout Dakoota...
Cooper is a beagle/miniature pinscher mix...he's damn cute, huh??

ya sure, Sout Dakoota...
Cooper is a beagle/miniature pinscher mix...he's damn cute, huh??



Yes he is.
I love Beagles. My sister's got a Miniature Pinscher who's a real riot.:rolleyes:
His name is Rocky and he thinks he's a Rotwhieller but he's more like a Rat-whieller.
But he's harmless and couldn't bite a hamburger. Makes lotza noise, is great fun and very lovable.

Cooper look's like a fine mix to me. Can't wait to meet the little guy.:)

And, hopefully, none of this...


Hmmmm . . . looks like Lovie Smith and some of the Chicago offense are looking for a new QB ? :)

(note the broom used to remove Rex . . . :rolleyes: )

Yup. It's looking pretty bleak over there on the Bear's sideline.
And just look at those empty seats! Even the fans have bailed. :-o

:) We are booked for 9 nights . . . Wed 8/6 thru Thurs 8/14 (leaving Friday am)

Just a heads-up . . . If anyone is planning on a trailer (Teardrop, pop-up, etc.) you'll need to book a larger "RV" site . . . In addition to the big pile of RV sites in the middle of the campground, apparently there are 5 RV sites near the North end of the campground where the EOC tent sites will be. Sounds like the RV sites will book fast and Jennifer said they will probably be booked at 100% for the August time frame.


Also sounds like they will limit the tent sites to 1 vehicle per site . . .



I'm already about 50% packed . . . need to go grocery shopping soon . . . :grin:

Just got off the phone with Jennifer... I am all booked! WooHoo!! I am set to arrive on the 9th and depart on the morning of the 15th.

I asked about White Water rafting. Last year they worked with Lewis & Clark Rafting Expeditions. (http://www.lewisandclarkexpeds.com/)

I think we should figure out who wants to do it and as early as possible next year arrange for a day trip.

:) We are booked for 9 nights . . . Wed 8/6 thru Thurs 8/14 (leaving Friday am)

Just a heads-up . . . If anyone is planning on a trailer (Teardrop, pop-up, etc.) you'll need to book a larger "RV" site . . . In addition to the big pile of RV sites in the middle of the campground, apparently there are 5 RV sites near the North end of the campground where the EOC tent sites will be. Sounds like the RV sites will book fast and Jennifer said they will probably be booked at 100% for the August time frame.
Also sounds like they will limit the tent sites to 1 vehicle per site . . .
I'm already about 50% packed . . . need to go grocery shopping soon . . :grin:


How bout them big RV sites! :lol:
Nine Days? :-o
Dang Box, you'll be there before anyone else.
Excellent!

You and Obi can do patrols of the campground, find out where the bear scat is, go see yourselves a moose and scope out all the other cool stuff around there.

You guys are gonna be looking really cool with your Tear Drop Trailer parked next to a humongous, 40 foot, $350.000 RV!
You have the skills... maybe you can tap into one of thier Cable TV lines and get HBO, or perhaps use Obi as a bait & switch diversion and hot wire a satellite feed for us!

I'm all in favor of you getting a RV site as close to our tent sites as possible. I'm sure that Jennifer will make that happen.

To be honest I can't remember what the tent area of the campground looks like.(must of been the tequila) :rolleyes:
When we were there in 98' we were a 20' travel trailer and one huge tent. There was six of us. Four in the trailer and two in a tent.
We were all in one large RV site.
That trailer (albeit nice and cozy) was no place to be sleeping in after a night of eating fire-breathing camp chili and many Coronas. :shock:
We were happy to sleep in the tent.

I'm wondering if we can get a maps of the campground?

You guys are gonna be looking really cool with your Tear Drop Trailer parked next to a humongous 40 foot, $350.000 RVs!


Hopefully the bears won't think the Teardrop is the "Bearbox" for a Winnebago XL Doublewide . . . :shock:

I'd still worry about the Moose more however.

I asked for a map of the campground but Jennifer said they didn't really have one (maybe she'll mail us something). She did describe the 5 RV sites near the tent sites as "really close by" so I'm hoping for the best. Doesn't CD'IER also tow something (Tear or Pop-Up)? Hopefully he'll read this if he's coming . . .

Good news is we'll have electricity and running water at least at one of the sites :) We can run an extension cord to Ric's Place for the Chili Pepper lites and everybody can bring blenders . . .

(And I can have a heater and an air conditioner and a refrigerator and a microwave and a hair dryer and an electric toothbrush and a Widescreen and a . . . I love camping !)

What's the weather like there during August? Hot, cold, rain? I need to start laying out the clothes and begin packing so I'd like to know what I need to bring. :)

What's the weather like there during August? Hot, cold, rain? I need to start laying out the clothes and begin packing so I'd like to know what I need to bring. :)

Warm, in the low 80's during the day with occasional afternoon thundershowers.
At night it's cooler with temps in the mid to high 40's.

Be prepared for whatever the weather. It could happen.

I'm a definate maybe as well... it will depend on the situation in OK, the dates and all my peeps weddings, cash flow, dog arrangments and what the new job is like. But I am most definately interested..... even if its a talk the boyfriend into the tetons and make an appearance at the E-vent..... (he's not much for large gatherings.... neither is my pup)....

thread subscribed to, and awaiting new info.... YAY!!!!


jen


Wow! Another long distance road dog. Very kewl! 8-)
I sure hope you guys can put it together. It would be splendid to have you there with the rest of us wonderful weirdos.
T'will be quite the cast of characters on hand for this one and a grand time is guaranteed for all who attend.
Nothing but big time fun in a divine, great-outdoors enviornment.

You will be thrilled. :)

A quote from our last trip: "These are the good old days!"

hhmm, august 9-15? I'll try my best to figure out a vac and swing through for probably one night. I'd love to visit my family in the box4rox area then show mel the badlands and black hills (she's camped all over the western US and canada and never made it to south dakota :shock:)... I'll see what I can do, though if its anything like Humbolt we'll be touring half a dozen parks in one day, sightseeing in 15 different small towns, getting up at the a$$ crack of dawn and not finding a campsite till well after dark... :rolleyes: Save me some meat on a stick-- I'll need nourishment for another whirlwind vaca... :oops::D

WTG jd! No one trucks it around like you and Mel do.
You guys are all over the map! I love it.

We'll set aside a few pounds of meat on a stick --- prepared as you like it.:D

Here's the first of many links for recreational activities at Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
Aside from deep sea fishing and whale watching, just about anything else you'de like to do can be done here.

http://www.jacksonholewy.net/summer_recreation/jh_bicycling.php
http://www.yellowstonepark.com/Things/

Random Info:
Did you know that bugling to elk or howling to wolves in either park is illegal?

Book Links:
http://www.grandtetonpark.org/default.asp
http://www.yellowstoneassociation.org/

. . .
Random Info:
Did you know that bugling to elk or howling to wolves in either park is illegal?

Darn !!! I had some plans involving just this very thing . . . how about Owls ? Is hooting and/or Hooter T-shirts allowed ? :confused:

Does anybody know how many EOC'ers have made reservations yet ? I think we're up to 3 or 4 ?

I'm in! All reserved with Jennifer and part of the group. It's only $148.40 for the week to camp!

I also got a little more intel:

Showers are a walkable distance, and are FREE. Laundry is coin-operated.

There is not much cell reception at all. Jennifer said she heard Verizon was the best but there's not really anything there.

Other than showers and cell reception, I had no further questions.

Someone PM'ed me about why we decided to camp at Flagg Ranch instead of Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Parks.
"Good question!"

A: Yellowstone and Grand Teton are massive National Parks. (especially Yellowstone which is about the size of the state of Rhode Island)
They also have massive amounts of visitors.

The campgrounds in these parks are excessively huge, some resembling small towns with as many as 400 sites per campground.
Needless to say these campgrounds are teaming with tourists, convoys of belching RVs and Travel Trailers of every shape and size, large families with screaming kids at play running through your campsite, noise levels approaching the sound barrier, and more distractions from the surrounding wilderness than you can shake a stick at.
Heck, even waiting to take a shower at the several campgrounds that have them could take up the better part of your day.

We picked Flagg Ranch for a few reasons:

* It's proximity to both National Parks. (smack dab in the middle of both)
* Flagg Ranch is not under control of the National Park Service
* The campground is much smaller (only 75 campsites) and showers, laundry and other comfort ammenities abound.
Some of the services and ammenties availble at Flagg aren't even on the menu at the two National Parks.
Speaking of menus; Flagg has it's own restuarant, pub and general store.

Either park is bustling with people and vehicle activity.
Traffic jams inside Yellowstone are numerous and caused whenever large critters are spotted off the side of the road.
Vehicular traffic can stall on the narrow two-lane roads for long periods of time.
After a full day of taking in the splendid sights and contending with all those people and machine distractions, going back to the campground at Flagg Ranch (which is alone and isolated from both megalopolis parks) will be welcoming place to go kick back in..

When I reserved the other day I was told I was the 5th in the group, that means that Trina might be the 6th.

Miss Ellie... that looks like 3 reasons, not 2. :razz:

I am now trying to compile a list of things that I want to do. I had to rule out the following because they weren't as close as I thought. lol

Glaciers National Park
Devil's Tower
Mount Rushmore
Badlands
Arches

Now for the things I want to do that are doable...

Olde Faithful
Hiking
Biking
Whitewater Rafting
Relaxing
Drinking
Roasting Twinkies
Twinkie S'mores
Roasting Marshmallows
Cooking Omeletes at least 1 if not 2 days for breakfast for everyone
Group Dinner

I'm sure there are a few more things I can think of before too long. :)

Miss Ellie... that looks like 3 reasons, not 2. :razz:

Oops! You caught me before I could re-edit!

GORP has some good recreational info for Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks:

Cycling Links:
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_national_park/wy/bik_gt.htm
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_national_park/wy/bik_yell.htm

Fishing Links:

http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_national_park/wy/act_gt.htm
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_national_park/wy/fis_yell.htm

Kayaking:

http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_national_park/wy/pad_gt.htm

But Gene, where are the river-sitting and afternoon-napping links? :lol:

But Gene, where are the river-sitting and afternoon-napping links? :lol:

Glad that you asked!

