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.

                                                                                   

A Visit to 17th Century Scotland - Culross / Cranesmuir

Just off the A985 is Culross, a village that easily transforms you back to the 17th century.  Our tour started at the Town House - dates back to 1626. With help from the National Trust this village has been restored to an earlier time.

Walk through the cobbled stone streets and it's easy to imagine Claire visiting Gellis in Cranesmuir. With a little stretch of your imagination, you can see that unfortunate boy being nailed to the pillory. The amount of work that goes into transforming this small square into another of my favorite Outlander scenes is a wonder. Isn't CGI amazing? 

Mercat Cross

   

"Mr. MacTavish, your fingers are quite strong I suppose."

Off to the side of the square is where I had my  encounter with Jamie. While my husband was

inside talking with Jo Watson, the owner of a 

delightful little shop with souvenirs and hand made

 knit items, I stepped outside with Jamie. 

                                                    

Jo has plans to turn the shop into a tearoom. 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1801923628/tea-at-lallybroch-in-culross-help-with-planning-ap

After our visit with Jo, we walked a very short distance to the Red Lion Inn. We had the ploughman's lunch with soup - more than I could eat. It was a late lunch, but our tour guide recommended we wait until we got to Culross. He was right. The inn, like the rest of the town is full of old world charm.

                                

We had just enough time before rejoining our group for a quick walk around the gardens used in the scenes with Claire and Gellis. The gardens are just behind Culross Palace. You don't have to pay the admission to see the gardens. Earlier, we had decided to skip the palace so we would have time to explore the village. 

                                          

It was over all a charming afternoon in a charming village.

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Eilean Donan Castle - Outlander Inspired Visit

At one time, Scotland was believed to have over 3,000 castles. My reason for visiting Eilean Donan was the remoteness and connection to the Mckenzie clan and the Jacobite rebellion. Both are historical references I came to appreciate from my obsession with Diana Gabaldon's Outlander books. Unlike the Outlander film sites we visited, this castle's history is truly immersed in Jacobite history.

In the 15th century the castle was held and controlled by the Mckenzies. The MacRaes had no clan chief and garrisoned there in support of the Mckenzie chiefs. Several Jacobite battles were fought at the castle. In 1719 The British destroyed the castle and it stayed in ruin for over 200 yrs. John MacRae - Gilstrape is responsible for rebuilding the castle. Construction started in 1912. It took 20 yrs for it to be completed. 

Unfortunately, you can't take photos inside the castle. The views and photographic opportunities around the castle make even an amateur like me look like a professional. I took these pictures with my pocket Nikon and a little editing help from iPhoto

Five Sisters

The drive to the castle along the A87 is pretty impressive. A short distance past the Shiel Bridge are the Five Sisters. Like Loch Ness, this mountain range is infused with Scottish myths and legends.  Take the time to stop and take in the view.







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