Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

As we continued our tour through Hayden Valley on the east side of the Grand Loop Road, we encountered a large group of Bison. Lyndi got a good action shot of this male taking a "dust Bath"

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...DSC_0239_1.jpg


The tour bus that we rode on is a 1975 International Motor Coach owned by the National Park Service. The bus has over two million miles on it, and was completely refurbished in 2009.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0297.jpg


Here is a nice view of Yellowstone Lake from the Lake Lodge:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0301.jpg


In the West Thumb area of Yellowstone Lake we observed some of the weird geological features that make Yellowstone so special. Here is a gas vent:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...Z/DSC_0374.jpg



Another weird feature is this gas vent that rose from the lake shoreline and created a 190 degree pool at the edge of the lake. Rumor has it that fishermen use to stand on the edge of the vent and when they caught a fish, they would drop it in the hot pool to cook it.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...Z/DSC_0456.jpg



Here is a photo of Kepler Falls. There are said to be over 1,000 waterfalls in Yellowstone.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...Z/DSC_0582.jpg


to be continued....

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

In the Norris Geyser Basin area we saw some examples of the colorful hot springs. The colors come from minerals in the hot water refracting the light and from heat adapted microorganisms.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0739.jpg


Here is a picture of Gibbons Falls:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0869.jpg


And no tour of Yellowstone would be complete without a picture of Old Faithful:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0622.jpg


Jim

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

On Sunday, we set out early to explore Yellowstone Park before the crowds arrived. Our first stop was Tower Falls in the North East part of Grand Loop Road. We hiked a short distance from the parking lot to see the falls:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0085.jpg


Here is a view of the Yellowstone River in the Tower Falls area, down stream (north) of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...DSC_0093_1.jpg


We decided to try a hike down to the river on an old trail from the Tower Falls viewing spot. The trail was abandoned but passable. Here is a view from part way down:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...DSC_0105_1.jpg


And after some scrambling and sliding the last 20 feet, we reached the river:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0111.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0192.jpg


to be continued....

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

Continuing our exploration of the Yellowstone River area, we drove north along the river:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0341.jpg


At the next overlook we had a nice view of the river:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0366.jpg


The interesting part of that view is seen at the waters edge where there are steam vents:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...DSC_0415_1.jpg


The Grand Loop Road turns west and heads the Roosevelt Lodge area. We stopped for gas, and when I tried to start the car, it would start but stall in 2 seconds. I suspected a failed fuel pump. I installed my Fuel Pump Emergency Jumper and was good to go in about 7 minutes. While I was fixing the Z, Lyndi found some deer to photograph:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0481.jpg

I have a spare fuel pump on board, but I plan to not try to install the new pump until I leave Grand Teton National Park in two more days. I want to have an auto store near by in case I run into difficulties. The fuel pump that failed has only been in the car for about 3 months.


We proceeded on with our exploration, stopping at Udine Falls:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0760.jpg


to be continued...

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

Absolutely gorgeous photos. One can almost smell the fresh, misty waterfall air through the screen.

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

Fantastic pictures :dancing, thank you very much for sharing.
Good luck and have a great time.
Best wishes from Switzerland,

Franz :handshak:

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

I’m in awe of how beautiful Yellowstone is, thank you for taking the time to add the descriptions to accompany the incredible images. Hope the pump issue is an easy fix.

B17 Crew
:hello:

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

Yes, thank you, Jim (& Lyndi!) for your write-up and pictures.
Just amazingly beautiful. Being here in the heart of a BIG city
it is refreshing to escape to the greenery (very dry brown here
in CA) and bountiful water.

Can you think of any down-side running on the secondary pump
all the time? And specifics on the pump that FAILED?

Thanks again,
Ted

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

Hello from the road. As we continued our visit to Yellowstone NP, we drove to the north end of the Park to the Mammoth Springs Area:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0931.jpg


Here is a picture of the mineral terraces in one of the hot springs that has been flowing for many years:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0970.jpg

Next we drove south on Grand Loop Road to the area called Artist Paint Pots. We hiked in about 1/3 mile and came upon a large collection of several different types of thermal features. This is a close-up of feature where microorganisms convert hydrogen sulfide, which rises from deep in the earth, into sulfuric acid, which dissolves the surrounding rock into clay, which mixes with the rising steam to form mud:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0766.jpg


Here Lyndi is standing next to a colorful hot spring:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0968.jpg


