The Warp Speed Yellowstone Trip

Quite spontaneously Erik invited Brett and me to come stay at his family's cabin in Idaho, just an hour and a half outside of Yellowstone Park. We said "yes" just as spontaneously. 

We did a foolish thing and spent our very first day hiking around Yellowstone. As anyone who has visited will tell you, it's a heap of beautiful views and vistas of wonder. Being the only girl on this day, I felt lots of pressure to keep up with the long-legged men-folk and not be the reason they didn't get to hike as far as they wanted to. There was only one occasion, after I had fallen down, when I had to stop for frequent breaks because the incline was too steep for someone from the flattest town of all time. I'd stop and talk to other hikers as an excuse to catch my breath.

Back at the cabin that night, Brett and I cooked supper in the tiniest kitchen and waited for Erik's friend to arrive from Colorado. She'd left that morning and drove across a collection of states to spend the rest of the weekend with us. We set the little fireplace ablaze and then spent the night chitchatting and telling stories. There was only one bedroom in the cabin (downstairs) and then there was a little loft with two beds in it. Brett and I shared one bed while our new friend took the other. Unbeknownst to us until bedtime, some of the fireplace fumes were circumventing their flue duties and instead, were collecting up in our loft. It was smokey up there and Brett said he woke me up twice in the night to make sure I was still alive. We didn't sleep well that night and woke up with headaches the next day. We did not go on to light the fireplace ever again.

On the second day, we did a foolish thing and drove to Big Sky to go white water rafting. I was very nervous about this but since the rest of my weekend comrades are the brazen fearless type, I had to just go along with it. In addition to having never rafted before, I knew the water was very cold and I was mostly nervous about winding up in it. Then, just before setting out, the tour company had to give their spiel about how people have died doing this so pay attention and follow the rules. I looked at Brett hopelessly. I'll tell you that I stayed highly nervous the whole time, and then when it was over I was so thrilled and relived that I wanted to go again. 

We dilly dallied in Big Sky, ate some lunch, got some coffee, and then made the trek back to the cabin ni Island Park. After showers and naps, we set out on the lake in canoes before deciding that it was too much effort. 

I say all of our decisions were foolish ones because on the third day, Brett woke up with altitude sickness. We'd both been feeling minor symptoms of it - being the littlest bit dizzy, having a hard time eating - but Brett woke up all weak and puny and queasy, so we bowed out of the day's trip to see the Tetons. Erik and Jordan set out around 9:30 as Brett got settled in the recliner. As it turns out, when you get to a high up place, you're supposed to sit still for a couple days and drink lots of water. What they say not to do is immediately go hiking and partake in other strenuos activities where you go long stretches without water. We didn't read about this until it was too late and the Jolly Lean Giant had succumbed.

What I loved about the day in the cabin, was caring for The Big One and getting a glimpse of the future. The cabin has no tv or other modern distractions. Brett and I sat together under old quilts and looked out he window all morning. He'd nod off and I'd read a bit and then at noon I said, "Well, I guess it's time for some lunch. Can I make you something?"
"I'm not hungry," Brett said.
"Well you gotta eat something or you'll feel worse," I said from in the little kitchen.
"What?"
"I said you gotta eat somethin' or you'll feel worse!" I looked at Brett over in the recliner and saw the 70 year old version of him. "Here," I said, somewhat more brusque than normal, "Eat some watermelon."

We were suddenly a well-worn old couple, just spending the day the way you do when the world isn't asking you for things anymore. I loved it. But also I'm glad to not live there just yet. While Brett napped I cleaned the cabin and worked my way through the checkout checklist. We sat by the water awhile, fed some ducks, and then read a little more. 

"This is what it's going to be like someday," we said, beaming at each other.

Erik and Jordan got home around 10:00pm and pretty much fell right to sleep. Due to our distance from the Bozeman airport, we had to get up at 2am to get to the airport at 4am to be prepared for our 6am flight home. Driving a winding, pitch-black Montana highway with buffalo in the road at 2am is one of the more stressful activities I've partaken in. Brett was feeling much better by then, so he did the driving while Erik and I tried to stay awake. 

Clint and Susan picked the three of us up from the airport and we sat in a row in the backseat in big Montana stupors. It was a real whirlwind three days - and it felt like a little tease. 

We're just going to have to go back.