Well, folks… it’s hard to believe that we’re already on our way home! I know there are many students who wish they could stay longer in these amazing national parks. None the less, we departed Friday afternoon and enjoyed actual beds in a hotel in Sturgis, SD. Tonight (Saturday), we’re staying in South Bend, IN – only one more day of driving to Binghamton tomorrow!

As for photos? Internet was a bit spotty in Yellowstone, but photos from our next to last day in Yellowstone have been loaded to the 2010 gallery on Flickr. Just click the “NEW 2010 Photos” link in the top right-hand column of this page. Photos from our last day will be available Monday at the latest.

In the meantime, I leave you with this video of the group enjoying the mudpots at Artist’s Paintpots in Yellowstone. Dr. Firenze narrates.

Sorry, I’ll be out of range of internet service soon. I’ll keep this one short. We’re all having a great time.

Be sure to check “NEW 2010 Photos” to the right.

Students posed in front of one of the elk antler arches that mark each of the four corners of Jackson, Wyoming square.

For more pics: NEW 2010 Photos

A white water rafting “early-bird special” pulled students and instructors out of slumber at a crisp 6AM this morning. The water was cold, but the sun warmed us all once we were out on the Snake River and working hard paddling. A few participants went for a quick dip in safe areas under supervision of the raft guides. I will say, however, that everyone got wet. Class 3 rapids drenched everyone whether you chose to swim or not. Overall… a GREAT TIME!

Dr. Lamoureux treated the group to a short lecture on the geology of the Teton mountains. I will say this was a short lecture – mosquitoes are an unfortunate addition as we crawl up into these more northern national parks.

Back in business blogging! Yesterday, we took off early from our travel lodging in Idaho Falls. Driving towards the Tetons, we were treated to towering Lodgepole Pines, Subalpine Firs, and even a moose foraging near a pond by the road – before even entering the park!

Before setting up camp, we hiked towards the Grand Teton mountain to see Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point which overlooks Jenny Lake (just south of Jackson Lake).

The immensity of Grand Canyon and the majesty of Zion are now followed by the beauty of Bryce Canyon. The rapidly eroding limestone of Bryce reveal colorful strata of rock that change to almost iridescent yellows, pinks, and purples due to various minerals found in them.

After leaving Zion early Friday, the group visited the North Rim Trail in Bryce, but today we walked deep down into the canyon amongst the tall thin hoodoo rocks formations.

Tonight we will be attending a presentation on Astronomy. On clear nights, Bryce has some of the clearest skies for star gazing. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for a clear night tonight.

Note: Folks, tomorrow will be a travel day up north to the Tetons and Yellowstone, so there may be no blog posts tomorrow. In the meantime, feel free to peruse the photos posted on Flickr. Just select “NEW 2010 Photos” to the right.

Looking at the person in this photo gives you a feel for just how tall the walls of rock are around you in The Narrows formed by Zion’s Virgin River.

Be sure to check out more pics of the day at NEW 2010 pics on the right.

Our first big hike in Zion was to Angel’s Landing, a fairly steep hike including many switchbacks and ending with a psychologically challenging ascent to a ridge that overlooks the Virgin River.

Tomorrow, we plan to walk a slot canyon called the Narrows. This should be good as this takes us right into the Virgin River on what is supposed to be a 110 degree day!

Don’t forget to check other recent images at the “NEW 2010 Photos” link to the right.

The view is amazing from our Zion Campground. We didn’t quite have time to explore too much upon arriving at Zion. Tomorrow, however, I believe Angel’s Landing is on the agenda. Tune in tomorrow for pictures from that outing.

Also, be sure to check a few other pictures from today. A couple of Grand Canyon sunrise and Widforrs Trail are at the 2010 photos link to the left!