Hubert got going early and had the RV on the road by 7:30 while the girls slept. I woke up as he was getting ready to take off so I rode shotgun. As soon as we got on the road we hit some traffic – Yellowstone style! The first jam was due to two bull elk crossing the road. They were gorgeous and were moving slowly. They looked at us like we were crazy. One thing about Yellowstone is that you always know that as a human, you are an outsider. You are just a visitor in the animals’ world and you have to respect their home. We debated waking the girls, but knew they needed their rest, so we let them sleep.

About 10 minutes later, we hit a huge traffic jam around the Hayden Valley. This time we had to wake the girls. There was a huge herd of bison who used the street as their path. At one point, there were about 100 bison surrounding us and a few other cars. Bulls would walk right next to our window and the cows and calves would be trotting in front of us. The bulls would often just stop and stare at us. We were stuck in this traffic jam for about 40 minutes. I have to say, it was fabulous. If every morning commute was like this, it would be easy going to work! The girls loved it and we all were taking pictures, laughing and marveling in these grand, huge creatures!

Once the bison moved along, we finally began to make some progress towards Cody, WY. We stopped for a snack at the Pahaska Teepee, which was where Buffalo Bill’s hunting lodge once was. It is now a tourist trap, but cool. The terrain had quickly changed (imagine our surprise – new terrain) and it was drier, desert like yet hilly. It looked like the scenery from every Western movie! We drove through the Shoshone National Forest. It was very different and pretty. We passed lots of cool, small campgrounds along the river that we would love try someday!

We finally made it to Cody around 10:30 and checked into the Ponderosa campground. Like the Virginian Campground in Jackson, the Ponderosa was a city campground which was within walking distance to the center of town. Not our idea of camping, but clean, nice and convenient. We walked to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West for the afternoon. The center is actually a huge museum with five wings devoted to natural history, plains indians, Buffalo Bill and Western history, Western art and a huge firearms collection. We ate lunch there and explored the whole museum. It was fabulous and we learned tons. The girls loved it and never got bored. We monitored Josie’s reaction and were ready to go at her first nod towards boredom.

We began to walk downtown but tried a Geocache adventure first (search for a hidden object, a virtual scavenger hunt!). It looked like it was going to rain, so we made it to the Main Street and stopped in the famous Irma Hotel. We looked around and then found an ice cream store. The rain came quick and hard and we sat in the ice cream shop a little bored. Hubert and I were a little disappointed in Cody. Everyone had raved about it, yet we felt like the town was a little lacking. After the rain finally quit, we shopped around some and the town began to feel better. We each bought a cowboy hat in preparation for the rodeo! At 6:00, we headed back to the Irma for the nightly staged Buffalo Bill shoot out. It started to rain and was very crowded but it was cute and we enjoyed it.

During the shoot out, we began to worry about the timing for the rodeo. It started at 8 and it was about 6:30. It was cool and raining and we were about 7 blocks from the campground. Hubert offered to walk back and drive the RV to get us before the rodeo. The girls and I were to find a restaurant and grab some dinner. We walked down the street to an Italian restaurant. It was a wait but we felt like that was fine and would be perfect timing for Hubert to join us for a quick bite.

By the time we were seated, he was still not back. We called and he was stressed. We had left the skylights open in the RV and the storm had caused a mess. Our sheets were wet and he was cleaning up the RV and trying to dry out sheets. He finally arrived and it was 7:30. Our food was not ready yet. By 7:45, we had paid and told them to box up our food instead of serving on a plate. We took our food to go and decided we could snack on junk food at the rodeo and eat dinner late. Hubert drove to the rodeo while the girls and I got in warmer clothes (how great is an RV – get ready on your way to the event!).

The rodeo was awesome!! It was our first rodeo and we were ready! We had our cowboy hats on (yet, Josie’s had a city element to it!) and we were hooting and hollering! I was a little worried at first when Caroline was sad about the calves as they were being roped, but she quickly got past her concerns and loved every minute!

