So much to catch up on since the last vacation report… We have been out of electronics range, which is a good thing. No wifi. Minimal electricity. No cell phone service. Sometimes it’s nice to unplug.
We did go white water rafting on the Snake River. It was a lot of fun. The most exciting thing was that Charlie jumped out of the boat at the swimming area and was quickly picked up by the current. Luckily, Bruce was down river and was able to grab him. Charlie had been starting to panic and it is unclear if he was panicking because of being carried down river or because his shoe was falling off. He caught his shoe. Bruce caught him. Then our guide deftly maneuvered the boat to pick them both up. A good time was had by all.
The next day was my birthday. I started the day with a beautiful run through Wyoming farm country. But it was downhill from there. I was in a bit of a mood. I just wanted everyone to get along for my birthday, which they had been doing, but under the pressure of performance. people were coming unhinged. And, I was to take Charlie horseback riding that morning at the Grand Targhee Ski Resort before we drove to Yellowstone, but they didn’t have room for us. I was mad because when I had inquired a few days prior, no one had mentioned needing reservations. My birthday is typically marked by the carrot cake quest, but there was nothing promising on the back roads we drove through Idaho to Montana. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful drive and the carrot cake quest continues.
We were lucky to have reservations for camping at Yellowstone. They were jammed! We enjoyed viewing the wildlife and the geysers. I have more pictures of wild buffalo than we can count. I threatened to invite people over for a slide show. We discovered the secret to enjoying the geysers. Wake up early. (That’s pretty much the secret to anything, I think.) By noon, the area is jammed like Disneyland on a Spring Break afternoon. But in the morning, with the steam from the geysers entwining with the morning fog and some lazy buffalo strolling by, the place is magical. We were lucky to see the illusive Beehive Geyser erupt as well as Old Faithful and some others I forget the names of. The most memorable part of camping was the hail storm. We counted our blessings that everything held together. It was bitterly cold in the mornings. In the 30s. But I’ll bet I know people in Phoenix right now who would love to have some weather in the 30s.
After Yellowstone we went to Chico Hot Springs, Montana. It is a beautiful spot that was first built as a resort over 100 years ago. I did not sit in the springs, but I had a wonderful run up the canyon to Old Chico that still has some buildings from the mid 1800s. Charlie and I had a horseback ride. We went on Thursday at 4 PM, but the concept of time is different for this highly structured city dweller and our laconic ranch hand who doesn’t seem to worry that the 4 PM ride doesn’t get on their horse until almost 5. By the time we were riding, a storm had rolled in and the cold wind drove the rain drops into my face like pellets from Dick Cheney’s shotgun. Charlie did not have a jacket and wouldn’t take mine, so I asked the guide if we could go back. She graciously complied and five of us who were on that ride opted to go again the next morning. This morning the sun shone brightly and we had a terrific ride with views that reminded me of the movies.
After we left Chico Hot Springs, we drove to the Gallitan River near Big Sky to go white water rafting again. This time, we had a 6 person boat so in addition to being a different river, it was a different experience. We had a good time. I hesitated to spend the money, but it was quality family time and everyone enjoyed it. I guess we are making memories here.
Now we are comfortably settled in Missoula. Everyone else is asleep. I am so excited about the marathon that I can’t really sleep. My next post will most likely be a race report. I expect my sister to win outright, based on last year’s results. I probably will not place at all, but if I finish, Montana will be in the books.