As you may already know, Flagg Ranch is situated along side the mighty Snake River and sitting next to that is an experience to say the least.
However, river-sitting in it may not be advisable as this is no lazy river.
But you can take an afternoon nap next to it.

As it makes it's way past the Flagg Ranch campground from the higher regions of Yellowstone Park, the river is wide, roaring, rolling and rumbling along with huge boulders spewn about everywhere.

Not sure of the depth here either, cept to say it may or may not be over your head, and not recommended to try wading across it.

At Flagg Ranch "The Snake" is still moving downward into the lower country, where it "snakes" through Jackson Hole and the flatlands of Grand Teton National Park.

If you were going to try river-sitting in it, I fear you could find yourself and your chair entering a zip code somewhere in Idaho before too long.

The river water is cold and of course the fish love that! (as do the many other critters who live nearby and fish in it)
It's very perty and you will have a great time with it.

Sitting in a chair on the shore of gorgeous Jackson Lake with the base of the Grand Tetons directly across from you on the other side of the lake,
would be an equally fantastic alternative to the best river sitting.
You can swim in it too!

Seriously, if anyone is still on the fence about whether to come along, the previous post should show you how great these folks are!! There's something for everyone, and as a group there's always someone to hang out with or just take time for yourself.

I promise not to sit IN the Snake. I didn't even sit in the Eel, so a fast-moving river certainly isn't my style. :oops: But hecks yeah I'll be checking it out!

I'm in!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG Look what happens when I don't check the site for a few days.

Ms. Ellie is at it again.:cool:

Ok, Gene, where do we swim!!!!!
Yes, I know it is cold but we have our own portable wet suit:lol:

River rafting a must.
Maybe we can catch Trout for dinner!

I'd like to make it a 2 week trip adventuring up and back.

I'll sign up for 7 nights and then scope out what is on the way up and back.

Eocers are welcome to spent a night on the way up or back in SLO. :D
(Sleeping bags in my backyard or around the house....1 toilet:shock:.)This will break you in for real camping.

Curiously, I must have driven right by this place many years ago when moving from Chicago to Seattle. After a bit of sight seeing in Grand Teton, we took the gravel road west from the ranch through forest service land to Idaho (the Grassy Lake/Flag Ranch-Ashton Rd). We camped that night in the Mesa Falls area. There's a lot to see between Seattle and this area.

paulj

I'd like to make it a 2 week trip adventuring up and back.

I'll sign up for 7 nights and then scope out what is on the way up and back.

Eocers are welcome to spent a night on the way up or back in SLO.
(Sleeping bags in my backyard or around the house....1 toilet.)This will break you in for real camping.

Just so I understand, After driving for an hour to your house in SLO, we're welcome to spend the night, but you won't be there cause you've left a week early. Have I got that right ?:confused:
Typically, I drive 12-14 hours the 1st Day ( depending on Jeannie & Duffy, they're lightweights with weak bladders);-)

Curiously, I must have driven right by this place many years ago when moving from Chicago to Seattle. After a bit of sight seeing in Grand Teton, we took the gravel road west from the ranch through forest service land to Idaho (the Grassy Lake/Flag Ranch-Ashton Rd). We camped that night in the Mesa Falls area. There's a lot to see between Seattle and this area.

paulj


Yeah you did. It's 52 miles down Grassy Lake Road from Flagg Ranch to Aston, Idaho. Never been down it though. Bet it was nice huh?

HEY..smarty pants
maybe some folks would like to start with me
or they are coming from San Diego or Central America
or want to stay here for a tour of the neighborhood.

It is alittle further than an hour from you guys,
so maybe it will just be a pee stop for Jeannie and the Doggie (I'll leave the key under the mat).
I didn't say I'd be leaving before the Jets
Maybe we will have a 'Round Up' here before our trip up...

afterall it is next August, who knows where we will be

HEY..smarty pants
maybe some folks would like to start with me
or they are coming from San Diego or Central America
or want to stay here for a tour of the neighborhood.


I'm always up for a tour of the neighborhood! :razz:
I'll even try to bring some people from Central America with me. :)
But do I have to wait until next August? :-o

This meet is more than 10 months away and we are at 100+ posts.

How about this: EVERYBODY READING THIS SHOULD JUST BOOK NOW. Our campground is awesome and will sell out.
I Google Earthed it today and I got a little teary at work. It is beautiful as is everything around it.
It will be one of the best times of your life, guaranteed or your money back. Get a dog if you can and bring it.

I want my next post about this to be in say, June of 2008.

Ric

Ellie & Co are welcome with or without CA friends.
I was thinking of putting together some sort of Eoc Welcome weekend (or week days) after I get those pics posted)
I'll check out the local camp grounds and happenings but individual EOC families are welcome to PM me for personalized visiting plans.:-D:evil:

I'm always up for a tour of the neighborhood! :razz:
I'll even try to bring some people from Central America with me. :)
But do I have to wait until next August? :-o

So when are you going?
We just miss each other and want to stay in touch aawwwwwwwww.


This meet is more than 10 months away and we are at 100+ posts.

How about this: EVERYBODY READING THIS SHOULD JUST BOOK NOW. Our campground is awesome and will sell out.
I Google Earthed it today and I got a little teary at work. It is beautiful as is everything around it.
It will be one of the best times of your life, guaranteed or your money back. Get a dog if you can and bring it.

I want my next post about this to be in say, June of 2008.

Ric

How about Camping at Morro Bay. I'd quit my job for that.

I had to rule out the following because they weren't as close as I thought. lol

Devil's Tower
Mount Rushmore
Badlands



Those places are on our itinerary for this trip, including: visiting relatives in Illinois, grad schools in Wisconsin and Minnesota, Theodore Roosevelt National park in North Dakota, Badlands and Black Hills (I want to see Crazy Horse; saw Mt Rushmore before and wasnt impressed), you guys in Wyoming (and Devils tower is on the way from SD), Sawtooth mts in Idaho, and heck, we might as well stop at Tahoe on our way home... :rolleyes::)

This meet is more than 10 months away and we are at 100+ posts.

How about this: EVERYBODY READING THIS SHOULD JUST BOOK NOW. Our campground is awesome and will sell out.
I Google Earthed it today and I got a little teary at work. It is beautiful as is everything around it.
It will be one of the best times of your life, guaranteed or your money back. Get a dog if you can and bring it.

I want my next post about this to be in say, June of 2008.

Ric

I'm already half packed . . . :)

My dog is completely packed.

I'm going to go put gas in the car . . . so I'll have a full tank on the first leg out.

How about Camping at Morro Bay. I'd quit my job for that.

Jet - lived in MB for two years; worked on one of the Deep Sea charter boats while I went to school (Cow Poly).

Would be really nice if they knocked down the friggin' power plant on the North side . . .:D

I'm in!! I know some killer hikes in the area if we anybody is interested. Anybody interested in summiting the Grand Teton?... We could do a 1 day-er if we start in the middle of the night. Makes it light and quick. Just a thought. I'm just stoked to chill in my favorite place in the entire world with my elements brothers and sisters. Good call on the location!

Yes Morro Bay is great,
we have Santa Margarita lake that has back roads to Pozo, Big falls, Little falls and Lopez Lake .
Santa Marg. is almost always sunny and 20mins from Morro bay which can easily but socked in with fog
Avila is our must clear beach with a dog beach, piers for fishing, boating swimming.
There are tons of places, sights, activities and wine tasting everywhere.
Sea canyon apple orchards are amazing this time of year.
Larry could do some great bike rides here.
You all will want to quit your jobs to come.
I'll have to put up links to the local wonders.
There is too much amazing things right here in little ol' SLO County

How about Camping at Morro Bay. I'd quit my job for that.

Yes I live around the corner from old cow poly..as for the pplants, you just have to paddle the other way and you don't see them, Our local phone company photoshopped them out of the telephone book cover. magic
Jet - lived in MB for two years; worked on one of the Deep Sea charter boats while I went to school (Cow Poly).

Would be really nice if they knocked down the friggin' power plant on the North side . . .:D

Just a reminder, don't forget your "Gag Gift". You have plenty of time, give it some thought and by all means try to "out-do" all the others.

[quote=DJEMBE;487676]This meet is more than 10 months away and we are at 100+ posts.

How about this: EVERYBODY READING THIS SHOULD JUST BOOK NOW. Our campground is awesome and will sell out.
I Google Earthed it today and I got a little teary at work. It is beautiful as is everything around it.
It will be one of the best times of your life, guaranteed or your money back. Get a dog if you can and bring it.


Ric is correct. It's nearly 10 months away.
Which means I got 10 more months to prepare for it.
That barely gives me enough time. :rolleyes:

Heck, it really is a big deal camping trip! :)

I'm in!! I know some killer hikes in the area if we anybody is interested. Anybody interested in summiting the Grand Teton?... We could do a 1 day-er if we start in the middle of the night. Makes it light and quick. Just a thought. I'm just stoked to chill in my favorite place in the entire world with my elements brothers and sisters. Good call on the location!

I'd love to summit with you McNasty but I easily fall off bikes.
I'm confident that falling off a mountain would be even easier. :rolleyes:
No rope has ever held me and lived and I'm completely terrified of heights.:shock:
But other than that I'm a go! :wink:

Teton is legendary, one of the best climbs anywhere.
I hope you do it!
Someone will take you up on your offer.

Looking forward to meeting you!

So can we crash at your place in Ogden, Utah? ....yuk, yuk, yuk... just kidding!! :-P

I'm in!! I know some killer hikes in the area if we anybody is interested. Anybody interested in summiting the Grand Teton?... We could do a 1 day-er if we start in the middle of the night. Makes it light and quick. Just a thought. I'm just stoked to chill in my favorite place in the entire world with my elements brothers and sisters. Good call on the location!

I might be up for some peak bagging . . . :)

I was also poking around the route guides for the Landers area looking for some simple top ropes or a rappel we could throw at the group; so far it doesn't look promising but I'll keep trying :-(

Heck, it really is a big deal camping trip! :)

I think we should have corporate sponsorship !!


. . . or at least T-shirts :)

I think we should have corporate sponsorship !!

. . . or at least T-shirts :)


I agree. Let's come up with some ideas for sponsors. Can we get Obi involved? Doesn't he have connections with Eukanuba?