We had been told that the girls should go to the middle during the kid’s time so they were ready. However, the center ring was a huge mud pit. The rodeo clown called all kids 12 and under to come to the ring and chase 2 calves and try to grab their tags. At first our girls said they didn’t want to go since it was so muddy. We pushed them a little telling them they would never be in Cody again. They hurried out to the ring and they had a blast! It was so fun and muddy that some kids lost their shoes in the mud! The girls were great and when they got out of the ring, they were covered with mud! The best part was when Caroline turned to me and said, “thanks for making me do that, it was so much fun!!”

We watched the rest of the rodeo and loved it. But, the best part was after the rodeo. The girls and I rode the mechanical bull!!! It was a blast! The girls did great, of course, and they each even swung their hat a time or two! Caroline looked like a natural! Then I got on! They were ready to make fun of me and I did not disappoint! I got on it and it was difficult! But I immediately started giggling and could not stop! I laughed so hard (but I did get a hat swing in!) and loved every minute of it. The operator enjoyed watching me look like a fool and Hubert egged him on to go faster. So, after a minute of going faster, I quickly fell! It was so fun and I am still laughing!

We got back to the RV, ate our Italian late night dinner, made the beds (one was still wet so we bunked together!) and quickly fell asleep dreaming of the rodeo and the Wild West!

Traveling with a 7 year old in a National Park has been interesting. I never realized at home that almost all conversations with Josie can get reduced to bodily functions. It is an unbelievable skill that she has mastered. You can pick any topic and within minutes you are talking about poop! I have to constantly keep her from reducing our dinner conversation to potty talk and being in nature has made this talent even stronger. Looking for “scat” and observing animal scat is an important part of a naturalist’s life, so this trip has been full of scat talk! The Junior Ranger program has only validated the need to talk about scat and get a few more jokes in for Josie!

On Monday, we woke up at Canyon Campground and immediately decided to hike around the area. Right behind our campsite was a marked trail through the pine forest. So, after breakfast, we began exploring. The girls took their Jr. Ranger books as well as other animal identification books and we began walking. Immediately we found some scat. After some measuring and poking around in it (I know, but remember, we are being naturalists!), we felt like we had some sort of bear on our hands! We couldn’t tell if it was grizzly or black bear, so we actually took pictures of the scat and kept walking. We found all sorts of things, like prints and other animal evidence. The area was a huge forest of pines high up on the canyon so it was perfect for a black bear. I had my bear bells with me and I was thankful but I did keep thinking about the joke, “you can tell a grizzly bear’s scat because it has bells in it!” I figured we were loud enough to scare anything away though as we walked through the woods. We walked about a mile and had a great time. Hubert and I loved exploring with the girls and we both learned a lot from the books as well. As I was walking, I realized that the girls had not watched TV in 2 weeks, had barely been on electronics (only on long highway stretches) and most importantly, they didn’t miss it. They were getting along so well and really have learned tons about this wonderful world!

After our hike, we went back to the campground and made some lunch. Then we got ready to go. We stopped at the “dump station” and took care of that business. Josie loves to help her dad with this. Perfect since it is her favorite subject matter! Then we took showers at the campground bathroom. It was wonderful to have such a nice long shower. We have not had hook ups in Yellowstone, so a shower was nice. Even when we have had water connections, the hot water doesn’t last long so we enjoy the campground showers better than bathing in the RV. 

After our showers, we went to the Ranger station and the girls got their Junior Ranger badges. The Canyon Ranger Station is one of the largest in Yellowstone and it was very busy. There was a line to see the ranger, and I thought she would merely glance at their pages and hand them a badge. Boy, was I wrong. She was very serious about it. She went through each page and discussed it with the girls. She asked each of them questions. She talked to them for about 15 minutes. It was so kind and thorough. The badges they received were really nice and it was a great program. They both were glad they participated and they learned a lot. 

