DAY 8 of America's Great National Parks - Sunday August 24

This is the first day we have had an Internet connection. Thursday and Friday we were at Grant Village in Yellowstone and I sent an email describing my awe at Yellowstone National Park.

Yesterday, Saturday, we left for Jackson Hole WY and the Grand Teton National Park. We stopped for lunch at Jackson Lake Lodge. It has a magnificent view of the Tetons. It was another day of cold and periodic rain - but even with cloud cover the mountains are majestic. Again, pictures are worth a thousand words. We arrived at the Lodge at Jackson Hole about 3:30 PM. Here we have free Internet, TV, fridge, microwave, not to mention a Keurig coffee maker. It is a world class room.

Breakfast is included as usual and there is a full breakfast bar. Today is a highlight of the trip with the float trip on the Snake River. The rafts are the same as for white water - but only a few "rough" places. I loved it but it was cold, windy, and cloudy -- but no rain. The man who stood up and rowed turning the raft in different directions was in short sleeves - what a workout. I sat in the raft with the family with a 13 year old daughter and 15 year ofd son. They are a typical family and it is fun to see the interactions. Dad "pushed" his son to get a hat with a wide brim and underchin strap - because of all our rain showers. The boy is naturally trying to lose it and today seemed like a possible opportunity. Rather than go to Jackson Hole this afternoon, they were going for a hike. I think that was a great choice.

This afternoon was free to roam around Jackson Hole. I think I have seen too many of these high class tourist towns to be a judge. It is interesting - and I can see staying here for more hiking - and sampling the many restaurants. Most people were leaving for a Western Camp Cookout. It was an extra and I opted not to go. It is still cold -- but I think it is getting better. We head for Salt Lake City tomorrow.

BOOKS

I am getting ready to leave for my vacation on Saturday. I fly to Chicago and catch the train there on Sunday, August 17th. I will be home on the 31st after spending a couple of days with Mari in Denver.

I had hoped to learn how to include pictures in the blog - but cannot figure out how that works.

I am listening to nonfiction mostly biographies as I quilt and sometime knit. Last month I listened to Joyce Kearns Goodwin's biography NO ORDINARY TIMES about Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt personal life during WW II.  I think it is more about Eleanor Roosevelt and her involvement and influence on America's development than Roosevelt and Churchill during that time.  Several things were a surprise to me about the effects of bigotry in the 40's.  She may have done more than anyone to promote fairness toward blacks and later the Japanese. It does show a picture of Franklin's personality and his decision-making. Last but not least their marriage becomes understandable.

Now I am listening to David McCullough's TRUMAN. Already I can see how his personality from childhood on made him the leader he became. Each book gives me more of a feeling for our history.

I am reading CALL THE MIDWIFE by Jennifer Worth. It is set in England just about WW II and is the best picture of people coping with poverty and hardship - but making a life. The TV show on PBS is based on this story and since I watched it for two seasons, I was afraid I might not enjoy the book. Not the case at all.