The Last of the West

Our last full day here in Wyoming. The vistas are beautiful and the air has turned cold. We’ve gone from 90 degrees earlier in the week to 45 degrees this morning.

Brad and I fell asleep last night to the sound of rain on the roof of our cabin.

Sleep was delicious, so we skipped the early scouting trip and had coffee in bed. The rain abated, but overcast skies and a good wind required the hats and gloves and fleece and Gortex we’ve been dragging around. We headed to the Snake River for a “Float”.

Able guides and oarsmen loaded us into rafts, and our guide poled us down the icy river in currents and wind. A Western gondola ride.

The Float was the way Westerners traveled in the 1800’s. Their rafts were wooden, not rubber, but the water was rough, the weather unfair, the current unpredictable and the rocks beneath ever changing. It was our first small taste of what the pioneers dealt with. We were on the river for two chilling hours, but it was important to be uncomfortable to really understand a bit of what life must have been like. It gave me time to think, for my mind to wander, and to be truly one with the scenery. Not much talking, just the elements and me.

A warm lunch in a local restaurant was a nice dose of the modern world and everyone felt more convivial. The three sisters left for a spa weekend (great planning!) and we headed out to look for moose.

We got as far as the parking lot and one of our travelers spotted one behind the restaurant. We all jumped out of the vans – how lucky. We drove a bit further and stumbled on another group.

A good day. A few more pronghorn, a couple of eagles, a trumpeter swan and we were done for the day.

We did a quick freshen up and headed out to dinner in town. We stopped by the creek for just another little dose of tranquility.

The last dinner with the group was lovely. Our little team of travelers got along so well. We were a varied bunch, all East Coasters, but we all shared kindness and acceptance and found numerous similarities and connections. I do hope we see each other again because we’ve shared a special time in our lives.

Our guides were outstanding – as individuals and leaders. Knowledgeable, competent, friendly and deeply complex and interesting souls. They enhanced the trip in so many ways and were flexible yet organized. I am a hard marker (as all of you know), but Nathaniel Dodge and Erin Roberg should be asked for and sought out. It was an exceptional experience.

The sun was almost set when we returned back to our compound. Fires lit in the Tee Pee and around the river bank. We are full and tired and ready for bed.

The airport awaits. Wish us luck traveling.