The Wild, Wild West (Jackson Hole & Yellowstone)

As I've commented before, the Better Life can be enjoyed regardless of the setting.  And this island girl travels!  Most recently, Beau and I enjoyed a journey into the Wild, Wild West - an area of the United States that neither of us had previously explored.  In short, it was fantastic!

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

This area still feels like the frontier as it's a looooong way from the Bahamas, but it was entirely worth the trip!

After arriving by plane last week, stepping into the chilly mountain evening and eating a late dinner by the hotel, we fell soundly asleep in our log cabin at the lovely Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa.  

We awoke early the next morning - by habit and due to the two hour time difference - but lounged for a while before venturing outside to the hotel's hot breakfast buffet in the main building.  Overnight lows were in the - gulp - 30 degrees (F), so we waited until the sun burned off some of the cold!

Stepping out into the crisp day, I inhaled deeply, breathing the fresh mountain air and enjoying the spectacular vista.  Our "backyard" consisted of a bubbling creek, changing leaves on trees, hillsides, tepees and fire pits.  What a beautiful time of year in a beautiful setting!

Our backyard, Rustic Inn, Jackson Hole, WY.

Venturing into downtown Jackson later that day, we strolled around the Town Square, enjoying the local art, quaint shops, restaurants, bars, friendly locals and western ambiance.

All four corners of Jackson's Town Square park are graced by archways of antlers (shed every winter).

Grand Tetons

Early the next morning, a guide from Grizzly Country Wildlife Adventures picked us (and a couple from Israel) up for a 12-hour guided tour of the Grand Tetons and the lower loop of Yellowstone.  The guided tour was worth every penny!  Instead of wrestling with maps and twisting mountain roads, we relaxed and enjoyed the views - many of which we wouldn't have found on our own - during our 250 mile jaunt.

First stop was a scenic look at the Tetons in the soft morning light.

Grand Teton is the highest point in the middle of this picture.

Entering Grand Teton National Park, our next stop was the picturesque Oxbow Bend along the Snake River.

Oxbow Bend, with the Tetons reflecting in the Snake River.

Yellowstone National Park

Leaving the Tetons, we entered our famous national park.

Just a pair of happy tourists!

First of all, I never realized how HUGE Yellowstone National Park is - spanning almost 3,500 square miles!  Really glad to have our guide!  I also hadn't known that it is volcanic in nature - Yellowstone Caldera is the largest supervolcano on the continent.

One of our first stops in the Park was a visit to Old Faithful Geyser.  Perhaps the most predictable geyser, it erupts approximately every 90 minutes.  Our guide called a hotline to check the projected schedule for the morning!  We took our seats - at a presumably safe distance - around the bubbling, steaming area and patiently waited.

Sure enough, within 10 minutes of the predicted time, the geyser erupted, shooting thousands of gallons of boiling water approximately 140 feet up into the air.  Amazing.

Old Faithful Geyser erupting, Yellowstone National Park.

We learned that Yellowstone boasts hundreds of geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pits, waterfalls and petrified forests.  It was strange to see a pool of water (like the one below) that looked like a Caribbean blue hole, with clear turquoise water, only to realize that the steaming water is more than 200 degrees (F) - no swimming!

Yellowstone National Park.

Another spectacular sight in the Park was the grand waterfall crashing into the river at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Park.

Waterfall and Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

In addition to the spectacle of nature's beauty, the Park is rife with wildlife.  Our favorite - encountering a herd of bison along the road.

Bison herd, Yellowstone National Park.

It was impressive to see these massive creatures in person.  I was also surprised to hear their snorting and other noises.

 

Less pretty, but equally astounding, were the surprisingly large droppings of, err, Bison scat.

For perspective, that's my little foot next to the huge Bison scat.

Entering yet another scenic area, our guide sent us to explore (keeping an eye on us, of course) while he set up a gourmet picnic lunch alongside the river.

Lunch in Yellowstone.

Returning from lunch to the main road, we waved to this immense bison ambling along the road.

Photo of this bison taken through the car window!

Later, also just off the main road, we stopped to admire grazing elk.

Elk in Yellowstone.

Elk lunchtime.

Another breath-taking spot was the large Jackson Lake, nestled right against the mountains.

