First.. I doubt I can find words to express to you how relieved, how hopeful – and how blessed I have felt over the last 24 hours – thank you all for jumping in and helping in so many ways with Mama Tess. The overwhelming outpouring of concern for both myself and MT – has washed over me with a warmth and strength I didn’t know could exist. Even though my horse is very sick, I feel very lucky.
This leads to my huge conflict of reporting on my Wyoming adventure. I have received emails from readers declaring their disgust that I could go on vacation when I was asking for funds to help with MT.
Honestly, I could understand that… (read on)
If one doesn’t have the time to read my blogs and maybe just skims the posts or simply reads the photo captions, they might not understand that this venture was booked and paid for (non-refundable, all inclusive) in February. Hubby is funding any incidentals.
And although the timing seems to be bad, it truth, it is actually…not a moment too soon. I needed the break and the recharge. Tess is in wonderful hands and her daily improvements are measured in minute increments. As DR E said, nothing good or bad can happen in one week.
So, thank you for coming along with me… and I can promise you that not a dime of Tess’ Bucket Fund money (or my paycheck) will go towards anything but Tess’ medical bills.
DAY ONE: CASPER TO TETON VILLAGE
It is late so I’m going to caption the photos…and write more tomorrow. In short, this was my trip from my arrival destination (Casper) to Teton Village via my trusty rent-a-car (292 miles)!
I took a stroll around Casper and found this store (Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters) that was a block long and 4 levels tall. It is owned by one family and they just keep expanding it… Family members still work the store. No computer inventory –
I noticed this huge, black cloud and I took a photo because I had never seen one like that before… as soon as I got in my car and turned on the radio, we were told to GO INSIDE – HUGE HAIL STORM coming! So, I went back into the hotel. Lo and behold, the windshield of my little rentacar was cracked! Arrgh. Cool clouds, eh?
The many miles (at 55mph, mind you…) single lane highway was very interesting. I kept seeing these formations and I wish I knew the history. Also, tons of flash flood created creeks and rivers. Very dramatic.
All of a sudden, I came upon these really dramatic red rocks. The people of Wyoming are smart enough to know that gawky tourists like me are going to drive off the road trying to take photos so they carved out an area to swerve over and take photos. Of course, I did.
This is the sweet town of DuBois. I had a lovely homemade sandwich at the coffee shop. They let me recharge my phone there. I was afraid my phone would die (hence my GPS) before I got to my destination.
I loved this… you could get a haircut at the feed store!
Gotta take in the local art…
Teton Valley… wow.
They don’t look real… so majestic.
The first person I met at the R Lazy S Ranch! I was too excited when I arrived to take a photo of the entrance. This is Emerald. She is very chubby…
The view from my cabin – wowee. Hard to believe.
My bed… which I need to get into very soon!
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It looks great. I will be in Idaho and the surrounding area Jackson Hole, etc. by next Sat. I will look forward to every day of your blog. gorgeous country.
I want to buy boots at that store!!!!!
Mama Tess is in good hands.
Have a great time. Let criticism from those who know nothing about you
slide off your back and into a mountain stream.
We moved to Idaho Falls from Modesto, CA almost 3 years ago. We’re only a couple hours drive from Jackson. I absolutely love the scenery here. And I tell my husband all the time how much I love living in a place where there is weather! Thunder storms in the summer are sooo cool!! Have a wonderful time!
I am so sorry to hear that mean-spirited people who don’t pay enough attention are begrudging you your well-deserved vacation. Don’t dwell on that for one second of your wonderful time away! Relax and restore yourself, and you’ll be better help to Mama Tess and everyone. Meanwhile, keep the reports coming so that I can enjoy your trip vicariously. Did you go by yourself? If so, hmmm…a role model!
Dawn, glad you are taking time to take care of yourself and recharge. ENJOY!
Ditto to everything KD said! MT is well taken care of and you need a little rejuvenating! You work so hard doing for others and your critters, you deserve it. Don’t worry about those other people.
Dawn–thank you for the travelogue. Just what the doctor ordered for you to refresh yourself. Have a wonderful time. Pictures make us feel as if we are there with you.
I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing time. Your mare is in great hands. I look forward to more updates,; both of your adventure and of Mama Tess’ progress. Best ~ KD