August 28, 2014 Thursday  Back to the National Park

We've been reading about the park and talking to everyone we can.  Lib was interested in doing some hikes so we set that as our goal for today.  We started early (8:30am) as we were advised.  I can't believe how many people are in the park and all the Rangers tell us "this is the least crowded time to come." The timing was part of our planning.  We were told to come when school is back in session but before the snows start.

We are also reading the book French and Carolyn gave us, ""Secrets of the National Parks."  A must hike is around Bear Lake.  We took Fiona to the Park and Ride and took the shuttle to Bear Lake.  We enjoyed a nice hike around the lake.  There are volunteers all over who can help you and give you advice, directions, etc.

Bear Lake

A friendly volunteer from Texas

We found many of the volunteers are from all over.  Billy helped us a great deal.  He was from North Carolina just outside of Winston-Salem (near Michelle).  He also has a home at Cashiers but volunteers his summers at different national parks.  He was very knowledgeable of the walking trails.

On the trail we met a young red-head, Brittany, who had just graduated from Wisconsin.  She was camping in a tent by herself.  We discussed several things such as altitude sickness.  Lib and I realized we've had a touch of it.  You are a little less active and you lose your appetite.  Like I said, we think we only had a touch of it...the oatmeal raisin cookies here are delicious!  We took photos of Brittany and she took one for us.

Brittany's Photo of Us at Bear Lake

Hike 2!  We were feeling good so we decided to get in another hike.  This time Billy suggested we go to Alberta Falls.  So we took off there.  The trails themselves are a sight to behold.

Alberta Falls

Once we hiked back to the Park & Ride, that was enough of the hiking for us.  Besides, we didn't have the special boots, hiking canes, backpacks, etc. that many of the pro-hikers have.  We probably hiked about 2.5 miles which is plenty for old people with severe altitude sickness and who MUST get home in time to watch the start of NCAA football.  South Carolina plays Texas A&M at 4pm!

We drove to parts of the park where there are prairies and one Ranger told us we would heighten our chances of seeing Elk, Moose, or Bighorn Sheep.  I think they were all home waiting on the ballgame to start.  None were on the prairies.  

We drove through one of the in-park campgrounds.  These are very nice and well-run.  There are all kinds of campers ranging from the big bus type RV's (called A-class) to small tents.  We didn't want to stay inside the park because it is a long way out to get provisions (i.e. Safeway makes those oatmeal raisin cookies).  Also, the camps are for "dry-camping".  That means you have no electricity, no sewage, and no water.  You have to take everything you need with you.  The RV Park we are in has all those things.  I like my electric heater, microwave, oven, etc.

A-Class (in background) and an Airstream Bambi 16' in the National Park Campground

A tent Campsite: This is what French II and JJ do with two children!  We love it!

And, there is ONE MORE REASON we decided NOT to camp in the Park....

I still haven't bought those AK47s!