Trip Awards

It’s time for one last blog entry from me about our trip (although Michelle keeps threatening to post a “technical update” at some point). During the trip I kept a page for best and worst awards and I offer them here and now. These are not a consensus view for the family – just my own.

Best Campsite

Site #39 in Many Glaciers Campground, Glacier National Park – We backed up to a small river and had several hiking trails, a nature center and a general store all within walking distance. The water was cold, but that did not stop Sara and Keegan.

Best Shower

Rafter J Bar Ranch, SD – Each shower had its own enclosed changing area that had a heat lamp. Showers were long, hot and soothing. I think Patrick was in for almost an hour. When you are on the road a good shower is a life saver!

Worst Shower

Callaway Park Campground, Calgary, Canada – Having to pay $2 Canadian for 5 minutes of water was bad enough. Not being able to change US Dollars into Canadian at the campground was strike two. A shower head several inches below my head requiring me to limbo to wash my hair was the worst.

Best Rainforest

Hoh Rain Forest, Olympia National Park, Washington. Yes there is actually a rain forest in the US. It’s not a tropical rain forest, but the plants are incredibly interesting and the Hall of Mosses is a great short hike.

Best Hot Spring

Olympia Hot Spring, Olympia National Park, Washington. A nice hike in and natural pools made by the visitors and non-commercial. Go to the pool that is at the end and up the hill from most of the other springs.

Most Expensive Gas

Stony Creek Lodge, General’s Highway, King’s Canyon National Park, California. At $2.899 on 7/23/05, this is the only gas station for miles and was at least 30 cents more than the next gas station. My advice, buy your gas before you get to the park. As of September, this seems quite reasonable!

Best Hospital

Queen of the Valley, Napa Califoria. Hat’s off to the emergency room staff of this hospital who got us in and out in the shortest time ever and did a nice job sewing up Michelle’s foot as well.

Best Show

Calgary Stampede – Between the rodeo and the nighttime extravaganza, this was an event that everyone should see once in their life.

Runner up for Best Show

KA – Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas - This show was amazing. The performers were all over the theatre and the entire stage could lift and rotated to almost a vertical position. Even the users were part of the show.

Most Unusual Restaurant

Café Diablo, 599 West Main Street, Torrey, Utah – just outside of Capital Reef National Park. Noted for “Innovative Southwestern” cuisine, this restaurant was a wonderful surprise in the middle of nowhere. Try the rattlesnake cakes (yes, it is real rattlesnake) and the crown rack of glazed ribs.

Worst Place for Breakfast

Moab, Utah – near the entrance of Arches National Park, At Breakfast at Tiffany’s the only waitress was on something and had a glazed far away expression on her face. We left before we ordered and went to another place. Our next stop, the place was empty except for one table of two. Our waitress needed to be reminded at least two of three times for everything. Next time it’s cold cereal in this town.

Most unusual National Park

Badlands National Park, SD - A short drive from the highway, the badlands are like taking a left and being on the moon. This is one place I wish we had spend more time hiking.

Place I most want to return to

Lake Powell – The kids are already planning to return with friends and family in three years, rent a couple of houseboats and have the time of our lives.

There are many, many more awards and warnings I could post – and maybe I will down the road. But it was a great 12,000 miles. Thanks for following along with us on our adventure of a life time. If we take any mini adventures, I’ll let you all know.