After a little shopping in the Yellowstone store, we hopped in the RV ready for the next adventure. We were not gone 5 minutes when there was a car jam. A ranger was in the street telling people to keep moving. As we passed, I looked on the right and there was a black bear and her 2 cubs. I got a great picture and she looked right at me. She was right in the ditch on the side of the road and she did not look happy. The ranger was not about to let people stop. Seeing these 3 bears made our official bear count to 15! It was crazy!

We had reservations for the Chuck wagon dinner in Yellowstone. We had to be there by 4:30 and everything in Yellowstone takes a long time to get to because you never know when you will get stuck by animal traffic. So, we left extra early but actually still got there early, so we drove up the Lamar Valley to look for more animals. We saw tons of bison and several bison even crossed the road right in front of us. We also saw the funny ground squirrels (like ground hogs) and some prong horn deer. Caroline and I enjoyed taking close up pictures and being artsy!

We arrived at the dinner ready for a great night. It was in the Pleasant Valley area and it was gorgeous. We were worried about rain, but it passed right over us. We got in a covered wagon and rode out to the camp for the cookout. Along the ride, we passed deer, bison and marmots. It was a gorgeous valley with a pretty creek. The cookout was delicious: steak, corn, watermelon, cole slaw, cornbread, baked beans, and apple crisp. A cowboy sang some country songs and we all enjoyed a nice dinner. We sat next to a fun family from Colorado. They were also one there first RV trip so we compared notes! The mother home schools her children, so they are thinking of purchasing a RV and travel more while schooling. That sounds fabulous and if I was the home school type (which I am not), then I would be all about doing the same!

On the drive back over the pass to Canyon, we saw another black bear (16!!) and deer. Plus, we watched the start of the setting sun. It was just glorious. After 2 games of Uno, we hit the bed. In case you are wondering, I am still winning Uno! And we tried something new in the RV; we lowered the kitchen table and transformed it into a bed which is where Caroline slept! It was comfortable and finally warm enough that we could share some blankets with her!

It was 2 nights ago. My buddy marshmellow was cooked over the fire. Then he was smushed into crackers and chocolate. Then it made me, the s’more. Then the wind came and my owner and her family thought it was going to rain. Then my owner grabbed me and brought me inside. But rain didn’t come. My owner took one bite of me then threw me away.

And that was the lonely s’more story.

The end.

After a fitful night of sleep and Josie kicking me all night, it was hard waking up. Caroline felt like a new person though which convinced us she had just been dehydrated. We were going to be more deliberate about drinking water. We forget the elevation and dry atmosphere.  Since we were slow getting going, we decided to explore the area. Grant Village is on Yellowstone Lake. Truthfully, the lakes in Yellowstone look like SC lakes, which is the only thing in the park similar to SC. 

Since it was Sunday, Caroline felt like we should have our own church service. We went and sat by the lake and Caroline led us in a service. Sitting on a log looking at the mountains and beautiful lake was immensely spiritual. Caroline read a devotion from her daily book and led us in a few songs and a prayer. It was so sweet. Caroline has a deep spiritual side and I love to see how she develops it. Being in this beautiful location for two weeks has certainly brought us all closer to God. 

After the service, we walked around the lake looking at all the animal prints and trying to figure out what animals had been around the lake recently. We found tons of tracks – it was cool. After cleaning up camp, we went to the Grant Village ranger station. The girls wanted to sign up for the Yellowstone Junior Ranger Program which is a program for ages 4-15 to learn about the park. It has different activities and is age appropriate for each age group. They have to complete a ranger led program, a hike and a certain number of pages in the book according to the patch they are trying to earn. They signed up and then went to a ranger program that had just begun on the teeth/mouth structure of different animals in the park. They had to inspect different skulls and classify according to carnivore/omnivore/herbivore and then name the animals. The girls really enjoyed it. 

