A day FULL of highlights.
*"Borrowing" free wi-fi from a nearby motel. Sat outside there for almost two hours, the connection was so slow. BUT, I got the post up, didn't I?
*Coffee at Freeheel & Wheel. Great little place a friend recommended to me. Kind folks, and my 16oz Vanilla Mocha helped to kick start the day. New favorite barista: Kevin.
*Entering Yellowstone via the West entrance. Within a two miles of entering, along the Madison River, I saw several bison and a huge bald eagle in its nest, in a lone fire-ravaged tree. Beautiful. However, I kick myself for not capturing that shot. Early on, though I was excited about MY OWN schedule, I knew I had to make "decisions" on this day. You know, it could be easy to stop at ever pull-out to capture "the" scenery, or pull over along the highway with every swish of a bison's tale. I'm not going to lie, I stopped a lot, but knew I could not do or see everything in this day's journey. Basically, I saw a very small part of this ginormous park, as I went south through Old Faithful and West Thumb. Next trip: North and East. Glad that those men and women in the early 1800's decided to use this as the launch pad for National Parks.
*Yellowstone truly is teeming with wildlife. I was encouraged by how many bison seem to be thriving there. Also saw Elk, Moose, Foxes, Eagles, Hawks, Chipmunks, Swans, etc. No bears for Josh today. Purposefully turned on worship music for most of the day, as it was all I could do, being surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of Yellowstone.
*Old Faithful was a little anti-climactic, but beautiful, nonetheless. Met a great older couple from Belfair, WA, a retired dentist and dental assistant. Fun chat. I could not imagine being at Old Faithful during tourist season! It was packed out enough, as it was!
*New favorite river: Lewis River. Some shots in today's photo album.
*DID I MENTION? I took upwards of 300 pictures today. I'll spare you the slide show, but I wish I could put more than I can on here. Let me know if you want to see more. I'm excited to make a hard-copy album and prints of some of these!
*I LOVE THE GRAND TETONS. I have heard people call them majestic before, and truly, they are majestic. As a good friend, NJvS might say, they are AMAAAAAZING. I had to stop often to try to get a good shot. At one point over Jackson Lake, I stopped, and, so enjoying the sights and the worlds forming in my heart, I screamed across the lake those things I needed to scream. Hey, I was alone (I hope) and it was good therapy. Interesting to hear them echoed back at me, now that I think about it. But it was really really good. I am grateful for grace and the counsel of God's Holy Spirit today.
*Funny, I could not find my way into Jackson Hole. So, I gave up and headed down into Jackson just before sunset. Found my Days Inn for a good rate AND wireless internet. Glorious. I've had the hook up with motels so far. Only one more motel to stay in, in Wichita Falls (that could be the downfall of my moteldom).
*Dinner at Snake River Brewing Company, inexpensive, and the best Pesto Chicken Panini I've had. Noticed in the local paper an ad for The Granary, and that they had live jazz music with a sprawling view. Gained quite a bit of altitude climbing into the hills of Jackson, and it was well worth it. Along with the grand view, I had a something-I-can't-spell-or-pronounce-fruit-mousse to celebrate some generous news from this place. Savored it, savored the view, savored it all!
*GOT AN ENCOURAGING CALL FROM DEAR FRIENDS, ROBERT WILSON MITCHELL AND HIS DELIGHTFUL WIFE, HEATHER. I love everything about them. Praying for you, friends! THAT was a true highlight.
ALBUMS OF THE DAY:
::Not to Us...Chris Tomlin
::Illuminate...David Crowder Band
::Spring Concert 2005...Princeton Seminary Choirs
VERSE OF THE DAY: John 4:13-14
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
OK. Today was the first with no familiar hugs or faces. Looking forward to more of those soon, but today was a good one, full of independence, plenty of time to talk with Jesus.
IN A WORD, based on today's journey...if you haven't been to Yellowstone or the Grand Tetons or Jackson...YOUMUSTMAKEPLANSTOGO!
A long long drive to Boulder tomorrow. Wyoming...we'll see what I think about you. I like your parks, but will I like the rest?
Praying for you, friends. Glad to know you.
You are loved,
Josh.
WOW! I would LOVE to see more pictures. I think my favorite was the lake you had your therapy at. So beautiful.
Did you get the couples name from Belfair? That is where our cabin is you know.
We seem to be playing a silly game of phone tag. So if we don't chat today, then know we're thinking of you as you are on your drive.
Love ya!
Posted by: Stef | May 15, 2005 at 04:39 PM
Once again, your pictures are incredible! Thanks for sharing them. Your music choices definitely seem to fit the beauty of your day.
What was the great news that you celebrated with your fancy dessert?
Posted by: Susie | May 16, 2005 at 03:35 AM
I am so glad that you made it through the park. West Yellowstone and YNP are two of my favorite places. It's fun to have worlds collide. I know Kevin. I used to dog sit when his parents would go on vacation. His brother is a phenomenal cross country skier. You really picked a good time to go. You wouldn't have seen half the wildlife if you went in July. Blessings on the rest of your trip. You will have fun at Ghost Ranch (I've been twice). Be sure to take a hike while you are there.
Posted by: Babbs | May 17, 2005 at 03:43 PM