The past Labor day weekend 2009 we were invited by by our neighbors the
Nevilles to go white water rafting on the Snake river just outside of Jackson Wyoming. We left
early Saturday morning for the four hour drive to our campsite and then be ready for a 2:00 p.m. river trip.
We stopped in Brigham city to get peaches and corn and then stopped in Logan to get groceries. Then on to
Montpelier Idaho for lunch and fuel. After taking out a small second mortgage on our home we filled the
motor home and had lunch in the park. We now have two hours until the group leaves. The canyon took a little longer then I thought it would. Sometimes reaching the blistering speed of 30 mph the day dragged on and gave a
glimpse of things to come.
In all fairness the
motor home is small and cramming seven people and a border collie into the confined space for an extended period of time is a
recipe for trouble. The trouble started after the first two hours of simulated purgatory. The kids found that it is physically impossible to pile five kids on a full size bed and not have anyone touch. The crying, the screaming, the cries of
unforgivable injustices streamed from the windows of the rolling tenement on wheels faster then the gas gauge was dropping. Yes I was feeling the joy of a family outing and my left eye was
beginning to twitch.
By now we have a new "no standing" rule when in the
motor home. If you need to pee while we are driving no matter how superior you aim is you have to sit to pee. We are now 30 miles out from out campsite and it is 2:00 p.m. and we are not going to make our scheduled departure. The
Nevilles are holding back the rest of the group so we can make the first trip, we love the Nevilles.
We get there, quickly change and get to the launch site and get on our way. The day is spectacular and the views are
incredible. My eye twitch and memories of the challenging morning quickly recess and the clean air and excitement of rafting the whitewater wash away the challenging morning.
The evening was fabulous with cooler weather that offset the heat from home. The
Nevilles come here with their extended family often and stay at this same campground. When we
arrived earlier I did not have time to register so I went over to find the office and register for our stay and get the "code" to the facilities. The camping area is
located behind a humble tavern that offers live music on Saturday nights. I ask at the door where I go to pay for the campsite, I ask again a little louder over the band. The door keeper points me to the back of the bar to fill out the appropriate paper work. The shoe less female lead singer belts out a rendition of a Marshall
Tucker Band song with plenty of volume and
tambourine, but no cow bell.
Early Sunday morning we made our way to the launch ramp for our last trip down the river. The cold early temperatures meant we were alone as we set the three boats off down the Snake River. We were able to see otters, osprey, and
marmots all enjoying the quiet morning. This was truly a beautiful morning.
After lunch we decided to drive up through the canyon along the Snake River to Jackson Hole and show the kids the
antler bridge in the park and walk the boardwalks. This was done despite the financial impact of fueling this fossil fuel black hole. Jackson Hole is a great vacation spot and was loaded to the gills with visitors. The time was enjoyed by all as we wondered the streets of Jackson and left Jackson Hole as we found it after finding an appropriate
souvenir. Through diligent searching we were able to secure a buffalo, Moose and Eagle key chain that when you squeeze the middle a
bloom of brown goo shoots out the back of the animal simulating, well you know what it simulates. We also left a sizable donation at the local Chevron gas station, I am sure they will be sending us a Christmas card this year.
Monday morning we headed back home and began the memories of our
pilgrimage of two days ago. To quell the fights my strategy was to make frequent stops and keep them busy. The first stop was a lookout after driving for about 40 minutes. As we get out of the little Valdez the first question is why did we stop. I explained the
significance of the over look and the first comment is "I'm bored". Load everyone back up and we head on to our lunch destination. I can feel my twitch
coming back.
As we head on to the
Minetonka Caves I am receiving the blunt impact of fighting kids, obvious
injustices that need immediate redress. My sweet bride has an enviable gift of being able to tune out the world and all its noise and submerse herself fully in the book of her choice. My twitching eye has now begun to effect my view and ability to drive. As I try to referee from the drivers seat I look in the rear view mirror I see all of my children pressed faces against the back window making faces at the cars that past us. Now I understand why so many drivers would go by shaking their heads. I thought they are just
incensed by the lack of speed or they really knew how big my carbon footprint was and I was single
handily blowing holes in the ozone.
Through twitching eye I yell to the back of the prison on wheels, "If you guys don't sit down and behave I am gonna sell this
motor home!!"
Well we made it to the caves but the wait was too long so we were able to go on a short hike.
We then made it to Bear Lake for some raspberry shakes and burgers for the rest of the trip back home.
On the way back I had already decided this would be our last trip in the motor home. I truly do see the blessings of seat belts and the inability to walk around while we drive. Let alone to not have to deal with the "no standing rule" while traveling in the van!
Within a couple weeks I had sold the motor home and picked up a trailer. We are committed to make the memories for our children but not at the expense of financial future and wanting to reduce my personal stress and not have my children remember our vacations by how bad their fathers eye was twitching.
For the last ride of the night we used both tubes and the bravery was evident with the challenged to try and stand up.
