I live in Oregon - the lens was shipped to Gardiner MT - no issues what so ever.
I'm not sure I would forgo the damage insurance. Things do happen and it's better to be covered than on the hook.
For a recent trip to Yellowstone I rented a lens from lensrental.com. They shipped directly to the hotel and it was there when I arrived. When I was done I repackaged in the same box, affixed the label they provided, emailed FEDEX to pickup and left the lens at the motel. Lensrental employees were great to work with and the cost was amazingly low - $130.00 for the week which included shipping and insurance.
Check out The Vest Guy. Awesome products.
I have Tamron 90 MM and Nikon 100-300 - prefer the Tamron 90.
I'm going in two weeks and we rented a house from Home Away. I've never been but I'm meeting up with some photog friends that have been many times. Looking forward to the adventure and fellowship with other photographers.
I have a cargo cover in my Kia plus with tinted windows you can't tell if something is in the back.
I have packed my tripod in my checked luggage but I have also taken it as part of my carry on (attached to my backpack). Never had an issue with either.
I went last year and paid for the photographers tour which was higher than what you paid. For that tour you had to have a DSLR and a tripod. There were no more than 3 per group and others not on the photographers tour were held back while we got our shots. Guides name was Nate. Totally awesome experience.
I'm pretty sure that Amazon has them.
I just got the Lensbaby twist and I really like it. The subject of focus has great clarity and then depending on what you are shooting the background has a nice twirling effect caused by the internatl optics.
Zion has some really awesome mountain sheep and with your lens you should score great photos. I would suggest a day trip over to Page AZ to shoot the Navajo Indian slot canyons.
The older I get the more comfortable I am shooting with a small group. I never go out alone at night anymore simply because I get so into what I'm doing that I fail to be aware of my surroundings.
What an honor. Congratulations and good luck,
I also took the photographers tour - worth the money. Ask for Nate - wonderful guide. Take extra batteries because the cold tends to zap them.