• Teresa Swinbourne

Australian Rat Pack Tour

A 34-day adventure by Teresa Read more
  • Trip start
    May 15, 2017
  • Day 1 - Arrived LA

    May 16, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    After checking in we ventured out to investigate. Bought a travel card - first port of call Hollywood. Walked the Walk of Fame many many stars but I noticed that Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor were right next to each other the only two stars together on the pavement. Went to Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. Club sandwich so big Gail and I shared one - yummy.
    Outside the Chinese Theatre was fantastic with all the footprints, handprints and signatures of many famous stars.
    Also went to Griffith Observatory at the perfect time and watched the sunset beside the famous HOLLYWOOD sign. Unfortunately we couldn't see anything through the telescope as it was too cloudy.
    The Planetarium at this Observatory was where the big dance scene from La La Land was filmed.
    Off to bed early to recover from Jetlag.
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  • Day 2 - First Full Day LA

    May 17, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Today after a big breakfast of egg or waffles we set off to Venice Beach. Found our way by train and bus people in LA very helpful and friendly.
    Santa Monica beach found our first real coffee it was mmmm. Went to the garden markets fruit and veg looked amazing lots of interesting varieties.
    Walked the pier then headed to Venice Beach. Seemed very seedy lots of homeless selling crap along the promande. In LA I have never seen so many homeless people they are everywhere. Not sure what their social security is but it must be awful.
    After lunch we headed to Beverley Hills/Rodeo Drive. Unfortunately Gail and I could only afford to window shop. Tomorrow of to Paramount Studios then G & T heading to Portland and we stay in LA for another night.
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  • Day 3 - Los Angelos

    May 18, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Before I forget I forgot to mention that yesterday we were in a bus accident. Bus hit or was hit by another car from the other lane as they were too close to each other. Everyone alright we just got of the bus and a new bus arrived a few minutes later to take us to our destination.

    Today we all went to the The Getty originally funded by Paul J Getty. What a beautiful place of art and sculpture sitting on top of a hill which overlooked LA. It had the most amazing gardens.

    Gail and I found a few pieces we would like to bring home for our houses but unfortunately they were not for sale.

    Stephen and I were very surprised to see the Boy and the Frog which we originally saw in Venice Italy 7 years ago. This sculpture seems to be following us or perhaps we are following it.

    After this Gail and Tony left for their weekend in Portland.

    Stephen and I went to our Paramount Tour. It was great and you just don't realize how clear the directors are. We saw props from many movies including; the Car Grease Ligthning and a transformer which was actual size. We learnt how the the Red Sea parted for Moses on set and facts about the Godfather etc. Saw the sets of Doctors and Dr Phil. It was a very good tour. After this we walked home.

    Help - I lost my phone.
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  • Day 4 - Arrive Cancun

    May 19, 2017, Caribbean Sea ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    We arrived at Cancun about 3.30pm on Friday night. Weather is lovely and warm. Bring out the swimmers and sundresses.

    We are on the 8th floor and our room is very lovely we have a separate bathroom, bedroom, living room and kitchen with a big balcony that overlooks the pool and Carribean Sea.

    After a quick look around, swim in the pool, walk along the beach we went to El Conquistador for a mexican feast.
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  • Day 5 - Mayan Temples

    May 20, 2017, Caribbean Sea ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    To start the day going down in the lift for breakfast Stephen had on his Rabbitohs training shirt. Some young men in the lift asked us where we were from and then said to Stephen are you a triathlete. Stephen of course now thinks he is.

    After breakfast we got ready to be picked up at 11.30am to go to an historical site of the Mayan World at Copa (Copha its former name)

    First port of call was zip lining over a lake. Yes me too. Then we got on bikes (not me I got on a tricycle with another lady from our group) and rode to the ancient ruins.
    The second largest Mayan Temple is in Coba and called "Nohoch Mul" and we were lucky enough to be able to climb the 120 or so stairs to the top.

    The view from the top was green as far as the eye could see as it is in the middle of a rainforest. We investigated several other ruins. Not as old as the works in Egypt but still very impressive.

    Fact - they chopped and burned a large portion of their lands to make these temples and houses as the made cement from Ash (from the burnt wood), limestone (naturally found all around this area) and water.

    We then went to Cenote which is a giant sink hole many feet under the ground. Very slippery going down the stairs to a very deep water hole to swim in. It was a lot of fun and Stephen jumped from the very top platform an made a very big splash.