Jackson Lake, Wyoming

Although we did discard our jackets during the sunniest part of the afternoon, clouds rolled in late afternoon, the wind picked up, and we bundled up again!

Ending the day in the Tetons.

Horses, Cowboys and Friends

The next morning greeted us with another sun-filled, blue sky kind of day.  Weather was wonderful all week.  We could handle the brief bits of cold (overnight lows in the upper 30s) for the pretty days (highs in the upper 60s and lower 70s).

Another beautiful Wyoming day.

After a leisurely lunch at a restaurant situated high on a butte with breath-taking views, we stopped at a local stable for some horseback riding!  In this day and age of liability and waiver forms, I didn't expect that we'd be able to work up much speed.  However, when our group included a dad with his babe-in-arms, we knew it was going to be a really slow amble!

Nonetheless, it was fun to be on horses, and the hour-long journey over the top of a mountain with the views below was exceptional.

Beau having fun with Horse Trey - look at that view!

Later that day, we cleaned up for a tasty dinner in town and to go hear some live music.  Like the night before, we enjoyed live bands with country music, entertaining dancing and friendly locals and visitors.

We especially enjoyed meeting a real live cowboy who regaled us with stories.  This cowboy has never left the country and thinks he might wither in an island sun, but he certainly enjoys his own Better Life and embraces a similar philosophy.  Becoming fast friends, we enjoyed his company on several evenings and left amid promises to keep in touch and visit again.

Our cowboy friend gifted us this picture of him and a favorite horse.

Our last day welcomed us into sunny arms yet again.  After a leisurely morning, we met dear friends for lunch at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.  Beau has known this lovely couple from their years of frequenting our island world, so it was a special treat to see them in their mountain world!

With friends at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, Wyoming.

We enjoyed our first taste of bison burgers - tastier and leaner than ground beef - as we sat outside in the sun, enjoying the view across to the Elk Refuge and the company of good friends.  

Would you believe that I had to leave the islands to suffer a little sunburn?!  I underestimated the proximity and strength of the sun in the high altitude.  After lunch, we viewed the various galleries of the museum, oohing and ahhing at the splendor.

Heading Home

All too soon, it was time to return home.  Being in altitudes of 6,000 (Jackson) to 8,000 (Yellowstone) feet, we occasionally had a headache (which Beau joked was due to beer!) and mild shortness of breath.  Time to get back to sea level!  Also time to get back to humidity - we went through about a gallon of body lotion in the dry mountain air.

We traveled back to Florida for an overnight before heading on to the island.  The overnight stay with my father brought its own vacation enjoyment as Dad and Beau continued their decades-long challenges of pool and dominoes.  

Dominoes, especially, is a favorite Bahamian pastime, and Dad always enjoyed the fast-paced game coupled with fast-paced banter and trash talk.  Beau, on the other hand, enjoys teasing Dad for taking too long to play his turns.  "Study long, study wrong!"  Beau emerged the victor that night, duly noted by Dad on the ongoing score sheet that lives on his refrigerator.  But Dad insists that I tell you all he gave Beau a good run for his money!

Beau and Dad - Bahamian style dominoes and trash talk in Florida.

What a great trip!  I thoroughly enjoyed my journey into the Wild, Wild West and understand how the Better Life can be enjoyed there.  The pretty weather (which has just turned colder, so we had perfect timing!), amazing views, majestic mountains, impressive wildlife and crisp mountain air fed my soul in a different-but-still-good way.

Now, back on the island, I am - as always - happy to be home and appreciative of my Better Life here.  Cheers to your Better Lives at home and in your travels!

Three Weeks of Travel (and a friend's 40th birthday!)

FINALLY!  I'm back!  What a whirlwind it's been these last few weeks . . .

After a flurry of activity on the island, Beau and I were ready for a relaxing getaway to the Florida Keys.  However, the day before we were to leave, my mother reported that my grandmother had just been taken by ambulance to the hospital.  Yikes!  I put my packing into overdrive, snagged the last seat on the afternoon plane, grabbed Angel and left my island home for three weeks!  Thankfully, Grandma lives near Mom in South Florida, which is where Beau and I were headed the next day anyway.  Beau was out diving that day - opening day of lobster season! - so he didn't even know of my last-minute departure until he returned home to my note!

