Sunday, August 30, 2015

Jackson and Rexburg

The last week in July is our opportunity to do a week adventure of going to Jackson for the first of the week for some hiking and relaxation and then spend the end of the week at BYU-I education week.When we left Monday it was a nice day but once we got to the Idaho border it was a heavy rain storm which continued all the way to Soda Springs. After having lunch in Soda Springs the rain stopped and we headed to Jackson. As we came up over a crest in the road we came across this accident where an older couple and their daughter had gone off the road and rolled down the hill but landed upright. Amazingly they were not hurt. The roads were still slick from the rain and we noticed us skidding when we tried to stop. We got out to see what help we could offer until the sheriff showed up.











We then continued to Jackson and set up camp at the Hoback Campground. Shannon and the kids drove up with us and stayed the first three days with us. As we were getting ready to leave Monday evening to the Bar J we discovered we had a guest in the car; a humming bird. He was trying to get out the front window but finally climbed on Shannon's finger and allowed her to get it out of the car.


We then went to the Bar J and played games and then enjoyed the meal and show. Grandma was even part of the program and we haven't seen that character for years.















Babe Humphreys was there which is the father and was a regular on the show for years. It was fun to see him. I can't believe we have been going there for so long.


The next morning was a little cool. There was ice on the table and even some new snow on the Tetons. We played along the river skipping stones with Connor and Payton which is a new past time.







The fire weed was in bloom which makes this a pretty campground























We drove along the Wilson Road to the park this time hoping to see some animals. We did see a deer but no moose.


Then it was on to Jenny Lake and the boat ride across the lake to go hiking.
















This year they were doing repair work on the normal trail we take so we did not see the falls and took a different route to Inspiration Point. There were some wonderful views of the mountains along this trail.








We finally made it to the point and sat down and had some snacks. That of course means the chipmunks come and be your best friends and come right next to you.






It was time to head back down and as we did we came across this buck.



We had a late lunch and then did a bike ride.






We headed back to camp and took the same road back hoping to see moose. We even waited at the perfect spot but nothing. We did see some coyote in a field though.



We had dinner then played a mean game of Scrabble under the camp light.


The next morning we played along the river until it was time to pack up.















We went into Jackson and walked around and then Shannon and the kids took off to Yellowstone as part of their drive home and we went off to Rexburg.


Cindy and I met up with her sisters Tammy and Nancy in Rexburg and went to the temple that evening and then out to eat.

 That evening we thought we would call to make sure Shannon and the kids got home. It was around 10 and Shannon was still in West Yellowstone. We told her not to drive home but stop at Rexburg and we would make a place for them to sleep that evening. They arrived around 11:30 tired from their adventures. We were relieved to see them safe.



The next morning they headed home and Cindy, Nancy, Tammy and I went to the classes and had a wonderful time.The campus is beautiful with the gardens in the center of campus.

















That evening was a full moon and it rising above the hills and the temple shining also along that same ridgeline made a wonderful sight.


Next day was more classes then an enjoyable concert that night. It was a great week of activities.


Sunday, August 23, 2015

Celebrating the 24th

Rodeo's, parades, summer storms and beautiful sunsets are all part of the week of the 24th. There were some beautiful sunsets to enjoy.




Of course we went to the rodeo with all its activities. There are the skydivers bringing in the flags.
















The bronc riders.



The beautiful sunset as it went from orange to red.







The kids enjoying themselves.









The setting of the rodeo arena.


The saddle bronc and bull riding.



And the other entertainment including the motorcycle jumping at the end. 















After the rodeo it is then the parade down Washington Boulevard on the 24th to celebrate the pioneer heritage which founded this area.