Month: September 2021

Grand Teton Visit Continues

/ youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

After breakfast journeyed further into Grand Teton National Park to capture what remained on my bucket list. First stop was the Jackson Dam, an earth and concrete dam built in the early 1900’s to provide irrigation for Idaho farmlands. FDR annexed the Dam to the Grand Teton Park to protect the National Park system.

Not far from the Dam is the Chapel of the Sacred Heart. This quiet place of prayer had many tourists visiting when I stopped to pray for a friend having surgery. Was unsure if it was the rain which brought them or the Lord, however, it is a perfect place for contemplation. It is open June through September and offers mass during this season, 307-733-251 for mass times.

Stained Glass Window in the Chapel

Much further down the road is the Episcopal Chapel of the Transfiguration in the Menor’s Ferry Historic District.

This rustic log cabin church was built in 1925 to serve those who worked on the Grand Teton Dude Ranches. It is on the U.S. National Registry of Historic Places. Its windows capture views of the Grand Tetons and has spectacular stained glass.

The Menor Historical District is a short walk from the Chapel. Here in the late 1800’s Bill Menor ran a store and ferry.

Unsure what the Park plans are for renovation of the structure.
Store is not open but picture captured through a window.
The Ferry

According to signage around the Menor General Store, Mr. Menon had a “surly” attitude. He ran the store with his brother and was known to have said, “My partners Mean, but I’m Menor.” What a sense of humor as well.

The cabin adjacent to the General Store has particular historical significance as here talks of making the Grand Tetons a National Park began. In the early 1900’s wise locals met to discuss the future of the area, and from this the birth of the Parks occurred.

Last stop on the journey was the Mormon Row Historic District. The Mormons were some of the first peoples to come to this area and stay. Renovations to these historic structures are currently underway.

There are several other attractions in this area to visit. Some additional places to explore.

  • Cunningham Cabin Historic Site
  • Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center

Much to see in the Grand Tetons as well as Yellowstone.

This ends my visit to Yellowstone and the Grand Teton National Park.

What an unforgettable experience.

Sheffield’s

/ youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Left Cody at 5 a.m. as knew I had much to see and little time to see it in. Drove west to Yellowstone and took a last lap through the Park. It was drizzling the entire ride and this matched my mood. During the 2 day Park visit the weather was stellar. Hunger gripped me at 8:30 a.m., and decided to visit a Park restaurant for breakfast. Came upon Sheffield’s in the Headwater’s Lodge area of the Grand Teton Park.

After cruising the menu decided to stay for breakfast as the menu offered 2 of my favorite foods in the world – salmon and sour dough bread. Prices weren’t bad and the food was delicious, My server was aloof ignoring me and focusing on a couple from D.C. and to tell the truth she was wasting her time as I gave the bigger tip.

While sitting alone another server, Chan, was busily disinfecting around me. We began a conversation telling me he was from Taiwan, an accounting major who had just graduated. He came to America to do this job before starting his career in his homeland. What a delightful young man, and since I had never been to Taiwan he spoke of his country and things to do and see there. Our 8 minute conversation was charming, and just what this solo traveler needed.

After ending our conversation I went to the gift shop adjacent to the restaurant and when I turned Chan was there. I had left my umbrella under the table and he returned it to me. I thanked him and we parted ways once again. Traveling can be so inspiring, and one can never plan for chance encounters with someone from another land.

Thanks, Chan, and make good fortune follow you in your life and career.

The Stampede

/ youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

To get the full Stampede effect purchased the dinner show ticket at The Cody Cattle Company which included, “an evening of fabulous entertainment and our famous chuck wagon dinner,” according to the brochure. For this “trifecta” the cost was a mere $54., so decided to partake.

The evening began with a country western band and comedian. While not a fan of country western music decided to broaden my horizons, however, remain not a fan. Band was on key, and comedian entertaining. Food was tasty and service good.

At the end of the show it was time for the rodeo. Got in my car and headed for Stampede Park.

Cody is the Rodeo Capital of the World so couldn’t miss this.

As there is no assigned seating sat next to two young Asian gals from Washington, D.C. Wow, did they like rodeo.

Here’s some pics of the activity. It certainly was an event not to be missed.

Roping the steer
Thrown from the horse
Angry, but content bull having thrown the cowboy.
And more going after the steer.

What a different night. This concludes my visit to Cody. Returning to Grand Teton National Park to catch some missed sites.

Stay tuned.

Buffalo Bill Museum: 5 Museums in One Part II: Natural History, Gun Collection and Indian Museum

/ youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Natural History Museum – Sadly, pictures did not cooperate, however, this portion of the Museum displays wildlife explaining ecologic concerns.

Gun Museum – prior to visiting the Gun Museum visit the leather shop where craftsmen make saddles.

The Gun Museum – While not a fan of guns did a quick walk through. Had never seen such variety on display.

For the gun enthusiast this is the Museum to visit.

Indian Museum This Museum had many interactive displays with a theater production regarding Indian life. Very impressive. Some pictures.

The Theater Production

There is so much to see at the Museum that a 2 day ticket is offered. Recommend taking that option to see all the Museum has to offer.

Job well done, Wild Bill.

Buffalo Bill Museum: 5 Museums in One Part I: The Buffalo Bill Museum and Art Museum

/ youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

This Museum has five Museums in one:

  • Buffalo Bill Museum
  • Art Museum
  • Natural History Museum
  • Gun Museum
  • Indian Museum

Let’s take a peek at all five starting with Buffalo Bill. Was unaware of Buffalo Bill Cody till visiting this town. He was a famous showman and footage of his shows run non-stop in this area of the Museum. He traveled the world doing his shows spending 5 years in Europe, and 30 years on the road. The art and pageantry was robust with his shows requiring 3 railroad cars for transport of props. Some memorabilia on display at the Museum.

