Sun, Sand, & Seafood

After a smoking hot summer and a busy schedule we decided to spend a few days relaxing in Port Aransas at the Sandpiper in Condo 704.

The resort was quite and we had the pool mostly to ourselves.

Sunrise beach walks are always a favorite of mine and Dale joined me a couple mornings.

Soaking in the hot tub under the stars was very enjoyable and relaxing. Refreshed and rekaxed we headed home.

Escape to the Tetons

Escaping the sweltering Texas heat, we embarked on an adventure to the breathtaking Grand Teton National Park, craving the invigorating mountain air. Conveniently flying into Jackson Hole and securing a fantastic rental SUV, our journey began.

Crossing Teton Pass, nearly 7,000 feet high, revealed stunning vistas, though steep grades demanded attention. Arriving in Driggs, Idaho, we savored lunch and gathered groceries before heading to our serene cabin.

Our cozy Colter Cabin welcomed us warmly, its charming decor instantly making us feel at home.

Witnessing endless wheat and alfalfa fields, with hay baling in full swing, left us in awe. Within the park, the majestic Grand Teton peak towers above 13,000 feet, overlooking the valley.

Several glaciers shine brightly, accompanied by patches of snow on the highest peaks. Picturesque lakes dot the landscape, with Jenny Lake being the most popular.

A scenic ferry ride across Jenny Lake offered breathtaking views, followed by a visit to the

historic Morman Row Historic District.

Indulging in a mid-afternoon pizza at Dornans, paired with a refreshing Greek Salad recommended by our cabin owner, was a true delight that nourished both body and soul.

We celebrated Dale’s 82nd birthday at the Royal Wolf in Driggs out on the deck with a delicious meal and cake, surrounded by love, laughter, and warmth. Reading about the world-famous ice cream shop, we stopped at the Victor Emporium for a

“Huckleberry Shake”…..yummy! The Badger Creek Cafe in Tetonia served up a good old-fashioned breakfast that we enjoyed one morning, and filled us with energy and enthusiasm for the day ahead.

Since we saw no bears while there, we drove over to West Yellowstone to visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, where we gained a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures and their importance in the ecosystem.

It provides a up-close look at grizzly bears and the wolves that have been reintroduced into Yellowstone, and was a truly enriching experience. Lunch followed at The Slippery Otter in West Yellowstone, where we savored delicious food and reflected on the unforgettable experiences we had and celebrated the beauty, wonder, and magic of life.

During our stay we visited Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming…saw the magnificent Tetons and the Snake River that I had recently been rafting on, and experienced the awe-inspiring beauty and wonder of the American West.

Soon it was time to head back home, and the flight home went smoothly, bringing us full circle to the place where our journey began. Landing in Austin, walking off the plane, it felt like an oven, but we were filled with the warmth, light, and inspiration of our journey, and we knew that we would carry the memories, lessons, and magic of our adventure with us forever.

Hell’s Canyon Rafting

Embracing the thrill of adventure, I embarked on a week-long Salmon River rafting trip in Idaho, determined to conquer Class 3 & 4 rapids, and immerse myself in nature's splendor.

The prospect of sleeping under star-studded skies or in a cozy tent, surrounded by 19 spirited women from across the US, and navigating the river with all my essentials in one dry bag, fueled my excitement. With no electricity or cell service to distract me, I relied on my trusty flashlight to guide me through after-dark escapades to the “groover”.

Refreshing river baths awaited, with crisp 67° water invigorating my senses. Ingenuity and resourcefulness became my trusted allies in this breathtaking wilderness.

Though keeping sand at bay proved a futile battle, the freedom and beauty of the great outdoors more than made up for it.

Our eight river guides from Hells Canyon Raft were an amazing team, taking care of our every need. Whipping up delectable meals that satisfied every craving. From cowboy coffee, to baked Brie, to grilled pork tenderloin perfection, every bite was a testament to their culinary prowess.

Like a well-oiled machine, they set up camp each afternoon and broke camp each morning, loading and unloading everything onto the supply raft. Sounds easy, but try managing 10 tents, 20 tent pads, 20 chairs, 2 groover tents, 10 tables, 20 dry bags, propane camp stove and grill, water coolers, pots, pans, and dishes, ice chest, plus all the grub we devoured on the trip. Quite the operation! Plus every camp site was left in the pristine condition we found it.

Discussions with guide Haley revealed a wisdom beyond her years, born from navigating the river's unpredictability, dealing with people, and ensuring our safety. As I gazed up at the starry expanse on two unforgettable nights, a deep sense of inner peace washed over me, unshackled by the burdens of news and technology.

The trip exceeded my wildest expectations. The challenge…..five days of breathtaking beauty while navigating 82 miles of the Snake River checked off my bucket list.