Girl's Trip Idaho

 I had my last visit with Judy. We just went to the River Wellness Complex in Pocatello and visited for a bit. It was really good to have this time with her.  Then I drove to Picabo Anglers RV Park to meet up with Linda and Jane. It was an easy two hour drive. We found a river near by to wade a bit and cool off. Jane has the greatest pup that stays right with her, playful yet mellow "Buddy" 

 Well, there are not quite words to express what today meant to me. How do you describe what closure feels like for myself and as I realized, for my Bergendorf family as well?  Yet closure is what we realized today. We met at Fremont Park. We all arrived at about the same time for a potluck picnic. Instantly, I felt like I had come home. We met, we hugged, we shared what we knew about my mom and her four brothers. We shared stories about our own lives. I took lots of pictures.  Harley and I had connected a few years back on ancestry but at the time I was looking for Lois Hutchings (my mother's first marriage name) He didn't know that name but he thought she might be a Bergendorf that the family had lost track of after WWII. Come to find out, her brothers looked for her their whole lives, never finding out what happened to her. Keri, who is the daughter of one of the brother' Harry's son, Craig, reached out to me on Ancestry as she was looking for her Aunt Lois.  Fast...

 Today, Linda, Jane and I went on separate adventures:  Linda and Jane onto Challis and Stanley. I stayed at our air bnb in Pocatello.  Linda sent me these pictures from her Challis Hot springs site:  I spent the evening with my nephew Derrel and his family. Derrel fixed a fabulous dinner of pulled pork and three different salads (potato, corn and green) Derrel Jr., his wife Marlee and little Boden came from Idaho Falls as did Caitlin:  Marlee and Derrel. Marlee knows Jeannie and her family from Rigby. She grew up with Jeannie's grandkids:)  This picture does not do justice to Boden. I'm posting an auxiliary post for him as I can't seem to put videos successfully here.  Myself, Judy, Derrel and Caitlin Derrel and I.  The star of the show!

 Today, Linda, Jane (doggie Buddy) Judy and I went to American Falls Reservoir. I had input American Falls Reservoir and followed directions we were taken here, which seemed remote but we had our own beach; perfect for us and the doggie.  Derrel had provided us chairs and a canopy which we really needed! We hung out for a couple of hours and enjoyed just being.  Tonight, I connected with Derrel, Stacie and Judy. We went to dinner at a Bistro: A good day:)

 Today we had to part ways with Teton Teepee Lodge. Such a great spot and so beautiful!  We drove a short distance up to the Targhee Ski Resort and took a gondola up to the top of the summit, then walked around. Ansel Adams quote described it best!  To the right, looking at this picture, is where the supposed trail would be. We actually tried again with this expert hiker who was willing to take us down that path but Linda and I decided that no, we were not going to do this particular hike.  Here are other pictures from that spectacular walk around. We didn't really hike because it was just too scary: 

 What another beautiful day! We drove AROUND Teton Pass which added probably two hours onto our traveling time because we didn't want to go over Teton Pass again! Our drive was beautiful however through Irwin and Swan Valley to Driggs to this absolute oasis of gorgeous intimate Teton Teepee Lodge! We are on a creek, looking at the back side of the Tetons. Using the Pass, Jackson, WY is one hour from here. Here though are lots of opportunities too in the Targhee National Forest. We are going to check out of here in the morning before we go to Pocatello.  Just some pics from where we are staying. This has just been such a fabulous trip!