T-Shirts are good too. But what should they say?

I agree. Let's come up with some ideas for sponsors, we could get Obi involved. Doesn't he have connections with Ukanuba?

T-Shirts are good too. But what should they say?

We need to have a contest.

Probably should have EOC and an Element and a tree and a mountain and a squirrel and a moose and a bear and a fish and a bike and a dog and meat-on-a-stick some where on the front of the shirt ;-)

The back would need a lot more.

We're gonna need an artist type EOC'er to pull this off.

I agree. Let's come up with some ideas for sponsors. Can we get Obi involved? Doesn't he have connections with Eukanuba?

T-Shirts are good too. But what should they say?

Let me contact Hostess and see if we can legally use the Twinkies logo. :D

I'm in!! I know some killer hikes in the area if we anybody is interested. Anybody interested in summiting the Grand Teton?... We could do a 1 day-er if we start in the middle of the night. Makes it light and quick. Just a thought. I'm just stoked to chill in my favorite place in the entire world with my elements brothers and sisters. Good call on the location!

Is this a hike type of a climb or are we talking ropes and real mountain climbing? I've never done the latter...

I agree. Let's come up with some ideas for sponsors. Can we get Obi involved? Doesn't he have connections with Eukanuba?

T-Shirts are good too. But what should they say?

Okay, Okay . . . maybe the Fish AND the Moose are a bit much . . . :-?


How about something like "EOC East meets West 2008" or "Miss Ellie's Mid Mountain Madness '08" ?

Is this a hike type of a climb or are we talking ropes and real mountain climbing? I've never done the latter...

Most of the stuff I read in the old days about the Grand Teton and climbs around there implied they were Class 5 (technical, requires gear - a.k.a ropes) but there may be a Class 4 route (exposed, but not requiring gear)

I've found that when I climb past 12,000 ft, my physiology works best if I camp @ 10,000 to acclimatize 1 night and then summit the next day . . . Or I run a 50/50 of the early stages of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) and that can really wreck your weekend . . . :sad:

Maybe we could find a lesser peak in the 10K-11K range around there and try that ?

I was also poking around the route guides for the Landers area looking for some simple top ropes or a rappel we could throw at the group; so far it doesn't look promising but I'll keep trying :-(

There is a pretty decent wall across the highway from the Snake River, pretty close to the main rapids. Its called Rodeo Wall, check it out. Also, there is some good climbing near Gros Venture campground, but I can't remember what it is called. We should at least do an epic hike up to surprise lake or somewhere. Its a decently long hike to a glacier and hidden lake. Perfect for foot ski races....

My family owns an inn in the Ogden Canyon. Its a "Romantic Bed and Breakfast", but its classy. www.alaskaninn.com I'm sure I can score a little deal on some cabins there. Check the link and if anybody wants to look into it, let me know and I'll see what I can do.

My family owns an inn in the Ogden Canyon. Its a "Romantic Bed and Breakfast", but its classy. www.alaskaninn.com (http://www.alaskaninn.com/) I'm sure I can score a little deal on some cabins there. Check the link and if anybody wants to look into it, let me know and I'll see what I can do.

Wow! Those are some very nice accomadations.
We've got friends in Farmington that would be bummed out if we blew through town without stopping and spending some time.
Otherwise we'de take you up on the offer.
Thanks!

Most of the stuff I read in the old days about the Grand Teton and climbs around there implied they were Class 5 (technical, requires gear - a.k.a ropes) but there may be a Class 4 route (exposed, but not requiring gear)

I've found that when I climb past 12,000 ft, my physiology works best if I camp @ 10,000 to acclimatize 1 night and then summit the next day . . . Or I run a 50/50 of the early stages of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) and that can really wreck your weekend . . . :sad:

Maybe we could find a lesser peak in the 10K-11K range around there and try that ?

Call me lazy... but just how high are the Grand Tetons? I honestly didn't think it would be an overnight! lol

What does Class 4 (exposed, but not requiring gear) actually mean? What does exposed mean in this context?

Class 5 I don't think would be for me without taking classes and such.

Call me lazy... but just how high are the Grand Tetons? I honestly didn't think it would be an overnight! lol

What does Class 4 (exposed, but not requiring gear) actually mean? What does exposed mean in this context?

Class 5 I don't think would be for me without taking classes and such.

Yep - you should spend 1 solid year learning the basics on short 50 ft class 5 climbs before attempting anything big that may have a few class 5 sections involved. Grand Teton is 13,600 . . . it would be lame to climb 3000 vertical feet of easy class 3 and 4 only to be turned back by a 20 ft Class 5 section in the middle. :shock:

Plus you get to carry all that wonderful Class 5 gear in your pack , on your back 12 miles to the fun stuff. :D

Exposure ? When we teach the climbing courses we use walking on a curb as the example . . . both feet solidly on a flat surface, hands and arms for balance. No special shoes or equipment. If you fall off the 6 inch curb you don't die - it's Class 1-2

Same curb except it's 500 ft in the air - you fall , you die - that's "exposure"; it's now a Class 4.

Here's a quote from an actual Teton Trip Report:

Looks like mixed 3, 4 and 5 . . .

"I was the last to go around the corner of Wall Street and as I peered around the corner the exposure was sensational. You have to do a long stem across a gap with 2000 feet of air between your legs."



:arrow: http://home.comcast.net/~wyomtns/grand/trip.html


Morale of the story: "If you fall off curbs a lot, don't do Class 4" :D


I like McNasty's idea of the glacier/lake hike - a moraine lake is something worth hiking to - amazing water color due to dissolved minerals and such. :)

Ok, we are in! just got off the phone with Jennifer, reservations made! All this talk of rafting, climbing walls, hiking to the top of mts, tells me we need a senior section, for walks, photo, pet walks, sipping coffee . Also, taking pictures before and after of the survivors of the hikes, wall scallings, rafting, etc. I volunteer and qualify as the senior as I have underwear older than all of the other element owners ages combined. See you all there and maybe death valley in February. best wishes, bill and outofd

Yep - you should spend 1 solid year learning the basics on short 50 ft class 5 climbs before attempting anything big that may have a few class 5 sections involved. Grand Teton is 13,600 . . . it would be lame to climb 3000 vertical feet of easy class 3 and 4 only to be turned back by a 20 ft Class 5 section in the middle. :shock:

Plus you get to carry all that wonderful Class 5 gear in your pack , on your back 12 miles to the fun stuff. :D

Exposure ? When we teach the climbing courses we use walking on a curb as the example . . . both feet solidly on a flat surface, hands and arms for balance. No special shoes or equipment. If you fall off the 6 inch curb you don't die - it's Class 1-2

Same curb except it's 500 ft in the air - you fall , you die - that's "exposure"; it's now a Class 4.

Here's a quote from an actual Teton Trip Report:

Looks like mixed 3, 4 and 5 . . .

"I was the last to go around the corner of Wall Street and as I peered around the corner the exposure was sensational. You have to do a long stem across a gap with 2000 feet of air between your legs."



:arrow: http://home.comcast.net/~wyomtns/grand/trip.html (http://home.comcast.net/%7Ewyomtns/grand/trip.html)


Morale of the story: "If you fall off curbs a lot, don't do Class 4" :D


I like McNasty's idea of the glacier/lake hike - a moraine lake is something worth hiking to - amazing water color due to dissolved minerals and such. :)

Ok, now I understand. But who would be dumb enough to walk along a 500' tall curb without being connected with a safety line? lol Everyone falls off a 6" curb but there is no way I would ever even walk along a 20' tall curb without a safety line. :shock:

I am always up for an adventure and am willing to buy a proper backpack if need be to carry gear... but I wouldn't be up for a hike to 13,000 feet! I doubt I could hike to 10,000 without getting nauseous. I've gotten altitude sickness at the top of Haleakala, skiing in Utah and even once at the top of the Grand Canyon, but that was from running a few hundred feet at 5am. lol I have now learned to take baby aspirin for a few weeks before as well as to drink lots of water a few weeks before to prepare for the altitude.

OK, we're in Tent site #56 and now I'm going to quit checking this thread for about 8 months. I tend to get too excited in anticipation. Yes, I know it's going to be the best Adventure ever, but I want to enjoy the other adventures between Now & Then. :D

Has anyone started the definitive Camping Fool List ?

Ok, now I understand. But who would be dumb enough to walk along a 500' tall curb without being connected with a safety line? lol . . . .

lol :lol:

You are a very wise person.

The second you clip into that safety you switch from "exposed" to "belayed".

But, you would be surprised how many people will do a quick 2 second class 4 move if it means saving a 1/2 hr of daylight burned setting the safety.

lol :lol:

You are a very wise person.

The second you clip into that safety you switch from "exposed" to "belayed".

But, you would be surprised how many people will do a quick 2 second class 4 move if it means saving a 1/2 hr of daylight burned setting the safety.

Interesting terminology. I have heard it all before and always admired climbers. A friend of mine has a place in Pittsburgh, PA that brings people all over the world for climbing... but I've never done it.


I always lived life on the edge racing cars... used to drive my 'rents crazy! lol Never did the mountain climbing thing though... other than what I did with friends during the summers in the Adirondecks and in CT... never more than maybe a hundred feet or so... but it was all easy climbing. :)

I always lived life on the edge racing cars...

spdrcr5, so did I...until I kept getting nicked by the fuzz. Long story short: I got arrested for taking a corner at 40 in a 40 driving a Lotus Elise, then got a ticket for not blinkering for 3 seconds in the same car (another situation). Then the one I deserved was 85 in a 30 on a bridge in a C4S. Oh yeah 113 in a 65 on the way to Vegas at 3:45 a.m. in an Evo. Five minutes earlier it was 171 in a 65, timing was on our side:) If you still like to race, I'd recommend running the Ogden canyon if you bring a car out. Tight turns, nice pavement, scenic and not super crowded around 10 a.m. Sorry, I went off on a tangent again. I get stoked when I talk about cars. I'm done...

The Grand Teton is 13,700 feet and probably not the most ideal climb for unexperienced climbers. There are some sections that require rope, gear, and plenty of experience. Especially off the back side on the 'Black Ice Couloir." There is a pretty long free hanging rappel that is right above the couloir. You fall, you splat. Then its a hike along 70 degree ice... Spooky to say the least. I think we'll just stick to a basic hike up to a glacial lake or something good. I'm going to bring the misses so I probably won't summit on this strike.

