Thursday morning we woke up in Colter Bay cold and with no electricity. Hubert and I quickly went to the breakers but that was not the problem. We got out our book, “RVs for Dummies” and tried to find a solution. Whenever we get a little comfortable with things, something happens. So, Hubert went out to ask some more experienced campers and happily learned that the whole campground was out of power! What a relief it wasn’t our fault!

We had made the plan that we were going back to the horseback riding place which was about 15 miles back into the woods. It was the only place that would accept children under the age of 8. Plus, when we went yesterday, we really liked the people and the location. No reservations were needed. We drove out there and got checked in. BJ, the head cowboy remembered us from yesterday and quickly got us on the horses. I had Antonio, Hubert had Buster, Caroline had Rocket and Josie had T-Rex. It was the best ride ever. I am not much of a horse person, but a trail ride in the Tetons was definitely the way to travel. Our ride was supposed to be 2 hours but it turned into more like 3 and I couldn’t stop grinning the whole way. 

It was a trail ride like no other trail ride! Our trail guide was Buck and he was a real cowboy! HIs horse, Scout, was tough and amazing. (Plus he was gassy and Josie couldn’t stop laughing at the horse toots and poops! It has been a favorite subject of hers with all the animals we have seen!) Due to the rain and ice for the past few days, the trails were a mess – very muddy. They were also very rocky. We started on the trail and at one point, all of our horses slipped in the mud and fell to their legs. But they quickly jumped up and thank goodness the saddle was Western Style as we all held on tight to the horn! We went straight up a butte so that we could get a view of the Tetons. We went next to a beautiful creek and through some valleys filled with flowers. It was gorgeous. The horses were amazing and so strong! When the trail was too muddy (often), Buck would just make his own trail. All of our horses easily followed and we were making our own trails. It was exciting and thrilling and a little scary! I was in front of Josie, so I kept asking to make sure she was okay. She was loving it! Holding on to that horn and having a blast! For a tiny little child, she is up for big adventure. Caroline’s horse, Rocket, got a deep itch and rubbed agains several trees along the way. We were all laughing. The top view was breathtaking and Buck got a picture of all of us. That was humorous too as we tried to get all our horses in line! The way down began the roller coaster feel and it was crazy! The horses would trot or canter at any spot where they had some extra room. It was so freeing and wonderful! Josie loved it too and just held on. Buck just let us do whatever we wanted. Hubert and Caroline cantered and raced a little. Once we got to the valley, we were all playing around! Then we bushwhacked back to the trail to get back to the stables! It was an unparalleled adventure! We couldn’t stop laughing and smiling! What a wonderful day to start the day!!

We were starving after our adventure and fixed a quick lunch while Hubert drove (huge benefit of RV is eating while driving!). We all recounted our own horse trail thoughts and moments and headed towards Jackson. We stopped in Moose for some ice cream (the weather was warming up and finally ice cream worthy!) and visited the Chapel of Transfiguration in the Grand Teton National Park. It was a gorgeous Episcopal chapel built in the 1920s. It is a log cabin that overlooks the Tetons. Inside on the alter is a simple wooden cross and a huge window. Sitting on the wooden pew looking at God’s gorgeous creation was so moving. We all said our prayers of thanksgiving for this amazing world that God has created. If you don’t believe in God, I challenge you to sit in that church and still be a non-believer. 

Next stop was Teton Village near Jackson. We rode the huge tram up to the top of the ski mountain which is 10,927 feet of elevation. The tram took us up over 2,000 feet. When we got to the top, it was freezing and snow was everywhere! We took some cool pictures and then went to Corbet’s Cabin which serves hot chocolate and famous waffles. We bought 4 hot chocolates and a waffle with brown sugar and butter – wow – delicious!!! On the way back down the tram, we saw some deer on the mountain. It was a really cool ride. 

We then went to the Virginian Campground to check in. The Virginian is a “city” campground so it is quite different than the other places we have stayed. It is flat and like a neighborhood. Not much privacy but just perfect. It has all the amenities, plus wifi! We are here for 2 nights. We took quick showers in their bathroom (quicker and longer hot water than the RV) and got ready for dinner. Hubert’s friend, Brit and his wife, Jenny are in town. Brit is from Hickory, NC, but Hubert met him 20 years ago when they both lived in Jackson. They have stayed close over the years and Brit lived in Asheville while we lived there. He and his wife now live in Idaho Falls with their two children, Kora (4 years) and Addy (17 months). When we planned the trip, we contacted them to see if we could meet up with them. They drove over and are camping nearby. They picked us up for dinner and we headed to town to eat at the Brew Pub. This was a place that Hubert and Brit frequented years ago. The food was good, the company great and the girls had a blast with each other. It was nice to have soem time with friends!