    Dinner was a Mayan buffet and a performance of a Mayan ball game. In this game the players can only touch the ball with the body from the chest to the knee - no feet, hands or arms. Very hard game to play. In the ancient times the winner was killed and this was thought to be an honor but not in this day and age.

    Back to the hotel late a couple of drinks at the late night bar then off to bed.
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  • Day 6 - Resort at Cancun

    May 21, 2017, Caribbean Sea ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    We slept till 9.30 then went to the buffet breakfast. Coffee not bad. Bought a book and headed for the pool. Swam, drank, read and slept till about 2 then had a lovely buffet lunch with a couple of margaritas.

    Going back down to pool now and then going to Captain's Cove Seafood and Steak Restaurant for dinner.

    Dinner was fantastic with a lovely view right over the bay. A cosmopolitan and wine later we walked the 1/2 hr home to at least try and walk off what we ate.

    Tomorrow off to Orlando to meet Tony and Gail and start the big part of our USA tour.

    PS Best news of the day my phone is on the way to Orlando and I should have it by Weds.
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  • Day 7 - Cancun to Orlando

    May 22, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Early breakfast then to airport to fly to Orlando the city of Disney. Here we were to meet up with the other two Australia Rat Pack - G&T at Orlando Airport.
    Unfortunately just after G&T arrived a storm with thunder and lightining hit the airport and Gail's bag was left stranded on the tarmac so we left G&T to wait for the wet stranded bag and we headed to the hotel Wyndham Resort.
    As we checked in first of course we ended up with the room with a view.
    G&T finally arrived and we headed straight to the bar for a well deserved drink or two. Tomorrow the Magic Kingdom 😊😊😊
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  • Day 8 - Magic Kingdom Disneyworld

    May 23, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    AMAZING DAY a full day of being a kid again - rides we did;
    It's A Small World - cute, cute, cute
    Space Mountain - Fantastic (glad Stephen talked me into this) - best ride of the day.
    Pirates of the Caribbean - Great
    The many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
    Haunted Mansion - Scary Fun - Stephen got asked by someone on the line if he was a Racing Car Driver.
    Splash Mountain - Yeah we got wet which was great as it was a very hot hot day.
    Monsters Inc Laugh Floor - Here Stephen got chosen for his big screen debut as the Dancer for the performance. It was very funny.

    We ate hotdogs, Mickey Mouse ice-creams and lots more.

    We shopped and bought some great souvenirs.

    We watched the Street Parade and lots lots more.

    The fireworks were unbelievable and at the end I cried as it was very emotional.

    Gail and Tony it was fantastic that we could all share this wonderful experience together.
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  • Day 9 - Kennedy Space Centre

    May 24, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    After breakfast and a morning swim we set out for Kennedy Space Centre.

    This was far more than I expected. After a 30 minute tour around the NASA site which we saw where they built all the Space Shuttles we saw the launch pads and the equipment that transported the rocket/shuttles to the pad.

    The reason NASA launches rockets from the French Guiana in Florida is because they use the extra speed from the Earth's rotation and because they are close to the Equator they have over 233 days of sunshine per year.

    Stephen and I went into a simulator which showed us what the astronauts experience during blast off and breaking the sound barrier.

    They had a real space shuttle which had completed many missions on display. It was amazing.

    A fabulous day certainly not to be missed if you are in Orlando.

    After this we found WALMART it sells anything and everything. The end of another day.
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  • Day 10 - Orlando - Last Day

    May 25, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Today our last day in Orlando.

    We lay around the pool this morning and then packed up to go on an Air Boat at Boggy Creek.

    The Air Boat was a lot of fun. It was just like CSI Miami.😁
    Gail saw an alligator but we had to take her word for it as she was not quick enough to take a picture and when we circled back to find it we had no luck.

    Gail swears it was an alligator (not a stick floating in the swamp) and that its big eyes were glaring at her as it lurked in the water. Don't worry we are all safe and no one got taken. We survived alligator country without being eaten.

    Back to our Resort to have a rest, swim in pool and spa, drinks and nibbles on our balcony (seeing as we had the best view) and bbq down by the water.

    Our bbq was great and we sat beside a group of ladies from Washington DC. Katrina from DC came and talked to us she was very friendly and gave us some tips on visiting DC.

    Tomorrow we head for Washington DC. Really enjoyed Orlando and the adventures we had.
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  • Day 11 - Washington DC

    May 26, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    We arrived in Washington DC about 1.30pm and our room was ready. Great view again we can see the Pentagon, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and Capitol Building.

