Visiting Jackson Wyoming

 While my family was rafting, I explored the town of Jackson on my own.

                                

 Touring the Town of Jackson 

After browsing every souvenir shop and taking a selfie under the antler arch, I found myself with time to spare before meeting up with my family. Yes, the antlers are real. They're collected by Boy Scouts and sold at auction for as high as $180/lb.

 

 

I had a cup of tea at Cowboy Coffee. From there I moved on and explored the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum. For the reasonable price of $4.00 I got entry to 2 museums.  Native American History and History of Early Settlers in Jackson Hole are located in separate buildings a few blocks apart. It took me less than an hour to see both museums. If we had the time it would be a nice place for everyone to visit.

                        

      

Dave Hansen Whitewater Rafting

Ben and Michael working hard in the front row. Melissa screaming in the middle while Adam, Zoey and Jesse pose for the camera. When we checked in the day before, the guide explained that due to the increased run off from the heavy snow fall, the rapids were more technically difficult to maneuver. In fact, they had increased the age for children from six-years old to ten-years old. I knew there was a reason I hadn't booked myself for this adventure!

    

 

Smiling happy rafters had a great run and I had a great afternoon as well. Everyone wins.

Sunrise Tour Grand Tetons

Our day started early. Sunrise is 5:44 in Jackson Hole and sunset is 9:08. That's about fifteen hours of daylight. At promptly 6am our guide, Mike picked up our party of 7 from the front of our hotel.

      

         

It was well worth getting up so early. Mike was knowledgeable about the history, wildlife and geology of the park and local area. Only 3% of land is publicly owned in Jackson Hole. There are very few privately owned lands left in the park. Most were donated to the National Park Service.
Having a guide gives you an in to wildlife hot spots. However, there's no guarantee that the animals will cooperate. Grisly bear 399 and her cub had been spotted the day before, but we had no luck. We did see deer, bison and beaver which was on the top of Jesse's list.  Our first attempt at finding beaver was not successful, but on our way back they we got to see a beaver floating around his dam.

  

 

Smaller animals can be harder to find. The kids, big and small, loved using the high definition binoculars and viewing scope provided by the tour. They came in handy when viewing a moose and her calf from a distance. 

View from the top hatch was also fun.

                 



We were lucky to have a clear morning. The reflection off the lake was amazing.

                                     

If you've never been to the park before, seeing the Tetons with a guide is well worth the money.

http://www.jacksonholewildlifetours.com

 

    It was all about the total experience and not the individual sightings.

Day 1- Jackson Hole, Wy

Cowboy Coaster

Started the day early with a visit to Snow King Mountain and a ride on the Cowboy Coaster. After their 1st ride the kids convinced Melissa and me that it was like riding Space Mountain in the wide open. Okay, we agreed to give it a try.  The track is a mile long with twists and fast hairpin turns. The back rider can control the brake, but Jesse suggested we just let it go. Would I go again? Absolutely. 

  

Phil Baux Park

A short walk down the road from the Snow King Sports Center is a great playground. Everyone took a turn at the free challenging rock walls.

There's also a play area for smaller children. 

                   

National Museum of Wildlife Art

Located 2.5 miles from the town of Jackson is a hidden gem. The entire visit is 60-90 minutes. Just long enough not to bore younger children. There are hands on interactive exhibits for kids. The colorful Andy Warhol endangered species exhibit and the National Geographic photo exhibit  bring awareness to the importance of animal conservation. There are indoor and outdoor scopes for looking out at the Elk Refuge and opportunities for young artist to draw and leave their work or # a selfie.  

 

      

  

   

And this was just the first day... 

                                   

5 Favorite Family Things To Do In Palm Beach County Fl

Thanks to Nancy Cohen for the photo

School ends at the end of May in PBC. With two weeks before we leave on our extended summer trip, we love being included in the grandkids daily excursions. Yes, it's hot in S. Florida, but that doesn't mean you have to limit activities to indoors. Plan to go out early. Carry rain jackets and umbrellas because it can rain in one place and not another.

#5

There's always the beach.

                  

 Our favorite two beaches, Red Reef and South Beach Pavillion are in Boca Raton. Red Reef has decent snorkeling so don't forget to pack a mask along with sunscreen and lunch. South Beach Pavillion has shaded walking trails for when the kids get hot and tired. Both parking fees are steep for non-Boca residents. However, it's well worth the the $16 which keeps the crowds down.

#4

 Morikami  Museum & Japanese Gardens is another outdoor activity to do before noon. It's a nice escape from the traffic and shopping malls. The bamboo garden and bonsai collection are always a hit with everyone. If you plan ahead there are scheduled family events with entertainment, crafts and demonstrations.  There's an outdoor cafe and indoor museum. Be on the look out for native birds and lizards like the one in the first photo.

#3

Wakodahatchee Wetlands located in Delray Beach is a free trail with plenty of parking. A well maintained boardwalk takes you through the wetlands. One hundred and seventy species of birds have been identified there along with rabbits, alligators and turtles. There are signs along the way identifying the wildlife. 

#2

Pinball Museum in Delray Beach is a fun experience for everyone. We went on a Tuesday and the entrance fee was $10 for the entire day. You can go out and have lunch along Atlantic Blvd. Food and drinks are available at the museum as well. After lunch go back and try to beat your best score. With classic pinball, skeeball and arcade games this is a lot of fun for any age. Call ahead and make sure that there's not a special event that day. Walk around and check out the vintage items. My favorite pinball is an old baseball game with little figures that run the base when get a hit.

#1

Jupiter Lighthouse

           

The lighthouse is our favorite any time of the year. Guided tours leave every 30 minutes from the WWII Naval Housing Building where you purchase your tickets. Admission includes a short tour of the museum. There's a minimum age to climb so if you have young children check before you go. This is not a self guided climb.  The lighthouse is behind a fence on a former Coast Guard base. Either before or after your climb, depending on the tours in front or behind your's, you learn some interesting facts about the Tindall Pioneer House, the Keeper's Cottage and deck with a giant banyan tree. At the top, there's a great view of Jupiter Inlet and Jupiter Island. Bring a blanket or folding chairs and have a picnic lunch on the small beach by the drawbridge.