TRAVEL - THE TETONS BACK IN TIME

WAGON AND HORSE VACATION
By Jim Foster

As truly American as any mode of travel throughout history the wagon train has truly been tied to the opening of the western United States. It was those brave settlers who risk all types of peril to begin their lives anew.

Today travelers can still get an idea of the wagon train experience and at the same time see some of the grandest scenery the west has to offer. The trip begins in the Wyoming town of Jackson, better known as Jackson Hole.

Jackson Hole, named after Davy Jackson, an early fur trapper who frequented the valley between the Teton Mountains and the Gros Ventre Range. However it was a trapper John Colter who is believed to have been the first white man to visit the valley around 1807. Various Native American tribes came to the valley during summer months but the Harsh winters kept people from living here until recent times.

Jackson Hole retains much of its Old West character while offering all the amenities one expects to find at a world-class resort area. Cowboys can be seen alongside snowboarders and pampered shoppers.

It was a sunny morning when we met our guides and loaded our gear in the bus for the ride to the trailhead. Believing this adventure was for the young it was refreshing to be seated next to a lady of should we say acquired years. A recently retired couple, Tom and Emily Sparrow from Alabama. Tom had managed a large sports and activity facility while Emily was a college professor. They were ready for adventure and both proved to be excellent traveling companions. Tom even took a shot at driving one of the teams pulling the wagons.

After the ride the group gathered around while we were introduced to our hosts, the wagon train staff including wrangler and cooks. A short instruction period followed and some guests mounted horses while the rest climbed aboard the wagons for the first leg of the journey.

The ride in the wagons was exceptional and it didn’t take long for friendships to develop. Even an afternoon thunderstorm didn’t dampen the sprits of the travelers. The horseback riders donned rain gear and continued on with the wagons. Later around the fire the taste of camp coffee warmed the sprits as the warmth of the fire dried several pair of damp boots.

During the evening there was an attack buy a marauding band of Indians who were driven off by the wagon train staff. This was a prelude to the arrival of a pony express rider the next afternoon. Many of the travelers had sent mail in advance that was delivered by the rider. The pony express rider’s running remount was authentic as well as exciting.

The age difference of the travelers was oblivious however there was never a clash between the older folks and those lacking acquired years. An example was Judy Soderburg, her daughter, and her granddaughter. These three ladies were experiencing their long planned “girls week out” and enjoying themselves. All three rode horses and spent their time riding the wagons.

If you are planning a vacation this spring and summer check out these folks and book a wagon and horse adventure with them. Oh, The food? It was great and I know my horse knew there was a weight difference at trails end.

Check them out on the wed at; http://www.tetonwagontrain.com/tetonadventures.htm or give them a call for printed material or to book your trip. TETON WAGON TRAIN & HORSE ADVENTURE, DOUBLE H BAR, INC., P.O. Box 10307, Jackson Hole, Wyoming 83002-0307 or call 1-888-734-6101 or (307) 734-6101, FAX (208) 787-3435