After that, they were off with trying to complete their respective patches. Caroline loves things like this and is very serious about it. Of course, Josie loved it too and was especially interested since Caroline was so into it! The Junior Ranger program was a major part of our day. They were both working diligently on the book and learning lots. It reminded me and Hubert of the time we took Caroline to Disney when she was 4. In the Animal Kingdom, there was an activity “passport” which children could complete. We walked all over that park so she could go to each activity booth and complete the activity to get the stamp. There were rides all over but she was more focused on completing her activity passport! It is so fun to watch your children develop and see their interests grow. 

We drove to the Midway Geyser Basin to tour those geysers. It was the one place that we did not see last week that I really wanted to see. It contains the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring which is the most photographed hot spring in the park. It was gorgeous and huge. The colors from the heat and the bacteria was unbelievable; so vivid and other worldly. We all enjoyed walking the boardwalks and looking at the hot springs. We then walked a ways up the Firehole River and enjoyed the short walk. 

We drove a short ways to Fountain Flat Drive and went to the picnic area. We lit the oven and made pizza, while the girls picked out a picnic table overlooking the river and worked diligently on their range books. We normally had sandwiches for our picnics but there was something cool about pulling into a parking lot and cooking a pizza. It was awesome and shows how much we have come to love the RV life. We ate a great lunch and the girls explored. Hubert got his fishing gear together and spent some time fly fishing in the Firehole River. It was gorgeous and I enjoyed being relaxed. That has been the benefit of such a long trip. I don’t feel guilty if we just stop and relax and play. It has been such a great family vacation and the moments like this relaxed lunch have been some of the best – just being in nature and being together. I may not remember all the sights and highlights, but I will remember the feeling of being a family in God’s beautiful country. 

A storm began to approach, so we gathered up our stuff and headed up the west side towards Mammoth. We had been on all the roads of Yellowstone except the Northern road along the Blacktail Deer Plateau, so that was our goal today. Driving in Yellowstone is fun, you just look out and find animals and soak it all in. We drove through a huge, but quick storm, with hail and lightening. Then the sun shone back through. As we were approaching the cliffs near Mammoth, Caroline was sitting on the ground between the driver and passenger seat searching for big horn sheep and Josie was resting in the back. As Hubert drove around a bend, he encountered an 18 wheeler part way in our lane. His choices were to hit the guard rail going over a cliff, hit the truck, or slam on the brakes and swerve. So, he yelled “hold on” and slammed on the brakes. When he did this, the kitchen doors all opened and food and pots and pans came tumbling down. Caroline was kneeling and had bare feet; she screamed that she had been hit. I looked back and there was glass covering her and the whole floor around her. A pot top had flown out of the cabinet and shattered. There were millions of pieces everywhere. It covered her feet and was between her toes; it went in her hoodie; glass went down her pant cuffs; and it covered the floor of the entire RV. I held her and told her not to move until we could pull over at a turnout. Hubert was very calm and drove forward. Caroline was extremely brave, but crying as well in fear and some pain. As soon as we pulled over, we assessed the damage. She was not cut, just tiny slivers got her. Thank goodness it was the pot top as it was tempered glass so the shards were not too sharp. We began sweeping and I had to actually get my makeup brush to dust off the glass from Caroline’s feet. It was unbelievable, it was everywhere! Josie was so sweet and was helping Caroline get new clothes and socks. We were all shaken and trying to make the best of it. I feel lucky that it was not worse. Why there was an 18 wheeler on that stretch of road, I don’t know. But, I do know that Hubert did great driving and Caroline was very brave in the midst of it all. 

After that episode, we drove to Mammoth and actually out to Gardiner, the North Entrance to the park, so we could see the Roosevelt Arch. It was cool but once again, such different terrain. It was desert like and rocky. So odd compared to other parts of the park. We then drove along the Blacktail Deer Plateau. It was gorgeous and well named as it looked like a deer haven and had gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. As we were driving, we saw a few cars pulled over. That usually means animals! So, we pulled up and right on the side of the road was a huge black bear. We stayed in the car and it walked next to us – he was huge! It was so fun to see a bear so close up. 

