That's What VISA is For!

It sounds as if my sweet 8-year old son is hacking up his left lung in our tiny little spot. Thunder is booming, lightning is sparking, and the rain is pouring down outside as my 10-year old daughter and I make a quick jaunt to the restroom. We jump out  and tear through the downpour, do our business, and are gripped with confusion on our way back. We can hardly see where we are going. Is it this way or that? We've only been here a few hours and we are not only lost but soaking wet to boot. And what is that loud growling noise right behind us? Hearts pounding, anxiety coursing through my mommy-self, we run through puddles and dive into the confines of our flooded litle tent. It is a typical 4th of July weekend in Yellowstone National Park and we are colder, and wetter, than we've ever been. Zach is in the middle of an asthma episode. He's under a heaping pile of coats, sleeping bags, and blankets and he is so miserable. The tent is about 3" flooded and not one of us has slept a wink.

Now, my hubby has always treated me with more care and concern than I probably deserve, but even I know that he does not expect to hear my next comments at 4:00am. "I am done DONE done camping in this battered little tent. It leaks, it's tiny, and we are freezing!" And so, at at this very moment, we gather up our belongings, pack the van, and throw our tent into the nearest dumpster. Now, we had reservations for the next five days in this campground and had literally no idea what we were going to do next but muster on we do!!

And so our vacation continues in this sensational place that God has majestically created for everyone to enjoy. We cannot believe the amazingly beautiful vistas, wildlife, geysers, and hikes galore. Our first day here did begin a bit precariously but we enjoyed every blessed minute. At one point our mini-van was surrounded by a small herd of buffalo and we just sat there as they bleated and trooped on by. It was a magical time and I highly recommend you make time in your busy lives to visit Yellowstone.

Check out www.nps.gov/yell and www.wyomingtourism.org for help in planning your trip.

Unfortunately, we did not have any lodging for the night. We have just that very morning thrown our tent away and desperately needed a place to stay. It was the evening of the 4th of July in a highly visited national park and there was NO-where to stay. This little vacation of ours was spent in Wyoming and Utah prior to cell phones. We stood at a public telephone booth running through the yellow pages until we found a tiny little TraveLodge with a one night opening, thank goodness. We headed into West Yellowstone and found ourselves smack-dab in the middle of an old-time 4th of July celebration. There is a street parade with decorated cars and floats, carnival rides, balloons, food, and fireworks. What a joy to celebrate our nation in this sweet lively town. One point of interest ... Fireworks do not happen till the sun goes down and this didn't happen till almost 10:30pm so far north. Quite a surprise for us!

You might like to visit West Yellowstone as well, and if so check out one of the following websites www.destinationyellowstone.com or www.wyellowstone.com for more information. I truly do not know if the little hotel we stayed in is still around or not, but I'm sure there are plenty of other places to stay while visiting.

We didn't have a place to stay the next few nights either but found a last minute opening at the most beautiful little lodge in Moose, Wyoming. It was Dornan's Spur Ranch Cabins near the banks of the Snake River, outside of Jackson Hole and the immensely beautiful Grand Tetons. We felt like the luckiest family on vacation when we stepped into this cabin. The beds were covered with handmade quilts, and the colorful Fiesta Ware was set upon the table ahead of our meal. There was a bbq outside and wonderful little gourmet grocery to pick up some steaks, hot dogs, and chilled wine for our dinner. We spent three nights here at the base of the Teton Mountains just gazing at the spectacular scenery and enjoying each other's company. There were no TV's, no phones, and nothing to bother us as we continued to enjoy the beauty of Yellowstone and Teton National Parks. If you're interested in visiting here, check out the Dornan website at www.dornans.com.

This whole Yellowstone vacation was probably one of the best family vacations we have ever had and it wouldn't have been possible at all if it weren't for VISA. So I always say....

That's what VISA is for!!!