Wyatt’s Big Day + Friends, Old & New

Today was big day in the Rougeaux camp: Wyatt started Kindergarten! He woke up happy and I could tell he felt like a big kid. It wasn’t the most traditional way to experience this milestone, but it was a good one in its own way. We didn’t get a tearful goodbye (with Ariel I kept my sunglasses on), but maybe that’s not so bad. I’m happy to get a little more time with him before he’s off to school all day. Wyatt had a great first day despite the strangeness. He was all smiles in the truck, and the day turned out pretty cool for the rest of us too.

The road to our next destination took us through Yellowstone, so we made one last stop to see the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Yellowstone Falls . On the way to see those sights, we saw three moose just across the river alongside the road. WOW. It was the first time the kids have seen moose—pretty exciting for a school day!  I’ve been treated to a few moose sightings, growing up in northern BC, but it’s something that never gets old.  

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is the first large canyon on the Yellowstone River, downstream from the Yellowstone Falls. It was amazing!! So much water rushes over the falls that we felt the mist all along the trail to the viewpoint. Wyatt posed for a very memorable first day of school picture by the falls. I loved it, and so did the people around us. It was fun to see complete strangers give him smiles and offer congratulations!  

Passing Mammoth Hot Springs, we saw a small herd of elk resting on the lawn in the little village.  Then, after a narrow windy road (which made us nervous a few times hauling the trailer) we exited the park and said goodbye to Yellowstone.  Our next stop was a reunion with some special friends who live along our route to Buffalo, WY.

We had a great afternoon, filling our souls from time spent with dear friends. Ariel and her friend Jazzy were born on the same day. I’ll never forget walking the hospital halls in early labor with Jazzy’s mom, Jessica. The girls have been friends ever since, and I have formed a cherished friendship with Jessica. I also believe that Jazzy was Wyatt’s first crush, so this reunion was so much fun for all of us. 

Jessica opened up her home to us, the kiddos played, the pups stretched, and the adults got to catch up.  You know it’s a true friendship when you pick up right where you left off like no time has passed. Jessica’s husband Mike was able to join us after work and what a treat to hang out with him too. We can’t wait to plan some family trips together. When it was time to get back on the road, Mike sent us off with some Walleye to grill up. I grew up eating this fish in Manitoba, and it is my favourite, so I can’t wait. Thank you Mike and Jessica!!

As the sun set, we decided to eat dinner on the road to make our night a little easier. We reached our site at 8pm and were greeted by the nicest neighbours: three retired couples traveling together and relaxing around a campfire. They chatted and joked with Ron as he set up camp and hooked up the RV. They made the late arrival more enjoyable for sure!

Meeting our campsite neighbors felt like pulling up alongside my parents camping with our dearest friends Paul and Wenda (who I love to call D2 and M2).  My dad and Paul have been friends since they were teenagers. As couples, they have been with each other for marriages, births of children, marriages of their own children, and grandchildren being born.  I have so many fond memories of camping trips with the McGrath family. To this day my parents and D2 and M2 still camp together. 

In addition to fantastic neighbors, tonight’s campsite has a fenced-in patio area for the dogs, which is amazing. The pups love it! After we tucked the kids into bed, fed the dogs and sent them to roam around in the fenced yard, Ron and I relaxed by the brick fireplace.  The pups were happy and so were Ron and I.  As we looked back on our day, we discussed a big mystery that’s troubling us both. We can’t figure out why our travel days are taking so much longer than Google Maps says they should.  Are we really that slow on the road with pit stops and lunch breaks?  We will definitely have to get to the bottom of this one.

Goodnight from Wyoming!