Grand Tetons... and such a surprise!

 We wanted to see the Grand Tetons. Our original  idea had been a base camp in Grand Teton National  Park. We didn't  have an exact timeline. And failed to account for Labor Day weekend.  The Grand Teton NP was booked. So was every other campground for MILES! We stayed at a KOA in Cody, Wyoming. Day trips to Yellowstone, and the Grand Tetons. It was quite a drive, but so grandly  beautiful! (Yet another place I want to visit with Mr. C!)

Forty miles into the drive this morning, the crew demanded a potty break. I was driving, and saw a stop that seemed better than a "vault toilet" stop. It was a National  Park... not sure if it was the Buffalo Bill, or Shoshone? Anyway... it was manned by  a terrific docent ( park ranger?) who was educating us about bear safety. He spoke  at length  about many bear related issues. Then, he asked if we wanted to see a real grizzly bear hide! Of course we did! The kids were allowed  to examine  and pose with the bear hide.

We wandered the Teton National Park until it was getting fairly  late in the afternoon.  With more than 100 miles to camp, and hoping to see a real live grizzly, moose, elk.... we started back. I saw a pull out for a historic  cabin. Becky was ok with stopping... or NOT! I stopped, hoping to see the iconic cabin by the Tetons. 

There was a trail. Becky and the kids decided to hike the .3 mile trail. Ruby was under the weather... I  was staying at the van  with her. As the others took off down the trail.... Katie comes out of that van with her shoes. She's  been warned numerous  times to KEEP HER SHOES ON HER FEET! This time, the rest of the group was well out of sight by the time she got her shoes on. A few other people had stopped, and were on the trail. I  was not about  to let a five year old go running down a trail unsupervised! I forbade her to go. ( Meanest  Granny  in The World competition  points!)

Becky returned to a still sobbing Katie.  She hoisted her onto her back, and ran the trail. While Becky and Katie were gone... another vehicle  pulled into the lot. Becky returned... and looked hard at the vehicle and its  occupants, who were exiting. 

Suddenly, Becky is embracing the woman.... 

Hundreds miles from their homes, Becky and her internet  friend of 15 years met by accident  in the shadows of the Grand Tetons! Sarah and her family were there as much by chance as we were! Their baby had a "blowout" diaper, and they just happened  to pull into this place to change it! (Becky from Central West Texas, Sarah from N E Missouri!) The odds must be astronomical... but God has a sense of humor.  

It was  10:00 by the time we made it back to Cody. Tomorrow is another adventure!