April 15-18 FROM TRAVELING TO SETTLING

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Last I left you, we were in Rapid City South Dakota. While there, Jack met up with an old buddy, Brian. He has a BBQ restaurant there, so if you are ever in Rapid City, check out Black Hills BBQ!



We headed out of Rapid City Wednesday on the last leg of our journey. Practically as soon as we entered into Wyoming we saw this sign “winter weather forecast, hazardous conditions until Thurs 9 am.” And it started to rain and sleet, and snow…. It was 80 degrees on Tuesday! Again with the high winds, along with fog and freezing precipitation. We made it as far as Sheridan WY and stopped for the rest of the day. In town it was snowing and sleeting, but the weather was rather minor compared to the conditions up on the highway! Got up in the morning to snow covered mountains and hit the road! The trip from Sheridan WY to Billings MT, then Livingston MT was pretty good and easy. Some absolutely gorgeous scenery along the way. In Livingston, we got off the highway to head to Gardiner MT. Breathtaking. From Gardiner to our RV lot was still over 2 hours! Teeth clenched and holding my breath in places as we travelled through curvy, steep mountain roads, road construction, and scenery from snow capped mountains, to steamy sulpher springs, to wide open marshes, it is just amazing how quickly the landscape changes. Jack’s new boss met us on the road to lead us to the RV lot, we never would have found it without him! We’ve driven by it a few times since! Did laundry and hit the hay after a long day!



On Friday, we hopped in the jeep early in the morning and headed up the road for 2 hours back to Gardiner, where we signed in, got our uniforms, attended an orientation meeting. On our way we saw many bison and even a grizzly bear, walking along side the road. Grizzly on day 1! It was awesome. I did not get a pic, it was on the opposite side of the road, it was kind of a “double take” moment for me and it was too late. Came home, made dinner, drove around a little and visited the Mud Volcano trail which is a few miles from where we are staying. We opted not to follow the whole trail, which is only ¾ mile, but A) this elevation is kicking my butt and it was a fairly steep incline in places (there is no air up here, LOL), and B) it was getting to be dusk, we were the ONLY people there, and we didn’t feel it was safe to go too far off the road at that time of day. Along here we could view mud pots and sulfur springs. Sorry, I am not very scientific, so I really can’t describe what they are….



Today (Saturday), Jack is at work, and I am here. I have cleaned, walked, showered, ate, prepared to cook dinner, talked to the kids, texted with some friends, emailed, and written. Next may be a nap and another walk. I imagine the next couple of weeks won’t be majorly exciting as much of the park is still closed.



Trying to find a place to go to church tomorrow. Jack has to work again. I can go to Gardiner or to West Yellowstone, both a trip of about 2 hours. Not sure I want to do that all by myself! I know I don’t have to go somewhere to worship and praise the Lord, but I sure enjoy it. I feel so full of His goodness, and power, and majesty that I want to share it! “Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee! How great Thou art! How great Thou art!”

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Comments

[Mary Wilkerson]

i love the blog! Keep it coming! Thanks for the txt yesterday I really needed it.

[Chelsea]

Catch Up
I had to play catch up with your blog today but I am so glad that I did! I love reading your creative entries! So glad you and Jack had a safe, successful trip there! God is good! Hopefully you see another bear soon so you can get a picture!! Remember to send us your address when you get it. We can't wait to send you some snail mail too :) Love you!!