  • Buffalo Bill Clothing
  • Indian Costumes from shows
  • Annie Oakley’s Clothes
His private tent used while on the road.

The Art Museum – much Western art was displayed here.

Frederick Remington was a personal friend of Cody’s and his studio is in the Museum,

along with a special picture of Cody. Had never seen a Remington painting, only his sculptures. Beautiful.

The sculpture collection was profound.

And if an art lover don’t miss the outside sculptures,

and here you will find Cody’s childhood home as well as a children’s playground. Never saw that in a museum before.

They also have a Raptor exhibit.

Next: The remaining 3 Museums.

Cody Arrival

/ youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Cody is an interesting town with several tourist attractions. The Cody Museum has five museums in one, the stampede stadium, and then there is downtown with the historic Cody Hotel. Let’s start at the hotel.

The Irma was named for Cody’s daughter. She ran the place and little has changed. It is authentic to the era.

The rest of downtown with its unique western theme.

And on to the Museum.

The Road to Cody Continues

/ youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Next on the route was the Shoshone National Forest. Many beautiful rock formations, and trees were seen along this route. Camping and hiking trails are available.

Stopped at a rest area along the way and made friends with this delightful little creature. She’s Iowa born and bred and her sisters are available. I have the number, but how would I travel??

A meditation stop grateful to have made it through those last crazy turns of Yellowstone.

The Firefighter’s Memorial

Buffalo Bill State Park

The Cody Dam – everything in this town is associated with Bill Cody. Take time to visit the Dam and see the movie about its construction. It is free and a fascinating visit.

Free golf cart ride to Dam

This is the world’s tallest dam and took 3 different contractors to see it’s completion.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is dam1-2.jpg

There is no steel reinforcement, only concrete. 350 men worked 5 years in blizzard conditions to ensure it’s completion. It was built from 1904 to 1910 and had a $929,000. cost over run.

Quite a Plunge!

On to Cody

/ youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Once departed from Yellowstone came across this interesting motel, gift shop, and restaurant.

After finding several souvenirs asked about the Buffalo Bill Hunting Lodge. Being the first tour of the morning I received a one person tour learning much of Bill’s life by a fascinating guide.

This hunting lodge was one of several of Wild Bill’s businesses. From 1905 to 1908 this operated as a $3. a night per person hotel. Visitors would leave the Old Faithful Inn at 3 a.m. making the 25 hour journey to the lodge. In 1913, Prince Albert the First of Monaco stayed at the hotel. Meals included bison, elk, chicken, rabbit, and trout.

Besides being a stage performer Bill was a newspaper publisher, ran a casino, had a motion picture company, and was involved in a bankrupt gold mine where he lost 4 million dollars. He spearheaded the building of a dam which was later renamed to honor him by President Truman. This cause was dear to his heart as his daughter died from drinking contaminated water.

More memorabilia at the lodge

One of the first soda machines
The Lodge Bar

What a interesting tour. Make the stop and stay for lunch.

You’ll be glad you did.

Yellowstone Things To Consider

/ youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Following are some random thoughts I wish I knew prior to departure.

  • Clothing – layer, bring sandals, sneakers, watershoes, rain apparel, head gear (hats), sun tan lotion.
  • Food – plan ahead, there is no time to stop, so much to see. Avoid sugary foods. A bag of apples goes a long way.
  • Flashlights – big and little – pocket sized, bring several.
  • Car- check to ensure you have a spare tire and all that goes along with a tire change.
  • Do the speed limit
  • Allow others to pass if they are tailgating, many turn outs are available.
  • Watch for animals, and those on horseback, they come out of nowhere.
  • If you have another passenger appoint them as a scout to help with navigation.
  • Get a compass.
  • Learn to read a map again.
  • Make a friend with the no internet available time.
  • Watch roads carefully, the shoulder is narrow.
  • Signage is limited.
  • Get to places before dark or you’ll be sorry, I was.
  • Talk to people, they’ll give you ideas on what to do, where to go.
  • Many foreigners are here, make friends, use hand signals, smile. Don’t be an ugly American.
  • Plan your time to the sites, but build in picture taking time as there will be many things which cross your path prior to destination.
  • Sunglasses bring several pair.
  • Keep distance from the animals, and never touch.
  • If staying in a campground follow the rules. There is a reason for them.
  • Plan ahead, I didn’t but somehow it worked. Luck.
  • When you get a grumpy National Park Service employee, compliment him or her.
  • People are different here – one wonders is it because no cell phones?? Go with the flow, and if you have to use a cellphone hotel sites have access.

And more importantly… ENJOY

Yellowstone Departure

/ youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment
Dawn at Yellowstone

Yellowstone is an enormous Park three times the size of Rhode Island, and residing in three states: Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Left the campground at 5 a.m. to ensure timely passage to Cody, Wyoming. There was still much unseen when traveling North, then east out of the Park, which took over 2 hours.

Many were out at this early time foraging.

And some were enjoying solitude.

While the creatures were quiet, thermal activity continued very close to the road.

Yellowstone Lake behind steam resembles an ocean.

Traveling to the East Gate of Yellowstone there are many hair pin turns through Corkscrew Valley with spectacular views.

Gravel and rock falling from the sides of the wall are plentiful. Stopped and obtained a few on the road as a memory for my rock garden.

On to Cody.