This is just a quick one- I’m in a library in Jackson Hole in Wyoming and want to go and explore the town. It’s a real western town- all log cabins and cowboys and tonight we’re going to a rodeo and out to party. But not too much, we’re hiking in the morning.
We had a TEN HOUR drive yesterday, finally leaving California and going into Idaho, but it was easily the best campsite we’ve stayed in so far. There was a pool which was filled with natural hot springs water, and it had a big slide and some diving boards and played music, so we had a really good time there.
Then after dinner I went for a shower and sat on the tap was a little frog. So I’m really getting used to stuff like that- camping and getting up early (6.20 this morning), having to use drop toilets (yuck), making sure my tent is zipped up so ants and spiders don’t get in, and having dirty finger nails from all the time we’re spending outdoors. But I’m actually really enjoying the camping- we have a camp fire most nights and make s’mores and have a few drinks.
Since my last post I’ve also been to Yosemite, I didn’t manage the 17 mile hike to half dome, but did 10 miles- but it was so hot and the air was so thin I started to feel poorly, despite drinking 4 litres of water. However the hike I did was still really beautiful. We’ve also been to Lake Tahoe in Idaho, it’s a really popular holiday spot for Americans and the lake is so big it feels just like being at the beach- especially as the weather has really improved since my last post, so it was hot enough to swim.
Anyway, off to do some exploring and see if I can get my hands on a ice cream, it’s lovely and sunny here 
well girl, im so happy your having a fab time! was just about to chat to you on facebook but i think you got dc but was good to say hey lol.
i dont even know how you managed 10 miles btw in reference to your blog! im so unfit i couldnt event manage 1mile!
keep us all posted! x
By: Hema on August 13, 2008
at 11:05 pm
Just incase you read this before you go to the rodeo – pick where you sit in the bleachers very carefully. Last time I went to one, we were sat above where they keep all the cattle and the smell of the manure was awful lol!!! ouch to the 10 hour drive, though expect something similar when you go to Chicago! When you talk about ‘drop toilets’ have you been in some camp grounds where that’s all you’ve had the option of using?!?!?! We never did, the one and only time it was that or behind a tree (and I opted for behind a tree) was at a random lake where we had stopped for lunch. Well done on managing 10 miles, I did an 11 mile one and I remember how exhausted I was when I got to the top (which is why I didn’t attempt half dome!!!) so I know just how much of a challenge it must have been for you!!! Personally, I wouldn’t mind doing half dome if I went up there with a tent and hiked it in 2 days, but it’s too much for one day! Really pleased the weather has picked up for you, and that camp ground sounds amazing. The best one we stayed in doesn’t even sound as nice as that one does!!! Still really envious you’re out there doing this, it’s making me want to book my self onto one of the southern ones… hmmm maybe next year! I can’t believe it’s been 2 years since my last one – and now maybe yu’re beginning to realise why I always talked so fondly of my time travelling America – it’s awesome innit?!
By: Caroline on August 14, 2008
at 12:27 am
Enjoying reading your travel-blog … very jealous I’m not doing the same
) We’re starting to get prepared for the new academic year, would you believe! But I could drop it all for the chance of trekking in the wilds of some the US’ most fabulous scenery …
Next time you have a frog visitation, I suggest you kiss it – Could be an American Prince!
Many best wishes from Lincoln, make sure you continue having a terrific time – Debbie
By: Debbie your ex-tutor on August 16, 2008
at 11:42 am
Hi Katie! Just catching up with you’re blogs. Sounds like youre having an amazing time!!! I just read the comment from James….he’s missing you – how lovely. Did you do a little sniff when you read it?
Can’t wait to see you at Matt’s wedding and hearing all about everything in detail! I’m helping do the seating plan so I’ll make sure we’re on the same table!
Carry on enjoying yourself and next time you see a frog…kiss it. Xx
By: Claire - Katie's cuz on August 16, 2008
at 11:51 am
Hi katie – glad to hear you are having a great time. I have heard from other people that San Francisco is worth a visit but don’t know anyone who has been to Yosemite so wil look forward to hearing about it when you get back – hope you have got some good photos! Haven’t been in touch cos no internet where we were in France & no sun either!
Back home now & off for my knee op tomorrow so will catch up in a few days
Debbie & the gang xxx
By: debbie pearson on August 17, 2008
at 7:05 pm
Hi Katie,
Sounds like hell….ants, spiders, frogs, toilets, americans…it doesnt get much worse than that.
Looking forward to heaing your stories when you get back. You’re missing some great weather here, so don’t ruch back.
Enjoy….
The Fusspots
By: Ur Favourite Uncle on August 19, 2008
at 8:09 pm
hi katie!!! i hope the frog didnt touch you! good u are having a good time, i never even know that u were in america. i will be to boston soon in september, beat that!!(mabye you have been there already) the worst thing u can do is come home with an american acsent.
see you sometime
niamh
By: Niamh (cousin) on August 19, 2008
at 8:28 pm
Hi Katie, Glad that you are having such a good time. It sounds great. Hope you didn’t frighten the frog. Don’t know what ‘Drop Toilets’ are but sounds a bit primitive. Keep the blogs comming but mostly enjoy. Gwen has just told me that I do know what they are, I know them as Asian bogs. Love G&G. xxxx
By: Grandad & Gwen on August 21, 2008
at 5:29 pm