    Dumped our bags and off we go on the Metro, First stop Lincoln Memorial. Wow this is pretty amazing. You could look straight up to the Washington Monument.

    Next stop the White House. I wanted to know where the helicopters landed as the area did not look very big. It wasn't till the next day that we realized we were actually at the back of the White House. The front is what you see in the movies it was much more impressive.

    We had hot dogs in the park and tried to capture photos of the squirrels without much success.

    We looked in the White House souvenir shop and thought really hard about whether to buy a Donald Trump boxed Christmas Decoration for someone at home but couldn't decide who to give it to so didn't buy it.

    Off back to hotel armed with goats brie cheese and french stick (tasted just like we were back in Paris again).

    Dinner then bed as tomorrow there is a lot more to see in this very beautiful city.
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  • Washington DC

    May 27, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    TERESA'S BIRTHDAY

    Early start and off to Smithsonian Museums.

    The lines were very long today as Monday 28th May is Memorial Day. There is a lot of security.

    American History Museum - Great Museum with lots of info on everything. Spent about three hours here and didn't even get to see everything.

    Next the Holocaust Museum - very solemn and makes me realize what atrocities have and still are happening in this world. We as humans need to love more and hate less.

    The lines to the other museums by this time were approx 1hr wait because of the high security checks.

    Headed for the Capitol. Got as close as we could as there was a lot of security around due to the Memorial Day Celebrations. Right next door was the Botanical Gardens. Not very big but in a green house and lots of tropical orchids and other tropical flowers. It was very pretty.

    G&T decided to head off in another direction and Stephen and I walked up the hill to the Washington Monument (it was a long way). Finally when we made it we released that from this Monument you can see the Lincoln Memorial, The White House and Capitol Hill.
    A very impressive view.

    We kept going and finally found the front of the White House.

    Then off to get ready for dinner tonight for my birthday.

    Had a great birthday wishes lots of messages from home. 💕💕❣
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  • Day 13 - Washington DC to New York

    May 28, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Today we caught the train to New York City. A very easy trip approximately 3hrs on the train.

    After arriving at the station catching a yellow cab, getting lost we finally found our apartment for the next 7 days on the corner of 23rd and 3rd.

    The subway is very confusing and not sure how anyone who lives here understands it. Caught the subway to close to Times Square but first passed Empire State Building and decided to cross it off our bucket list.

    It was very very windy at the top. The view was amazing.
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  • Day 14 - New York City Day 1

    May 29, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

    Today we went to the NYC Museum of Natural History.

    Dinosaurs all over the place an amazing museum.

    Sections included different cultures eg. African, Mayan, Aztec, even Australian Aboriginals.

    We spent over 3.5hrs at this museum it was fabulous.

    P.S. Kimberley was everywhere.

    We went to a play 'The Perfect Crime' the longest running play off Broadway (been running 30years) and we caught it on its last week.

    Strange play but lead to interesting discussions afterwards on how to commit the perfect murder.

    After this we went to the Rainbow Room on 65th level of Rockefella Centre.

    A drink and an amazing view of the Empire State and the whole of New York City.
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  • Day 15 - New York City Day 2

    May 30, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    This morning we walked the High Line over the city through the Meatpackers District and finished at Chelsea Markets. The High Line is an old abandon railway line which has been turned into a walkway and has beautiful gardens which are maintained by volunteers. It was very lovely to walk above the city and see it from a different perspective.

    Chelsea Markets was mainly a food market with lots of places to eat especially seafood.

    We ventured back to Times Square and then headed for home to get ready for the baseball.

    We went to see the Mets play Brewers, had hot dogs and Tony even tried deep fried dough with icing sugar (a heart attach on a plate).

    The Mets won 5-4 but we left after the 5th inning as it started to rain.

    Thanks to Stephen and Tony we arrived home safety from Queens where the game was.
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  • Day 16 - New York City Day 3

    May 31, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    As Gail and I headed off to Macys for a morning of shopping the boys headed off on their own.

    Tony headed off to Greenwich Village and then Spanish Harlem to find White Castle (a burger chain) to get one of their famous sliders.

    Stephen headed off to Central Park on his adventure
    Stephen Central Park. He walked around the park got lost but found many sites on his way like the famous Boathouse cafe/restaurant which appears in several movies. He said it was the best morning in NYC. Wonder if that was because he was women free.

