My recent Road Scholar trip was absolutely amazing. In my mind, Iconic National Parks from the Grand Tetons to Banff played out in three acts.
Act One – The parks. Mountains, lakes, rivers, streams, hot springs, geysers, mudpots, fumaroles, canyons, waterfalls, rocks being formed, gorges, prairies and plains, icefields and glaciers. We saw (and learned about) it all. Yellowstone takes the cake in having the most varied topography. I’d never been there so everytime I saw some earth bubbling up from the ground, I loved it, and then I saw Old Faithful. Twice. Amazing.
Other highlights for me included following the Yellowstone River for miles, and riding in a Red Jammer on the Going-to-the Sun Road in Glacier. We stayed in both Yellowstone and Glacier and humor was needed to master the 8-step process to use the shower in our room at Many Glacier Lodge.
Act Two – The animals. Of course, part of a trip like this is looking for animals and we were not disappointed. Our trip leader, who has been doing this for years, told us he’d never seen so many. Herds of elk, lots of bison, a mama moose and her calf, big horn sheep, three pronghorn (similar to an antelope) and eleven bear sitings, including a mama and her two cubs. We were really fortunate.
Act Three – The Program. Road Scholar exceeded my program expectations. We had professionals who led lessons in geology, understanding the thermal units in Yellowstone, appreciating the ice fields and disappearing glaciers, and my favorite, learning about efforts in connectivity between man and animals. Really, who knew I would be that interested in badger awareness programs? This was at 7:30 one evening after a long day, so you know it had to be good.
We also had a member of the Blackfeet Nation share stories of his culture through song. We stopped at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and learned of the practice that existed in native tribes until the late 1800s. We visited the Montana state capitol which is gorgeous, we had a city tour of Calgary, enjoyed a ride up the gondola in Banff and a trip onto the Columbia Icefield. I know I’m missing some, but you get the idea. We saw and learned a lot.
The cast? Thirty five of us, representing ten states. One director, a director-in-training and a superb driver.
We had a free morning in Glacier National Park, and Kathy and I did the 2.6 mile hike around Many Glacier Lake. And when I stood on a footbridge over the Swiftcurrent Creek, I had a moment. A peacefulness that fills your soul when body, spirit, and heart align. I breathed in the mountain air, listened to the river gurgling beneath me, and absorbed the experience. For you, it may be cuddling your grandchild, or curled up reading with your dog at your feet. For me, it was communing with the raw beauty that surrounded us.
I am home now, in the intense heat, faced with political signs on every corner and suddenly, the grizzlies we’d been warned about don’t seem so scary. We’ll see how long my peaceful feeling lasts. But for 12 days, it was wonderful.
Sounds literally heavenly!
It was filled with lots of awe for me. Thanks.
Nothing beats the national parks. I’ll bet you can’t wait to go back! No surprise it was a fabulous experience and I’m supremely jealous I wasn’t there with you. So happy to hear your impressions!
Thank you, my travel friend. Yes, my first visit, so often, I felt like a twelve-year old, in awe of the experience.
Sounds amazing to me! I loved your descriptions and your creative approach in organizing this post. Even though the eight-step shower sounds daunting, you left me wondering where to sign up. Was this your first Road Scholar adventure?
Ha! Yes, the shower was daunting at first, but 2 maintenance men later, it worked like a charm. Yes, out first Road Scholar, and I’ll return some day.
How wonderful to hear this.! It sounds like all and more a traveler could hope for. I hope you are able to recall the moments at will and as needed. ❤️Deenie
Thank you, Deenie. There will be images I won’t long forget, I am sure.
I totally enjoyed your trip! Thanks for bringing it all together with your blog💕
Wow! Thank you, Linda. So glad you chose to follow along.
The trip sounds amazing. So glad you and Kathy were able to squeeze it in. Packing for the next trip yet? I think you will need winter coats! Glad you are home safely.
Thanks, friend. Yes, resting and then, getting ready, but likely warm coats not needed.
Thank you for letting all of us tag along. You were so fortunate to have such a cool (!) adventure prior to the onslaught we have all been experiencing. When it gets to be too much, bring out the photos!
Thank you, Joanne. Unfortunately, they were experiencing a heat wave, so not much cooling off. Still, a great time.
What an adventure! So much of this country is breathtaking.
Glad you are home to repack, but can’t wait to hear the “rest of the story.”
Thanks, Carol and yes, it was breathtaking scenery. It was a great trip.
Kathy and I had a great time on our trip with you and Kathy! We ‘re excited to read your blog in the future!!
Thanks so much, Fred. I hope I won’t disappoint you on the blog front. It was such a great trip.