On the way back to the parking area Lyndi walked into an area with many fallen Lodge Pole Pine trees:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0943.jpg

Jim

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

On Monday, departed from our cabin at the Canyon Lodge in Yellowstone and headed to the Upper Falls area for one more look at the falls.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...DSC_0001_1.jpg


In the parking lot we were greeted by a large elk:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0037.jpg

These are the best pictures we have ever gotten of an elk:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0080.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0096.jpg


In the early morning the chances of see wildlife is much greater. Lyndi got this nice picture of a pair of Mountain Bluebirds:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0455.jpg


We stopped along the Yellowstone River to see these fumaroles:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0531.jpg

Jim

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

On Monday, after leaving Yellowstone, we drove south and entered Grand Teton National Park. The PurpleZ has gotten very dirty in all the miles we have driven and from the 10-mile construction zone we had to drive through on the Grand Loop Road.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0772.jpg


Here is a nice view of the Grand Teton Mountains from the Coulter Bay area:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0878.jpg


Another pic of the very beautiful Teton Moutains:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0945.jpg


We drove south to the Jenny Lake area to do some hiking. While we were in the parking lot we were treated to a fly-over by the Blue Angles:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0024.jpg


We hiked up the mountain to Inspiration Point:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...DSC_0085_1.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0129.jpg

Jim

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

On Tuesday, we arose to a cold morning. There was ice on the PurpleZ:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0003.jpg

The hotel desk said it got down to 34 degrees over night. After we got on the road we saw 36:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0233.jpg


The morning clouds were hanging on the Teton Mountains:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0106.jpg


We drove south through Jackson, WY and went west over the Teton Pass and crossed into Idaho:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...DSC_0453_1.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0459.jpg

to be continued....

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

Jim,

Thanks for sharing your journey with your family. You are living the American dream my brother. Have a safe one!:handshak:

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

We drove through Idaho Falls to Arco, Idaho. We stopped at ERB-1, a National Historic Site at the location of the Worlds first Nuclear reactor that produced usable electrical power.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0820.jpg

The site is a remarkably preserved reactor plant with all the parts present except the fuel.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0838.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0886.jpg


In 1955, the plant was taken critical and generated steam to turn a turbine and light a string of lights. In later days, the reactor supplied power for the site. The ERB-1 was a breeder reactor which means that not only did it generate power, it also used the neutron flux of the fission reaction to create Plutonium 239 from Uranium 238, which could used as reactor fuel or in the construction of nuclear weapons.

On display on the ERB-1 Site is the reactor and turbo fan engine that was design to power a nuclear powered airplane. In the late 1950's, it was hoped that nuclear strategic bombers carrying nuclear weapons would be a part of our nations deterrent force. The planes were never built and the program was cancelled in 1961.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0787.jpg

We drove about 20 miles to the actual town of Arco to stop at Pickle's Place, a restaurant from the 1950's that was famous for their Atomic Burger. We had lunch, and then burger was very good.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0930.jpg

Across the street from Pickle's Place is the Idaho Science Museum. On display is the submarine sail from the USS Hawkbill SSN-666. The USS Hawkbill was a 637 Class Nuclear Fast Attack Submarine that served proudly and honorably during the Cold War:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0988.jpg

I served as Engineer Officer on the Hawkbill's sister ship, the USS L Mendel Rivers SSN-686. It was a very moving experience to see the sail.

to be continued....

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

After visiting Arco, ID, we drove to Craters of the Moon National Monument. It was a twenty minute drive west. The name is confusing because there aren't any craters here. By that, I mean meteorite strikes. In fact, the surreal landscapes are the result of lava flows and nearby volcanic eruption. The entire Snake River Canyon area of Idaho, which is in the lower third of the state, is a series of ancient volcanic activity. There is a stationary magma chamber in the earth's mantle under the North American plate. The plate, which is the earth's crust, is moving west a few inches a year for the last sixty million years. The magma chamber is now under Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. About 2,000 years ago, volcanic activity on the western edge of the magma chamber shaped the landscape of Arco. The lava flows and minor eruptions covered the area with lava, volcanic ash, cinders, and large basalt chunks.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0196.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0240.jpg

Here is a picture of a large cinder cone:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0232.jpg


Some of the lava and cinder areas have been taken over by vegetation and the Park is interesting because the transformation from volcanic wasteland to prairie is clearly evident:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0228.jpg


Next we arrived in Twin Falls, Idaho and saw the Perrine Bridge:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0460.jpg

Jim

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

On Thursday morning, we returned to the Perrine Bridge to watch the early morning BASE jumpers:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0066.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0067.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0068.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0069.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0076.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0088.jpg

Jim

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

After seeing the BASE Jumpers safely to the ground, we left Twin Falls and drove west in I-84.

