Invitation Back to the Cabin

We loved it the first time we went (2 summers ago) and we loved it again (this week). Going to the cabin in Island Park near Yellowstone, that is. Bruno and Colleen Kossin invited us once again to join them and several other couples for a few days of rest and relaxation at their lovely cabin.

There were five couples: Bruno and Colleen Kossin, Lane and LaVona Lewis, Grant and Diane Stewart, Bill and Jan Evans and us.

This is what we saw on the winding road leading to their cabin.

Yes, that's right. Two cows were standing in the middle of the road. BAM!! Not really! There really were two black cows in the middle of the road, but fortunately it was not dark and fortunately we weren't driving super fast and fortunately we were able to stop and let them get off the road before we passed by; thus eliminating yet another smashing up of a new car by an animal on the road.

WHEW!! That was close. Not really! But it was kind of funny this happened considering Glen's recent fear of animals whenever he's behind the wheel of a car.

Next morning it was our turn to provide the meal. Glen whipped up some french toast and bacon while I prepared a bowl of fresh fruit. YUM!! 

We took a drive to see Quake Lake. It was created after an earthquake struck on August 17, 1959, killing 28 people who were camping in the canyon by the river.

 The whole side of the mountain shifted and slid down into the canyon.

We were sad the visitors center was closed, but got a little different view of the mountain slide from up there.

The two sisters, Colleen and LaVona, provided delicious gourmet sandwiches and fruit for our lunch.

Golf was next on the agenda for all the men and LaVona. The rest of us women drove to Silver Lake and took a walk around that beautiful area.

I figured out how to take a timed picture (Sarah would be proud of me) by setting the camera on the other side of the bridge so we could all be in the picture--me, Diane, Colleen and Jan.

Trying to be a creative photographer here, but it wasn't as successful as I would have hoped. It was still a blast of fun posing in the process.

Ahhh, such picturesque, serene tranquility all around us. It was glorious to be surrounded by such beautiful scenery.

Dinner that evening was at Phillips Lodge. Grant and Diane, Lane and LaVona, Bill and Jan, and Glen.

Colleen and Bruno had gone inside to get seated at the table.

Grant, Diane and me looking over the menu.

There was a full moon in the sky when we walked outside after dinner.

Back at the cabin, we played a card game for hours. It was SO MUCH FUN!!!! We laughed and laughed and laughed until I was crying and our stomachs were sore. For some lucky reason, Jan and I were winning like crazy during our game of Five Crowns.

Actually, the girls were all doing much better than the guys. The girls were jubilant and elated while the guys were discouraged and downhearted. They couldn't help it. We just had luck on our side that evening.

After Jan got rid of all her cards, she couldn't help rejoicing and showing her excitement. She pulled this trick and left us all wondering what she was doing. It was her way of saying "WOW!"

Then LaVona got in on the action trying to be clever herself by spelling COW. Too bad she did a dyslexic spelling of the word. 

She corrected herself and with the help of Diane they spelled out COW WOW. 

Jan wasn't done with her hand/face tricks and spelled another word for us: COOL!

By this time of night, we were all so tired and so giddy anything we said or did sent us off into gales of laughter. It was so fun and so funny and so wonderful to be so carefree and so happy and enjoying such a great time with our good friends.

Laughter really is the best medicine.

Glen actually broke himself away from work most of the time we were there. This picture might fool you, but he was just catching up on some stuff while waiting for me to get ready in the morning. 

Grant whipped us up a delicious omelet breakfast, then Bill and Bruno pulled out their guns for a little target shooting activity. Bill put on his holster and was feeling like a cowboy. I didn't think the sun visor looked the part...

so Bruno got his hat so Bill could look more like a cowboy. 

Bruno showed us how it was done by shooting up all the water bottle targets.

Jan's turn and she was pretty pleased hitting some targets herself.

 WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Next up--ME! Shockingly I hit two of the water bottles. Hurrah for me!!! My father and brothers would be so proud! This city girl out in the wilderness shooting a gun and actually hitting the mark...twice... Amazing!! I still can't believe it's true.

Glen tried his hand with the gun.

He was happy he hit some of the targets. I guess not WOW happy, just plain happy.

Grant and Diane were up next. 

It was a fun time out on the back porch of the cabin. 

Some of the guys went off four wheeling. LaVona, Colleen and Jan went for a walk. Diane and I played a game and soon Glen joined in with us. The sisters provided another gourmet sandwich lunch and then we were ready for more adventure...