10 Things We Learned Out West

This is my last blog because tomorrow we return home. Some parting thoughts.

1. RVers travel with multiple yippy dogs.
2. You can't pump your own gas in Oregon.
3. Expect road construction.
4. Minnesotans are a rarity out west.
5. We prefer mountains to oceans.
6. It pays to be nice to people who take reservations over the phone.
7. Helmets - don't leave home without them (both bike and motorcycle.)
8. All internet connections are not made equal.
9. "Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened." Big Al
10. God is good, all the time!

Last Hike

Tomorrow we start for home. We decided not to go to Yellowstone National Park for a number of reasons. 1. We've been there twice before. 2. There is road construction, and there are long waits. 3. We have fallen in love with Grand Teton and didn't want to leave it yet. Bear Paw Lake was our destination today but it was really the hike around the east side of Leigh Lake that was so breath taking. I have bought my last book to read on the trip home. Letters of a Woman Homesteader by Elinor Pruitt Stewart was written in 1914. We'll have some final thoughts tomorrow.

Western Culture

Today is a day to rest. After our 10 mile hike we are tired. We went to worship service at the national park campground. There were people there from all over the U.S.. After church, we went to the National Museum of Wildlife Art right outside of Jackson. We took the audio tour and it was very interesting. There are many beautiful sculptures there as well. Friday night we went to the Bar J Chuckwagon Supper and Western Show. It was fun! Good food, lots of cowboy songs, and good comedy. We recommend both places.

Teton Range

The Teton Range extends for 50 miles. The highest peak at 13,770 feet is Grand Teton. Today we traveled north and went to Jackson Lake. The prominent mountain peak here is Mount Moran at 12,605 feet. This peak is named after artist Thomas Moran. He was along on the 1860 expedition through Jackson Valley (Hole). We are starting to be able to identify the peaks by name now!