For those more experienced in the age section, I would recommend the Jenny Lake hike. It is a nice hike with little or no elevation climb around the beautiful Jenny Lake. There is a ferry half way if you want to do half, or you can walk the whole lake, which is pretty big.... A scenic drive through Yellowstone would be great too. Just some ideas;-)

Sorry to post again... If anybody is interested in learning more about the route we would take to summit the Grand, it is called the Exum Route. Google it to look at the specs and difficulty levels. How many experienced mountaineers do we have here on the E to the O to the C?

As mentioned in the previous posts we're still a long way until August.
All people really need to do is bag thier reservations and wait until it's time to go.

However: :rolleyes:

Just so ya know, if you are intending or interested in doing any of the more popular activities in either of the two parks, then you really should figure out what it is you'll want to do and make those reservations asap!

These activities would include Rafting and Horseback Riding as these are very popular and and sell out well in advance of the summer months.

Rafting: Make sure when you book resrevations for a rafting trip that you know where it's going and what it consists of.
Our first rafting trip on the Snake River was inside Grand Teton National Park.
It turned out to be a Float Trip and we were disapointed to find that it didn't include any rapids or white water.
As we were expecting a rollicking raft trip it was actually a rather boring experience.
The magnificent scenery all around us was often obscured by the tall ramparts that flank either side of the river.
If you're looking for the best canyon crashing White Water Rafting in the area this is the link to it: http://www.jhww.com/

Horseback Riding: Inside Yellowstone is some of the best.
Specifcally at Roosevelt Corral in the Lamar Valley region of the park.
The best trip here includes riding the switch backs above the corrals (don't look down!) and into the back country.
Half-way through the ride you'll be stopping at a Cowboy Camp where you'll hitch up your horse and be fed a fine steak dinner by real cowboys, drink Cowboy coffee and meet up with other visitors who got there by wagon.
This was one great ride when we did it and we highly recommend it!
Here's the link to that: http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/horseride.htm

There are numerous outfitters in the area that provide these services.
The two links we've selected are based only on our personal experiences.
There may be some better options available (I dunno) but we are sure about the these two.

Ok, we are in! just got off the phone with Jennifer, reservations made! All this talk of rafting, climbing walls, hiking to the top of mts, tells me we need a senior section, for walks, photo, pet walks, sipping coffee . Also, taking pictures before and after of the survivors of the hikes, wall scallings, rafting, etc. I volunteer and qualify as the senior as I have underwear older than all of the other element owners ages combined. See you all there and maybe death valley in February. best wishes, bill and outofd

Richelle and I will join you as members of the Senior Section as both of us recently acquired our AARP memberships. :rolleyes:
No scaling mountain walls, back country expedition hikes, dangling from ropes, eating tree bark, wrestling bears, and being stalked by wolves for us either. :razz:

We'll be making our reservations in the next few days.

The senior section could also guard the wine, beer and bakery items while youngsters play!!! lol bill

As mentioned in the previous posts we're still a long way until August.
All people really need to do is bag thier reservations and wait until it's time to go.



I received an e-mail from Jennifer confirming my "special needs" site (RV site) is indeed DIRECTLY NEXT to some lucky EOC'er in a tent. :):):)

Thank you Jennifer !!

Don't forget, if you think you are towing a trailer to ask for a RV site - there are 5 near the EOC tent sites; I have 1 so now there are 4 . . .

spdrcr5, so did I...until I kept getting nicked by the fuzz. Long story short: I got arrested for taking a corner at 40 in a 40 driving a Lotus Elise, then got a ticket for not blinkering for 3 seconds in the same car (another situation). Then the one I deserved was 85 in a 30 on a bridge in a C4S. Oh yeah 113 in a 65 on the way to Vegas at 3:45 a.m. in an Evo. Five minutes earlier it was 171 in a 65, timing was on our side:) If you still like to race, I'd recommend running the Ogden canyon if you bring a car out. Tight turns, nice pavement, scenic and not super crowded around 10 a.m. Sorry, I went off on a tangent again. I get stoked when I talk about cars. I'm done...

I am talking legal, SCCA, EMRA, NASA, etc all on the track. I built a GT-4 race car and raced it. I also raced Showroom stock with my street cars, which prompted me to purchase a trailer and truck, etc.

Street racing I didn't do, but I used to drive fast on the street. :)

The senior section could also guard the wine, beer and bakery items while youngsters play!!! lol bill

In addition to that Richelle and I will be available for dog walking chores and canine baby sitting.
So for all the adventurous types amoung us who wish to leave Fido behind while venturing out into the forests...
"we've gotcha back's Jack!"

PS: We'll be charging a small fee for this service:
Your choice of one cold beer per hour or naming you're first born after either of us would be sufficent.:-P

PS: We'll be charging a small fee for this service:
Your choice of one cold beer per hour or naming you're first born after either of us would be sufficent.:razz:
:lol: OMG that's hilarious!!! I almost shot hot cocoa outta my nose!

I am talking legal, SCCA, EMRA, NASA, etc all on the track. I built a GT-4 race car and raced it. I also raced Showroom stock with my street cars, which prompted me to purchase a trailer and truck, etc.

Street racing I didn't do, but I used to drive fast on the street. :)

I never did any street racing either, just mashing here and there. I would have loved to get into real racing, but never had the fundage as a wee lad. I'm only 22 so I've still got time. Do you have pics of your car?

Richelle and I will join you as members of the Senior Section as both of us recently acquired our AARP memberships. :rolleyes:
No scaling mountain walls, back country expedition hikes, dangling from ropes, eating tree bark, wrestling bears, and being stalked by wolves for us either. :razz:

We'll be making our reservations in the next few days.
Well, I did it; August 7th leaving August 15th.
I don't think I've ever planned anything this early.

I'd like to jump back and forth from the Kids explorer group to the Senior section. Both sound like fun places to be.

I'll have the Condo set up for visiting discussion groups, camera talk, art shows, game night or relaxation & reading room ...or whatever mischief we can come up with. Oh yes... talent show rehearsals.:lol:

I'll sleep in my cradle (the E) it is so cozy, right Junebug?

I'll sleep in my cradle (the E) it is so cozy, right Junebug?

Yes ma'am!! So glad to see you'll be there.

I'm bringing my camp stove this time so I won't have to troll for fire so much, but there will be plenty of chillin' around the campground!

So what are the official dates? I know its probably somewhere within the last 15 pages of posts, but I'm tired and want to go na-night. Love your bodies.

I never did any street racing either, just mashing here and there. I would have loved to get into real racing, but never had the fundage as a wee lad. I'm only 22 so I've still got time. Do you have pics of your car?

Yes, but unfortunately this was all before Digicams so I'd have to scan them in and have never done that. lol

So what are the official dates? I know its probably somewhere within the last 15 pages of posts, but I'm tired and want to go na-night. Love your bodies.

Official dates are: August 8-15, 2008 that is a Friday to Friday. It looks like people will be arriving anywhere from Aug 6-9th with most departing on the 15th.

Once you've got your reservations completed there's plenty of time to plan for your trip as it's 10 months away.

The first time we visited here we didn't plan out anything.
What ever we wanted to do, we'de figure it out when we got there.
But when we got here there was just too many wonderful things to do and see than we had time for.
So we ended up spending alot of our time making mental-notes on what we'de do the next time we visited.
Plan your trip and figure out what you want to do before you get there.
You still won't have enough time to do everything there is to offer.
But your time is precious so try to manage it well.

There's oodles of books on Wyoming and Yellowstone-Teton National Parks.
Lot's of them aren't much more than rubbish and tourist advertising.
If I were to recommend just one book it would be...

Wyoming:
by Nathaniel Burt
Publisher: Random House/Compass American Guides

Nathaniel Burt was born during a snowstorm on a kitchen table in a log cabin attended by a psychiatrist on the Bar BC, one of Wyoming's first dude ranches.
Son of Struthers and Katherine Burt, themselves famous authors, Nathaniel has got serious credentails and knows all things Wyoming.

You can read this book for information and come away entertained.
Or you can read it for entertaiment and come a way informed.

Moving generally from southeast to northwest, and back again, you can broadly distinguish at least 16 regions.
Each is dealt with in a seperate chapter of the book, and thier organization is based on the assumption that you are driving an automobile.
The following list describes those regions.
No matter what direction you'll be traveling from to attend this trip, you will be driving through some of these regions.

OLD WYOMING, REGION I:
The southeast corner of old settlement
STAGECOACH CORRIDOR, REGION II:
The eastern border of plains and rangelands spilling west from Nebraska and the Dakotas.
BLACK HILLS, REGION III:
The northeast corner of low mountains, the western extension of the Black Hills
THUNDER BASIN, REGION IV:
The corridor of plains south from Montana to the North Platte River
OREGON TRAIL ROUTE, REGION V:
The corridor of plains going west from the bend of the North Platte and it's mountains toward the Wind River Basin
BIG HORN BASIN, REGION VI:
The Big Horn Basin, west of the Big Horn Mountains
POWDER RIVER BASIN: REGION VII:
The Powder River Basin, east of the Big Horn Mountains
ABSAROKAS, REGION VIII:
The Cody area and Absaroka Mountain Range
YELLOWSTONE, REGION IX:
Yellowstone National Park
JACKSON HOLE, REGION X:
Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole
INDIAN LAND, REGION XI:
The Wind River Basin east of the Wind River Mountains
TRAPPER LAND, REGION XII:
The Green River Basin, west of the Wind Rivers
STAR VALLEY, REGION XIII:
Star Valley and the western border
FOSSIL COUNTRY, REGION XIV:
The southwest corner
GREAT BASIN, REGION XV:
Sweetwater Country and the Great Divide Basin
COPPER COUNTRY, REGION XVI:
The Sierra Madre Mountains

Don't even think about it. Just buy this book.
The photography is superb, it's full of wonderful maps, detailed regional histories, exceptional stories, and tons of incredibly useful information.
It's very well written and a good read.
You can find it in the Travel section of any halfway decent bookstore and it's less than $20. :smile:

This thread will be in the "Semi-Hybernation" mode until we get closer to the summer.