I'm happy to report that my Grandmother is just fine.  I spent that evening and the next morning with her in the hospital.  Glad to know she was okay and would be returning home soon, I picked up Beau at the airport and we headed south.  

The next few days brought lots of relaxing, Olympics-viewing and good times with local friends.  The following week, Beau headed back to work on the island, and I stayed in South Florida to run a slew of island errands and visit with family.

Glad I was there, too, because my Grandmother's husband was taken by ambulance to the hospital!  He ended up right in the room next to where she'd been admitted just the week before.  Sigh.  Happily, he is fine now, too.  But I was glad to be able to help transport Grandma back and forth and share hospital responsibilities with my mother.  My grandparents are in great shape, but they are in their late 80's and stuff just happens!

Eventually, it was time for the last leg of my trip - a return to the Midwest for a close friend's 40th birthday weekend getaway!  Angel remained comfortably with my mother (who dotes on her grandpuppy - thanks, Mom!), and I jetted off for a fabulous weekend.  Beau had travel plans with other friends, so he wasn't able to join me.

However, before Beau left but while I was away from the cay, a dear friend of mine from law school ended up on our tiny island and tracked down Beau, whom he'd met 15 years ago when Beau and I were first dating!

Beau and Brian, living it up without me!

It KILLED me not to be there with them!  But I eased my suffering by heading off on my adventure with friends.  Upon landing in the heartland, a girlfriend picked me up at the airport and we drove several hours to a quaint, countryside town for the birthday weekend.

The Girls!  Let the fun begin . . .

 

Birthday Girl and her Hubby, who masterfully planned the wonderful weekend.

My Besties, at a wine-tasting before dinner.

About to embark on a canoe trip.

Love the group t-shirts!  Her husband printed nicknames on all - mine was "Blogger!"

Lining up with our canoes.

My roomie and canoe partner BEFORE I kept steering her into the bush.

Captain Donna after we switched spots - apparently, I'm a better bowman.

Scenic and lovely.

Bloody Marys and comfort food after our hard work.

Dinner at the charming hotel.

I just loved the trains against the country backdrop.

The whole gang, sans Beau.

The Blondes.

The girls with the cake before dinner.

So much fun!  A great time was had by all, and it was so wonderful to catch up with friends.  I headed back to the Big City and enjoyed dinner that evening with other dear friends.  

The next morning, after breakfast with yet another great girlfriend, I headed into my old office!  I spent FIVE HOURS in the law firm, visiting three floors of attorneys and staff.  Yes, it was a little surreal, but it was heart-warming to see old friends with whom I'd spent every work day for more than 10 years!  Everyone commented that island life seems to agree with me, and this visit reaffirmed it that much more.  I simply laughed and reminded them that they just are not used to seeing what "relaxed" people look like!  :)

Then, it was back to Florida for one more day of final island errands, including vet certificates so Angel can re-enter the Bahamas and a giant grocery run.  Added on to the many "island errands" from the week prior, it amounted to quite a haul!  I told Beau it was a truck kind of day, rather than a golf cart kind of day, for my airport pickup back on the island!

Angel and I happily landed on the island and greeted with Beau with enthusiasm, then I began the long process of unpacking and organizing all the stuff.  Like what?  Think: new cordless phone since power surges fried the old one despite its protector, loads of cleaning supplies, dog food, plastic bins/organizers, new bedsheets, file folders, printer ink, bathroom supplies, superglue, cooler full of meat for the deep freezer, stacks of dry goods, etc.  

It was a great trip - though three weeks is too long to be gone, I think - and wonderful to return.  We went out last evening and it was such fun to see "the guys" and other island friends.  Home sweet home.

And now, our home sweet home reluctantly welcomes Tropical Storm Isaac.  So far, so good . . . Enjoy your weekend!