We stopped in Mountain Home, ID. We stopped at the Mural Made of 1,000's of Pennies. The creation is on the side wall of Kurley's Bar:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0203.jpg


On the way out of town, we stopped at a car wash to spray some of the grime off the Purple Z:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0238.jpg

Continuing west, we stopped in Boise, ID and visited Zoo Boise, a nice small city zoo. As with most zoos, the mid-day heat had the animals sleeping in their displays. We did enjoy the butterfly exhibit. I spent quite a while trying to get a photo of a beautiful Blue Morpho butterfly:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0088.jpg

We enjoyed watching this stork carefully arrange two eggs before finally sitting on them:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0160.jpg


The arid landscape of eastern Idaho is not at all what I expected. The rolling hills have very little vegetation and the only agriculture is on irrigated land:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0230.jpg

to be continued....

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

We crossed the border into Oregon:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...DSC_0219_1.jpg


We stopped for the day in Baker City, Oregon. Baker City is a old-time small western town. We found the town very interesting. The buildings are historic and time capsules of the past. There were several art galleries and stores.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0373.jpg


We visited the US Bank where one of the largest gold nuggets ever found was on display:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0287.jpg


We stayed at the Geyser Grand Hotel, a beautifully restored posh hotel:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0292.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0390.jpg


We relaxed in the vintage lounge and celebrated a successful day of traveling:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0398.jpg

Jim

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

On Friday morning, we left Baker City, OR and drove northeast to visit Hells Canyon. We followed the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway and drove through Halfway, OR and into Idaho to follow the Snake River to the Hells Canyon Dam.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0484.jpg


Hells Canyon is in the Hells Canyon National Forest.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...DSC_0569_1.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0638.jpg

Here I am on the top of the dam with the view below the dam (looking north in the Snake River Canyon):

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0666.jpg

At it's deepest point, Hells Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon. Below the dam, at the end of the canyon road, there is a very nice Visitor Center:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0715.jpg

The road into the canyon is in excellent condition and the scenery is striking:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0816.jpg


After leaving Hells Canyon we continued on the Byway to Le Grande, OR.

Jim

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

Got to envy what you are doing and your experience. I wish you were passing through NorCal so we could meet up!

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

While your out west count how many times you cross the Snake River.

Nelson

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

Welcome to Oregon!!

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

This is an incredibly scenic journey! Really enjoy the photos and descriptions. Do you use a mix of lenses for your photography? I also wanted to ask what type of camera you are using? There is definitely a creative eye behind the lens, the photos are outstanding.

B17 Crew
:hello:

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

WOW, see the usa in your chevrolet

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

:fahne:I would say: "ZR-1, a better way to see the :usa:!"

Best wishes from Switzerland and have a safe trip,

Franz

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

Hi Jim--Lyndi's and your photos are great. Out of curiosity, what radio did you install with the nav feature? Or did you just stick a Garmin on the old one with some double sided tape? Thanks, Bob
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0233.jpg

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

Awesome as usual! Still running on the secondary fuel pump? How is that working?

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

Posting by phone. Still doing well, had a delay fixing a fuel pump problem. In Seatle now. Thanks for the nice comments. More later.

Jim

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

Second pump go bad? what brand were they?

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

Lyndi is the photographer. She is also an artist and says thank you for the compliments.

The main camera we use is a Nikon D5200 with a Nikor (Nikon brand) 18-300mm lens. We bought this camera body while we were on the Grand Canyon trip last year and our Nikon D5100 camera quit. We bought the camera on line from Adorama.com and had it shipped to the Grand Canyon Lodge. We have been using the 18-300 lens since the Alaska trip in 2012. It has taken about 75,000 photos.

Jim

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

Hi Bob,

I replaced the Bose system with a Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX in-dash Navigation System. It is the latest model of the Pioneer Double-DIN nav/audio systems. I have used four of the Pioneer systems.

The AVIC-8100NEX is advertised as being able to run CarPlay which supposedly offers full integration with iPhone (and Android) phones. In my experience, the CarPlay has not been integrated yet and is promised for late 2015 release.

