Monday, August 30, 2010

Wind Storm August 28 2010

A couple of days ago we had a big wind storm blow through West Yellowstone. We were at work when it happened, and these are a few shots of the damage we saw when we got out of work. All these were taken on the north end of town, in and near our RV park.

Our park managers' rig, only two spots from ours. Thankfully they are both okay.


Another view of their rig. John was taking a nap in the recliner which is in the slide out right under where the tree hit. What a rude awakening.


Help arrived in the form of a large crane. It was the only way to safely remove the tree without further damage. You can see the cable tied to the trunk.


After cutting the bottom of the tree free from the stump, it was lowered to the ground. A big sigh of relief. You can see our 'house' at the left of the picture.


The large tree extends from their site to ours.


A close call also in our small RV park. This section of tree was ripped from the bottom section, hurled over the border fence to the left of this shot and landed here. Tom and Nancy, this is the site you guys stayed in when you were here.


Just a block away, this tree barely missed another RV.


These next six shots are of what remains of the roof of the Best Western.












Another building in the same block as the Best Western.


Another hotel in town.


The rest of the pictures are vehicles parked on the property behind the Best Western. It shows you don't have to be parked near trees to be in danger.







This fifth wheel was knocked off the front blocks.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Red Rock Lakes Nat Wildlife Wilderness, MT

On this particular day we decided to take a different route to Idaho Falls for a supply run. We traveled on route 20 into Idaho and turned west toward Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Wilderness. This route takes us back into the very southern part of Montana where the Wildlife area is located. It was over 50 miles on dirt road, but very quiet and peaceful. Here is a sampling of the wonders we saw that day.


Hell Roaring Canyon and Hell Roaring Creek, Lima, MT


Interesting sign at the creek.


Upper Red Rock Lake. This Wildlife area is a favorite nesting site for trumpeter swans. We saw a swan family near here when we visited a couple of years ago in the spring.





We saw many beautiful and interesting critters today.





A hawk looking for its next meal.


A pair of sandhill cranes discussing which way they should go.






















The Grand Tetons from the west side.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Wildflowers on Sawtell Peak Rd

A couple of weeks ago we took the ride up to Sawtell Peak in Island Park, Idaho. These are a few of the thousands of wildflowers we saw along the way. You couldn't plant a more beautiful garden.