    Meanwhile Gail and I were shopping up a storm in Macys shoe department. Our HVG mascot Kimberley got lost in the shoe department but 2 hrs later she was still waiting for us. It was Gail's fault.

    We all met up for lunch at a Celtic Pub near Time's Square. I had beef sliders - the best I've ever had.

    Tonight we went to see Kinky Boots at AL Hirschfield Theatre. AMAZING ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT.👢👢👠👠
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  • Day 17 - New York City Day 4

    June 1, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Statue of Liberty Day - hurray

    Wow it was fantastic. G&T went to the pedestal level but Stephen and I climbed to the crown (thanks Janice for telling us to buy our Crown tickets on line months ago as Crown tickets were sold out on the day).

    Never knew the Statue of Liberty was made out of copper and hollow inside. It is green because of the chemical reaction which happens when the air hits it. The Crown was a spiral staircase very narrow with 383 stairs (no lift). Well worth the climb.🤗

    Ellis Island was not very interesting for us but if your family immigrated to America you would be able to read and research lots of interesting facts.

    Next 9/11 memorial. Very busy around this area paid our respects. We chose not to go to the museum no sure I wanted to see what we all saw and heard on TV again.

    Wall Street next.

    On to Bloomingdales - very expensive and a look around Tiffanys. Unfortunately I didn't have enough money to even buy 1 earing in sterling silver let alone anything else.

    Chinese for dinner in those little boxes you see on TV.

    Tonight Stephen, Tony and I went on a long walk by the river. Gail was resting her poor feet.

    The walk was on the river and as we discovered later went almost the whole of Manhattan Island. Of course we did not walk the whole island only a short part.
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  • Day 18 - New York City Day 5

    June 2, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Off we set to try and see the Cherry Blossoms at Riverside Park but unfortunately did not see any as they bloomed early this year and we missed them.

    Stephen and I continued on through the park and then through this beautiful suburb. It was a very pretty part of the city. We found hot dog croissants in a french bakery. We did not try these but I reckon you could only find them in NYC.

    We met Gail & Tony and Marie at the entrance to Central Park. Marie was a great tour guide and took as a bit around the park. First we went to the Merry-go-round and Gail and I had a ride. Then as we walked through the park saw lots of play areas filled with children who were on school holidays. We had lunch at a lovely cafe in the park and then continued on to see the John Lennon Memorial, the sidewalk outside the hotel he was shot and then on to the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. The park was amazing with lots of other features.

    Stephen and I found the Alice in Wonderland statue and garden it was fabulous.

    At dusk Stephen and I caught the subway and walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. It was dusk and the view of the City of Manhattan and Statue of Liberty could not be fully captured in a photo.

    Tony and Gail went to see Miss Saigon and to meet Marie for a drink after her performance in Phantom of the Opera.

    The end of another amazing day in this wonderful city.
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  • Day 19 - New York City Day 6

    June 3, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    Today we headed straight for Union Square about a 20 minute walk from where we were staying.
    We found a cute little park with lots of squirrels running around and some flower markets.

    We walked further towards Soho to find some more markets of fresh fruit and vegetables and other market Knick Knacks.

    Soho was a very nice upmarket area with lots of boutique shops.

    Here we stopped at Pandora and Stephen bought me a lovely charm for my pandora travel bracelet that you can only buy in store in NYC - you cannot get it anywhere else but NYC not even on line.

    We found Little Italy wow wow wow. Everything I thought it would be lots of Italian Restaurants and little touristy shops we had a wonderful time. Wish we had found it earlier in the week would have definitely gone back here for dinner one night. We did not miss out we had a lovely lunch of lobster ravioli, pasta and pizza with a bottle of Pinot Grigo to drink.

    After lunch we walked through Chinatown - much like any Chinatown in the world including Sydney.

    After this as it was such beautiful weather we decided to travel to Staten Island on the Ferry. It has magnificent view of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan. We have never seen a Ferry so big it was three times as big as the Ferries in Sydney. A lovely trip to Staten Island and back on the ferry.

    Back to our apartment after a stop off to get nibbles for dinner and then to pack as tomorrow we start another adventure to Las Vegas to meet the 4 Foxes.
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  • Day 20 - New York to Las Vegas

    June 4, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 37 °C

    Today we head to Las Vegas to meet the 4 Foxes.

    We flew over the snow capped mountains of the Rockies it was a truly beautiful sight they stretched far into the horizon.

    Arrived at Las Vegas airport and there were slot machines everywhere.