The system is well integrated with my phone so hands-free calling is easy.

The Navigation system is satisfactory, but has a different interface than previous models. The Places of Interest data base is very limited. I guess because the cell phone integration was supposed to provide search capability.

I also don't like that the navigation screen cannot be zoomed or panned while navigating.

Jim

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

On Friday, we left La Grande, Oregon and headed for Mt Rainier National Park. We were surprised at the dry and barren areas of north central Oregon:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0012.jpg


We stopped in Pendleton, Oregon and visited the Woolen Mills factory and store. We bought a few souvenirs. Pendleton is a nice prosperous city.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0094.jpg


Continuing north, we crossed into Washington:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...DSC_0124_1.jpg

Entering Washington completed a very significant Bucket List item for me. I have now driven a C4 Corvette in all 50 states. 49 of the states I drove a ZR-1 and in Hawaii, I drove my brother's 1988 C4, the car that started the Corvette hobby for me. I highly recommend getting out and taking a road trip in your ZR-1.

Like Oregon, western Washington has a desert like terrain:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0138.jpg


In Kennewick, Washington, we stopped at the Southridge Sports and Events Complex to visit the Carousel Of Dreams.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0252.jpg


When we arrived, it was a hour before the carousel would be open, but the Manager of the facility saw us with our noses pressed to the glass, and let us in for a personal tour. The Carousel is a project of a non-profit organization I Kennewick. It is a very successful project. We were very impressed by the professionalism of the managers. We even got a private ride on the horses of our choice:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0247.jpg

to be continued...

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

We continued northwest through Yakima, Washington towards Mt Rainier. While driving on Route 12 west of Naches, WA, the engine died and I coasted to a stop in a turnout. The engine restarted immediately and I drove to a gas station to fill up. I figured that maybe the fuel was low enough that the secondary fuel pump was getting starved. The car started so I drove around the block and the car ran fine, so we continued west. About 10 miles later, the engine stopped and would not restart.

Five days ago, I had a primary fuel pump failure that I bypassed with an emergency jumper. Now I was faced with the possibility that the Secondary Fuel pump had failed. Route 12 runs through a very undeveloped part of the Washington. I decided to change to fuel pump to install the spare that I was carrying. It took about 20 minutes to replace the pump. However, after the replacement, the engine would not start. I checked the fuel rail pressure by removing the cap from the test fitting on the passenger side fuel rail, and found no pressure.

Facing the possibility that the problem was electrical, and not the pumps, we called AAA and waited 1.5 hours in 103 degree heat.

I had the ZR-1 taken back to Yakima where the driver dropped me at an O'Riley's Auto Parts Store with a motel near by. I worked in 100 degree heat in the parking lot until after dark trying to isolate the electrical problem.

I have to send THANKS to Phil and Yun for their unfailing phone tech support by send be photos of tech manual pages and trouble shooting suggestions late into the night on the East Coast.

We cancelled our room reservations at Mt Rainier, and booked a room in Yakima. I thought I isolated the problem to a faulty Primary Fuel Pump Relay. It took a while to remove the interior panels and find the relay. The engine still wouldn't start.

After a short night's sleep, I decided that the problem had to be in a wiring connector between the relay under the dash and the fuel pumps. I removed the fuel pump assembly and found that the wiring connector on the tank side of the fuel pump plate had failed.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/IMG_0502.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/IMG_0509.jpg


Apparently the connector is loose on the pins and the current flow over-heated the pin. When I used the jumper to shift to the secondary pump, that pin over-heated as well.

I cleaned up the pins and applied a slight bend to the pins to hold then more securely in the male portion of the connector. I adjusted the metal clip that secures the connector. I reassembled the fuel pump assembly, got a jump start (the battery had been drained during 10 hours of trouble shooting), and the car started. I put everything back together and we got back on the road.

In retrospect, I made some extra work for myself because in the heat and dark, I was having trouble reading voltage on the fuse connectors in the fuse panel. It was hard to get reliable readings with the volt meter I bought and I thought I wasn't getting voltage at the fuse.

I have to say a big Thank You to my wife Lyndi. She supported me completely during the whole ordeal. She brought me cold water and cookies and handled all the logistics of changing reservations. She was patient and understanding. I am a lucky guy!!!