We drove on to the Canyon Campground and had 30 minutes before the “no generator” rule went into effect. We had tortellini for dinner, then we made a fire for s’mores. It doesn’t get dark until about 9:30 so the girls had time to explore the whole area. We were on the edge of the campground and behind our site, the woods went on forever. We played a few games of Uno (I am still winning) and called it a day!

We woke up early Friday morning so we could go rafting. We walked down the street to the location of Barker Ewing Rafting Trips. We had to be there by 7:15 so it was early for all of us. We rented wet suits as it was so cold and boarded the bus. The first 8 miles was scenic and calm and we did not get wet. We were rafting the Snake River. Our guide was Alex from San Diego and his assistant, Katelyn, from WY. There was also a 12 year old boy, Jason, from Kentucky on our boat. He is visiting his uncle who works for the rafting company. The float section was nice, but cold. I wish we had put on our wetsuits early, at least the booties. Along the way, we saw lots of Bald Eagles, deer, marmots, a beaver, osprey, and white pelicans. It was gorgeous and relaxing. 

After the 8 miles, we stopped for breakfast. The rafting company had a “camp” set up and had made a full breakfast of eggs, sausage, wild rice pancakes and fruit. Plus, hot drinks and a fire warmed us up! The pancakes were super delicious. We ate up to prepare for the next part of the trip. We changed into our wetsuits (not a cute sight!) I think Josie looks like an Avatar about to go fight a battle on a planet far away!

The next 8 miles was whitewater and it was a blast! Alex was so funny and so competent that we felt like we were in great hands. Of course, Hubert and I worried about Josie since she was so little. We really need to learn not to worry about her as she is very tough and loves a wild adventure. She did not get scared but welcomed on more waves. Sweet Caroline was a great big sister, as always, and kept reminding Josie to hold on and would wrap her arms around her. The whitewater was so fun! At one time, there was a calm section and Alex asked if anyone wanted to hop it. He suggested to do it Karate Kid style and stand on the end of the boat and we would make you fall into the water. Jason quickly said he was up for the challenge and jumped right in. Not to be outdone by a boy, Caroline said she was next! She stood on the end of the boat until we rocked her in. When she hit the water, she was shocked by the cold (water temp in the 40s). Then Josie said she was going in (she was not to be outdone by her sister and a 12 year old boy!). She just jumped in and I reached down and grabbed her out as quickly as possible! Hubert and I were both proud and stunned by our crazy girls! There was no way we would get in that water! The rest of the river ride was great as we went over Class 3 and Class 4 rapids. The girls did not want it to end. The 3 kids sat in the front section so they go the full force of the waves and the ride. Hubert and I had to help paddle and it was fun!

After the trip back to town and getting into warm, dry clothes, we went to a nearby restaurant for a big lunch. We were starving. It was now in the 70s and we ate outside. It felt glorious to be warm for the first time in a week! We went back to the campground for a relaxing afternoon. We napped, took showers and did some laundry. At 5:00, Brit and his family came over. We grilled out some chicken and had a nice picnic dinner. It was our first time “entertaining” in the RV and it was lots of fun. I really enjoy Brit and Jenny and the kids did great. Seeing them play around the campsite and play together was wonderful! They left around 9 and we had 2 games of Uno before calling it a night! (After last night, I went into the lead for the Uno game. We are playing a trip long game – who has the most points at the end of our trip wins!)

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!