Until that time I'll continue to monitor and respond to any questions and inquries that people may have regarding any aspect of this camping trip.
I'll periodically continue to post related info and other deemed interesting topics about it and I hope that others will too.

CYA in WYOMING ! :)

Yes ma'am!! So glad to see you'll be there.

I'm bringing my camp stove this time so I won't have to troll for fire so much, but there will be plenty of chillin' around the campground!

Hey girl sharing stuff is part of the fun. Especially since Glenn and Greg did most the cooking in South Park. We needed to break in my new stove.
Keep your Extendo Stick ready for next August.
Anyone hear from Mel? ..I don't know her EOC name.
Thanks for the great gift the south park crew loved our Extendo Sticks!!!

Jbug let's starting planning the non talent show now....
Never too early to get our imaginations moving.
Your video has inspired a EOC movement!!!:-P

It's a long way from here to Flagg Ranch-Yellowstone, Wyoming.
It would be very cool to get some California peeps who are going on this trip to caravan all the way up there.
Richelle and I have driven there numerous times and have all the routes wired.
We know some excellent places to camp or stay at on the way up.

At the very least it's a two day drive and will require an overnight stop somewhere along the line.

Definately something to think about. :-)

Will our position in the Caravan be detremined by the date of our confirmation ? Or is it going to be determined by Seniority ? :razz:

Will our position in the Caravan be detremined by the date of our confirmation ? Or is it going to be determined by Seniority ? :razz:

Niether.
Confirmation and seniority will not be factors in determining the pole position in the Caravan.
But you could still be a shoe in with a definative edge...
Positions will be determined by charm and good looks or lack thereof. :razz:

Jean's got both, I have neither.:rolleyes:

Niether.
Confirmation and seniority will not be factors in determining the pole position in the Caravan.
But you could still be a shoe in with a definative edge...
Positions will be determined by charm and good looks or lack thereof. :razz:

Ric will have to lead the pack.
Or maybe Duffy.

Richelle and I have driven there numerous times and have all the routes wired.
We know some excellent places to camp or stay at on the way up.
:-)

Damn Miss Ellie, is there anywhere on the contenent you guys havent camped at??? :shock::)

You should write a book "Miss Ellie's Guide to Car Camping in the US" :)

LOL!
We've camp at many places west of the Rockies but hardly any east of them.
If we were to write a book it would be..

Miss Ellie's Left Coast Car Camping Guide & Coloring Book.
Complete with giant crayons, racoon hats and directions to the nearest In-N-Out Burger. :razz:

If I were to recommend just one book it would be...

Wyoming:
by Nathaniel Burt
Publisher: Random House/Compass American Guides



I just ordered das buch . . . Thanks for the tip. :)

I'm planning a East-to-West journey through the Badlands and eventually the Crazy Horse memorial.

I camped with some friends last weekend that were in Yellowstone in August. They had a good time; said the only thing they had miscalculated was the amount of time it took to get from point A to point B within the park due to speed limits and sightseeing distractions (a.k.a - Bear, Moose, etc. ). They eventually adopted the policy of changing campsites (first come, first served) to position themselves closer to the days activities.

I just ordered das buch . . . Thanks for the tip. :)

I'm planning a East-to-West journey through the Badlands and eventually the Crazy Horse memorial.


You'll love the book.
We took a route through the Badlands and Mount Rushmore /Black Hills National Forest before.
Camped at the Badlands (aptly named) for one day.
Nice place to drive through.
The Badlands, Prairie-Dog-Town was real funny but camping there was not. It was stricly a one day affair for us. We found it, eery, god awfully hot, bleak and windy.
(but maybe we were there when it was having a badlands hair day) :confused:
Crazy Horse loved the Badlands. He use to hide out and raid from there. But he was err.. Crazy Horse.

Fortunately not too far away (on the other side of Rapid City) is The Black Hills.
We found it to be an oasis out in the middle of a sea of barren plains.
Much nicer campgrounds there (forested and cooler) and ideal for checking out Mount Rushmore, Wind Caves, Crazy Horse Monument.

From there we went up to Sheridan, Wyoming cut across the Big Horn Mountains (a must see) through the Big Horn Basin to popular Cody.
(Cowboytown USA)
Cody, Wyoming is the East Gateway to Yellowstone National Park.

Hot Tip: Driving into Yellowstone Park right before dawn is well worth it.
All the critters seem to be out and about around that time and it's most incredible. There's no telling what you'll see.

Custer State Forest: http://sdgfp-px.rtrk.com/Parks/Regions/Custer/maps.htm

I camped with some friends last weekend that were in Yellowstone in August. They had a good time; said the only thing they had miscalculated was the amount of time it took to get from point A to point B within the park due to speed limits and sightseeing distractions (a.k.a - Bear, Moose, etc. ). They eventually adopted the policy of changing campsites (first come, first served) to position themselves closer to the days activities.

Yes. That's very true. These are huge bustling parks and once you see them you'll know why they're such popular places to visit.
Both Yellowstone and Grand Teton are throughly mobbed with tourists. Yellowstone is literally a museum on the hoof. (albeit a most magnificent place)
This is why I am urging people to really plan their day activities well here.
Timing is critical.
Don't set off in the middle of the day and try to visit the more popular places in either park.
If you do you're apt to find lots of traffic jams and spend too much time looking for places to park.
Set out early to go do whatever activies you're into.
.

We took a route through the Badlands and Mount Rushmore /Custer National Forest before.

I guess I am being anal here but it is Custer State Park within the Black Hill National Forest. Another bit of trivia is that Harney Peak in the Black Hills is the highest peak in the US east of the Rockies.

I only know this because I am originally from South Dakota.

Apparently Custer State Park borders the southestern portion of Black Hills National Forest.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills/

Has anyone visited the Crazy Horse memorial ?? I think they are still working on it . . . not sure when the completion date is.

American Experience ran a good documentary on the making of Mt. Rushmore; I was there when I was kid, but would like to see it again.

I'll keep you all posted when I zero in on a camping plan for the SD leg of the journey . . . maybe we'll pick up a few other EOC'ers :)

It's certainly come a long way from when we were there to see it.
The head was just a rounded form with no detail. Now, from the looks of the above photo it's quite defined and detailed.

Did you know that no photos of Crazy Horse actually exist?
No one knows what he looked like other than some verbal historical discriptions.
Crazy Horse loathed cameras and one of the first great paparazzi haters.

Here's the current list of Camping Fools planning on attending this gig;

1 Djembe: Silverlake/LA, California
2 CDI'ER: Phoenix, Arizona
3 Jet: Thousand Oaks, California
4 Spdrcr5: Long Island, New York
5 Box4Rox: Wisconsin/Illinois Border
6 Flashbox: Stockton, California
7 jdiane: San Francisco, California
8 Slosport: San Luis Obispo, California
9 Farther: State of Jefferson, California
10 wgwood: Laguna Beach, California
11 Junebug: Setac, Washington
12 NighthawkStella: South Dakota
13 FrEEdom: Southwest, Oklahoma
14 McNasty: Ogden, Utah
15 OutofD: Snoqualmie, Washington
16 Steviesegal: San Mateo, California
17 bh241: Shelby, South Carolina
18 Miss Ellie & Co. Venice/LA, California
19 Agilitypup: Colorado
20 Dom.five: Massachusetts

who are we missing?

I saw Crazy Horse last summer, the completion date you ask? There isn't one. They (meaning the people in charge of the project) refuse government aid and only accept private donations, therefore the project will take FOREVER! It won't be complete in my lifetime.
Pretty amazing monument though and definitely worth a viewing. Once a year they have a Volksmarch up to his face, I'm never there at the right time though.
The Black Hills are wonderful and there is so much to see and do.
I still love Mt. Rushmore too, they've made so many improvements on the "park," it's very well done.
Gorgeous lakes and scenery on the western side of SD...I live on the eastern side and the scenery here is less impressive! :D

Ten months away and we've twenty adventurers signed up for the meet of a lifetime (until the next one). This is ten times awesome.
Not to be missed.

I'm going to try to stop posting here now. I have other interests. I do.

Ric

Here's the current list of Camping Fools planning on attending this gig:

1 Djembe: Silverlake/LA, California - I'm in there like swimwear
2 CDI'ER: Phoenix, Arizona - I flat out don't trust him yet he keeps coming to these things
3 Jet: Thousand Oaks, California - nice, nice people but awesome dog
4 Spdrcr5: Long Island, New York - he goes camping in what Lance Armstrong wore at his old job does that strike you as odd?
5 Box4Rox: Wisconsin/Illinois Border - don't care for the driver but awesome dog, just get the dog there please
6 Flashbox: Stockton, California - have we met, otherwise *
7 jdiane: San Francisco, California - nice, nice people
8 Slosport: San Luis Obispo, California - nice, nice people and perfectly odd in the best way
9 Farther: State of Jefferson, California - nice, nice people with three clowndogs
10 wgwood: Laguna Beach, California - nice guy and excellent photog
11 Junebug: Seatac, Washington - my mortal enemy, nothing more to say
12 NighthawkStella: South Dakota *
13 FrEEdom: Southwest, Oklahoma *
14 McNasty: Ogden, Utah *
15 OutofD: Snoqualmie, Washington *
16 Steviesegal: San Mateo, California - great people and they better show this time
17 bh241: Shelby, South Carolina *
18 Miss Ellie & Co. Venice/LA, California - I love them; the Bickersons - it's like a sitcom being filmed on location, you should see it
19 Agilitypup: Colorado *
20 Dom.five: Massachusetts *
21 Ferrum: Thousand Oaks, California last I heard - please oh please

* means I really look forward to laughing with you in Jellystone.

I'm in like flint as long as Miss Ellie & Co. doesn't bring the scary girl on the profile picture

^^^^^^ Samara (the scary girl from the Ring movie) is outta here come Halloween.

But I gotta keep her up until then as she's doing such a good job giving peeps the creeps. :-o

I'm in like flint as long as Miss Ellie & Co. doesn't bring the scary girl on the profile picture

Seriously, I went into the User CP and turned off avatars ... I'll switch back when scary mcfreakshow is gone. :)

Seriously, I went into the User CP and turned off avatars ... I'll switch back when scary mcfreakshow is gone. :)

Damn that's serious. I'll put Miss Scary Little Samara McFreakshow back in her Wishing Well and seal the lid immediately.
Did I tell you that she loves In-N-Out Burgers?
That's really what she was out looking for.

