2011 VINTAGE ROAD TRIP WEST

When September rolls around it is time to think about leaving Minnesota for the winter.   So we packed up and began our 2011 Vintage Road Trip West. 

Our departure wasn't exactly stress free due to the fact that as I was running around the house getting ready to leave -   I looked down to see the diamond missing from my wedding ring. (At least I still had my husband.)   Needless to say we spent hours looking high and low but never found it.  I kept saying "Oh my gosh" - I must of said it a hundred times as we scoured the kitchen, bedroom, garage, vacuum cleaner dustbag, garbage, seat cushions, sinks, shower,etc.    No luck so I decided to call JB Hudson (famous old jewelery store in the Minneapolis area) where I had the ring serviced just three days prior (they replaced a prong and tightened the others).   At least I had done my due diligence on repair even though I passed on the insurance.  JB Hudson promised to send a replacement.  A few weeks later I opened a package which contained a small gift wrapped box and a beautiful new diamond ring.  I will forever be appreciative of JB Hudson. 

Finally we are on our way west - another great road trip through  South Dakota (yes I even like So Dakota), Montana, Wyoming, Utah and California. 

YELLOWSTONE PARK

NORTH ENTRANCE TO YELLOWSTONE

We arrived in Cody, Wyoming two days into our trip.  Cody is home  of the not to be missed Buffalo Bill Historical Center.  The weather was perfect and it was fun to be on a road trip again.  We spent a few days in Yellowstone (first time for me and definitely worth a trip)  and the Grand Tetons - I hope to return to walk around Lake Jenny  someday.  We spent one night in Jackson, Wyoming.  As I understand it,  a lot of Minnesotans end up in Jackson because the winters are brighter and milder than Minnesota.  We found a restaurant with a balcony overlooking the Jackson town park where Ron settled in for his workday.  I walked around Jackson  which is famous for its' Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.   Later we drove through the Grand Tetons again to enjoy the beauty before driving over the mountain pass to Driggs, Utah for the night.  Next stop,  Salt Lake City to visit relatives.  We have had the privilige of visiting Salt Lake City many times and I still believe it is one of the nicest and most livable cities in the country - world class skiing within 30 minutes of the city doesn't hurt any.          

PARIS, UTAH

FAMILY IN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH