Wyoming

June 20^th

Grand Teton has been more than we could have expected. The loop that passes from one end to the other provides ample photo opportunity. Our first night was at the only RV park available. One night was more than enough. The pool and hot tub had been drained and the facilities left much to be desired. The redeeming quality was the beautiful view of the mountains.  After showers and turning in we decided to get up early and head into the Teton National Park for a day of touring, hiking and biking.

The morning was a stark change from Utah and Nevada. We woke to 39 degrees but sunny skies. The evening was so chilly that Ashton hopped into bed with us to warm up. After convincing the children they really wanted to explore and not stay in bed we headed out. We took our time and drove directly through the park until we reached the main entrance. With a quick walk around the visitor’s center we headed into the main park scenic drive. The views were breath taking and we could not believe how much snow was still on the peaks at the end of June. The average height of the trail was 6800 feet and the highest peak, “Grand Teton,” rises over 14,000 feet. The history of the name of the peaks from a French fur trader comes from the French term that actually means three breasts. Later it was modified to “Tetons.”

We tool a leisurely pace and stopped at several turnouts to take photos and enjoy the beautiful views. At one turnout, Ashton saw a small path and followed it into the meadow. It did not seem to go anywhere, however, we decided to follow it since the children needed the exercise and time out of the car. After approximately 30 minutes of walking the path took a turn into the woods and up the hill. We finally came to an opening with large boulders and several fallen and burned trees. It appears we found an area that had been struck by lightning and burned a small part of the woods. After a few fun photos and climbing on the rocks we headed back to the RV.

It was wonderful when we found the loop that gave views of the Jenny River. We headed to the banks where Ashton and Cameron could not resist the urge to strip off their shoes and wade into the water onto the rocks. If you did not guess, the water was beyond cold. Typical fashion, Ashton and Cameron lost their footing and despite their rolled up pants they both ended up with wet pants up to their thighs. They only seemed concerned when they had to scale the path back to the car.

At the next turnout we decided to pull the bikes off the rack and take turns riding with the children. The bike path along the Grand Teton Park is amazing. There were bikers of all abilities. You would see families, racers, individuals, young couples and retirees. The path extends the entire length of the park driving loop. It is a separate path away from the lane of traffic.

Since the route back was a gentle level or slight decline it was easy to take turns riding with the children. One parent would drive the RV while the other rode with the kids. We would drive to the next turnout and wait for the family to catch up. At the final leg of the route, Matthew offered to let me finish with the kids. It was such a beautiful day I was more than willing.

With the final downward hill ahead and the park gate entrance in sight, I reminded the children to take the hill slowly. At the bottom and with only about 200 yards left I stopped to wait for the children to catch up. As I turned my head to the side I heard Cameron yell, “ASHTON, WATCH….” I braced myself for what I knew was coming. Sure enough the impact came. With it came entangles pedals and handle bars as Ashton rammed into my bike. He collided with me and fell to the right pulling me down the slope of the path with him and on top of him. I could not get up as my feet were entangled in the bikes and I tried to roll off to remove the pressure from Ashton. Before I could rise the screaming began. This was not your average cry or yelp. This was full on, blood curdling screaming. As I tried to assess the problem he could only say he thought he broke his arm. I quickly tried to immobilize it against his body and visual see if it was obvious. A large bruise quickly was developing on his upper arm. Once I was able to ascertain the arm was not broken I had to coax him back onto the bike and down to the lower parking lot where Matthew was waiting.

Never mind that I felt as if the handle bars had punctured my hip and thigh. With my own bike’s handle bars at a very awkward angle I was able to convince Ashton he could finish the journey and be in the RV in less than 10 minutes. With some strange maneuvering I was able to ride my own bike back. Upon arrival Matthew was able to take one look at my pants, the bike handle and Ashton’s bloodied hand and guess how the ride went. Without further comment he loaded bikes and people into the RV and headed for a new RV park.

If you were ever wondering who well your children can ride independently on their bikes I have a piece of advice. Do not rely on residential bike play and unchecked brakes as your guide. A vacation on the other side of the country, 45 miles away from a hospital is not the place to find out how you handle emergencies and whether insurance will cover this “out of network” expense. Luckily we made it out with a bruise a bit larger than an grapefruit on my thigh, a couple that cover the length from my hip to my knee and a very bruised arm for Ashton a couple of puncture wounds to his hand.

The day did get better after a trip to the pool and hot tub. A quick change and we were able to walk to Bubba’s BBQ for dinner. Talk about good food. YUMMMM!!! It was a good thing we decided to walk the loop to dinner and then the rodeo tonight. After that food we needed to walk. So walk we did.

A few blocks further down the road and we continued until we found the Jackson Hole Fairgrounds. What a fun night. The children were able to see a full rodeo with bull rides, bare back horse riding, bull roping and barrel races. Ashton was cheering and yelling and you could tell he was having the time of his life. He even wore the cowboy shirt he picked out in Afton, Wyoming.

Cameron on the other hand, had a difficult time watching the bull riding. She would wince and bury her face each time the riders would fall off the bull. She could hardly stand to watch the riders face the potential of being gored or stomped by the very angry bulls. Once we explained to her why the bulls were mad she was even more disturbed by the whole event. Ashton leaned in and told her he would be spitting and jumping if someone squeezed his parts like that.

Overall we had an amazing time. We have some fantastic pictures from the day and the rodeo. For those of you demented enough to wonder, no, we do not have crash photos. Although, a few cars witnessed the scene and pulled off to make sure no one was injured too bad. I am not sure if it scared them or made them laugh hysterically. The only disturbing thing is the park rangers were at their booth and could see the incident and did not bother themselves with us. I suppose they see this every day and were not phased.

As for tomorrow, I am going to stay off the trails with a bike. We plan on heading into Teton Village and taking the sky tram up to one of the peaks. After the sky tram we hope to walk around the town and end the day with a Chuck Wagon Dinner. I am sure there will be plenty to report. After Thursday we have reservations in West Yellowstone and really look forward to experiencing that park also. It is hard to believe we have seen so much in such a short time. It reminds us of how omnipotent and marvelous God truly is. Whether we go outside each night and watch the sun set, He still provides the view. It just happens to be a bonus when we notice and thank Him for it. Today we all had moments of being so grateful for this beautiful world and free country we have been blessed to live in. This trip has done one thing for me that many people could use. It has reminded me of how great God is and if you ever doubt his existence you need only see what we have seen.