On Monday, we left Yellowstone and headed down to the Grand Tetons. It was freezing cold when we left Madison Campground and rain was starting. We drove out of Yellowstone and stopped at the Flagg Ranch restaurant and visitor center right outside of the park. It was so cold and we had been driving for a couple of hours. I was chilled to the bone and I saw the restaurant and knew we would hang out there for awhile. We got grilled cheeses and soups and warmed up. Hubert had suggested earlier that morning a hot spring which he went to when he lived in Jackson. He got directions, but we all decided it was just too cold and we heard the river was too high to cross. But as we warmed up and the rain stopped, we decided to give it a try. We drove to the trailhead and looked at the river. We were able to find a spot that was easier to cross so we gave it a try! Once we found the hot springs, it was magical! The sun opened up for awhile and we sat in a valley of wildflowers in a natural hot tub! Life couldn’t be better.  But we had to hurry because another storm was brewing. It was pouring by the time we got back to Minnie Winnie, but we were laughing and happy!

After that, we drove straight to Colter Bay campground. Our site was beautiful and just a few steps from Jackson Lake and a view of the Tetons. But it was cold and rainy. We set off to do some laundry and warmed up in the laundry room facilities and enjoyed some wi-fi reception! 

We decided to stay in the Colter Bay area on Tuesday. We left the RV plugged in and explored the campground and surrounding park. We ate breakfast at the restaurant and then went to the Ranger Station. We learned about some local hikes so we packed a lunch and headed out on Lakeview trail. It was a 2 mile hike around the lake. It was spectacular. The views of the Tetons were unbelievable. We had lunch and sat on the beach. The beach was actually composed of rocks instead of sand. Hubert taught the girls how to skip rocks and it was so nice to be so relaxed. It was a God filled setting and it was a picnic that I will remember forever! On the back part of the trail, we saw deer and geese with their goslings! 

We rested for a bit and then decided to get the RV going. Hubert and I can’t stay still for too long. We drove to Jackson Lake Lodge which was a few miles down the road. It is a gorgeous hotel overlooking Jackson Lake. You walk into the lobby and the views of the Tetons are unbelievable!! We took pictures, called our parents and then decided to stay for dinner. The Mural Room is the fancy restaurant at the hotel. We got a table with views (although we looked like camper people that crashed the fancy place!) and enjoyed a nice dinner. The view was great and the food too, but we waited over an hour and a half for our food. Once the food finally arrived, the manager came over and said that our meal was on the house! Wow, it really was worth the wait!

We drove back to the campground and we were tired but content. It was about 9:45 and we were ready for bed. We saw some elk and 2 foxes as we drove back. When we got to our campsite, we were surprised – another camper was there! We had that spot for 3 nights and there was someone in our spot! So, Hubert went an knocked on the door. The man came out and was very nice (thank goodness, we were worried we might make someone mad!) He knew it wasn’t his spot and he came in late so he just grabbed our spot. Hubert was very nice to him as well and it paid off. He quickly left and we hooked back up! I was ready to fight for our gorgeous camping spot!

Wednesday morning we woke up to snow and temperatures in the 20s. You couldn’t even see the Tetons. We slept late and then took off unsure about our day. We had one more night at Colter Bay and wanted to see the surrounding areas. We drove down a long gravel road to a horseback riding place to see if we could ride. The cowboy in charge said we should wait another day until the sun is shining or we would be miserable. So, we changed our plans completely. We decided to drive a little longer and go to Jackson. We went to the town, shopped some and had a fantastic pizza at Pinky G’s. Hubert showed us where he had lived after college. On the way back to Colter Bay, the sun was breaking through so we went to the summit of a mountain and enjoyed the views. We also stopped at the Church of the Sacred Heart, a sweet Catholic chapel on Jackson Lake with amazing views. Very spiritual! We laughed though because Hubert can easily get star struck and he thought he saw Larry David (of Seinfeld fame) in the church! He made us stick around until he came out and of course, it wasn’t!! We have been teasing him ever since!

We ended our time at Colter Bay with baked potatoes and Uno and so good, but cold sleeping! It is definitely a place we want to return to!