MY FIRST TOUR
Dick and I always preferred to stay in one place and go places at our own pace. Being alone, I am going to try a tour. I looked at this one last year but I was reluctant - and it was not the right time. After New York went well and Greg recovered, I decided this was the time. I called late on Friday and there were only two seats left. I spent the weekend thinking and talking to family. Suddenly, I knew I would always regret it if I did not go. I called my contact, Suzanne, and booked the trip.
The group is Vacation By Rail (www.vacationsbyrail.com) and my trip is America's Great National Parks. When we moved here my goal was to see "the west," We only got as far as northern Arizona. This trip covers much of the area I had in mind. I know I could not do it on my own, but I think it will work for me since we stay two or three days in most places -- and always have plenty of unscheduled time.
We leave from Chicago on Sunday, August 17 on the Empire Builder. We arrive in Glacier National Park on the 18th and stay at the Glacier Park Lodge Park for three nights. On the 21st we take a motor coach to Yellowstone National Park and stay there two nights. On the 23rd we travel to The Lodge in Jackson Hole for two nights. We see the Grand Tetons. We stop in Salt Lake City for one night at the Doubletree Salt Lake City. On the 26th we go to the Red Cliffs Lodge at Moab. Here we visit Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. We take the train, California Zephyr, stopping in Grand Junction at the DoubleTree Hilton for one night. The train takes us the next morning for the final leg of the trip and will end up in Chicago. I am getting off in Denver and hope to see the Chihuhly exhibit. Home on the 31st -for Labor Day.