California Dreamin'

Hello, Better Lifers!  Well, I've been globe-trotting again.  This time, it was out to southern California for a bit of a vacation.  The 3,000 mile flight from Miami to Los Angeles is the longest flight to date for my Beau, and I'm pleased to announce it went well on both the outbound and the return.  Each trip, we seem to stretch further, and I'm interested to see if he's up for an overseas jaunt at some point.  I keep telling him, "it's just another movie!" in terms of additional flight time.  :)

But I digress.  We had a wonderful trip and enjoyed seeing new and different places.  Our whirlwind itinerary included Los Angeles, Ventura, Ojai, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Long Beach, Venice Beach and Malibu.  In addition to enjoying the expansion of our horizons, traveling always gives us renewed appreciation for the beautiful island we call home.

One odd little tidbit . . . I found myself noticing American flags flying proudly as we drove around California.  Frequently, my kneejerk reaction was, "Oh look!  An American flag!"  After a second's delay, I would realize my surprise was unwarranted since I was, in fact, back in America.  I just hadn't realized how accustomed to NOT being in the States I've become!

Our journey began by turning over Angel and the house to a friend's good keeping.  We hopped the charter flight from the island to a small airport in south Florida.  From there, we took a car service to Miami.  Lo and behold, for a variety of reasons which entertained me, the car service sent a stretch limo to pick up just me and my beau!  It was a delightful way to start the trip - and the best way to travel in Miami rush hour!

Kicking back en route to MIA airport.

After a long travel day - and a three hour time change - we reached our California destination in the wee hours of the morn.  After a quick sleep, we set off to explore.  

One of the highlights of the trip was seeing the Pacific Ocean.  It was the first time for my beau, and I'd only seen it briefly years ago.

Beau's first view of the Pacific Ocean.

As with our ocean at home, and all of them across the world, the vast expanse of water was magnificent.  However - and I'm so sorry to sound like a beach snob here - I couldn't help noticing the striking differences between this beach and home.

At home yesterday - soft, white, clean sand.

Ventura - dark, coarse, dirty sand with litter.

Having traveled so far, I wanted to put my toes in the Pacific.  It was c-c-c-cold!

Ventura wading.

At home yesterday - crystal clear water.

Non-Sequitor:  Angel helping me take comparative photos yesterday.

Water and sand comparisons aside, it was fun to see a different type of beach.  To me, used to flat scrubby islands, the hills and mountains right alongside the ocean was quite striking.

A hazy day but the mountains still loom in the distance.

Another difference I noticed was that this particular beach was full of smooth stones, but I didn't see any seashells.  In contrast, our Bahamian beaches are replete with shells and rough coral, but few ocean stones.  I'm sure there's a scientific explanation for the distinction, but we simply enjoyed picking up the stones!

Smooth ocean stones.

And no matter the water source or location, we enjoy being in its very presence.

Beau gazing at the Pacific, something we did for long stretches of time.

As most avid travelers find, we learn so much through identifying our differences but also the many similarities that unite us throughout the world.  For instance, it seems that every geographic location battles natural disasters in one form or another.  For us, of course, it is the annual threat of hurricanes every June through October.  (Here we go again!)  For California, it's earthquakes and tsunamis!

Sign posted at the beach.

It was fun to travel to different areas of California and experience the unique vibe at each.  We enjoyed the carnival-like atmosphere at Santa Monica's pier.

Santa Monica Pier.

Although I'm certainly spoiled by my sunsets at home, it was a pretty afternoon in Santa Monica as the sun lowered itself onto the sea.

Santa Monica Beach.

For sunset in Santa Monica, we left the beach and joined friends at a rooftop bar at one of the "in" spots along the main strip.  It was a pretty view and fun to do.  However, I was reminded how much I like my own life and how thankful I am to know myself and be happy in my own skin.  We were in a young, hip, trendy bar full of beautiful people in the coolest styles.  In contrast, I was in my kick-around tourist clothes, with a sweater to ward off the chill.  I felt so old, frumpy, unhip and unattractive!  

Luckily, I knew enough to be aware that it was the environment having this effect on me, so I didn't let it get to me.  I was also glad to be paired with someone who still wanted to hold my hand in the midst of models and who was equally cold and ready to go somewhere where they actually served domestic beer!  I remembered having those feelings of mild discomfort and like I didn't fit in during my City years - even when I was younger and in more stylish clothes with money to burn.  It wasn't me then (though I was glad for the experience of that scene) and it isn't me now!

Just because I'm a sap!