Damn that's serious. I'll put Miss Scary Little Samara McFreakshow back in her Wishing Well and seal the lid immediately.
Did I tell you that she loves In-N-Out Burgers?
That's really what she was out looking for.

Dude. I like In-N-Out. I won't go if the likes of Samara might be around. :)

Dude. I like In-N-Out. I won't go if the likes of Samara might be around. :)


Dudette. Once she's in the Well she ain't getting out. Go have yourself all the Double Doubles and fries that you want. :)

If you ever get to LA we gotta get together and see if you can handle one one of these bad boys.
Tommy's Chili Cheese Dog is equally offensive, addictive and dangerous.

http://www.originaltommys.com/images/anatomy.gif

Here's the current list of Camping Fools planning on attending this gig:

. . . .
5 Box4Rox: Wisconsin/Illinois Border - don't care for the driver but awesome dog, just get the dog there please




Don't worry . . . he'll be there. :D Waiting for You. Only you . . . . he's counting the days . . . . visions of "little Rics" dancing through his head as he has little puppy nightmares during his afternoon naps . . .

I'll bring Frisbees . . . lots and lots of Frisbees. :)





21 Ferrum: Thousand Oaks, California last I heard - please oh please


In your dreams . . . last I heard she quit the EOC because some guy in a GGM was stalking her.


;-)

I know where Ferrum works. Maybe we can do a EOC meet there and really freak her out!

"Hey, Melissa, you own a Element don't you? Well there's about 20 of those darn things in the employee parking lot."

Has anyone visited the Crazy Horse memorial ?? I think they are still working on it . . . not sure when the completion date is.

American Experience ran a good documentary on the making of Mt. Rushmore; I was there when I was kid, but would like to see it again.
:)

Crazy Horse/ badlands/ black hills are on our tentative itinerary.
I saw mt rushmore when I was a kid, but this was back in 87 or 88 and it was the day after the park had re-opened after a massive wildfire that destroyed a large percentage of the trees. :sad:

We were thinking of taking the northern route and staying in Theodore Roosevelt National Park-- we've read a little about it, but if anyone has been there, let us know... :)

Though now Mel is dropping hints about also visiting some parks in Canada too... :???:

I enjoyed Mount Rushmore and was really impressed when they turn the lights on it at night. Very cool. :cool:

There's a lake behind Rushmore.
You can see the tops of the backs of the monument's heads from there.
Horsethief Lake I think.
I swam in it and it was big fun.

There's a huge rock wall that slides down into the water.
Some guys were jumping off of it.
Looked like great fun so I decided to give it a shot.
Didn't seem like that much of a drop until I got to the ledge.
Which required climbing down a ways from the top.

It was deep water, damn near black when I looked down from the top.
I was less than twenty ft above it but I might as well of been fifty.
Screw this I thought. No way I'm going to jump off this.
I then came to realize that climbing down to the ledge I was on is alot easier than trying to climb back up it.
I was stuck.

The only way out was down.
After 30 min I worked up the courage and took the leap. It was great!

I climbed up and jumped down off that rock for the rest of the day.
The water was fantastic. Each time I jumped, I wondered about all the others who had jumped off that rock before me.
Bet Crazy Horse jumped here.

I am seriously considering, but no way can I commit this early on. Hope it doesn't fill up before I decide!

Here's the current list of Camping Fools planning on attending this gig;

9 Farther: State of Jefferson, California

who are we missing?

Dr. Farther tells me that she has a conflict with the dates of this event. However I am not canceling. If need be, it will be just Ira (old Cardigan Welsh Corgi) and I driving my '86 Samurai out to the Tetons.

I think this may be an aerial view of Flagg Ranch ? The google link on their web site doesn't take you exactly there . . . but it is close :)

Very close to the river . . . wonder how fast it flows in August ?

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/Obi_the_dog/Yellowstone/Flagg2.jpg

Looks like Main Lodge/Parking lot is at the top, individual cabins are at the left and RV/tents are the middle/lower/right.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/Obi_the_dog/Yellowstone/FlaggAerial.jpg

Wow that's the place all right. When we were there last, it was late June and the river was roaring. No way you could step in it without rolling down stream.

By the way Box; I assume that Google Earth is real-time.
If so, then the above pics of Flagg Ranch is in the Fall and two months before the time that we'll be there in early-mid August.

It sure looks different from above than what it looks like on the ground!

PS:I think I see a brown bear near the middle left section of the photo, across the river, near to the sand bar, scratching his back on a pine tree.

I am seriously considering, but no way can I commit this early on. Hope it doesn't fill up before I decide!

We hope you can make it too DOGBOX!
We've planned this early so peeps can have plenty of time to bribe co-workers and soften up their bosses in getting the time off necessary to put it all together.

I suspect that you'll have until Jan-Feb before you'll need to start being concerned about the campground filling up. But I'm just guessing at that.
Best to bag your reservations as soon as practical.

Campground Reservations:

Did you know that you can make camping reservations here and if for some reason you had to cancel, still get refunds as much as 10 days prior to your reservation dates?

"just sayin.."

Dr. Farther tells me that she has a conflict with the dates of this event. However I am not canceling. If need be, it will be just Ira (old Cardigan Welsh Corgi) and I driving my '86 Samurai out to the Tetons.


Dang! That's a big bummer about Mrs. Farther and the two pups Jack & Rosie. But I am glad that you and Ira will be on hand representing the Proposed State of Jefferson.

I haven't seen a 86 Samurai in many many moons. :razz:
Those things were "da-bomb" way back when!

OK we're in!
I just reserved our campsite for 7 way better than ever, even much more fun than last time, Off the frikkin Charts, buku good time days and nights at Flagg Ranch!

Woo Hoo! :D

Our Camground host Jennifer informs me that we have 9 EOC campsites reserved to date.
That's at least 19 camping fools who are going to have the time of their lives!

So what's up with the rest of youze guys?
What do you have to say for yourselves?

I know there's lot's of peeps wanting to do this trip. So why wait any longer? :?
If you can, get up off your duffs and bag yourself a campsite sooner than later.

I haven't seen a 86 Samurai in many many moons. :razz: Those things were "da-bomb" way back when!

I would have hard time parting with it. Here is a pic of it with Hank, my little buddy, who died a short time back.

Sorry for getting off topic.

I would have hard time parting with it. Here is a pic of it with Hank, my little buddy, who died a short time back.

Sorry for getting off topic.



That's a very cool Samurai

just for you obsessive types
(like me!)

Reservations made today. I don't care if we have to QUIT our jobs to go on this....we're going :)

Thank you Stevie Segel ! Now I can justify checking this link everyday for the next 9 months, 2 weeks, 17 hrs. :twisted:


What kind of horse is that ? a mini ?

WTG Stevie :D
Hi Ho ticker time!!!!

Glad you're so adamant about it.
Unyielding enthusiasm !

We're thrilled that you Richard and Jonathan will once again, be on hand to join in all the festivities. :D

Still undecided about going on this trip with your EOC buds this August?

Never been to Yellowstone or Grand Teton before and wondering what it might be like? :confused:

Well... there's really not all that much going on there other than a whole lotta this kinda stuff...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhz3bqrC0Vo

OK fine. So you're an action person and perhaps that previous video was a bit too sedate and kicked back for you. :rolleyes:

Here's some "ACTION in JACKSON" :cool:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlCpB3F5zEw

and here's one from the paddle that has a insane ending.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuG14Fa6VTg

There's oodles of books on Wyoming and Yellowstone-Teton National Parks.
Lot's of them aren't much more than rubbish and tourist advertising.
If I were to recommend just one book it would be...

Wyoming:
by Nathaniel Burt
Publisher: Random House/Compass American Guides



So . . . . I'm waiting and waiting for Amazon to send me my book and it never shows :confused:

Turns out I had ordered the 5th edition which isn't available until July 2008 . . . :shock:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/Obi_the_dog/Yellowstone/burtwyoming.jpg

I went ahead and ordered the 4th edition . . . I'll be interested to see what the differences are . . . :)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/Obi_the_dog/Yellowstone/burtwyoming4th.jpg

I got the earlier edition. Your's will have more precise travel info in it with updates and current listings of recommened food and lodging by towns.
The where-to-gos and what-to-avoids probably ain't changed much.

I'll look forward to you getting the book so we can talk and share kewl Wyoming stuff.
Historical aspects and intriguing stories of Wyoming's characters of the Old West; Buffalo Bill, Kit Carson, Wild Bill Hickock, Calamity Jane, Chief Washakie, Sacajawea, Crazy Horse, Butch Cassidy, "Big Nose" George Curry, Tom Horn, Jim Bridger and others are well worth a discussion or two!

This could get exciting, and we'll have a roadside seat. But when you really think about it, it'll be exciting for everyone no matter where you live; Probably more excitement than we really need.

Remnant of Yellowstone volcano rising, study finds



8:41 a.m. November 9, 2007

WASHINGTON – A big blob of molten rock appears to pushing up remnants of an ancient volcano in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, scientists reported Friday.
They say no volcanic explosion is imminent – that already happened 642,000 years ago, creating the volcanic crater known as a caldera where part of Yellowstone Lake sits.

But Sattelite readings show just how volcanically active the area remains, the researchers reported in the journal Science.

From the middle of 2004 through 2006, the floor of the caldera rose 7 inches at a rate of 2.8 inches a year – the biggest rise ever measured, they reported.

“There is no evidence of an imminent volcanic eruption or hydrothermal explosion. That's the bottom line,” University of Utah seismologist Robert Smith said in a statement.

“A lot of calderas worldwide go up and down over decades without erupting.”

Yellowstone is North America's largest volcanic field, produced by what is known as a hotspot, a plume of hot and molten rock squirting up from 400 miles beneath the planet's surface.

Monstrous eruptions took place there starting 2 million years ago but activity bubbles along much more calmly now – akin to similar volcanic fields such as the Campi Flegrei just outside Naples in Italy.

Beneath the field lies what is known as a magma chamber, which is actually similar to a wet sponge in structure.