    After checking in had a quick look around casino.
    Finally decided to try a shake at The Shake Shack a very popular chain in USA.

    Last minute decision Stephen and I decided to go to 7pm The Beatles Love Show by Cirque Du Soleil and meet the rest of the Australian Rat Pack for dinner afterwards.

    Show was a absolutely fantastic works every penny.
    Can't described how visually amazing it was really worth while seeing if you get the chance.

    Ubered to dinner Mexican at the Cosmopolitan to meet the rest of the gang for dinner.

    Walked past Bellagio Fountain after dinner fantastic water fountain performance to Billy Jean. Very impressive.

    Left others then back to our hotel for coffee and bed.
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  • Day 21 - Las Vegas

    June 5, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    After a leisurely breakfast we finally all met and decided our plan of action for the day.

    As it was going to be over 40° golf was cancelled. Stephen decided to have the day to himself. Gail, Liz, Leigh and I decided to hit the South outlets. Following us were the rest of the men.

    Unfortunately we found the savings not that great. Gail and I bought a few things but Liz and Leigh win queens of shopping for the day.

    For tonights entertainment we went to see the show Las Vegas. It was about the old Vegas days with Showgirls, Wayne Newton, Sammy Davies Jnr, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Tina Turner, Elton John, Elvis, Gladys Night, Sonny and Cher, and Tom Jones.

    There was also an act called the Quibblers which did the Village People and they were very funny.

    The show was lots of fun.

    Onto dinner at a Brazilian restaurant with plenty to eat and lots of white and red sangria - delicious.

    After dinner we walked through the Miracle Mile Shops. It was pretty amazing as it felt like you were walking outside because of the blue ceiling and the lighting - Stephen thought at first it daylight.

    They had some very strange artwork for sale including a metal sculpture which to me looked like a cockroach. A short walk back to our hotel as tomorrow we are off to the Grand Canyon.
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  • Day 22 - Las Vegas - Grand Canyon

    June 6, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 37 °C

    Up early, pick up by bus to a small airport.

    We all survived the plane ride. Plane only fits 21 people including pilot and co pilot. Not much room and we all had to be weighed and sit a particular seat to balance the weight of the plane.

    Grand Canyon is the 7th Wonder of the World.

    1st stop Eagle Point - named this by the Hualapai People because of the large rock formation which looks like and eagle flying. This rock formation was made be nature.

    There was a trail with the types of mud homes and teepees the Hualapai people live in.

    2nd stop Guano Point - amazing all round views of Grand Canyon and Colorado River. Photos do not do justice to this amazing view. We climbed to the top of a small rock formation and had almost 360° views. Truly a wonderful experience not to be forgotten.

    After arriving back at our hotels we all decided to split up till later. The Australian Rat Pack all met up again at the Nine Fine Irishman Pub. Stephen and I stayed till 1.30am dancing to the band and talking to a group of Celtic supporters celebrating their teams World Cup win. While the other oldies went to bed we had a blast.
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  • Day 23 - Las Vegas

    June 7, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    Last day in Las Vegas.

    This morning we went for a walk through some of the other casinos. Mostly impressive but I did not think much of the Monte Carlo.

    Ventured up to the Miracle Mile Shops and found a great place for lunch only $4.99US and we all had something delicious. Tony ventured down to the old part of town and said he felt like a shower afterwards as it was not a very nice place but he was glad he ticked the Pawn Shop he wanted to see off his bucket list.

    Ran into the rest of the Australian Rat Pack still shopping up a storm before they go back to Paradise.

    Tonights entertainment THE RAT PACK. Here we got the first cappuccino in a real cup that actually tasted like an espresso back home.

    Fantastic show the impersonator who played Dean Martin stole the show. It was set in a small club like atmosphere.

    Loved it.

    Tomorrow off to Yellowstone. My opinion on Las Vegas crossed off the bucket list, enjoyed it but don't need to go back. 🍸🍸🍸🍸
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  • Day 24 - Las Vegas to Yellowstone

    June 8, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Two planes and a 3hr drive through the most picturesque mountainside I have ever seen and we arrived at our destination Gardiner the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

    Along the way we saw Bison, Elk, Deer, Bear with cubs and Coyotes. What a wonderful start to our adventure in Yellowstone.

    We also stop to see a Geyser

    We have a lovely cabin right on the Yellowstone River. Tony and Gail have the cabin next door. After unpacking we had drinks and pizza sitting on our balcony overlooking the river. Weather was very warm didn't even need a jacket and had thongs on.
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