If you’re ever given the opportunity to choose between rafting the Snake River or the Yellowstone River, I recommend that you choose the Yellowstone River. But, then again, it also depends on the water level of both rivers and how far you go. I rode the Yellowstone on Monday, June 28th and we went for 18 miles so it took both morning and afternoon. The morning ride was smooth and a little slow, but it picked up a lot after lunch when we went through the canyon and over class 4 rapids. What made the day even better was that the ride was free because one of our group has a friend who works for the company we went with. The late afternoon and evening after the ride, we spent in Gardiner, Montana at the house of a support staff member for the Christian ministry in the park. We ate hamburgers, played some volleyball and frisbee, and then did a little swing dancing.
The next day (Tuesday), I and a few buddies woke up early (4:30 AM) and hiked to watch the sun rise. Despite the trillions of mosquitoes, it was a beautiful view over the lake and Absaroka Mountains. We hiked an easy mile to a lookout point, watched the sun rise, swatted mosquitoes, took some pictures, swatted some more mosquitoes, took some more pictures, swatted even more mosquitoes, and then did the other mile of the hike back to our car. Starting that Thursday, I spent a few days with Jillian and a few friends from Lake at her parents’ house in Jackson, WY. It was a really relaxing and enjoyable time. We saw a couple of world cup games, took quite a few naps, ate delicious food, went shopping in town, and of course we hiked in the Tetons. On that hike, we (5 people total) went 13 miles through Paintbrush Canyon and it was perfect weather with a magnificent view at the top. Our total elevation climb was around 2600 feet. While on the way down, we encountered a black bear on the trail, but he got out of our way real fast. There were a lot of mosquitoes as well, but those were only a nuisance at the lower, warmer elevation where there wasn’t still 2+ feet of snow on the ground. After the hike, we all went to pizza at a local place called Dornan’s that has a spectacular view of the Tetons. The next day we walked around town. The shops in Jackson are a lot of fun—as is the town itself. There’s this central park that has four archway entrances made entirely of hundreds of deer and elk antlers. Since the National Elk Refuge is right next to Jackson and it’s not in a national park, it’s easy AND legal to collect antlers here. Or, at least the Boy Scouts have permission to do so. On Saturday evening, our friends from Singapore who were staying with us made dinner for everybody. It was tasty, authentic, home cooked Singapore/Chinese food made without any reference to recipes. We (the Americans in the group) were all very impressed. Because I had to work Sunday (today), I hitched a ride home late Saturday evening with a friend who just came to Jackson for the day on Saturday. I had ridden down in Jillian’s car, but they were all staying for another day or so because they didn’t have to work.
It’s been pretty easy to forget about the real world while I’ve been out here. But a few instances lately have brought me (and I’m assuming those around me) back to reality. First, my roommate’s grandma passed away a few days ago. Second, a friend of mine just found out that his 26 year old sister is dying of cancer. He’s going home in a few days. Third, another friend of mine just found out that her good friend (from a long time ago) has leukemia and she is going home to be with her for the remainder of this summer. A lot of people come to work at Yellowstone as a means of escape from the heaviness of their lives, but when it comes down to it, there really is no escaping after all. At least, not on this earth.
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But the deep beauty of this park reminds us of what lies beyond the limits of this world and its sadness, what great and glorious reality is REALLY out there, beyond this life. No more grief or tears or sickness or death. We probably couldn't conceive of that beauty and peace without a hint from His own hand here on earth. Because He gives it, we can have real hope and faith! Will remember your friends...
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