Mesa Verde

Southwest CO, this national park is the nation’s richest archaeological preserve that retraces the footsteps of the Ancestral Puebloans. Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling dating back to A.D. 600-1300. Its amazing view makes me wish I had a time travel car. I felt like Indiana Jones on this tour, which required climbing five ladders 60 feet high and squeezing thru really tight tunnels by hand and knees. My highlight was watching Felix huff and puff his whole way up and down, (you should have been going to the gym with Nora and I) no dessert for you tonight. Three people have actually died on this tour, that’s how extreme it was, but we made it.

Mushy Jelly

Mushy jelly, is what we call each other when were not thinking properly, this usually happens when were in states were people aren’t very smart. This duh factor (the way Homer Simpson would best describe it) is extremely contagious, and it starts from head to toes.
First signs & symptoms of mushy jelly:
1. Deer front of headlights look with glazed eyes.
2. Inability to speak, open mouth and uncontrollable drool.
3. Desire to do things you would never do if you were in a right state of mind. (e.g. buying your 5 lbs dogs $30 biker clothes, what was I thinking)
Major causes:
1. Lack of sleep.
2. Surrounded by conservative, religious Bush followers.
3. Constipation and dehydration.
The Cure:
1. Drink plenty of H2O, even if it means going the bathroom every 30 minutes.
2. Most importantly get the Hell out of there FAST!

Crazy Horse

When complete, the statue of the great Sioux warrior, Crazy Horse, will be the world's largest sculpture. At present only the nine-story high face has been finished. Whats impressive of this monument is its inspiration by native Indians and funding by visitors like us, no federal $$ has been accepted or ever will be used to complete this project. By the time its completed I will probably be dead.

Mount Rushmore

The main reason for this trip was my long desire to see President Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson and Teddy Roosevelt on stone. Back in the days I had a school project of this American icon in the majestic black hills of South Dakota, now I feel Ive done it justice. I can now check this off my long list of been there done that!

The Rockies

I would love to thank Felix for my mad driving skills; I now officially can pass cars on one way highways without Shi*#$%! My pants. Day three, brings “Devils Tower National Monument” Featured in the 1977 close encounters of the third kind movie, this place is a geological landmark in Wyoming’s northeastern corner. Its eerie tower over flat plains makes you wonder if were really alone…..ET phone home!

Wyoming

Day two brings one of the marvels of the world “Yellowstone National Park” this wild wonderland spreads across 3 states Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. It houses over 10,000 hot springs and geysers my favorite “Old Faithful Geyser” named for its precise 90-minute eruption cycle. My highlight was watching the bison and elk cross the road while driving, I did most of the driving here, so no wild life was endangered. I was really hoping to see a bear, maybe next time.

Quick Stop

Are 2nd stop in Utah was Salt Lake City. Pleasant and friendly Temple square in downtown is the home to the Mormon Tabernacle, being the catholic that I am, we weren’t allowed inside the church, but we got awesome pictures of the breath taking church.

Starbucks a la Mormon

Yawwwn, is there a grizzly bear in here Felix says after 16 hours behind the wheel and four big long yawns in a row, it’s time for some coffee. However there’s a problem, where in the middle of Utah and 795 miles later still no starbucks, are these Utanians for real. Wait, I see one pull over this is a 911 emergency. May I have a tall soy latte please!! Three minutes later I got me my latte, hey they forgot to add the espresso shot, well its to late to go back were back on the road. I just have to sip me my hot soy milk, not everything can be as perfect as Bryce Canyon. Booooo!

Utah

Best known as world headquarters for the Mormon Church, it's also home to some of the most remarkable landscapes in the US. 1st stop was Bryce Canyon National Park, with its series of deep amphitheaters filled with flame colored rock formations called hoodoos (such a majestic name) they are the hallmark of this beautiful canyon.
Sad but true the now endangered Prairie Dog’s (they look like cute squirrels) roam freely around the park, reminding me of how much I miss my dogs at home. We always get some degree of separation anxiety, and it didn’t help that Felix accidentally ran one over on the road, we felt really bad. R.I.P prairie Dog you will be missed!