Summer 2017 A BIT OF THIS AND THAT

Here we are in Arches Nat Park.  Another place that reminds us how beautiful our country is.

It has been a busy summer despite the fact that for most of it our RV has been in for repairs.  This was a buffalo near Wind Caves National park.

Devil's tower Wyoming is off the beaten path but well worth looking into. It rises 5,112 feet.

Strange cosmic things like outer space kittens are sometimes seen around Devils Tower.....no this was a $3.00 T shirt I saw at a thrift store.  Went back two days later to buy it...and can you believe it was sold????

It was a raining and cool night visit to Mt. Rushmore. Always a great place to visit.

The original WALL DRUG in Wall S.D.   Just full of interesting things to see.  There are some famous donuts but nothing is a thrilling as what is out back.....the legend....the mystery.......

JACKALOPES are REAL!!!

Had a good evening with a cowboy dinner and music in South Dakota

Actual building used and erected for the movie DANCES WITH WOLVES.....remember when Kevin Costner met the crazy colonel? It happened right here.

Going through a tunnel at ZION Nat. Park. 

An amazingly beautiful place Zion Nat. Park

Looking just over the center of the monument the Overland Trail can be seen. We are now heading back to Montana. 

We were going 80 mph, sipping soda and eating snacks.  The terrain about made us lose our minds.  I do not know how the pioneers did it pulling a wagon and making 20 miles a day.   They are true giants of fortitude!

It's always wonderful to have the family together! 
Hans, Lacey, Ely, Mary, Andrew, Angelique, Arica, Nathan, Lance, Mary, Grant and Bryan
I am the girl that didn't want to go! But there have definitely been BIG perks.  We get to almost constantly be hanging out with family and friends!  Love to all and thanks for reading our blog.
Bryan and Mary

Hearst Castle- a good thing to do on a rainy day.

The grounds are beautiful.

Greek and Egyptian vases and pottery.
Our guide said the value cannot be stated. But they could be worth a million dollars each.  They are in the library and earthquake fortified.

The tour bus waits outside this indoor pool.  This is the last place seen at the castle.  The gold is real.  Pics are not chronological. 

William Randolph Hearst inherited a vast business empire.  He was the only child of George Hearst.  George started out as a miner in the California gold rush.  He struck the Comstock Lode.   The family used to camp in tents on the hill. WR Hearst wanted to build 'something more comfortable' , the result was Hearst Castle.

This was WRH's private library and office.  This was everybody's favorite room.

The outdoor pool was drained and undergoing  repairs.  The pool leaked 5,000 gallons of water per day.  With the California Drought (which is now over) it had to be fixed.

Beautiful door in one of the guest bedrooms.  Almost everything here was imported from Europe.

How would you like to wake up under this ceiling?

Or this one??

The guys admiring the craftsmanship.

Or this ceiling?

The art here has occasionally been sent out to some of the most famous museums in the world.

The main dining room.  They said the Harry Potter filmmakers came here to get ideas for their sets.

Mr Hearst always had ketchup and mustard at the table.  He said it reminded him of the family camp outs.

Steve and Gwen getting some close-ups.

The darker tapestries are actually older than the faded ones.  Back in ancient times natural plants, or  berries were used.  They lasted much longer than synthetic dyes.

Lighting fixture in the movie theater.

The main entrance.  Hollywood's stars of the 20's and 30's hung out here.  

A 'newer' tapestry.

Beauty everywhere!

I am sorry I cannot remember the proper term for this choir stall , it might have been a mercichord.  But there are small wooden seats to rest on.  Guess it was hard to stand hours and hours singing.

4 million people visit Hearst castle every year.  The family donated the castle to the state of California.  Our guide said that sometimes Hearst family members come on the tour.  It was a very worthwhile experience.  Thanks for checking into the blog.   

MORRO BAY CALIFORNIA

We were racing each other to get there!

Finally,  still alive,  seeing the beautiful California coast line.

Our first day was cloudy, but still beautiful.  Gwen got some great photos as "the light is better on a cloudy day".

Fresh, fresh, seafood!

Steve LOVES vacuuming! 

We were blown away by the fab foliage there!

Historical photo of Morro Bay displayed in Dorn's

I don't think I'd ever seen this plant.  Or I was too busy raising kids and working to notice.

Really enjoyed our time together!

Bob and Steve checking out the bay.

Gwen and Steve,  good thing we had a few blocks to walk after the food here.  We were stuffed!

The next day rain is expected so we planned on going to Hearst Castle.  That's next.  Thanks for checking us out.  M&B