my random ramblingsan infrequent (and these days, mostly Mira related…) blog

up early to pack, and another quick bfast in the same place. long drive south past Norris and Madison, eventually on to the geyser basin for Grand Prismatic. short walk then again in the car and down to Old Faithful. caught the eruption from the lodge, then poked around the surrounding geysers on the boardwalk. sat outside for the second eruption, then back in the car and drove up to the Firehole area for another swim. fun time, colder than the Boiling River, but actually able to swim. loaded back up and exited the park via West Yellowstone. bit of shopping, then dinner at Madison Crossing before finding our cabin for the night.

late bfast, champagne in hand to celebrate Ольга’s birthday in the dining room. over to the the terraces for a nice tour of the hot springs. back to the room to relax, then stopped at the grille for a late lunch. back to change, and then a short drive to the Montana border and a swim in the Boiling River. lots of fun, and an interesting hike back to the van as we were swarmed by a herd of elk. finally back, changed, and off again to Gardiner for a late dinner. hung out a bit before bed…

packed up and bfast in the cafeteria before heading north toward Canyon. stopped at a few small geysers along the way, and everyone was amazed. south rim was closed, so stopped at the viewpoints along the north rim, overlooking both the upper and lower falls. lunch at the Canyon Lodge, then cruised past Tower-Roosevelt, only stopping for the basalt walls and petrified tree. finally arrived at Mammoth, and to our room for the next 2 nights. quick stop at the general store and the visitor center to poach a little free wifi, then headed to Gardiner for a nice dinner. short drive back and to bed.

bfast and out early, excited to drive through TNP, but was sorely disappointed by the smoke obscuring all views of the mountains. drove through Kelly, trying to see some bison, but instead stopped at Mormon Row for a short walk. few stops along the way, and had some fun at Jackson Lake. lunch at Flagg Ranch, then on to YNP. again a few stops along the way, then onto the Lake area and checked in to our cabin for the first night. drinks and Yahtzee in the lobby of the Lake Hotel, then dinner at the Lodge cafeteria. in bed and happy to get some sleep.

bit of bfast in the hotel, then walked around downtown with the fam, stopping in many, many stores. back to the hotel, lunch at the Brewpub, quick stop at Kmart, then drove out to Wilson. passed by the house, drove up to the top of the pass, back down and over to Teton Village. finally returned to the hotel to relax, while Mira went for a swim with her grandparents. dinner at El Abuelito, stopping at the park on the way, then finally back for some sleep.

up way too early, for an early flight to SLC. no issues, picked up a nice minivan, quick stop at Walmart for a few things, then started the long drive to Jackson, via Lava Hot Springs, Soda Springs, and Alpine. got in around 5:30 pm, went to the playground with Mira, then dinner at the Kitchen. exhausted and in bed early.

no ballet today, so a very leasuirely morning. day spent at home, dinner out at FdC with the fam, and in bed early.

morning at Mission, and a nice surprise as the 10 am class was hosted by heavyweight world champ Stipe and his boxing coach. class was a lot of fun, and he seems like a good guy. back home and a big meal with the fam. hung out for a bit, then over to Dave and Buster’s for some evening entertainment. watched the McGregor fight at home with Лена.

up early and off to work. left the office before noon with some coworkers and headed toward the planetarium in a taxi for the eclipse party. traffic was snarled, had to get out half way and walk. made it there and met up with Лена and her parents. was an awesome sight, even without totality – will definitely be jumping on a plane next time. back to work, even making it up to the roof top deck end of day. back home to see the fam, dinner, and in bed early.

morning ballet, last session of the summer. home and another swim with Mira, then a quick bite before taking the train to the airport. flight was late, but Лена’s parents eventually arrived. home to chat a bit, including an excuse to open my bottle of Crystal Head Aurora to celebrate.