“Our best evidence is that the crustal magma chamber is filling with molten rock,” Smith said. “But we have no idea how long this process goes on before there either is an eruption or the inflow of molten rock stops and the caldera deflates again.”

Heat from the chamber warms the park's hundreds of hot springs and geysers, including “Old Faithful,” perhaps the world's best-known geyser.

Established in 1872 as the first U.S. national park, Yellowstone also stretches to parts of Montana and Idaho.

Hm, a bunch of petrified Elements will be found in 1000 years ... "They were an interesting people, seeming to enjoy drums and meat on stick-like implements."

I would like a campout with no natural "events" pleasethankyou.

What, not even one little 1am earthquake??? :D:D

It'll be okay, we'll be in our cars so nothing will fall off the shelves and land on our heads:)

"Yellowstone is North America's largest volcanic field, produced by what is known as a hotspot, a plume of hot and molten rock squirting up from 400 miles beneath the planet's surface."

Four hundred miles below the surface? What if any little pocket gives way and produces a burp on us from anywhere up the 400 miles of hot goo? We're all gonna die on this one. Don't bother washing the E on the way, that's what I say.

See you there.

Ric is correct. We are all going to die and it will be great fun!
But I'm referring to running rapids on the Snake River and not the impending eruption of a Super Volcano in Yellowstone.:rolleyes:

Yes, I've heard lots of sooth saying, psuedo scientific, doomsday senario silliness about this too:
How fish are being boiled in the bottom of Yellowstone Lake.
(I like my trout pan fried)
Sections of hiking trails being closed in the Norris Geyser Basin because the ground is too hot to walk on.
(not unusual in geyser country)
The inane jibberish about the NPS conducting a cover up.
(probably to keep the public from panicking and doubling the already large amount of tourist traffic visiting the park.)

Yellowstone is always shakin it's booty, constantly belching, passing gastly foul odors and spitting up it's inners... erp*
If it blew like it did 600,000 years ago, the world would be knocked back into the stone age.
Personally, I'd prefer a ring side seat at the Old Faithful Lodge and blast off into the stratosphere with Yogi, Boo Boo and all the other critters in the park. :-)

Not to worry: If Yellowstone decides to go kaboom while we're there I promise to refund everyone's tickets. :-P

So, I'm very interested in the the water activities and as per your previous posts; I'm thinking about signing up early and often.

Does anyone have any referrals or are there any options ?

And Does anyone want to join me ?:confused:

I'm in, depending on dates! I promise to bring some meat and some sticks.

This is going to be a real hard one for me. I'm starting college again in December, (BS in IT). Depending on how tough it is, will determine if I can do school and this trip. Is there internet access there, it's a must for me to do some course work?

Thanks,
Dylan (BOB) Fahey
Truly a One legged man in an Ass Kicking Contest.

Is there internet access there, it's a must for me to do some course work?

Probably not. IIRC, the gal said the service was pretty spotty/unreliable there. You could drive to where there's service, but that might not be appealing depending on how much work you'll have. :mad:

Here's the info I got when I called: There is not much cell reception at all. Jennifer said she heard Verizon was the best but there's not really anything there.

No posts on this thread since Junebug's which is near to a month ago.

As a reminder and to temporairly recessitate this thread before putting it back into a coma,
I thought it wise to discuss any intrests people may have involving recreational activities that might require advanced reservations.

Specifically we're talking about River Rafting and Horseback Riding.
White Water river rafting is really good around here but trying to book a raft trip during peak summer season may prove to be difficult.
It would be best to reserve in advance.

The same is true of Horseback Riding which is a big to-do around these parts.
Mostly because of the spectacular surrounding wilderness that you'de be riding in and the fact that this is cowboy country.

There are outfitters for rafting and horsing-around in the Jackson Hole/Grand Teton area.
Yellowstone has Roosevelt Corral, located in the Lamar Valley region of the park.
It's most beautiful country and you can even include a Cowboy Steak Dinner BBQ during the ride too. (we did it before and it was a terrific time!)

So if you are going on the camping trip and have an interest in any of these activities, just let me know.
I'll be willing to dig up some real info, contact these various outfitters, and see what's going on with all that stuff. :D

Dear Miss Ellie . . .

I am still here.

I am packed.

I am ready to go.

I will "do" horses . . . I love horses. (But what about my crazy dog . . . ? :-? )

I have started reading the homework assignment from the book you handed out.

I have learned that "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" was partially filmed in Wyoming. :cool:

I have learned that Vice President Dick Cheney is from Wyoming. :shock:

I do not know if the two are related . . .

more to come . . .

River rafting .... meh :(
(I used to dig it...but I got the little guy and I don't want to lose him down a river!)

Horseback riding ... they got a place with draft horses for my fat a$$ -- I'm in! (and perhaps pony rides for the little tyke!)


Box 4 Rox -- the part of "Close Encounters" that was filmed in Wyoming is Devil's Tower.......now that could be a cool day trip! (and it would be all day....it's on the east side of the state, but I think it's do-able!)

Jeanie & I are both intrested in the water activities and the Horseback activities and are ready to sign up. It would be nice to sign up as a group rather than a random selection. Anyone else want to join us ?

I am not planning any sign-up type activities. While I know that exploring the area would be great, I'm also hoping to do my share of hanging out around the campsite during the day.

Yo Box!

It's never too early for well prepared campers like yourself and Obi.
Packed and ready!
Might as well keep the car running in the driveway until then too... August ain't that far away. :razz:

Horses are good but the corrals have restrictions. They might not let Obi ride bare back. If so, we'll be happy to watch him for you.

Glad you finally got the Nathaniel Burt Wyoming book.
I agree, Dick Cheney should be in the section of the book with the rest of Wyoming's infamous outlaws.

You like climbing rocks. You should pay a visit to Devils Tower then. It's popular for rock climbing. You would most definately dig it. :cool:

Jeanie & I are both intrested in the water activities and the Horseback activities and are ready to sign up. It would be nice to sign up as a group rather than a random selection. Anyone else want to join us ?

I'll be conducting an investigation for the best rafting and as much as I can on horse riding. I'll report back to you and we can compare notes.
Rode some horses in Yellowstone years back. It was excellent. :D

There's other riding options with corrals and ranches in the area.
Should check them out too.

I am not planning any sign-up type activities. While I know that exploring the area would be great, I'm also hoping to do my share of hanging out around the campsite during the day.

But you're still gonna sign-up to not-sign-up for any sign-up type activities.. right? :-o

Is there anything special you might want to do while you're there?
You know, rustle cattle, rob trains... stuff like that.

I have learned that "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" was partially filmed in Wyoming. :cool:

I have learned that Vice President Dick Cheney is from Wyoming. :shock:

I do not know if the two are related . . . .

Last time I drove through Wyoming (moving from IL to CA), I saw a fleet of big black suburban SUVs flying down I-80... I could have been a close encounter... or the VP... or both... 8-)

But you're still gonna sign-up to not-sign-up for any sign-up type activities.. right? :-o

Is there anything special you might want to do while you're there?
You know, rustle cattle, rob trains... stuff like that.


I would LOVE to sign up to not sign up. As a matter of fact, I'll volunteer to chair the not signing up committee. Anyone else who doesn't want to sign up should get with me and I won't sign you up.

Not sure what I plan to do while I'm there. I'll cook. And read. And I swear I'll try to nap this time. How did I manage to NOT nap before? All I know is, this trip has gotta cure me of the "nothing good happens in Wyoming" disease.

As for the cattle rustling and train robbing - I take the fifth.

Fear not Junebug, The area you'll be camping in is very different than those "nothing-good-ever-happens-in-Wyoming" areas you've previously been to.
We'll be in the tall timber, at the northwest corner of the state.
Much different than the rest of Wyoming.

So, cattle rustling and train robbery is no longer of interest to you?
Ho hum, me neither. :rolleyes:

But there's a couple of local towns in the area who's claim to fame is having been robbed by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

I'll volunteer to chair the not signing up committee.

I am here to assist you by not signing up to be on your committee. I think your priorities are great.:D

. . . Anyone else who doesn't want to sign up should get with me and I won't sign you up . . .



Is there a fee that I won't have to pay . . . ?

New group activity...
Help Keep the Insomniac Awake:

I'll be signing people up to go bother Junebug so she can't take a nap.
This activity will include using chain saws to cut up fire wood, and letting a few marmots loose inside her sleeping quarters.

PS: Don't worry Box and Farther I'll make sure that youze guyz are included too. Trina will love the company. :lol:

=Junebug;515099] Not sure what I plan to do while I'm there. I'll cook. And read. And I swear I'll try to nap this time. How did I manage to NOT nap before?

Trina, I got napping covered for you. You won't catch a wink. ;-)
And I'm working on recommending some really "choice" books for you to read as well!

Besides Meat-On-A-Stick, (which I loved)
will you be offering any other culinary camp delights to share with us?

We really must do at least one absolutely off the hook Group Dinner!!!!!!
(Yup. It's another activity!) :rolleyes:
Anyone have any ideas for it?

I would LOVE to go, but for me, It would be 2040 miles both ways in a car with a 1 1/2 year old. Maybe one year I will do it, If I take that trip, I want to do it all in one go.. Arches, Bryce, Zion Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and anything else I can squeeze into one big trip.

Us east coasters should do a big Smokey Mountain camp-out. I WOULD probably be able to make that one!

I'm considering going to this Jamboree. So what is the deal? Do you have to sign up or register or just get a campsite and show up? Is there a schedule or a planning thread? And where are all of the Element fishermen? This is going to be
near some awesome fishing.

Welcome, EL-MT. Mostly just sign up with the campground, making sure to tell them you're part of our group.

This has been the planning thread so far, and while Miss Ellie & Co. were the ones to post the event, there aren't rules for who can "chair" an activity. I plan to host the "people who probably won't do too many activities" activity. :rolleyes:

Now that you've called out for anyone interested in fishing, others may chime in, and you all can organize something if you'd like.

Hope to meet you there!

Welcome EL-MT! What Junebug said.:smile:

We don't know where the best fishing areas are and their will be some fish happy campers amoungst us. :confused:
So I would be thrilled if you decide go on this campout with us.

We're anticipate nothing but great fun!
You'll be camping with an exceptional group of people and have a splendid time! :-D

The dates and location have all been figured out.
Many who are going have already booked thier campsite reservations which can be done at anytime.
Sooner is better.

Date: August 8-15, 2008
Location: Flagg Ranch Resort
Contact Person: Jennifer
Cabins: $165/$175 View Rooms (per night)
Campsites: $20 / 1-2 Adults (per night) - Additional Adult: $5

Resrevation process is by telephone: 1-800-443-2311

Flagg Ranch Resort
1-800-443-2311
Fax 1-307-543-2356
PO Box 187
Moran, WY 83013
E-Mail: info@FlaggRanch.com
Web Site: http://www.flaggranch.com/

As far as group activities go, Junebug's has the most interest at the moment. :rolleyes:
Only two other activities have been proposed so far, River Rafting and Horseback Riding.
And both of those forementioned activities are still in thier planning stages.

Other than that, nothing else has been put on the table but we've still got a long way until summer to figure it all out.

However: Fishing is high on a lot of people's list of thing's they'de like to do there.
So if you'de like to put yourself in charge of hosting a fishing expedition, that would be very kewl.

This is a great EOC camping crew going on this campout and we're all very laid back.
People are encouraged to just go out and do thier own things on these trips. This seems to work to everyone's liking.

Some of us are very sports active, hiking, biking, kayaking, climbing and some us (like Junebug) are camp lounge lizards and just like to kick back and take it easy.
Usually the only time you'll see everyone together is in the mornings for breakfast, talking about what they'll be doing during the day and again in the evening for dinner.
Afterwards folks are gathering round the campfire for the evening's entertainment, sip thier favorite brews and report back all the astonishingly cool stuff they did that day and plan out the next day's recreational activities. :D

The entertainment consists of ... (well, you'll just have to attend the trip to find that out. But we could sell tickets!) :lol:

If nothing else, we know how to have a really good time. :-P

I have a very important activity for Box4Rox ... what say we finish my Raammat install while we're there? I just don't think I'll get to the floor before the meet. No charge to sign up, and I'll provide the drinks since you're the pro. :-P

(This activity, led by the "take out the guts of your car" master, would definitely cure me of the "no good things happen in Wyoming" disease!)

will you be offering any other culinary camp delights to share with us?

Yes, the answer is YES. I don't know what it is yet, but I am toying with the idea of some cooking event. Not necessarily a cook-off, but something somewhat organized, and yet free-form in the way that only this group can manage. :twisted:

Sounds like this is going to be an awesome time. My kind of vacation: E's, fishing and leisure.

Here is a site that will get the gears turning.

http://www.highcountryflies.com/

To be honest, I've never fished the Jackson Hole/ Teton area.
I'm looking forward to learning more about it and fishing it.

I have a very important activity for Box4Rox ... what say we finish my Raammat install while we're there? I just don't think I'll get to the floor before the meet. No charge to sign up, and I'll provide the drinks since you're the pro. :-P

(This activity, led by the "take out the guts of your car" master, would definitely cure me of the "no good things happen in Wyoming" disease!)


Trina,

I'll let you in on a secret.
Rumors have been circulating for over a year now that, Casa de Rocas (Box4Rox) really ain't much of a mechanic and the brains in that outfit is "Obi," the amazing Black Lab wonderdog,

I suspected as much during our first camping trip at Joshua Tree.
It was a Box4Rox project and involved rock-climbing. This is where I first met Obi, 10 ft up on the side of a rock wall that everyone was climbing.
I was shocked! A rock climbing dog! :shock:

Box was way up at the top assisting other climbers but I was sure it was Obi providing instruction.
Why else would a dog be climbing around 10 feet up the side of a rock wall?

I guess what I'm trying to say;
"Make sure that Obi is around if you have Box4Rox do any mechanical stuff for you. They seem to work well together." :-)

That seems fair ... I am also somewhat skilled in baking doggy treats.

Obi will appreciate that. So will Box but tell him the treats are for Obi.

Sounds like this is going to be an awesome time. My kind of vacation: E's, fishing and leisure.


Great! Looks like we'll be seeing you there. :D
Wait until you see all the E's in the woods. It's so cool! 8-)
Prepare for fun.

Like the fishing link. Looks perfect for our fly fishing needs.

Is there a schedule or a planning thread?


You're looking at it.. :???:
This is the planning thread. :D

Anyone who wants to offer up a group activity is highly encouraged to do so.
After all, this is your camping trip.
You guys own this thing! :cool:

I would LOVE to go, but for me, It would be 2040 miles both ways in a car with a 1 1/2 year old. Maybe one year I will do it, If I take that trip, I want to do it all in one go.. Arches, Bryce, Zion Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and anything else I can squeeze into one big trip.

Us east coasters should do a big Smokey Mountain camp-out. I WOULD probably be able to make that one!


Hey Daniel,
Dang, it would be really nice if you could make it.
There will be a lot of long distance road dogs attending this gig.
E-Peeps from as far away as Massachusetts, Long Island, N. Carolina, Washington, S. Dakota, Illinois and Planet X will be there. :shock:

Wish you could make it too. But I understand :)

I have a very important activity for Box4Rox ... what say we finish my Raammat install while we're there? I just don't think I'll get to the floor before the meet. No charge to sign up, and I'll provide the drinks since you're the pro. :-P

(This activity, led by the "take out the guts of your car" master, would definitely cure me of the "no good things happen in Wyoming" disease!)


Ok !!!! COUNT ME IN. In fact, also count Ric in as the other RaamMatter . . . We'll probably get this started as soon as you and your E arrive . . . we should have the front seats out within the first hour or so. :cool:

( Meanwhile, back at EOC Headquarters . . . Ric and Mike continue to work their diabolical plan to separate Trina from her front seats and create the ultimate cushy BarcaLounger / EZ-Boy campfire seating extravaganza. No more flimsy REI folding camp chairs for these boys . . . )

Trina,

I'll let you in on a secret.
Rumors have been circulating for over a year now that, Casa de Rocas (Box4Rox) really ain't much of a mechanic and the brains in that outfit is "Obi," the amazing Black Lab wonderdog . . . :-)

haha . . . thanks for the compliments !! He also does my taxes . . .

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/Obi_the_dog/Obi_pics/obeythelab.jpg

Ok !!!! COUNT ME IN. In fact, also count Ric in as the other RaamMatter . . . We'll probably get this started as soon as you and your E arrive . . . we should have the front seats out within the first hour or so. :cool:

( Meanwhile, back at EOC Headquarters . . . Ric and Mike continue to work their diabolical plan to separate Trina from her front seats and create the ultimate cushy BarcaLounger / EZ-Boy campfire seating extravaganza. No more flimsy REI folding camp chairs for these boys . . . )


Why do I feel like I just got suckered into something?

Ha Ha! I love that Black Lab - Chairman Mao poster. :lol:
Can I get a T-Shirt just like it?

Fear not Junebug, you're gonna have Mike, Ric and Obi working on your E!
Wuh could go wrong? :razz:

We're taking apart Junebug's E??? Dibs on the sun visors!! :D I want the classic little slide-y visors not the 'new and improved' crappy big slide-y visors... :rolleyes::)

EL-MT, what part of Montana are you in? Do you know any good out-of-the-way-off-the-beaten-path state parks? On this trip it will be my mission to see the obscure National parks and get out to some cool smaller ones before hitting up jellystone and grand tetons... :):)

Hey guys. I didn't really know where to post this, so I thought I'd post it here first.

I'm selling my Element, and probably won't make this trip. I'll try to stick around and check in once in a while, but I'm trading the E in on a Fit. The gas costs are just ridiculous on the E, and although I love the car, I just don't need something that big.

You guys really are awesome, and I hope we will keep in touch. Please pm me if you'd like my email.

EL-MT, what part of Montana are you in? Do you know any good out-of-the-way-off-the-beaten-path state parks? On this trip it will be my mission to see the obscure National parks and get out to some cool smaller ones before hitting up jellystone and grand tetons... :):)[/QUOTE]



Jdiane, besides glacier there are no other national parks in Montana, however there are some national monuments to check out: http://home.nps.gov/applications/parksearch/state.cfm?st=MT
As for recreation, southwest Montana has some awsome wilderness and national forest. As for a good drive I would recommend Beartooth Pass which is at 10,947 ft, I believe it is the highest pass in the U.S.. You take US 212 from Redlodge MT to Cooke City WY. There is some beautiful wilderness in the Absaroka Beartooth.
Here is a link to the state parks. Alot depends on what you want to do? Fish, hike, backpack, mountian bike?
http://fwp.mt.gov/lands/search.aspx?q=RGN_1_3&st=sp
Let me know and I'll try to think of some places I've been.

I'm selling my Element, and probably won't make this trip. I'll try to stick around and check in once in a while, but I'm trading the E in on a Fit. The gas costs are just ridiculous on the E, and although I love the car, I just don't need something that big.

But but but ... will the kayaks both fit on the Fit?? Aww geez ... and realize the gas savings would be super on a drive to Wyoming in the new ride!

I will be omw or in Korea at that time... bugger... see you in 2009 (maybe)

Hey guys. I didn't really know where to post this, so I thought I'd post it here first.

I'm selling my Element, and probably won't make this trip. I'll try to stick around and check in once in a while, but I'm trading the E in on a Fit. The gas costs are just ridiculous on the E, and although I love the car, I just don't need something that big.

You guys really are awesome, and I hope we will keep in touch. Please pm me if you'd like my email.


dude....all we gotta do (a) put a tow hitch on my E and (b) tow your fit to Wyoming......problem solved 8)

I've been thinking ... I just might show up !! I don't think I can stay the whole week. Junebug ... what's your plans? Maybe we can caravan.

Amy

We might just do this...

I've been thinking ... I just might show up !! I don't think I can stay the whole week. Junebug ... what's your plans? Maybe we can caravan.

I'm not certain of my exact travel plans, but you should definitely come! I may leave the night before the first night of the trip and stay overnight in Spokane (at my aunt's, I sleep in the E and shower at their house), then head into the campsite.

It's a reasonable drive splitting it up like that. Really, plan to come. It's a fun group.

And Mrs. Anthony, after meeting up with some of us in March (I hope!) you'll definitely want to come! This group is low-key and there is always something to do or something to NOT do, whatever your pleasure!