Jim

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

After we got the car running, we drove north west to I-5 and north to Seattle and on to North Cascades National Park:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0670.jpg


North Cascades National Park is a very large park on the northern border of Washington. The Northern Cascades Mountains contain more glaciers than Glacier National Park. The views and vistas in the Ross Lake area are fantastic:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0762.jpg

We drove to the Washington Pass , the highest overlook in the park, for this beautiful view:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0960.jpg

Jim

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

On Sunday we left Marblemount, Washington and headed for sightseeing in Seattle, WA. On the way out of town, I stopped for gas and was surprised to find the service lacking:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0002.jpg


In Seattle, our first stop was at the Pike Street Market and the seafood and farm markets. Here Lyndi is standing with some crabs that are much larger than Maryland Blue crabs:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0137.jpg

We got a view of the Seattle Space Needle with the Purple Z in the foreground:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0389.jpg

We visited the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. The displays are very beautiful:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0296.jpg


We decided on the spur of the moment to take the ferry over to Bainbridge Island instead of driving all the way south to Tacoma and then north to Bangor.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0432.jpg


The ferry was very convenient and fun. It leaves from directly downtown and was loaded and underway promptly.

From the ferry we got a wonderful view of the Seattle waterfront with a tugboat giving a fire cannon salute to two visiting USN Frigates:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/p...p/DSC_0487.jpg


We drove on to the US Navy Submarine Base Kitsap in Bangor, WA.

Jim

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

Jim,

Very sorry to read about your problems on the road. Yes, you are certainly blessed with a wife that not only enjoys making the trips with you but also stands by you when problems are encountered. It’s hard enough to diagnose and repair electrical issues in a comfortable garage much less in 100+ degree heat on the side of the road or in a parking lot. You should be proud of your knowledge of the ZR-1, your trouble-shooting and repair skills, and your patience. I’m sure I’m not the only one who wishing you and Lyndi Godspeed through the balance of your trip and the hope you are able to complete it without further inconveniences. As usual, your pictures are amazing!

Best regards.

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

Lots of memories in the Great NW for me too! I remember the water cannon salute we received when visiting Seattle when I was in "Uncle Sam's Haze-gray Yacht Club". The pier we tied up to was packed with towns people, welcoming us as tho they were family and we were returning to home base after a "West-Pac" cruise! After "a few" of a different kind of receptions we'd gotten in SE Asia (circa late 60s & early 70s), it left a lasting - almost tearful - experience in my heart.

Arrrrgghhh! Sorry to hear about the continuing fuel pump saga! Good that you've extended your routine of a sub-mariner "qualification" to include the ZR-1, huh? Hmmm.... Fuel pump (related) issues...again...eh? I think it would be worth while (for me, anyway) to add relay(s) and a spare fuel pump and gen up a jumper for the "ready bag", and to inspect that fuel-side connector before venturing out on a long trip. Glad you were able to wring it out, and having a support crew member there to bring you cold water and support...priceless!

Hats off to Lyndi too for the stunning photography! That 18-300 Nikkor lens is "to die for"! I have an "ED" Nikkor 80-200 f/2.8 that practically retired a cadre of (fixed focal length) lenses to "ballast duty" in my bag. I can only imagine the freedom that 18-300 affords (color me envious!). I keep saying I want to move to a D52 (my brother has one too) and Lyndi's photos are giving me that "itch" once again.;)

Well, again, thank you and Lyndi for including us on your adventure. Can't wait to see the next installment of Lyndi's photolog. And, here's hoping the unplanned "oh-shitz" are behind you now for good! :cheers:

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

Jim,

In some other thread, it would be really helpful if you were to outline the preparation you go through for one of these trips. In particular, deciding what mechanical/electrical contingencies you try to anticipate. What tools do you pack?

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

Thank you for relaying the camera and lens you and Lyndi use for the photography. The Adorama site is a nice resource that I did not know about.

My hat is off to you as I read about the conditions in which you diagnosed the fuel pump problem. I hope that the rest of your trip is trouble-free and that all of your travels are safe. Thank you for bringing the beauty of this country to those of us hoping to make a trip like this one day!

B17 Crew
:hello:

Re: Purple ZR-1 Road Trip to Yellowstone and the Pacific Northwest
 

Paul,
What ship or ships did you sail on?
I was aboard the USS Dennis J. Buckley DD808 and USS Sterett DLG31 (both out of San Diago) about the same time frame. Did two Westpacs then took the Starett through a much needed overhaul at Long Beach Naval Shipyard.