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Published: November 12th 2015
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October 9 EVERY END IS A NEW BEGINNING
Well, here I am in Bellefontaine, Ohio…probably my last blog for a little while. Arrived in Ohio on Oct 5 to spend time with my mom as she recovers from knee replacement surgery. It is a little bittersweet, I am glad to see my family after a 6 month absence, but I miss Yellowstone. Oh, and Jack of course! I left him there to finish out his work contract and bring home Providence and the jeep! He will head east on the 13
th.
For my last week, I was blessed to have the kids with me! We picked up Rob and Cass in Billings on Sept 28. Took a long drive home over the Beartooth Highway, thank you Jesus for the nice weather! That is such as amazing drive, though it sure does make me a bit nervous! We did not see any mountain goats this time, or any exciting wildlife except for some aggressive chipmunks at one of the pullouts! So, it was getting a little late by the time we arrived back home from Billings.
On Tuesday, we to tackle Mt. Washburn
(from Chittendon Road, so it would be easier. HA!) It may be easier than the trail. It may be a mile shorter. But, 2 ½ miles uphill is still tortuous for me and the thought of 2 ½ miles DOWN oh my knee was dreadful! I failed L. The kids went on and reached the summit. Maybe that will be my goal for next year… After that we went to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and the Upper and Lower falls. That evening we broke in our stolen fire pit and roasted hot dogs and smores.
Wednesday we took off for the Grand Tetons. Probably Cassidy’s favorite day. Pretty mountains, good lunch and shopping in Jackson, then moose watching! Saw a bull moose, cow, and calf on the way home, which was something that she (and Jack and I!) really wanted to see!
Thursday Jack returned to work. The kids and I headed into Cody to the pharmacy. They are less than impressed that it is an hour and a half to the pharmacy or grocery! That afternoon we went over to the Norris geyser basin. Then, Thursday night is Marguarita Night at Joel
and Margie’s, so we headed over there, where lo and behold, the University of Cincinnati football game was on the outdoor tv! So, the kids got a dose of tv and Bearcat football!
Friday was drizzly, but we went to Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin. I had not taken the boardwalk and seen the other geysers and features. I only know that Old Faithful itself is not that impressive. Really enjoyed the other features, Castle Geyser, Grand Geyser, Grotto Geyser….. can’t remember them all. Apparently, the Giant Geyser had erupted a couple of days before, after being dormant for 5 years. Wish I had been there for that!
The rest of the week was rainy and ugly. At some point in time we did find bears…. Is that Raspberry and Snow hanging out near the Lake Butte Overlook? Silver tip cub? Anyone??? Didn’t even venture out on Saturday except to the laundry room. Sunday morning was dreary, but got out for a short drive before Jack came home and we headed back up to Billings Sunday night. Caught an early flight Monday morning and, well, here I am! Back a couple of
weeks earlier than expected, but the summer and experience was terrific! Definitely something I want to do again….hoping to find the right job! And there are so many other places to see besides Yellowstone! I do think we will return next year, not sure we will return year after year after year though. Who knows?
Accomplished many goals! Actually lived in that little space comfortably and without Jack and I killing one another! Great pics taken. Bucket list animals- grizzlies, elk, moose, wolves, bald eagles, big horn sheep and mountain goats- CHECK! Did a little hiking (try to do more next year…). Not much fishing, and I did not catch and eat my dinner! Maybe next year! Learned a new job- which was actually a scary thing for me since I had worked for the same agency my entire career! Met great people and made friends I look forward to seeing again. Lived in the most amazing, unique place in the world- beautiful, wild, perfect weather, just amazing.
Jack should arrive here in Bellefontaine around the 17
th, give or take a day or two. Hopefully, Chelsea and Kyle’s baby will arrive promptly so we
can meet him before we head back to Cincinnati. We will spend the holidays in Ohio….maybe a side trip to PA late fall? (We will be in touch Cheryl and Bob!) We plan to head to Florida in January (hope to catch up Kate, Sandy and Ken!) and then off on a cruise the first week in Feb. After that serious summer planning begins! I have already updated my resume and my Xanterra application (not submitted yet).
There may not be too much to write about for a little bit, unless I have something burning in my mind, but thanks for your love, your prayers, your interest!
Until next time, may God bless you and yours. Love you all!
PS Here it is, mid November and just now posting…. Jack and I arrived home on Oct 19 and found all at home in decent shape. We are, however, a little restless, dreaming of heading out and considering our long term plans. Will we be satisfied back in “regular” life, or do we something more, or less, in terms of material things. Maybe “different” is a better word? Or actually, I keep
thinking of ABUNDANCE. Jesus said “I am come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly”. So we are trying to take care of a few things here, did submit our summer 2016 applications with Xanterra, looking forward to our vacation in Jan/Feb, and ever asking God for His direction and providence. Therein is abundance!
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Traci Money
Traci Money
Thank you!
I have enjoyed reading your blog and can't wait to hear more! Makes me want to visit Yellowstone again soon. Also you have given me a great idea about our retirement down the road. Have a great winter & enjoy your cruise!