Nonetheless, when it came time to explore the ritzier areas of Beverly Hills the next day, I confess I did have fun putting on heels and dressing the part a bit more to wander the shops.  :)  But I kept my flip flops readily available in the car!

This beautiful area lives up to its reputation.

Even the police station is beautiful!  (We kept thinking of Eddie Murphy and Beverly Hills Cop!)

Rodeo Drive, baby!  Straight out of Pretty Woman, one of my favorite movies.  This was a beautiful, fascinating area and lots of fun to see.  I was there on a Sunday morning, so most shops were closed.  Not able to afford most anything there anyway, I was glad not to be tempted.  I know I recently posted about not being much of a shopper, but Rodeo Drive was impressive and made me feel like a girly girl who just wanted to shop!

Yes, those are sparkly stones in the street sign!

It was also fun to cruise the chaos of Hollywood, Walk of Fame and see the Hollywood sign perched hillside in the distance.

Just the street sign - the big white Hollywood sign was too distant, especially with haze (smog?!) and from a moving car!

Another day took us to Long Beach.  We attempted to tour the Queen Mary but a tattoo festival had the place so packed that we couldn't get in!  Too bad, but the ship was impressive even at a distance.

For a sense of scale, that's a Carnival cruise ship next to the Queen Mary.

After a morning in Long Beach, we headed to Venice Beach.  Images of roller-skaters, bicyclists, body-builders and volleyball players danced in my head.  After we eventually found parking in this super-crowded area, we strolled toward the beach and saw some of those visions along the beach and pathway.

Venice Beach.

We turned from the beach back toward the main drag of shops, intending to stop for a beer and take in the sights.

Walking toward the main drag.

However, the chaos and crazy that awaited us was a definite surprise!  This stretch of pedestrian road was elbow-to-elbow full of people.  There were more tattoos, piercings, braids, general uncleanliness and people sleeping all over the place than I've ever seen in one place!  Lots of wild-eyed folks and rambling mutterers.  Not to mention the "Green Doctors" and shops advertising medical marijuana "assessments" for $40.  A whole world of crazy.

All along the strip, artisans displayed their wares for sale.  Lots of incense, henna tattoos, drug-themed art and more.  Quite a few of the sellers did not want to be memorialized on camera.  Gee, I wonder why.  Perhaps my favorite display to convey this sentiment was the artist who posted a painted wooden sign stating, "NO F**KEN PICTURES" (spelled out, of course).  Along with this were other painted signs of swearing this or that.

We decided to forego the beer - or putting anything in our mouths from this vicinity - and headed back to the car.  Along the way, we walked around a man pushing his baby in a stroller who was yelling at another man for backing up his car too close to the stroller.  After walking away, the man apparently changed his mind and started to come back to the scene of the crime.  All the while yelling about putting his baby in danger, the enraged father figure then pushed her back into the parking lot where he nearly came to blows.  Good protection, Dad.  We were outta there!

After taking a hot shower and recharging in our Beverly Hills hotel - teehee! - we were ready to go again the next day.  We still enjoyed a few more chuckles and head shakes after seeing the PR spin that the hotel guide put on its description of Venice Beach.  Beware!  We were glad to have seen it, but I doubt we'll be back!

The next day, we hit Pacific Highway 1 and headed toward Malibu.  What a fun drive along the coast!  Of course, most of the ginormous homes that appear in my celebrity magazines are well-hidden from view, but it was fun to just be in the area.

We also enjoyed a stroll through the Paul Getty Museum with its amazing works of art.

Pool and beautiful landscaping at the Paul Getty Museum.

Another pretty garden at the Paul Getty Museum.

We topped off the day with a late lunch at the Beach Cafe in Malibu.  We stumbled upon it, and it was the perfect beach scene with great food.

I'm still full, just looking at the sign!

Our trip drew to a close, and we returned home.  It was a whirlwind of different sights and sounds and tastes.  I definitely felt like a tourist in my own country since I had limited first-hand knowledge of California, but we enjoyed the trip thoroughly.  To all the California Better Lifers, thanks for sharing your state with me!

As always, I am glad to be back home now.  And, after eating our way through every spot we visited, we are happily returning to a fare of fish, veggies and fruit!