Saturday, 27 September 2008



In spite of the weather, we had a great day hiking the Oregon Coastal trail. We saw pelicans diving for fish, herds of seals and many different species of birds but no whales so far.

Not every day was hot and sunny!

Astoria was almost like an island, connected to the rest of America by bridges. This bridge was over 4miles long.


Found the start of Highway 101. Now heading South down the Oregon coast. Found some lovely towns and beaches.

This is a not very good photograph of Astoria. The small sea-side town where Free Willie was filmed.

Wednesday, 24 September 2008


Can't decide which necklace to buy.

We enjoyed looking at all the fruit and vegetables in the Pike street market.

Downtown Seattle

Seattle skyline.

The West coast at last


To travel from New York on the East coast all the way to Seattle on the west was a fantastic experience.

Driving throuth the Snoqualie Pass towards Seattle, Millie enjoyed some fantastic views.



Driving our pre-loved dodge truck through Washington State, the landscape went from miles and miles of cornfields to more dramatic scenes.

Tuesday, 23 September 2008


More stunning scenary at Thompson falls. Unfortunately Millie had to stay in the car, couldn't find a lifejacket small enough.

Had a great time kayaking in Thompson Falls, in the Rockies, near the Canadian border. It was lovely to be back on the water.

Got my own back on Dave for a week's horse riding.

Found a bear at last!
This is Paradise. No really this is a village called Paradise with about 40 residents most of whom joined us for a coffee and chat outside the only cafe. The cafe owner came from Nottingham.

Whilst we were driving through Idaho we came across a sign to Pony ghost town. We shot several pictures of old tumble down buildings that had been left just as they were after the gold rush.

On the road west in Idaho.

Saturday, 20 September 2008



The sight of bubbling hot springs was incredible but the sulphur smell was not.

Spent all morning looking at old geysers. Here are two of them. Old Faithfull is on the right.

The bison were also 'rutting'.

Photograph of male elks buggling and fighting to impress the females! Watched for ages until the ranger said, "Run, get behind those vehicles." And I ran!



The scenary in Yellowstone was so varied, mountains, plains and geographical wonders. We saw so much wildlife including mountain sheep, bison, elk, coyotte, bald and golden eagles, osprey, chipmunks but not the elusive bear unfortunately.

Sunday, 14 September 2008


Brilliant week on a working ranch, thanks to Jen who ran it and Mike who took us out and regaled us with so many cowboy tales around the camp fire. Also a great bunch of guests Smithy, Roger, Candace, Sandra, Tim, Tony, Cameroon and Lauranne. And most important Bill for good cooking and help.

We have so many photos of fantastic scenary we don't know which ones to show.

Last day we had to find, round up and sort Texas Longhorn cattle.This is Dave with a job well done.

Digging underneath the Buffalo leap. (A place where the Indians drove the buffalo to be killed) We found loads of buffalo bones including jaws complete with teeth.

Gang climbing up the canyon face where we found an eagles nest. Roger, Tim, Candace, and us.

Out searching for mares and foals when lightening struck and we had to don slicks and return to the ranch quickly.

Riding all day had to stop for lunch. Dave and Duster enjoying a well earned break.

Dave's hero, Mike our cowboy.

Two of us out on the plains with Half and Duster.

'Dude launcher' (but Carol only had to use it for one day)

After catching the horses we had to groom, saddle up and mount.

The Ranch covered 20,000 acres of mountains,plains, cayons and creeks. It was home to 800 head of cows and 300 horses all running wild just waiting for us to round them up. (If we could find them!)

Dryhead Ranch, Montana


We arrived at the Ranch situated on the Crow Indian Reservation (no alchol for a week!)45 miles from the nearest town, the last 9 miles could only be reached by 4wheel drive it was so remote.

Wednesday, 10 September 2008

Hi, I can tell that things are goin great for you both. Just to let you know that we came joint third in the summer netball league!!!! We played the first game of the winter league last night against Beetley and drew 19 - 19 !!!!!!!Good start!!

Friday, 5 September 2008


Off to the ranch on Sunday, may not be able to update blog for a week. Hopefully have lots of photographs to add then.

Decending down Dead Indian Canyon we saw spectacular lakes and mountain passes. Saw lots of wildlife including prong-horned antelope, deer and even a bald-eagle. We're still looking for a Grizzly!

Look at this.
This is the Beartooth pass on the edge of Yellowstone. Took a two hour drive from Billings and ended up in the most breath-taking landscape you could imagine. At 10,000 feet we encountered snow and blizards.

Wednesday, 3 September 2008


Millie is getting plenty of exercise. She especially enjoys cycling.

Billings, Montana

Still heading west.