Kellisa's Path: Wyoming

Showing posts with label Wyoming. Show all posts

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Jackson Lake Scenic Cruise

Grand Teton National Park

Wyoming

August 2023

We only had one full day in Grand Teton National Park and we decided to take the Jackson Lake Scenic Cruise based on how much Kellisa enjoyed the nearby Lake Yellowstone boat tour from an earlier trip to the area. The excursion wasn't exactly accessible, but with some assistance from the incredible staff, we were able to make it work. I did have to carry Kellisa up a few stairs (pictures below) and we made the decision to sit outside the main seating area. This seating arrangement meant we were exposed to the elements and on this day, it was the sun that was relentless. It was the worst time to leave my hat back in our cabin.

I could have carried Kellisa down a few more stairs, through a tight door, and then maneuver her to a seat inside the boat, but this seemed a little too risky for my liking. Maybe 20 years ago when Kellisa was smaller and I was filled with "youthful determination" but we don't have anything to prove at this point along Kellisa's Path.

Plus, Kellisa has always enjoyed wind in her face and our views of the surrounding mountains towering high through the clouds were less obscured from our outdoor vantage point.

Kellisa made fast friends with our accommodating crew and enjoyed spending a few private moments with them as I retrieved her chair upon our return to the dock. I could have stored the chair on the boat, but that was extra lifting and I'm in a "Lift only as needed" mode in life.

After our feet and wheels were back on the ground, we headed a short distance to enjoy a relaxing lunch which would power us through our planned afternoon hike along the shore of Jackson Lake.

BOAT RIDES

NATIONAL PARKS

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Saturday, February 10, 2024

Tower Fall Overlook

Yellowstone National Park

June 2023

TRAILS

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Canyon Visitor Education Center

Yellowstone National Park

June 2023

Kellisa and I enjoyed a nice picnic lunch after our boat excursion on Lake Yellowstone. We didn't have exact plans for the remainder of our day, so we just started to drive back towards our cabin. While looking for wildlife, we were enjoying the wide open views when Kellisa decided to have a seizure as she does too often when having fun. I pulled over and started timing. Thankfully, she pulled out before I had to administer the rescue medication, but half her body was paralyzed.

I gave her a few minutes to catch her breath before I started driving again. As we approached the Canyon Visitor Education Center, I asked if she wanted to check it out and she quickly signed yes with her not paralyzed left hand.

Kellisa always enjoys visitor centers, especially the movie that gives a history and guide to the park and any animal displays. As you can see below, she really liked the realistic picture of a bear and wanted to pet it before wheeling of to check out a bison.